News
Bloody Scotland names McIlvanney Prize finalists
FOUR writers have been shortlisted for The McIlvanney Prize. The winner will be announced on 18 September as part of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival. This year’s finalists are Andrew James Greig for Whirligig, Francine Toon for Pine, Doug Johnstone for A Dark Matter, and “Ambrose Parry” – husband-and-wife team Chris Brookmyre and…
Read MoreLocation influences how drones affect birds
DRONES are scaring ducks, geese and other wintering waterbirds, according to new research. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Scotland studied how drones affected waterbirds feeding in coastal, freshwater and arable farm habitats. Its scientists found larger flocks were more likely to take flight than smaller flocks, and large flocks also took flight at a…
Read MoreScotland launches ‘Gumtree for artists’
A SERVICE to help artists and craft makers share leftover materials, swap skills and share transport has been launched. The Circular Arts Network (CAN) has been organised by Glasgow’s Sculpture Placement Group (SPG). The platform allows artists to swap everything from leftover paint to plinths. Kate Robertson, co-director of SPG, said: “Artists and the arts…
Read MoreScottish Food & Drink Fortnight sees new suppliers at Lidl
GERMAN discount supermarket chain Lidl is launching its largest Scottish promotion to mark Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight, which begins on Saturday. Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Company and Podberry pea snacks are among the new producers gracing the grocer’s shelves. Familiar brands including Mackie’s, Simon Howie, Tunnock’s and Nairns also feature in the promotion. Products…
Read MoreScottish sea eagle soars over Isle of Wight
A SCOTTISH white-tailed eagle has been relocated to the Isle of Wight as part of a reintroduction project. The young bird was collected by Forestry & Land Scotland (FLS), under a licence from Scottish Natural Heritage. It is one of seven birds being reintroduced to the South of England by Forestry England and the Roy…
Read MoreScope fundraisers reach summit of Ben Nevis
A BOY with cerebral palsy has climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for disability equality charity Scope and his local hospital. Caeden Thomson, 7, from Corby in Northamptonshire, reached the summit of the UK’s highest mountain with his mum, dad, sister and brother. Caeden said: “My body hurts a lot, but I’m ok. It was…
Read MoreDirectory supports rural and island businesses
SHOPPERS can now support even more rural and island businesses following the launch of the Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS). Joe Sykes, founder of Perthshire-based Joelato Gelato, is one of the businesses that has signed up to be listed in the directory. He said: “Scotland’s rural businesses have faced incredible pressures over the past few…
Read MoreFirst autumn mammal survey gets underway
THE first autumn “Living With Mammals” survey kicks off on Monday, with Scots being asked to keep their eyes peeled for creatures, tracks and droppings in gardens, parks or other green spaces. People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) normally only runs its survey once a year, but is now capitalising on a successful spring count…
Read MorePupil hears her rap recorded by the army
A RAP written by a 12-year-old school pupil and inspired by the Windrush generation has been recorded by army musicians. Leila McPhate, from Larbert High School in Stenhousemuir, wrote The World Is A Dark Place as her entry for Never Such Innocence, an international arts competition to give children and young people a voice on conflict.…
Read MoreMains of Taymouth puts luxury timber lodges on sale
MAINS of Taymouth, the five-star country estate and golf course at Kenmore in Perthshire, has begun marketing phase two of Balloch Park, its residential, holiday and buy-to-let development. Twenty luxury timber lodges have gone on sale, with prices starting at £179,900. The lodges are flanked by Drummond Hill on one side and the River Tay…
Read More