News
Cyclists hit North Coast 500 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
EVERY so often, you have a conversation with someone who makes you rethink your whole attitude to life. Or, at the very least, reminds you to be grateful. I had one of those conversations last week with Davy Zyw – an author and wine specialist from Edinburgh— who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND)…
Read MoreArdbeg’s first beer supports clean water projects
ISLAY distillery Ardbeg has teamed up with social enterprise Brewgooder to create its first beer and raise money for clean water projects in Africa. All the profits from “The Shortie Smoky Porter” will support projects in Malawi. The beer – which is named after Ardbeg’s mascot, Shortie the Jack Russell – was created by flatmates…
Read MoreCould soil be used to capture carbon dioxide?
FARMERS are carrying out experiments to find out if they can use their soils to trap harmful carbon dioxide from the air. The project, known as “Rock On Soils”, involves putting crushed rocks into the soil. The silicates in the crushed rock are then expected to combine with carbon dioxide, which is a major cause…
Read MoreSocially-distanced grouse shooting set to begin
ESTATES have been preparing to hold socially-distanced shoots ahead of the grouse season beginning on Wednesday. Protocols have been developed and approved by the Scottish Government. Mark Ewart, coordinator of the Southern Uplands Moorland Group, said: “This year is different to any season we’ve experienced before, but the discussions held over the past few weeks…
Read MoreTattie supplier Branston in virtual round the world fundraiser
MEMBERS of staff from Perthshire potato packer Branston began a virtual round the world trip over the weekend to raise money for the Rachel House hospice. The fundraisers aim to walk, run, cycle and canoe “around the world” in 80 days. The challenge continues until 26 October, with participants aiming to cover 300 miles each…
Read MoreFolk musician Karen Tweed publishes sketchbook
PIANO accordionist Karen Tweed has published her first book of sketches. Tweed trained as a graphic artist in the early 1980s before focusing on music for 30 years. Moving to Orkney in January 2018 rekindled her interest in sketching. Her pictures include Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay and South Ronaldsay. Tweed described the sketchbook as a…
Read MoreMorrison’s Academy posts 100% Advanced Higher passes
ALL pupils in sixth year at Morrison’s Academy passed their Advanced Highers exams, the Crieff school has revealed. Every pupil sitting a Higher exam in sixth year also passed, with the overall Higher pass rate across fifth and sixth year standing at 94%. More than a quarter of fifth-year pupils were awarded five As and…
Read MoreScottish Game Fair cancelled
THE organisers of the Scottish Game Fair have cancelled this year’s event. The gathering at Scone Palace had been shifted from July to October but has now been cancelled. Next year’s show is due to take place on 2-4 July. Hugo Straker, chairman of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, said:…
Read MoreClan holds its first virtual gathering
CLAN Farquharson will hold its first virtual gathering this weekend, kicking off a week of events to celebrate its history, heritage and international community. Led by their 101-year-old chief, Captain Alwyne Farquharson of Invercauld, clan members will be able to watch musical performances, interviews, virtual tours, and film. They will also take part in social…
Read MoreCalls for ‘North Highland Growth Fund’
BUSINESSES have called on the UK and Scottish governments to create a “North Highland Growth Fund” to help communities recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The North Highland Initiative – the body set up in 2005 with support from Prince Charles – has coordinated a letter from business leaders to cabinet office minister…
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