News
Scotland gives bees a helping hand
PROJECTS throughout Scotland are helping bees and other pollinators, according to a new report. The “Pollinator Strategy 2022 Progress Report” by NatureScot, the Scottish Government agency known previously as Scottish Natural Heritage, highlighted the work of organisations to create wildflower meadows, connect habitats, and gather evidence on how climate change is affecting pollinators. Projects highlighted…
Read MoreBronze sculpture overlooks Union Chain Bridge
A BRONZE sculpture of designer Captain Samuel Brown now overlooks the Union Chain Bridge. The sculpture was placed on the Northumbrian side of the bridge, which links Scotland with England, to “oversee” the final stages of the current restoration work. Brown was a Royal Navy officer who made cables for ships using iron chains. His…
Read MoreNational Museum of Rural Life ‘springs’ into life
THE National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride is preparing to host its “Spring Explorers” events. The museum is holding craft activities and storytelling sessions, and offering a chance to see lambs, carves, and piglets on 3-6 April. Its new “Dolly the Sheep Trail” opens on 1 April and runs until 4 June to…
Read MoreSRUC: ‘Where there’s muck, there’s brass’
SCOTLAND’S Rural College (SRUC) has breathed fresh life into the old adage “Where there’s muck, there’s brass”. The college has worked with Bristol and Edinburgh universities to investigate alternative uses for cow dung. At present, dung is used as fertiliser or to produce “biogas”. Researchers are now highlighting the “staggering” variety of applications for recycled…
Read MoreTake flight with April’s issue of Scottish Field…
DON’T miss the latest issue of Scottish Field magazine, which is on sale now, both in shops and online. Our April issue includes a focus on one of Scotland’s most spectacular species – the black grouse. A far less common sight than its famous and more placid red cousin, the feisty and fabulous black grouse…
Read MoreRiver Tweed salmon catch up 14%
THE number of Atlantic salmon caught with rods in the River Tweed leapt by 14% last year, according to the latest figures. The River Tweed Commission said 6,690 salmon were caught last year, up from 5,862 in 2021, and approaching the five-year average of 6,810. The additional 828 fish were caught despite “extremely-low water levels…
Read MoreScotland’s Rural College sponsors Women’s 7 rugby
THE Women’s 7 rugby tournament returns this summer, with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) as one of its sponsors. The competition was launched last year by Adrian Henry, a residential safeguarding officer at the SRUC’s Oatridge campus in West Lothian and owner of the Rugby People picture agency. This year’s contest will involve 12 teams playing…
Read MoreRoyal Highland Hoolie adds extra date
AN EXTRA date has been added to the “Royal Highland Hoolie”, a Scottish and Irish music festival running alongside the Royal Highland Show. Musicians will now take to the stage on both Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June. The line-up already includes Derek Ryan, Skerryvore, and Lisa McHugh. Jim Warnock, chairman the Royal Highland &…
Read MoreHow Granny’s copper coin inspired flower innovation
IT’S a Granny’s trick passed down from generation to generation – and used by plenty of church flower arrangers too: stick a copper penny in a vase of cut flowers to make them last longer. Copper inside old pennies kills the bacteria that builds up in the water, stopping them from attacking the flowers. Now,…
Read MoreJump Ship steams ahead with alcohol-free brewery plan
JUMP SHIP has smashed through its fundraising target ahead of its crowdfunding scheme closing tomorrow. The beer brand now plans to build an alcohol-free brewery at Rosemain Steadings, near Pathhead in Midlothian. By this morning, the company had raised £330,000 from 272 investors. Sonja Mitchell, who founded the business in 2019, said: “Within two days…
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