News
Whisky news round-up: Skincare and more
Peter Ranscombe raises another irreverent glass to all the latest whisky news from Scotland. THE Scotch Malt Whisky Society has nearly notched up 40,000 members as it prepares to mark its 40th birthday. “I started the whole thing for a lark – at the time, most of the Scotch whisky industry was very dull and…
Read MoreHMS Unicorn gets biggest donation
THE Headley Trust has donated £100,000 towards the restoration of HMS Unicorn, Scotland’s oldest ship. The donor – which is one of the “Sainsbury Family of Charitable Trusts” – has covered 10% of the £1 million cost of restoring the boat, which was launched in 1824. HMS Unicorn is the third oldest ship in the…
Read MoreSchools news round-up: Space, tennis and more
Peter Ranscombe rounds-up the latest news from Scotland’s schools. PUPILS from The High School of Glasgow met former astronaut Anousheh Ansari at the Glasgow Science Centre. Ansari became the first female space tourist, the first astronaut of Iranian decent, and the first Muslim woman in space when she spent 11 days on the International Space…
Read MoreDundee: ‘Lights! Music! Space!’
A NEW show inspired by space will have its premier in Dundee this spring. The concert – called “The Science Fiction Experience” – will feature an array of visual effects, a bespoke light show, and a professional rock band. Gardyne Theatre will play host to the immersive event, produced by local writer David Darling. The…
Read MoreRiver Tweed fishing season begins in Kelso
ANGLER Kent Håkansson from Sweden yesterday cast the first line of the River Tweed salmon fishing season in Kelso. The River Tweed Commission (RTC) hosted its official opening of the season in the Borders for the first time more than 30 years. Peter Straker-Smith, the RTC’s chairman, said: “The Tweed provides fantastic fishing opportunities [that]…
Read MoreScotland’s ‘ice age’ pinewoods on knife-edge
THE remnants of the Caledonian pinewoods could be wiped out within a generation, according to a study unveiled today. Four years of analysis by conservation charity Trees for Life – the first major research into Caley pines for more than 60 years – found that “high deer numbers, spread of non-native conifers, lack of long-term…
Read MoreBuccleuch selling more of Langholm Moor
ESTATE owner Buccleuch revealed this morning that it will sell more of Langholm Moor next month. Oxygen Conservation, which already owners land around the Firth of Tay, will buy 11,390 acres of moor around Blackburn and Hartsgarth. The organisation aims to demonstrate that environmental conservation can also deliver social and economic benefits for local communities.…
Read MoreCairngorms star in new Markus Stitz bike film
A NEW film about a 165-mile bike journey through the Cairngorms has been released online for free. The film, made by biking veteran and author Markus Stitz, documents the connection between the environment of the national park and its residents, along with the businesses they run. “Home Is Where The Trails Take You” captures a…
Read MoreCity gardeners asked to spot mammals
HAVE you spotted rabbits, foxes, or other mammals in your urban garden? If so then the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) wants to hear from you. The charity is gathering reports of sightings, footprints, and droppings from gardens, allotments, parks, playing fields, cemetries, and other public spaces. Its data will help with conservation work…
Read MorePrince William’s photographer snaps Knoydart residents
PORTRAITS of Knoydart residents have been taken by the photographer behind the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay’s latest family images. Matt Porteous took the portrait for last year’s royal Christmas card. Now, he’s taken pictures of people living and working on Knoydart – using a mobile phone strapped to a drone. Porteous used a satellite…
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