News
RSPB and GWCT gear up to count birds
BIRD-WATCHERS are getting ready to record their feathered friends as part of major wildlife surveys by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). The data collected by volunteers during the RSPB’s “Big Garden Birdwatch” on 27-29 January and the GWCT’s “Big Farmland Bird Count” on…
Read MoreSchools news round-up: Tedx, music, and more
Pay attention at the back – Peter Ranscombe shares the latest news from Scotland’s schools. PIANIST William Liu has been crowned Strathallan School’s first ever “young musician of the year” in the Perthshire institution’s senior school. His performance of Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude won him the top spot. “It gives me a lot of confidence and…
Read MoreFresh smartphone advice for hillwalkers issued
HILLWALKERS are getting fresh advice on how to use their mobile phones and global position system (GPS) handsets to navigate safely on Scotland’s mountains. The guidance has been issued by Mountaineering Scotland to help promote better and more reliable use of smart devices during hikes. The advice includes downloading maps for use offline to avoid…
Read MoreRoyal marines help farmers with mental health
FORMER royal marines and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) are launching a mental health initiative this month to help farmers. The programme involves mental health first aid training for those who regularly interact professionally with farmers or crofters, such as assessors, inspectors, and consultants. Topics included in the course – which is being…
Read MoreCircus, shinty, and music for World Gaelic Week
SCOTLAND’S second World Gaelic Week has unveiled its line-up. The programme for Seachdain na Gàidhlig, which begins on 20 February, features educational and circus workshops, as well as sports and ceildihs. There will also be an array of opportunities to learn Gaelic, both in-person and online. In Paisley, the town’s Community Circus will run a…
Read MoreHospitality news round-up: Glenapp, No 26, and more
Peter Ranscombe rounds-up the latest news from Scotland’s hospitality venues. GLENAPP Castle’s penthouse apartment, “The Endeavour”, has been named by Elite Traveler magazine as “one of the top 100 most luxurious and exclusive” places to stay on the planet. The penthouse suite at the 21-room Ayrshire castle opened in May 2021 following the conversion of…
Read MoreTartan Blanket Co makes TV dream come true
THE Tartan Blanket Co in Leith is making one weaver’s dream come true in a new BBC television show. Jess Anne Clements was one of 30 contestants on the Make it at Market programme and got the chance to bring her scraf design to life. As part of her time on the show, she was…
Read MoreRestaurant Andrew Fairlie tops UK list
DINERS have selected Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire as the best in the UK. The restaurant topped Harden’s “Top 100 Best UK Restaurants” list, which was based on 30,000 reports from 3,000 diners. Leith trio The Kitchin, Restaurant Martin Wishart, and The Little Chartroom reached fifth, 14th, and 31st respectively. In…
Read MoreThe Majestic Line adds motorboat to fleet
THE Majestic Line has added a motorboat to its fleet of five small ships. The Glen Rosa – which can sleep up to six people in an ensuite double cabin and two ensuite twin cabins – will join the company’s flotilla next year. The motor cruiser will sail around the Inner Hebrides – including Mull…
Read MoreNew Highland Clearances podcast and radio series
A NEW podcast and radio series is shining a light on an untold story from the Highland Clearances. Local resident Duncan Mackenzie, Ullapool Book Festival honorary president Chris Dolan, and Ullapool Museum have worked together on Hidden in Plain Sight. The eight-part docu-drama stars a cast of voices including actor David Hayman and broadcaster Mark…
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