News
Aberfoyle opens UK’s first marked gravel cycle trails
BIKE Trossachs, a community interest company in Aberfoyle, is todoy opening the UK’s first waymarked gravel cycling routes. The 10km, 20km, and 30km trails begin and end in the centre of Aberfoyle, taking in Loch Ard Forest, Loch Ard, and Loch Chon along the way. Enda McLoughlin, chair of Bike Trossachs, said: “We have seen…
Read MoreMoat Brae brings children’s stories to life
MOAT Brae, Scotland’s national centre for children’s literature and storytelling, in Dumfries has reopened for the summer with an exhibition showcasing classic stories. Studio MinaLima, the graphic design firm behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, has breathed fresh life into tales including Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi,…
Read MoreMiss Scotland’s Ciara Harvie singing in Edinburgh
MISS Scotland finalist Ciara Harvie is singing in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square this weekend to raise money for Smith-Magenis Syndrome Foundation UK. The 23-year-old classical-crossover singer, who appeared on television series The Voice, will perform in the square from 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. “Music completely changed my life, and this is the reason why I…
Read MoreBug ‘splatometer’ is a hit in Scotland
INSECT charity Buglife’s “splatometer” is proving to be a big hit in Scotland, with more than 100 people already signed up to carry out surveys this summer. The “splatometer” attaches to a car’s number plate and helps citizen scientists to monitor how many insects they kill on their journeys. The results are essential for monitoring…
Read MoreRecord sales for Chippendale School
A RECORD 55% of the pieces on display at the Chippendale School graduate exhibition in East Lothian were snapped up by shoppers. A total of 121 items were on show at the four-day event, which was staged by the 27 students following their nine-month training course. The sales – which included 37 pieces going on…
Read MoreStrathallan School swimmer and coach go to Olympics
A SWIMMER and his coach from Strathallan School will represent Great Britain at this summer’s European Youth Olympic Festival. Evan Davidson and Strathallan’s head of swimming, Elaine Johnston, will join a 16-strong junior squad heading to Banská Bystrica in Slovakia. At 15, Davidson is one of the youngest swimmers selected for the squad. He was…
Read MoreBeira ‘Dressed To Kilt’ in Great Gatsby mansion
SCOTTISH clothing brand Beira will take part in the “Dressed to Kilt” charity fashion show on Long Island in New York on Saturday. The theme for this year’s show, which has been running since 2003, is “Dress for adventure: from the Highlands to the Hamptons”. Beira will be showing its Elisie coat, Marina dress, and…
Read MoreDundee becomes ‘Beanotown’
DUNDEE has been transformed into “Beanotown” for a week, with a Hollywood-style sign on the Law. The sign is part of the Dundee Summer (Bash) Streets Festival, which runs until Sunday. At six metres high by 38 metres long – or 20 feet by 125 feet, in old money – the sign can be seen…
Read MoreGalloway Country Fair: performing pigs and leaping sheep
THE Galloway Country Fair will include “performing pigs, fence leaping sheep, beautiful birds of prey, and dogs of all kinds”, according to its organisers. Events planned for 20 and 21 August at Drumlanrig Castle include the “Lamb National”, which involves a small flock of Herdwick sheep – complete with teddy bear jockeys, with names such…
Read MoreSunscreen, shade, and sunset walkies
VETS are advising owners to stick to “sunscreen, shade, and sunset walkies” during the heatwave. Owners are advised not to take their dogs for a walk during the day. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat, and are vulnerable to over-heating. Flat-faced breeds – such as English or French bulldogs and pugs – are at even greater…
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