Royal 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…

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AUSTRIA: THE POWER OF FOUR

The four-resort Skicircus – which includes the grand old ski area of Saalbach – has undergone a radical transformation, writes editor Richard Bath. Why would I ski here? “Skicircus” is basically shorthand for a conglomeration of four alpine towns – Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn – which together make up the ninth biggest ski region…

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Les Gets – TIME FOR A QUICK ONE?

If you love skiing but are time poor, Les Gets combines convenience, luxury, and snow quality, writes Richard Bath. Why would I ski here? Les Gets is almost exactly 1hr 15mins from Geneva Airport, so if three-hour transfers have lost their appeal, or if you’re on a tight schedule, then this could be the answer.…

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Loch Ness Centre to get £1.5 million upgrade

THE The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition at Drumnadrochit is undergoing a £1.5 million investment. Ronnie Bremner and designer Tony Hamsworth opened the centre and its first exhibition in 1980. Now, the Bremner clan is handing over the reins to Continuum Attractions, which runs The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. The centre is due…

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Fort William Mountain Festival unveils line-up

ORGANISERS have revealed the programme for next month’s Fort William Mountain Festival. The festival – which runs on 16-19 February – includes guided activities, films, and speakers. Events are due to take place in Fort William and throughout Lochaber. Activities on offer include “mindful walking, nature writing, wild swimming, trail running, mountain biking, paddle boarding…

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Shetland launches ‘Jump Start January’

SHETLANDERS could win tickets to the Six Nations rugby championships through a new “Jump Start January” programme. Individuals, groups, households, and schools are all being invited by the local council to get active for at least 15 minutes each day during four weeks early in the new year. The scheme begins on Monday, with people…

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RSABI names next chair

THE Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) has named Jimmy McLean as its new chair. McLean takes over from David Leggat, who will remain as one of the rural charity’s trustees for a further year. McLean has served a trustee for five years and has spent the past two years as vice-chair. Based in the…

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Free New Year tours of The Kelpies

THE Helix park between Falkirk and Grangemouth is running free tours of its famous horse sculptures, The Kelpies. The guided tours begin on 4 January and run until 31 January. Standing 30 metres tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, The Kelpies were unveiled in 2014 by sculpturer Andy Scott. Lesley O’Hare, cultural services…

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Scottish Field’s online reviews: hotels, restaurants, and more

Have a Christmas Day catch-up with the greatest hits from Scottish Field’s online reviews. IT’S been another busy year for Scottish Field’s reviewers, who have hiked, biked, and riden throughout our nation to bring you the best hotel, restaurant, and travel reviews. In case you missed any of their exciting adventures, here’s a selection to…

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Dynamic Earth: Have yourself a ‘marine’ little Christmas

EDINBURGH’S Dynamic Earth has unveiled details of its programme for Christmas and Hogmanay – and it has a distinct nautical theme. The centre is running “All Hands-On Deck” family drop-in sessions to teach visitors about Scotland’s seas. Workshops on offer include the chance for families to build their own boats, and “coral crafting” to teach…

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