Outdoors
Edinburgh adventurer sets two world records by kayaking Northwest Passage
Edinburgh adventurer Mark Agnew has helped set two world records by kayaking the Arctic Ocean’s treacherous Northwest Passage. Mark was part of a team which became the first to kayak the entire 1,600 miles of the icy route. They were also the first people to complete the journey using only their own power, without sails…
Read MoreThousands of Pink-footed geese arrive in Montrose
Thousands of Pink-footed geese have arrived in Montrose as they migrate south for the winter. So far, more than 25,000 have been counted, with more expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Every year, the birds stop off at Montrose Basin after flying in from Greenland and Iceland. This year the birds arrived earlier than…
Read MoreTop 10 National Trust for Scotland gardens to visit
We take a look at some of the best National Trust for Scotland gardens to visit. Arduaine Garden, Oban For those who love rhododendrons, this garden is for you. Created in 1898, Arduaine Garden nurtures plants from all across the world, and does so to this day thanks to the help of both…
Read MoreRare apples dating back to the Romans are still growing in the Scottish Borders
Gardeners have uncovered a rare apple variety dating back to the Romans which is still growing in the Scottish Borders. The discovery was made by National Trust for Scotland experts as they catalogued more than 300 different apple varieties across its gardens. Gardeners are working to restore Scottish orchards and keep alive the heritage gardening…
Read MoreScotland’s Top Winter Walks For Foodies
As we approach Autumn and Winter, the memories of long summer nights fade fast, but it shouldn’t mean we spiral into hibernation. We take a look at some gentle winter walks within a stone’s throw of some of Scotland’s best foodie destinations. The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin, Argyll Port Appin circuit…
Read MoreDalkeith named Heritage Tree Hotspot as Experts Record 500 ‘Living Legends’
Dalkeith Country Park has been revealed as a heritage tree hotspot after experts recorded 500 ancient, veteran and notable oaks over the last year. Many of the trees may be descended from a single giant called “The Michael” and are thought to have been planted centuries ago to funnel deer towards aristocratic hunters. Details of…
Read MoreDark skies: Top tips for star gazing in Scotland this winter
With the longer nights drawing in, astronomer Dr Alastair Bruce takes us through Scotland’s marvellous dark skies and shares his top tips for stargazing. Autumn brings with it longer nights and darker skies in Scotland. Rural inhabitants will be better able to take advantage of these darker skies, enjoying reduced light pollution compared to city-bound…
Read MoreMeet the aspiring teenaged shepherdess
Meet 14-year-old Hayley MacDonald who hopes to become a shepherdess after she hand reared two adorable lambs – and got a sheepdog. Hayley, who lives in Friockheim, Angus, with her foster carers Alison Yates and husband Ron, fell in love with sheep after working at Hunthill Estate through an Estates that Educate course last year.…
Read MoreWhat a beauty: Moth on brink of extinction found flying at Scottish site
A moth on the brink of extinction in Britain has been found flying in the Highlands following breeding efforts to boost its dwindling population. Due to habitat loss, the dark bordered beauty moth is only found at three locations across Britain, with two in Scotland and one in England. Last year the Royal Zoological Society of…
Read MoreThe Long Rider: ‘I trekked across Scotland on horseback and it was a dream come true’
They were once important companions before being replaced by machinery. But one adventurer is hoping to show that horses can still bring people together – one trek at a time. Long rider Louis Hall, founder of charity the Big Hoof which raises money for charities through horseback challenges, has recently completed his latest ride. He…
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