Nature in the focus at Cairngorms family weekend

Scots are being encouraged to get into the great outdoors and enjoy fun for all the family at the Cairngorms Nature Big Weekend. Running from 11-13 May, it will be a park-wide celebration where people can get first-hand experience of some of the outstanding wildlife that lives and grows in the Cairngorms National Park. There…

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Joy for youngsters as police pups pay hospital visit

Young people at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children enjoyed some wuff justice this week. They were been treated to a visit from Police Scotland’s newest four-legged recruits. German Shepherds, Otto and Karma, were named by children in the hospital thanks to the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC). The two dogs visited the hospital’s Drop…

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Scottish charity will benefit from Harry and Meghan’s wedding

A Scottish charity is to benefit from the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Wilderness Foundation UK has been listed as one of seven charities selected by Prince Harry and Ms Megan Markle to receive donations in place of gifts to celebrate their wedding on 19 May. The couple have chosen to re-direct…

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Scottish bishops unite to launch charity fundraiser

Bishops across Scotland got on their marks in a bid to help raise money for the world’s poorest people. They came together for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund’s 6k Family Fun Run. SCIAF’s Bishop President Joseph Toal teamed up with Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh Leo Cushley, Bishop of Argyll Brian McGee, Bishop…

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Bringing children closer to nature with local deer

A Scottish carer has turned pioneer by introducing disadvantaged children in South Lanarkshire to the wonders of the wild deer that find a home on the city fringes. David Quarrell from East Kilbride wanted to combine his skills as carer and as an authority on urban deer to help connect local kids in the care…

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New partnership to help boost Duke of Edinburgh Award

Scottish outdoor adventure retail specialist Tiso has signed an exclusive three-year partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Tiso, which has had roots in Edinburgh for over 55 years, has been named a Recommended Retailer of Expedition Kit for the highly respected award. Effective from 1 April and with the JD group (which incorporates…

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Walking group enjoy all things bright and beautiful

David Gleed celebrates the 30th birthday of a Scottish walking group with a difference. On 17 June 1989, and a small group of pilgrims gathered at a remote moorland chapel on the fringe of the Snowdon mountains. A little over a year from its founding, the first Pilgrim Adventure travellers were about to set off…

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Student will follow in the footsteps

A young geography student and mountain bike enthusiast is set to follow in the footsteps of acclaimed Scottish naturalist Dick Balharry. They will travel abroad to further his studies, thanks to a new educational award from the National Trust for Scotland and the University of Highlands and Islands. Douglas Carchrie (19), from Perthshire, has secured…

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The UK’s top cyclists are heading to Scotland

Britain’s top professional cyclists are coming to Scotland in just over six weeks’ time. The OVO Energy Tour Series heads north of the border for a pair of events, with Motherwell on Tuesday, 15 May, before the cyclists take to the streets of Aberdeen on Thursday, 17 May. The OVO Energy Tour Series is Britain’s…

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Lifetime honour at rural awards for Douglas Watson

One man’s dedication to the agricultural industry was honoured at the Scottish Rural Awards last night. The Lifetime Achievement award went to Ingliston-based Douglas Watson, senior project manager with the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS). He has a knowledge of rural Scotland’s businesses, organisations and people that really impressed the judges. Due to retire in…

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