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…

Read More

Proud family connection on a trip to Indonesia

It was with great enthusiasm that I was invited to visit my great-grandfather’s official residence in Surabaya in Indonesia, while he was Governor General there in the 1880s. The family images of him in uniform striding through the tropical gardens are treasured. The Palace has now become a busy venue for corporate events and the…

Read More

A brand new degree of success for the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions – and now the University of the Highlands and Islands has created a new PhD course based around it. The University is inviting applications for a new North Coast 500 studentship. The PhD opportunity has been developed by the university’s Centre for History in…

Read More

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…

Read More

Adventures and fun await for the whole family

Adventure awaits in Dumfries and Galloway after Drumlanrig Castle opened its doors for 2018. Visitor season at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate is well and truly underway, and is set for a bumper year suited to family days out, individual’s countryside pursuits and group travel trips. The estate team is encouraging visitors to pick up…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

The Queen Mother’s Scottish castle reopens very soon

Preparations are in hand for the 2018 opening of the Queen Mother’s favourite holiday home. The Castle and Gardens of Mey open this year on 1 May, after a preview over the Easter weekend. The 2017 season was a hugely successful one for the castle, in Thurso, Caithness, as it saw a substantial increase in…

Read More

A delicious king prawn dish to celebrate Thai New Year

To help celebrate Thai New Year next week, we’ve teamed up with creators of delicious Thai sauces, The Coconut Kitchen, to bring you some Thai inspired party food recipes. These recipes also make a great starter – three or four canapés per person arranged on a plate. The range has been created by Thai head…

Read More

Book review: The Accidental Recluse

What’s the story? Johnny Jackson, now 75, used to be a famous film director returns home to Scotland for one last film and a civic honouring. After living in seduction for 30 years in Japan and working alongside – Akira and his control freak niece, Erin. His trip back home reminds him of his struggles…

Read More