Five great places to spot the Painted Lady invasion

Nature lovers across the country are gearing up for a once-a-decade treat as summer draws to a close, with large clouds of Painted Lady butterflies fluttering through Scotland. The typical wet, Scottish summer has provided the perfect environment for the speckled, burnt-orange coloured creatures – it’s even anticipated the numbers could be higher this year…

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Tourist tax considered for the Highlands

A ‘tourist tax’ on visitors to the Highlands is currently being considered. Highland Council today launched a consultation on a potential Highland Transient Visitor Levy. The council has not yet made a decision on whether to implement a Transient Visitor Levy (TVL), also known as a tourist tax. In December 2018 it committed to consulting…

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56-year-old blended whisky set to go on sale

The Last Drop Distillers have announced the launch of their oldest blended Scotch whisky they have bottled to date. The 56 Year Old blended Scotch whisky comprises over 60% single malts and is a truly remarkable example of balance, wearing its age with grace and dignity. Launching in September, this marks The Last Drop’s 16th…

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The Scottish island where everyone smuggled whisky

Such was the scale of illicit whisky distilling in Arran during the late 18th and 19th centuries, it is suggested that every one of the island’s inhabitants was involved in smuggling the golden tipple at some point in their life. Yet, while Islay and the Highlands are associated with some of the best whiskies in…

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An insightful guide to the secrets of Stirling

Stirling, while remaining a small settlement throughout the past, is not to be underestimated and holds huge significance in Scottish history. It has been associated with some of the most famous names in Scotland, including William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots, with Stirling Castle housing almost every Scottish monarch. Secret Stirling gives a vivid…

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A life in the great outdoors at Ardvreck School

Most childhoods are looked back on fondly, with memories of endless exploration and curiosity. Children can spend hours playing around outside, letting their imagination run riot and get the better of them, and return in time for supper bruised, battered and covered in mud, but nonetheless happy. Ardvreck is a prep school in Crieff that…

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North Coast 500 is miles ahead in VisitScotland poll

The creation of the North Coast 500 has been named as one of the greatest moments for Scottish tourism in the last 50 years. The iconic touring route, which brings thousands of visitors to the North Highlands each year, took one of the top positions both nationally and regionally in a public poll created by…

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Charlie the Highland Cow models his brand new kilt

Charlie the Highland Cow is marking Coos-day Tuesday – in style! Charlie was joined by a baby coo from Tordarroch Fold to model the tartan of Scotland’s newest lifestyle brand, Loch Ness Collection. Available exclusively at An Talla, a new retail destination at Dochgarroch Lock near Inverness, Loch Ness Collection is the latest venture from…

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A home for all seasons with magnificent views

A family home for all seasons with stunning sea views has hit the property market. The McLean family must have one of the best views in Scotland. Torridon, their lovingly-restored five-bedroomed villa, enjoys an uninterrupted panorama over Oban Bay to the Isle of Mull, with 13th century Duart Castle in sight. Mary explained: ‘It couldn’t…

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An epic tale set during the time of Culloden

Surrey-born author Kimberley Jordan Reeman has created an epic 782-page book that is not for the faint hearted. Set in Scotland in 1746 during the bloody military occupation of the Highlands, gut-wrenching atrocities set a distinctly dark tone from the outset. But when English soldier Mordaunt saves an infant from the horrors of 18th-century rebellion,…

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