Summer ice cream sales given a big boost

The hot weather brought a welcome return for Mackie’s of Scotland as it had its brightest summer in more than 30 years. As the mercury rose and the country enjoyed its sunniest May since records began, the Aberdeenshire firm has seen its sales heat up accordingly, after breaking record sales for a single month. Records…

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Funding available to save crumbling buildings

Funding of £10 million is being made available to preserve Scotland’s past. The money comes from the latest round of the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, under Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) flagship conservation and regeneration funding programme. Applications are now open for local authorities, national park authorities, voluntary sector organisations and community groups to apply for…

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Scottish recycling levels hit a new high

More and more Scots are doing their bit for the environment. Scottish recycling, composting and re-use of waste from all sources has rocketed past the 60% milestone for the first time. That was the key finding of Official Statistics published today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). In 2016, 6.96 million tonnes (61%) of…

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Heritage centre gets in a flap over its new arrivals

Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston is celebrating the happy hatchings of their lively canaries. The centre kept canaries as part of their Shale Oil Story– in the past, the birds were often kept by shale miners with the specialised role of detecting dangerous gasses underground. At the centre, the birds appeared happy in their…

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A home with all the grandeur of the Victorian era

Chartershall House (West) is an elegant and spacious country home, which has been delightfully finished to encapsulate contemporary convenience within period charm. Apportioned from a substantial Victorian house in Stirlingshire, the property is set proudly within around one and a half acres of enchanting gardens and grounds, and presented for sale by Rettie. Formerly a…

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Make sure you’re covered ahead of the big day

Scottish brides and grooms-to-be are being warned they risk huge financial losses, as the Royal Wedding draws near. As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get set to tie the knot on May 19, specialist insurance expert William Barne, of Lycetts, is urging others planning their big day to be aware of a hidden risk –…

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First chance to see new coastal showhomes

Those dreaming of settling by the sea can now discover two newly launched showhomes in one of East Lothian’s most sought-after postcodes. Marine Rise, located in the coastal village of Gullane, is the latest premium development by CALA Homes (East) to launch new showhomes for potential buyers to explore. The two exciting new showhomes, which…

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Scots housebuilder chooses its base in England

A Scottish family housebuilder have chosen the iconic Cheltenham House offices in the south of England as their new home. This to act as a new hub for Mactaggart & Mickel Homes England as they expand into the English housebuilding market. Mactaggart & Mickel is a fourth-generation family business which has been building quality homes…

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High demand for homes at new development

An upmarket homebuilder has seen significant demand for one of its most popular family homes in the east of Scotland. To date, CALA Homes (East) has sold nearly 30 Crichton homes across its East of Scotland developments in the last 12 months. This housestyle continues to be a hugely popular choice for homebuyers seeking a…

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Marking a Scot’s centenary of bravery in World War I

With the centenary of World War One upon us this year, the National Army Museum is marking the occasion by highlighting the stories of inspiring Scottish soldiers, including that of Aberdeen’s Captain William Leith-Ross. A fitting example of the bravery and endurance demonstrated by the British soldiers, Captain Leith-Ross was a member of Dunsterforce, and…

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