National Trust for Scotland takes Treshnish Isles under its care

The National Trust for Scotland has announced the Treshnish Isles off Scotland’s west coast is now under its protection. Eight small uninhabited islands make up the remote archipelago in the Inner Hebrides west of Mull. It is Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the islands are known for their distinctive silhouette in the seascape –…

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Outlander author Diana Gabaldon to star on Love Scotland podcast

Her novels have brought the romance and drama of Scottish history to life for more than 50 million readers worldwide. And now Outlander author Diana Gabaldon is set to feature on the upcoming season of Jackie Bird’s podcast. Series six of Love Scotland will kick off with Gabaldon, bestselling author of the iconic Outlander series –…

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Aberdeenshire county flag unfurled at Castle Fraser

THE new Aberdeenshire county flag was hoisted up the pole at Castle Fraser on Saturday. The flag was based on designs by pupils from Newtonhill primary school in Stonehaven and Elrick primary school in Westhill. Children from the schools presented the flag to Sandy Manson, Aberdeen’s lord-lieutenant at the castle, which is run by the…

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House of Dun displays pupils’ art

ART by 159 pupils from three local primary schools is going on show at House of Dun near Montrose. The National Trust for Scotland, which runs the historic property, will exhibit the pictures from Earth Day on 22 April until 21 May. The exhibition features 100 birds imagined by pupils from Borrowfield, Lochside, and Southesk…

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House of the Binns reopens tomorrow

THE House of the Binns reopens tomorrow following major conservation work. The restoration project is part of the National Trust for Scotland’s ten-year strategy – “Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone” – which was launched at the 17th-century country house a year ago. The conservation charity, which has been caring for House of the Binns…

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Conservationists object to Coul Links golf course

WILDLIFE charities are calling on the public to object to plans for a golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland. Seven organisations – including the National Trust for Scotland, the RSPB, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust – are “extremely concerned” about revised plans submitted to The Highland Council. Craig Macadam, conservation director at insect charity…

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Jackie Bird helps pupils with time travel

TELEVISION presenter Jackie Bird helped pupils travel back in time at one of the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS’s) properties. Bird, who is president of the NTS, joined children from St Vincent’s Primary School when they visited Pollok House to take part in a trial of “Timesliders”, the trust’s new education programme. She helped pupils…

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Jackie Bird is new National Trust for Scotland president

TELEVISION presenter Jackie Bird was appointed as president of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) on Saturday. Members of the charity approved her appointment at the trust’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Glasgow. David Mitchell, who convened the AGM as deputy chair of the NTS, said: “Jackie Bird is already a committed friend to the…

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Tributes are paid to The Queen

TRIBUTES are being paid to Her Majesty The Queen, who died peacefully at Balmoral. The King and the Queen Consort are due to travel from Royal Deeside to London today. King Charles III led the tributes last night. “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness…

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Gin Round-up: Mary King’s Close, Rock Rose, NTS, and more

Peter Ranscombe distills the latest stories from the world of gin into a light-hearted round-up. YOU might have thought that some of the botanicals that end up in gin are a wee bit scary – but wait until you visit The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. The ghoulish tourist attraction beneath the streets of…

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