Northwoods Rewilding Network plants 100,000 trees

THE Northwoods Rewilding Network has planted more than 108,000 native trees during its first two years, according to figures released this morning. The network, which has grown to include 55 partners spread throughout Scotland, said the trees cover an area equivalent to 210 football pitches. More than 4,100 of the trees are along rivers, where…

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Is this the ultimate ‘off-grid’ job?

THE island of Rona aims to double its population by offering what’s billed as the ultimate “off-grid” job. The island, which is accessed only by a private boat, wants to recruit a live-in estate worker, along with a partner who will work part-time. Duties include “estate and property maintenance and management, housekeeping, logistics, and assisting…

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Scots projects get cash from The Prince’s Countryside Fund

FIVE projects in Scotland have received support from The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF). Berwickshire Swap, Helmsdale & District Development Trust, Kilmory Community Fund, Third Sector Hebrides, and Transition North Ronaldsay will share grants worth more than £100,000. Throughout the UK as a whole, 14 projects will receive a total of £250,000 to support more than…

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Estates’ contribution to ‘wellbeing economy’ measured

A NEW report has examined the contribution that Scotland’s country estates make to our nation’s “wellbeing economy”. The Scottish Government set 11 national outcomes to measure progress towards a “wellbeing economy”, which it defined as “an economic system that places the wellbeing of current and future generations at its core”. A report by Biggar Economics…

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Television star joins Paton & Co in Borders

FORMER television reporter Fiona Pagett has joined Borders-based estate agency Paton & Co as a partner. Pagett worked with Grampian TV and STV before becoming head of communications for Business in the Community Scotland, where she ran the organisation’s rural programme. She cut her teeth in the property industry at Purplebricks, before joining Rettie &…

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National museums unveil festive events

SCOTLAND’S four national museums are running a series of festive events. The National Museum of Rural Life at East Kilbride has hidden miniature festive scenes in displays throughout the museum. Visitors can follow Clyde’s winter trail until 8 January. In Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is running “Drawn Together at the Museum”. Artists can…

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Islanders slam ferry services, but praise staff

SCOTLAND’S ferry services are falling “well below” the public’s expectations, according to the Scottish Parliament. Nearly 400 individuals and groups responsed to a survey run by Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee. The results, published today, revealed anger at “short-notice service cancellations and the impact this is having on many aspects of life in…

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Foresters donate Scottish Government Christmas tree

THIS year’s Scottish Government Christmas tree has been donated by a Scottish forestry company. Highfield Forestry, which is based in Perth, grew the seven-foot Nordmann Fir at Beauly, near Inverness. David Grieve, head of operations at Highfield Forestry’s Biggar office, said: “We are really proud to have been able to supply the Scottish Government with…

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Royal Highland Show is ‘bigger than Hogmanay’

THE Royal Highland Show contributes £39.5 million to Edinburgh’s economy – more than the city’s Hogmanay celebrations, according to new figures. The report by BOP Consulting marks the first time that the show’s financial impact has been measured using the same criteria as Edinburgh’s festivals. The equivalent of 674 full-time jobs are also supported by…

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Glengarry launches £250,000 forest cabin bid

RESIDENTS in Lochaber have launched a crowdfunding scheme to raise the £250,000 they need to start Glengarry Forest Cabins. The Glengarry Community Benefit Society (GCBS) has been created to run the forest cabins, which is expected to create several jobs in the area. Profits from the cabins will be used to fund work at Glengarry…

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