News
‘Save our Smolts’ salmon project begins
THE Spey Fishery Board has launched its “Save our Smolts” project to help baby salmon make it to the sea. During this year’s trial, smolts will be collected in traps upstream from Loch Insh, which is a “pinch point” on the River Spey through which young salmon struggle to swim. The fish will then be…
Read MorePicts DNA sheds light on Scotland’s history
A GENETIC study of the Picts has shed fresh light on one of Scotland’s most mysterious peoples. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and Liverpool John Moores University studied genes from Pictish-era cemeteries at Lundin Links in Fife and Balintore in Easter Ross. Dr Linus Girdland Flink, a lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, said:…
Read MoreBonnie & Wild ceilidh club gets own tartan
THE ceilidh club run by the Bonnie & Wild food hall at the St James Quarter shopping centre in Edinburgh now has its own tartan. Members of staff at Bonnie & Wild will be decked out in kilts made by ScotlandShop for dances at its White Heather Club. Ryan Barrie, managing director of Bonnie &…
Read MoreRoyal Edinburgh Military Tattoo unveils ‘stories’ theme
THE theme for this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be “stories”. This summer’s show will feature more than 800 performers, including guest stars from Australia, Norway, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. The show will be staged at Edinburgh Castle on 4-26 August and will include the tattoo debut of The United…
Read MoreFred Sirieix will present food and drink awards ceremony
TELEVISION presenter Fred Sirieix has signed up to host trade body Scotland Food & Drink’s Excellence Awards. “Scottish food and drink is loved the world over, and for good reason,” exclaimed the star of Channel 4’s First Dates and STV’s Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip. “I’m thrilled to be hosting Scotland Food & Drink’s…
Read MoreAberdeen hits high note for European Pipe Band Championships
FURTHER details were revealed today ahead of this summer’s European Pipe Band Championships in Aberdeen. More than 100 pipe bands from across Europe and from as far away as Australia will travel to the North-East to participate in one of the largest piping events in the world. It’s the first time since 1981 that the…
Read MoreReturn of the lynx discussed in parliament
REINTRODUCING lynx to Scotland is being discussed at the Scottish Parliament today. Ariane Burgess, a Green MSP for the Highlands and islands, has sponsored a reception that was organised by conservation charities Scotland: The Big Picture, Trees for Life, and The Lifescape Project. Today’s reception follows a debate last Thursday, during which a motion by…
Read More‘Thrown’ wrestling play tours Highland Games circuit
THROWN, a play that inspired by Scottish backhold wrestling, is going out on tour around the Highland Games circuit before a run at this summer’s Edinburgh Internaional Festival. The play, written by Nat McCleary and staged by the National Theatre of Scotland, will visit towns and villages that host Highland Games, along with community halls,…
Read MoreAberdeenshire 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…
Read MoreScottish Chamber Orchestra marks 50th birthday
THE Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) will unveil details of its 2023-24 season today as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Guests joining the orchestra during the year ahead include Thomas Adès, Nicola Benedetti, Colin Currie, Karen Cargill, Richard Egarr, Andrew Manze, and Roderick Williams. New music due to be performed during the season includes…
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