News
Firefighters get hi-tech help from robotarium
SCOTTISH firefighters are testing new kit from the National Robotarium that could help them find casualties faster. The equipment, which sits on top of standard helmets, could also keep firefighters safer. The technology includes thermal cameras, radar, and motion sensors. Data is then fed to a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI), which provides…
Read MoreCampaigners warn of turbine threat to salmon river
SALMON and pearl mussels in the Lower Oykel river in the Highlands could be threatened if a proposed wind farm receives approval, according to campaigners. Steven Mackenzie, manager of Lower Oykel Fishings, has written to Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon to outline his concerns. “The construction process – traffic, the building of new roads,…
Read MoreHotels news round-up: Murrayshall, Balbirnie, and more
Peter Ranscombe rounds-up the latest news from Scotland’s hotels. THE latest step in a £30 million investment at Murrayshall Country Estate in Perthshire has been completed. The hotel has spent £1m refurbishing 14 of its junior and senior suites, including upgrading their en-suite bathrooms, some of which feature roll-top baths and walk-in showers. Dining tables…
Read MoreThe Balmoral is crowned as ‘hotel of the year’
THE Balmoral in Edinburgh has been named as the hotel of the year at the AA Hospitality Awards. Richard Cooke, the hotel’s general manager, said: “It is an honour for The Balmoral to receive this award – it reflects the dedication and hard work of the team. “This year marks our 120th anniversary and every…
Read More50 sites join Northwoods Rewilding Network
FIFTY sites have joined the Northwoods Rewilding Network during its first 18 months. The network was set up in April 2021 by rewilding charity Scotland: The Big Picture. Its aim was to attract 20 sites within its first two years. Now, Glassie Farm at Aberfeldy has signed up as its 50th member. Northwoods now covers…
Read More14th-century woman’s face revealed by Whithorn Priory
THE face of a 14th-century woman buried on a bed of seashells at Whithorn Priory will be revealed today as part of Wigtown Book Festival. The woman’s features have been recreated in a three-dimensionial (3D) animation, with sound. Her face is being unveiled ahead of “Bishops, Bones, and Burials”, a Whithorn Trust event that will…
Read MoreScots Language Awards winners revealed
TIKTOK star Doric Dad and writer Liz Lochhead were among the winners at Saturday night’s Scots Language Awards. Hosted by poet Len Pennie and columnist Alistair Heather, the awards were presented at Dundee’s Gardyne Theatre. Beth Malcolm gave a special rendition of Hermless – an alternative Scottish national anthem – with Lewis and Euan McLaughlin…
Read MoreWigtown Book Festival welcomes fiddlers
MUSICIANS from throughout Dumfries & Galloway joined members of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra (SFO) for a concert yesterday lunchtime at Wigtown Book Festival. Beth Porter of The Bookshop Band was among the fiddlers taking part, along with her baby, Emmy Please. The SFO was co-founded by the late John Mason, who spent much of his…
Read MoreJackie 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…
Read MoreBaxters hampers help small businesses
LEGENDARY Moray food producer Baxters is launching its first luxury Christmas hampers, with a focus on small Scottish brands. Products that have made their way into the hampers include Wild Hearth Bakery sourdough whisky stollen bread, a Clootie McToot clootie dumpling kit, and Kinalba cashmere socks. Kinloch Anderson has supplied tartan crackers, while the Highland…
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