Mystery killer whale pod seen off the west coast

The identity of a group of nine killer whales off Scotland’s west coast remains a mystery – despite extensive research and a flurry of sightings of killer whales in the Hebrides over recent weeks. They were encountered during the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s annual marine research expeditions last year, and the Trust now hopes…

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Edinburgh Castle in the running for tourist award

Edinburgh Castle has again been nominated as Best Heritage Attraction in the prestigious British Travel Awards (BTAs). The public decide who wins and have until 30 September to vote to ensure the castle seizes the top prize at this year’s awards. Winners will be announced at the BTA Gala Awards Dinner in London on 27…

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Just a week to go until distillery opens its doors

There’s just a week to go until the opening of the first single malt whisky distillery in the centre of Edinburgh for almost 100 years. Holyrood Distillery, will throw open its doors on 30 July, and has also launched bookings for its tour experiences. Bookings for Holyrood’s range of daily guided distillery tours, all of…

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An artistic new look for Royal Salute whisky

Royal Salute is toasting an all-new look for its signature 21 Year Old Scotch whisky. This showcases a contemporary take on its rich history with a colourful, enchanting depiction of the British Royal Menagerie that pays tribute to the brand’s royal heritage. Created in collaboration with esteemed fine artist Kristjana S. Williams, the new packaging…

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The Turriff Show is now just a fortnight away

The biggest two-day agricultural show in Scotland, the Turriff Show, is running in just a couple of weeks. The event, which runs on 4-5 August, attracts around 23,000 people, including those involved in farming as well as many people not involved in farming who enjoy the show for its wide array of activities and 300+…

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Help wanted to chart Scotland’s ocean wildlife

Scientists at Sea Watch Foundation are looking for Scottish marine mammal enthusiasts to help with their survey of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Every year for nine days in late July, Sea Watch Foundation look for wildlife enthusiasts and around the UK to support National Whale and Dolphin Watch, a citizen science project organised by the…

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Tide and Time are new 21-year-olds from Jura

Jura Single Malt Whisky has unveiled new additions to its family of single malt whiskies with a pair of 21 year old expressions. It has released Jura Tide and Jura Time, both aged for 21 Years, they bring to life the tiny island provenance for the super-premium market. The pair offer a unique point of…

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New map launched to get cyclists on their bikes

Sustrans and VisitScotland have launched a new interactive route planner to help cyclists explore The Caledonian Way, one of Scotland’s greatest long-distance cycling routes. The Caledonian Way’s 237 mile stretch reaches from Campbeltown to Inverness and draws in around 2,500,000 cycling journeys each year. The popularity of these cycling routes contributes massively to local economies…

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An epic tale set during the time of Culloden

Surrey-born author Kimberley Jordan Reeman has created an epic 782-page book that is not for the faint hearted. Set in Scotland in 1746 during the bloody military occupation of the Highlands, gut-wrenching atrocities set a distinctly dark tone from the outset. But when English soldier Mordaunt saves an infant from the horrors of 18th-century rebellion,…

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Alexander McCall Smith is Mr Brightside

Alexander McCall Smith, whose books are a prescription for happiness, talks about his responsibility to his readers and the female influences in his life. His kitchen table is hiding beneath the complete works of Yotam Ottolenghi, the current darling of the adventurous middle-class kitchen. Sandy, as everyone calls him, is on dinner duty tonight and…

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