There’s more to the cuckoo than its famous call

Towards the end of April every year, I, like millions of other country people, have my ears cocked listening out for spring’s first cuckoo. It is one of nature’s finest sounds and never fails to send a frisson of excitement through me. But in recent years it has become more difficult to witness that celebrated…

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Life on Oronsay with a year in the Hebrides

Once the centre of the major sea route between Scotland and Ireland, the small, remote island of Oronsay has been inhabited by humans for 5,000 years. Columba landed there in AD 63, the Vikings in the 800s, and the Lords of the Isles founded an abbey in the 1300s. Now farmed by the RSPB for…

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You have to make a date and see the Calendar Girls

Calendar Girls is a story we’ve all heard of – a group of Women’s Institute members take their clothes off to do a charity calendar. It’s an amazing true story, which was adapted into a film in 2003, and now, a sensational musical, with music from Take That’s Gary Barlow and lyrics by Sir Tim…

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Music out as birdsong comes to shopping centre

A Scottish shopping centre is axing music in favour of birdsong – to make shoppers happier. The unusual move by intu Braehead shopping centre to play the springtime sounds of birds tweeting away in the central atrium comes after new research revealed four out of five Scots say they feel happy when they hear the…

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Questions over 3 month delay on missing hen harrier

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has revealed a hen harrier has gone missing in suspicious circumstances. The RSPB have raised concerns after disappearance of Skylar near a grouse moor in South Lanarkshire, and described the area as a ‘black hole’ for birds of prey. The RSPB say the satellite transmitter attached to…

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Five top tips for gardening kicks this spring

Spring to a gardener is like all your birthdays come at once, there’s so much anticipation and there’s lots to see, smell, touch and even taste. The idea of having an engaging outside space is to enjoy it, so here are some tricks of the trade to give you a head start on how to…

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Stunning drone footage showcases a Highland home

A highly desirable Highland country property is now on the property market. Galbraith has just launched a stunning converted steading and adjacent farmhouse to the market in an idyllic rural setting. Convinth Steading, a five reception, six-bedroom property, and the separate four-bedroom farmhouse, are both highly desirable country properties located within easy reach of Inverness…

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Two Birds will blend networking and working out

An innovative new fitness studio has launched a class to change the way Glaswegians do business. Two Birds Boutique Fitness offers health and career-focussed individuals a fun and efficient training session where professionals can burn calories and make connections. The studio, based on Washington Street in the city’s business district, will officially open its doors…

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Fling yourself into the world of arts and crafts

Visitors can can discover the creative secrets of the artists and makers when taking part in Scotland’s leading open studios weekend. This year Spring Fling artists and makers are offering visitors the chance to learn about everything from painting and illustration to textile design, printmaking and pottery. There are even workshops and master classes on…

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Rare white tailed eagles arrive in need of help

Saving two of Scotland’s rarest birds will feature in a TV documentary. Born to be Wild is BBC Scotland’s 10-part series which looks at the workings of the Scottish SPCA’s wildlife rescue centre. It features the staff and the variety of animals that they have to work with and help, and nurse back to health…

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