Celebrations after outstanding exam results

The Merchiston Castle School community has once again enjoyed a set of outstanding A-level results. Modular A Levels have now been fully replaced by linear qualifications, meaning that the whole two years’ content of each A Level subject is examined over only a handful of weeks in the summer of Upper Sixth – and it…

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Historic Days Await as lances clash and shields shatter

Spectators can choose their champion as noble knights face each other in the field this weekend. Spectacular Jousting returns to Caerlaverock Castle, near Dumfries, from 12.30–4.30pm on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. The competitors will mount their horses as the tournaments kick off at 1.30pm and 3.15pm in the main arena, where visitors can…

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Scots history is reimagined to celebrate women

Where are the Women? by Sara Sheridan reimagines a Scottish history as one in which men are no longer disproportionately commemorated and women’s triumphs are lauded. In Sheridan’s world, Arthur’s Seat is renamed in honour of early Christian St Triduana, while the cave at Staff a references Malvina, not Fingal. The author asks readers to imagine…

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The historic links between the Scots and the Flemish

Alexander Fleming has produced a fascinating and informative yet academic account of the key role that Flemish immigrants have played in Scottish history. The incomers who arrived from Flanders in the centuries after the Norman Invasion were soldiers, settlers, traders, tradesmen, diplomats and dynasts who all shared a creative outlook which helped them to adapt…

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Living on St Kilda and researching its proud history

Aiming to challenge the popular belief that St Kilda is isolated from the rest of the world, two archaeologists spent more than nine months working and living on the island. Whilst there, they researched its outstanding history. The book includes a detailed survey and never-before-seen images of the archipelago and its people. St Kilda: The…

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Meet Sheila Fleet – with a discount in jewellery store

Scottish jewellery designer Sheila Fleet will be holding a Meet the Designer event at the end of this month. Known for her work in precious metals and gemstones, Sheila will be showing her latest creative designs at her boutique shop in Edinburgh’s historic Stockbridge. Sheila draws her inspiration from nature and her island environment. On…

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Warning over the danger of invasive species

Scots are being urged to be aware of invasive non-native species harm the environment and wildlife. These plants can be costly to the economy and can even pose a risk to our health and way of life. During Invasive Species Week, which runs from May 13-17, organisations across the country are working together to raise…

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Orkney hosts meeting on climate change threat

Leading climate scientists and heritage professionals from across the globe are gathering in Orkney for a major workshop to apply a new tool for measuring the climate change threat to World Heritage sites. Supported by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), in partnership with University of the Highlands and Islands, James Cook University (JCU, Australia), Orkney Islands…

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Don’t walk your dog – let a drone do it for you

In the 21st century, new technology is making our lives so much easier. We can use our phones to switch on heating and lights at home, or even set our Sky boxes to record programmes we want to see. We can be on holiday in America, and still see who has run our doorbells at…

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From table tennis to rabbit farming to ultramarathon

If I were to tell you a story about a man who was a professional table tennis player but gave it all up and moved to a remote Scottish island to become a rabbit farmer; who was then inspired to start running by watching TV, battled cancer and became one of the world’s most successful…

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