Mains of Taymouth

Mains of Taymouth: On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… the gift of luxury Stuck for that perfect Christmas gift? What better present to give than a gift voucher to enjoy against a stay in our luxury properties? Planning a romantic getaway, a family reunion or just time with friends,…

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Four ospreys fledge at Aberdeenshire fishery

FOUR young ospreys are preparing to fly to West Africa for the winter after fledging from Lochter fishery and activity centre near Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire. The fishery has played host to a pair of ospreys each summer for the past 12 years, but they’ve had mixed success with breeding. Buzzards have frequently snatched and eaten…

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‘End is nigh’ again for capercaillie, warn experts

THE capercaillie could become extinct in Scotland for a second time unless its predators are controlled, according to conservationists. This year’s brood survey by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) found only 300 to 400 birds now live in Scotland, with 90% confined to part of Strathspey. That number has fallen from around 2,200…

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Grouse shooting season begins today

RURAL businesses are predicting that overseas visitors will return to Scotland as the grouse shooting season gets underway. Ross Ewing, moorland director at trade body Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Thanks to the arrival of the grouse shooting season, Scotland’s rural economy is back in business after a challenging few years of covid-19. “The significance…

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Langholm Moor buyout hits £2.2m target

THE South of Scotland’s largest community buyout will double in size after campaigners raised £2.2 million to buy Langholm Moor. The Langholm Initiative will buy the 5,300 acres of land and three properties from Buccleuch Estates. The Dumfriesshire town hit its fundraising target in time for last Sunday’s deadline. Nearly 3,000 people donated to the…

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Beavers bid by Glen Affric

LANDOWNERS in Glen Affric hope to reintroduce beavers to the Highlands. Four estates and government agency Forestry & Land Scotland have launched a joint consultation on the plans, coordinated by conservation charity Trees for Life. Beavers are already found at the Aigas field centre near Beauly and at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig. Reintroducing…

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‘Estates that Educate’ boosts rural skills

NEARLY 800 children are learning about living and working in the countryside as part of the “Estates that Educate” programme. Primary and secondary school pupils in the Angus Glens, Grampian, the Southern Uplands, Speyside, Strathdearn, and Tayside are receiving five consecutive weeks of moorland education. Topics covered include deer management, cooking game, renewable energy, and…

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Langholm Moor extension for community buyout

THE Langholm Moor community buyout has been given an extra two months to raise the money it needs to purchase 5,300 acres in Dumfriesshire. The Langholm Initiative needs to raise £2.2 million to buy the land from Buccleuch Estates. A deadline of 31 May had been set to complete the deal, but the landowner has…

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Atholl Gathering returns after three-year hiatus

THE Atholl Gathering will return to Blair Castle this month following a three-year break due to the pandemic. More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend the Highland Games, which will be overseen by the Marquis of Tullibardine, heir to the 12th Duke of Atholl. The event kicks off on Saturday 28 May, when Atholl…

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An on the ball guide to Scots sporting buildings

This is celebration of Scotland’s stunning sporting architecture, from Celtic Park to Ayr Ice Rink. Some of the nation’s earliest sporting buildings are associated with grand properties and estates. A strong link existed between the nobility and the development of recreational pursuits – going all the way back to Scotland’s oldest remaining sporting structure, the…

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