Rural communities stand up to Chris Packham

Around 150 rural workers staged a demonstration in Perth last night (Tuesday), protesting against what they say is broadcaster Chris Packham’s ‘relentless drive’ to wreck their livelihoods. The BBC presenter – an outspoken critic of fieldsports – was giving a talk on nature photography at Perth Concert Hall. However, his appearance was met with a…

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Meat you can feel good about this Christmas

The Galloway Cattle Society is encouraging people to support native breed beef during the festive season and beyond. Launching a new campaign to promote Galloway Beef, the Society claims Galloway Beef is ‘meat you can feel good about’ due to its positive environmental credentials, nutritional value and the benefit it brings to local businesses. The…

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The Editor’s Xmas Tipples – Highland Boundary

Scottish Field editor Richard Bath brings you his thoughts on some spirits available this Christmas. Vital statistics: £29.99 for 500ml. 40% ABV. Available from Woodwinters, highlandboundary.com or thegoodspiritsco.com What is it?: Birch and elderflower spirit, made by farmers Marian Bruce and Simon Montador in a 100-litre pot-bellied Portuguese still in the milking parlour of their…

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Refurbished farmhouse has so much to offer

A refurbished former farmhouse in central Scotland is now on the property market. Presented by Robb Residential, the assets at Cathburn Farm will be highly appealing to many, including hobby farmers, those with equestrian interests and buyers seeking the peace and privacy that comes from having extended and protected land boundaries. Cathburn Farm was at…

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Why the mink must be exterminated

Mink are not cute and they’re not cuddly – this is one alien invader our indigenous wildlife could happily live without. At the time of Neanderthal man, animal skins were worn as a necessity against the elements. Indeed, without them life would have been well nigh impossible. These days, attitudes towards wearing fur clothing change…

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Olympian Ian Stark is Scotland’s main eventer

In a long and distinguished career in the saddle, Ian Stark won medals at three Olympic Games and enjoyed a host of other sporting triumphs. And it all began in the Borders, where he had his first pony ride at the age of 10. I grew up in Galashiels in the Borders, the youngest of…

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Scottish Rural Awards finalists are revealed

The Scottish Rural Awards are delighted to announce the finalists for 2020. The shortlist features rural businesses from across Scotland in 12 award categories. The winner and runner-up for each award will be unveiled at the Scottish Rural Awards ceremony and gala dinner hosted by comedian Jim Smith at the Glasgow Hilton on 2nd April…

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Five year celebration for Kingsbarns Distillery

Fife’s Kingsbarns Distillery is toasting its five year milestone. Kingsbarns Distillery, producer of the recently launched Dream to Dram single malt, is toasting its fifth anniversary this week and the global success of its whisky to date. Opened in 2014 after the three year renovation of a derelict farm steading in the East Neuk of…

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Dinner with a difference high in the Perthshire hills

I’ve been lucky enough to dine in some amazing places and there are some meals which tend to stand out more than others. Very recently I tucked in to a three course feast in a setting I’ll never forget.  Billed as Scotland’s most scenic and smallest dining experience, our dinner table is found in the…

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Something to crow about with the falconers

Hunting their quarry on horseback, the Northumberland Crow Falconers are ensuring a time-old tradition of hawking is kept alive in the borderlands. Mounted on a bay mare, dressed in the traditional dark green livery worn by hawk hunters of the late 1700s and carrying a falcon on his arm, Dr Nick Fox calls his party…

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