Have you seen a spotted flycatcher?

THE spotted flycatcher is one of six species of migratory birds returning home to Scotland right now – and scientists need your help if you spot one. Researchers at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are fitting spotted flycatchers with tags so that they can track their flights between Scotland and Africa. Monitoring the birds…

Read More

A meticulous account of the battle for equality

Struggle and Suffrage in Glasgow comes with the subtitle of ‘women’s lives and the fight for equality’, and that’s exactly what this book is. It chronicles events that took place as the women of Glasgow battled for the right to vote: marching on the streets, daring escapes from under the noses of police officers, and…

Read More

A stunning lodge in a perfect tranquil location

A truly remarkable purpose built Canadian cedar lodge house has been brought to the market. Presented by Savills, Kirkfield Gardens in Kirkfiueld Bank, Lanarkshire, is truly unique and offers not only an idyllic and tranquil setting but also extremely flexible living space. Finished to the highest of standards it is a remarkable purpose built Canadian…

Read More

Visit Angus launch app exploring the area

Visitors to Angus are being encouraged to explore the area with the help of a new app created and launched by Visit Angus, making it easier to plan trips and encouraging longer stays in the region. A joint initiative by Angus Council and the Angus tourism sector, with help from a number of local town…

Read More

A look around some of the most stunning gardens

Aspiring to promote interaction with the natural world, photos are divided into categories that encourage the appreciation of the planet’s diversity. Particularly for nature enthusiasts, the staggering range of nature’s beauty is astonishingly captured from a multitude of perspectives and locations. It could benefit from more narrative, but definitely one for the coffee table. International…

Read More

First autumn mammal survey gets underway

THE first autumn “Living With Mammals” survey kicks off on Monday, with Scots being asked to keep their eyes peeled for creatures, tracks and droppings in gardens, parks or other green spaces. People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) normally only runs its survey once a year, but is now capitalising on a successful spring count…

Read More

Book festival hails global audience

THOUSANDS of viewers from throughout the world have tuned in to watch live sessions from the Edinburgh International Book Festival online. People have watched the performances from as far away as Algeria, Brazil and Nigeria. Highlights from the first few days of the virtual festival have included Ian Rankin, Julia Donaldson, Hilary Mantel, and Bumi…

Read More

Children’s wildlife drawing contest launched

GARDEN BirdWatch is marking its 25th anniversary with a drawing competition for children aged five to 11. The British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO’s) summer project includes watching, counting, drawing and writing. The results from each year’s Garden BirdWatch are used by the BTO’s scientists to understand how British birds are faring and how gardens can…

Read More

Visitors return to Scotland’s four royal botanic gardens

DETAILS of the reopening of Scotland’s four royal botanic gardens will be unveiled on Wednesday, including how to pre-book tickets to enter the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. All four gardens – at Benmore in Argyll, Dawyck in the Borders, Edinburgh, and Logan in Galloway – will reopen on 1 July. Visitors will need to book…

Read More

Five of the best from Lidl’s latest wine tour

Head to Italy is Peter Ranscombe’s advice when it comes to the German supermarket’s latest summer special offer. IN THE big scheme of things, this definitely ranks as a #FirstWorldProblem – but the coronavirus lockdown has played havoc with wine writers’ routines. While many masterclasses with individual producers have shifted online, it’s much harder for…

Read More