European Pipe Band Championships cancelled

The organisers of Piping Inverness, which incorporates the European Pipe Band Championships, has cancelled this year’s event. The competition was scheduled to take place on Saturday 26 June, but with uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions and following the latest Scottish Government guidance, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), in partnership with event organiser, LCC Live,…

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Tullibardine reveals the Murray Double Wood Edition

Tullibardine is expanding its collection of award-winning whiskies after revealing The Murray Double Wood Edition. The new single malt, available in 70cl, is the eighth edition in the brand’s much-celebrated Marquess Collection and has been expertly crafted at Tullibardine’s Perthshire distillery in the Scottish Highlands. The Murray Double Wood is aged in first-fill Bourbon casks…

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A thrilling crime novel packed with suspense

Set in the familiar backdrop of bonnie Scotland, Douglas-Home has ingeniously tapped into the country’s intrinsic qualities to create a crime novel full of suspense. The journalist turned author juxtaposes the hustle of Edinburgh city centre with the eerily quiet hills of the Highlands, cleverly setting the perfect scene for crimes to be committed, and…

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Shetland firm makes Scotland’s first lamb biltong

A COMPANY on Shetland is launching a range of biltong – including Scotland’s first lamb biltong. J&G Shetland, which owns Sound service station, will start production next month in Lerwick. The firm has secured £24,000 from economic development agency Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) to buy the specialist equipment it needs to dry and cure…

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Could the missing lynx return?

A YEAR-LONG survey has been launched to find out if the public wants lynx to be introduced to the Highlands. Supporters say the big cats would help to control roe deer numbers, while opponents worry about their effect on sheep kept near woodland, the species’ favoured habitat. The consultation has been launched by three charities:…

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Kirkwall lands electric aircraft deal

PLANES powered by hydrogen could soon be touching down on Orkney. Kirkwall airport has been named as a test site for aircraft running on hydrogen, electricity, and “sustainable aviation fuels”. The airport will also be used to test drones to deliver medicines to health centres on the islands. Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands &…

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Highlands and islands gift boxes launch

A GIFT box service dedicated to showcasing products from the Highlands and islands has been launched. A Whale of a Time brings together products from independent businesses spread across Inverness, Lochaber, Moray, Wester Ross, and Wick, as well as islands including Harris, Islay, Lewis, Orkney, and Skye. Its range of eight gift boxes stretches from…

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Inverness hotels share positive figures

RESIDENTS in the North of Scotland are being encouraged to discover “what’s on their doorstep” as Inverness’s hotels report brighter figures amid the covid gloom. Chris Taylor, regional leadership director at national tourism marketing agency VisitScotland, said: “Right now, we are encouraging local people in the Highlands to discover what’s on their doorstep, in line…

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Scotland is ‘king’ of sustainable prawns

A FARM in Stirlingshire that rears king prawns is selling its crustacean direct to the public for the first time. Balfron-based Great British Prawns, which opened last year, will harvest its warm water Litopenaeus vannamei each week and delivery them via courier to most parts of the UK – but not the Highlands and islands…

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One small step for Sutherland spaceport

PLANS to launch rockets into space from the Highlands have taken “one small step” forward after The Highland Council granted planning permission. Economic development agency Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been given the green light by councillors to build a “vertical launch spaceport” in Sutherland. Scottish ministers will now have their say on the…

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