Airships could fly in Highlands and islands

AIRSHIPS could soon be flying over the Highlands and islands following the launch today of a concept study. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has teamed up with Highlands & Islands Airports (HIAL) to investigate if its Airlander 10 airships could be used to carry passengers and freight. The airship, which uses technology from aeroplanes and helicopters,…

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Another six golden eagles moved to the south

SIX golden eagles were moved from the Highlands to a secret location in the Borders over the summer during the latest phase of a reintroduction scheme. The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project now estimates that there are around 40 birds in the area – the most for 300 years. The project is now preparing…

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River City marks 20th birthday

SOME familiar faces are returning to Shieldinch for a special River City episode to mark the TV soap’s 20th birthday. Filming began this week on the anniversary episode, which will be broadcast at the end of September. In the programme, Bob O’Hara and best mate Angus Lindsay wake up “in a parallel dimension where all…

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North Coast 500 gets its own podcast

A PODCAST series has been created to promote attractions along the North Coast 500 driving route in the Highlands. Each 45-minute episode focuses on a different part of the trail. The first programme features Assynt’s Northwest Highland Geopark,  while the second outing spotlights the historic Attadale Gardens in Wester Ross, and the third introduces listeners…

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Fancy owning a 40 million year old crocodile?

THE fossil of a 40 million-year-old crocodile is coming up for auction next week in Glasgow. The ancient croc is one of nearly 200 fossils going under the hammer at McTear’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” auction on 10 August. The collection as assembled by a retired geologist based in the Highlands. It includes a fossilised crocodilian…

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Blas Festival line-up unveiled

THE line-up for this year’s Blas Festival has been revealed, featuring 40 concerts and ceilidhs across the Highlands and islands. Julie Fowlis, Mary Ann Kennedy, and Megan Henderson are among the artists who will be taking to the stages on 2-10 September. The festival opens with a new musical commission, The Summer Walkers, by Tain…

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Beira ‘Dressed To Kilt’ in Great Gatsby mansion

SCOTTISH clothing brand Beira will take part in the “Dressed to Kilt” charity fashion show on Long Island in New York on Saturday. The theme for this year’s show, which has been running since 2003, is “Dress for adventure: from the Highlands to the Hamptons”. Beira will be showing its Elisie coat, Marina dress, and…

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NC500 repeats motorhome and campervan advice

THE North Coast 500 (NC500) has reminded visitors driving motorhomes and campervans about the “dos and don’ts” while touring the North Highlands. Operations director Craig Mills said: “Experiencing the NC500 by motorhome or campervan has become a popular way for visitors to enjoy all that the North Highlands has to offer. “However, it is important…

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Tourism bookings hit by cost-of-living crisis

HALF of Scottish tourism businesses are reporting fewer bookings and lower spending by customers, according to a new surey. The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) found 50% of members have fewer bookings between June and August this year than during the same period in 2019. The same proportion reported a fall in consumer spending this year…

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Highlands and islands to star at Royal Highland Show

NEXT month’s Royal Highland Show will promote businesses from the Highlands and islands as the event celebrates its bicentenary. The inaugural show took place in Edinburgh’s Canongate, on a spot that’s now within the grounds of the Scottish Parliament complex. Since moving to its permanent home in 1960 at the Royal Highland Centre next to…

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