Be lazy in the garden to help out our wildlife

Winter can be a challenging season for wildlife with harsh weather, low temperatures and much less food around. Scotland’s wild bird and animals can suffer in the cold, and sometimes need a little helping hand. This year, Scottish Natural Heritage’s biodiversity manager Debbie Bassett shares the range of ways to give nature a helping hand…

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Scotland’s second Dark Skies park officially unveiled

The high quality of the night skies above Tomintoul and Glenlivet have received a prestigious award by becoming Scotland’s second recognised International Dark Sky Park. Awarded Gold Tier status by the International Dark-Sky Association, the Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park is among the darkest Dark Sky Parks in the UK, it is…

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Win a day’s driven grouse shooting at Glenogil

Shooting enthusiasts can win a prize of a lifetime – a day’s driven grouse shooting in Scotland. The traditional Grand Grouse Draw, organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), offers the winner and eight friends the chance to enjoy an unforgettable experience on Glenogil Estate, one of the finest estates in Scotland. Glenogil,…

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Your vote could help stop red squirrel extinction

An innovative Highlands project bidding to stop Scotland’s red squirrels from becoming extinct will be stepped up if conservation charity Trees for Life wins an online vote for a major European funding award. With the UK’s red squirrels at risk, the charity’s pioneering Reds Return project has been shortlisted to receive more than £25,000 in…

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The wildlife roaming the streets of our cities

At first glance, Scotland’s capital city may not seem like a haven for wildlife, but look a little closer and there’s plenty to be found. From the skies, to the sea, to the cobbled streets of the city itself, there’s a wild side of Edinburgh just waiting to be explored. The term urban wildlife brings…

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New warning for wildlife watchers with drones

Specialists have warned that those operating drones could be causing stress to Scotland’s wildlife. Drones have become increasingly popular for taking aerial photographs and for conservation work, such as scientific surveys. But the drone could put you on the wrong side of the law, if you fly it too close to wildlife. The Partnership for…

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Squirrel crossing is helping to save so many lives

We’ve all heard of zebra and pelican crossings but in the Highlands of Scotland, there’s a new innovation – the squirrel crossing! This specially designed rope bridge is slung between trees high over a Highlands road is giving red squirrels a safe crossing. Camera footage has revealed regular use of the bridge by the charismatic…

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Weekend at the aquarium will be a splash hit

Families are being encouraged to get ready and dive in for a weekend of underwater exploration. Macduff Marine Aquarium in Aberdeenshire is getting in deep to find out how people have been able to discover the secrets of the ocean, using scuba and underwater technology. Over the weekend of 9 and 10 June, visitors to…

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There was whisky galore on distillery tours

The promise of a few drams and a visit to the real-life setting of Whisky Galore! was more than enough to tempt me away from my desk and up north. At the crack of dawn one Wednesday morning, I found myself high tailing it by train towards the granite city. From Aberdeen train station, myself…

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Preserved walrus is named Marmalade after public vote

A giant walrus being exhibited in a Scottish museum has been named after a public vote. The walrus, kept at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, has been named Marmalade after a public vote to name the large flippered marine mammal. It is thought the name has proved popular with visitors due to the…

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