Rum named as Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The Isle of Rum has been designated as Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary – just the second place in Europe to hold the accreditation. While Scotland has five designated International Dark Sky Places, the Inner Hebridean island, which has a population of just 40 people, is the first area to be designated as a…

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Extremely rare moss rediscovered near Edinburgh

An extremely rare moss has been rediscovered near Edinburgh, having not been found anywhere else in the UK since 1987. Round-leaved bryum has been found at Threipmuir Reservoir near Balerno, Edinburgh, thanks to a collaboration between NatureScot and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Scientists have been rewarded after a 13-year wait to see one of Scotland’s…

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Extremely rare moss rediscovered near Edinburgh

An extremely rare moss has been rediscovered near Edinburgh, having not been found anywhere else in the UK since 1987. Round-leaved bryum has been found at Threipmuir Reservoir near Balerno, Edinburgh, thanks to a collaboration between NatureScot and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Scientists have been rewarded after a 13-year wait to see one of Scotland’s…

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Beavers to be released at UK’s biggest national park

Beavers are set to be released at sites in the UK’s biggest national park. NatureScot has approved a licence application for six beaver families to be released in the Cairngorms National Park. Sites in the upper River Spey catchment have been selected for beavers despite some farmers raising concerns about the beavers damaging crops. NatureScot…

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Remote fragment of ancient Caledonian pinewood restored

A remote fragment of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian pinewood in Sutherland has been restored thanks to two decades of effort. This globally unique habitat can only be found in the Scottish Highlands.  It provides a home for a wide variety of rare and specialised species, including pine martens, conifer specialists like crossbills and red squirrels, as…

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Mystery surrounds disappearance of painting from Kinloch Castle

A 19th-century painting is thought to have been stolen from Kinloch Castle on Rum. Steam Yacht ‘Rhouma I’ by Charles Dixon (1872–1934) was reported missing in the middle of July following a break-in at the castle. The castle has been boarded up since 2013 while a new owner is being sought. In 2021, a box…

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