Book review – I Am The Walker

Scotland’s open spaces are at the heart of the new novel by J M Robson. The life of the friendless 20-year-old geek Billy Donaldson, tormented by an abusive alcoholic father, a loveless mother and a deep lack of self-confidence, takes an unexpected twist when he decides to set off for the great Scottish outdoors for…

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Getting the elderly outdoors in a walking group

Older people in Stirling have been boosting their health in the great outdoors. It’s thanks to a partnership between a leading housing provider and Scotland’s walking charity. Bield and Paths for All have seen tenants at Strathallan Court benefit physically and mentally from joining a walking group, which takes older members of the community on…

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Charming stone-built Bothy hits the market

A charming stone-built cottage which couples modern style with idyllic island life is on the property market. The Bothy, on the scenic Isle of Jura, Inner Hebrides, offers buyers a rare opportunity to set up home on the highly sought-after island. Situated in the quiet community of Knockrome, the two-bedroom home provides far reaching sea…

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A relaxing day awaits at Spirit of Dragonfly

Dragonfly Yurts is hosting its annual Spirit of Dragonfly event this weekend. This is a day of workshops with experts in yoga, crystal meditation, astrology, sound and essential oils. Taking place within five handmade yurts at their Yurt Village in Pitlochry on Saturday, 1 September, this event was a sell out last year and has…

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Making the great outdoors more accessible to all

Those of us who enjoy the great outdoors appreciate the fact that one you’re on the hills and pathways of Scotland, the world is your oyster. Once you start trekking, that’s it – no need to bring out your bank cards or notes, unless you need to stop for a cup of tea – it…

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A tasty treat from the Mountain Cafe in Aviemore

Kirsten Gilmour, chef and owner of The Mountain Cafe in Aviemore, is as happy in the Highland hills as she is cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Kirsten pedals away the stresses and strains of life in the kitchen at The Mountain Cafe. When Kiwi chef travelled from London for a weekend of skiing in…

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Lots to do in the great outdoors at Drumlanrig

Families are being encouraged to make the most of the last few weeks of the summer holidays and get into the great outdoors. Hands on Ranger activities at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, situated on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, have proven popular this summer. Junior Ranger workshops, heritage tours, nature walks, outdoor…

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Enjoy Scotland’s dramatic dark skies under canvas

Families who enjoy the great outdoors can get together under the stars early next month. They are being offered the chance to join an overnight camp out beneath the dramatic dark skies of the Craigengillan Estate near Loch Doon – Europe’s first UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve – from Saturday, August 4 to Sunday, August 5.…

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Enjoy the great outdoors with a host of fun events

There’s a chance to enjoy the great outdoors in the company of experts, starting this weekend. From wild nights out to urban safaris, Aberdeen City Council’s countryside rangers are giving the city’s stay-cationers and tourists the opportunity of a memorable summer holiday with a host of free offbeat events. This Saturday (21 July) the team…

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Put your mind at ease and join the Big Butterfly Count

Wildlife broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough is urging people across Scotland to take part in the world’s biggest butterfly survey over the next three weeks. The Big Butterfly Count starts on Friday, July 20, and Butterfly Conservation president Sir David said that taking part not only generates important data on butterflies, but also provides…

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