The relaxing power of going fishing

Award-winning novelist and journalist David Profumo’s latest book centres around the restorative power of being at one with nature, particularly while fishing. Those with a passion for fishing often talk of its therapeutic qualities, all-too-often triggering an eye-roll from those less enamoured of the pastime. Profumo, however, convinces even the most hesitant reader to acquaint…

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Stepping up fight against homelessness

The Sheltersuit Foundation is a non-profit social venture which designs and manufactures products that provide immediate shelter to people experiencing homelessness. Sheltersuit UK, a branch of the foundation, is collaborating with Vango, one of Europe’s leading camping and outdoor equipment brands, to produce its Sheltersuits and Shelterbags. Established in the Netherlands in 2014, the Sheltersuit…

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Our Isles and Oceans looks for new young sailors

A new campaign, Our Isles and Oceans, has launched in Scotland which will create funded programmes for young people affected by the pandemic and lockdown. The Our Isles and Oceans mission statement is ‘Youth Opportunity and Professional Development for Sustainable Livelihoods’ and intends on, through the vehicle of sport and business, highlighting the importance of…

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Huge demand to buy in rural Scotland despite pandemic

Brexit and Covid-19 are proving no barrier to people wanting to purchase rural property in Scotland. In the face of Brexit negotiations and the global pandemic, 2020 was an extraordinary year for the Scottish estate market: it has entered a new era, where newly perceived attributes are enhancing its appeal and subsequent value. Analysis of…

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The 2021 Turriff Show is cancelled by COVID

This year’s Turriff Show, the largest two-day agricultural show in Scotland, been cancelled due to the continued uncertainty of hosting large scale events during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Show was due to take place on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 August at The Haughs, Turriff. And 2021 President Alan Gaul, speaking on behalf…

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Footpath funding to increase access

SOME of Scotland’s best-loved paths are being revamped with fresh funding to remove barriers and improve access for all. NatureScot, the Scottish Goverment agency known previously as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), is funding almost £111,000 of improvements to the path network. The cash covers many of Scotland’s long-distance walks, such as the West Highland Way.…

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Visitors flock to nature reserves and urban green spaces

MORE than one million visitors have flocked to Scotland’s national nature reserves this year, while use of urban green spaces is also up, according to NatureScot. The agency, formerly Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), said around 650,000 people normally visit the country’s 43 national nature reserves each year. That figure swelled during the intitial spring lockdown,…

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Scottish countryside dominates ‘best kept secrets’ list

SCOTLAND has dominated a series of lists of the “best kept secrets of the UK countryside“. Scottish locations finished top of the tables for beaches, parks, and routes for hikes. Newburgh in Aberdeenshire topped the beach list, followed by Polin near Kinlochbervie, and Embo near Dornoch. The Berwickshire coast path was the top hiking route,…

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Easy festive styling tips from an expert

You don’t have to be a design guru to make your home feel special this Christmas writes Kate Henderson, owner of Henderson’s Garden & Home Store in Melrose. PEOPLE worry they are not creative enough or might get something wrong when it comes to trying out new ideas at Christmas. But if you use what…

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Review: ‘Sittingsuits you, sir!’

Elis Elliot climbs inside a Sittingsuit to put the ‘sleeping bag you can wear’ through its paces. TIME spent in the great outdoors has always been instrumental in improving our physical and mental health, but that’s never been more important than it is right now. As the seasons change and we are forced to socialise…

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