Rural communities stand up to Chris Packham

Around 150 rural workers staged a demonstration in Perth last night (Tuesday), protesting against what they say is broadcaster Chris Packham’s ‘relentless drive’ to wreck their livelihoods. The BBC presenter – an outspoken critic of fieldsports – was giving a talk on nature photography at Perth Concert Hall. However, his appearance was met with a…

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The moor the merrier with affordable shooting

Grouse shooting doesn’t need to cost the earth and a day of walked-up shooting can bring you closer to mother nature than ever before. A dozen exhausted bodies collapsed into the thick heather at the mention of lunch – it had been a strenuous morning, and with six brace in the bag it had been…

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Harsh winters have hit Scotland’s woodland birds

Harsh winter weather is thought to be a factor in a short-term decline in woodland birds between 2017 and 2018. Official statistics published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) track the abundance of Scotland’s terrestrial breeding birds using results from the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey. The latest figures show that while farmland and upland birds remained…

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Reintroducing the golden eagle to the south

‘The whole air is a thoroughfare for the eagle.’ I thought of these words of Euripides as I sat on the rocky shore, fringed by ancient oak woods, and watched a pair of golden eagles dance in the sky high above. I had been studying one of them as it sat silhouetted and motionless on…

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Ethics and beauty at Scotland’s festival of silver and gold

Elements, Scotland’s festival showcase for the finest gold, silver and jewellery will include collections that combine beauty and exquisite craftsmanship with ethical and environmental issues. The event, which is organised by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh in partnership with fine art auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull and runs from 8 to 10 November, will feature…

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Glenalmond pupils enter into spirit of squirrel survey

Pupils from Glenalmond College in Perthshire have been entering into the spirit of the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey and counting red squirrels as part of the national initiative. Scotland is home to 75% of Britain’s red squirrels and the staff and pupils of Glenalmond College are proud that the school’s 300 acres of grounds are…

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Our guide to Scottish wildlife spots continues

Scottish Field’s guide to the best places to enjoy the best of the country’s wildlife continues. We bring you 10 more places to go and see some of the fantastic creatures we have – at land, at sea and in the air – and where we recommend to see them. Click to read PART ONE…

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Seven bedrooms by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond

A striking seven-bedroom property on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond is now on the market. Presented by Savills, Gartochraggan dates back to around 1800, the property has been formed though extensions and refurbishments following the acquisition of neighbouring properties to create the superb family home that stands today. Constructed of white harled stone under…

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Another 10 great places to spot Scottish wildlife

Scotland’s wildlife is incredible diverse, with birds, mammals and lizards to be found all over. We’re presenting the third part of our handy guide, to help you know where to go, to see the wildlife you want to see. HERE is the first part and the second can be found HERE. Happy spotting! 21. River…

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Take a bough to restore the Caledonian pine forest

Through his Trees for Life project, Alan Watson Featherstone has made it his life’s work to restore Glen Affric’s ancient pine forest. There’s a certain irony to meeting Alan outside the massive Vue Cinema in Inverness, for the city’s sprawling urbanisation is a far cry from the conservationist’s usual habitat. Featherstone has been at the…

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