St Andrew’s Day to be a celebration of fairness

A collective celebration of arts, culture and social causes is coming to Scotland to mark St Andrew’s Day. The first nationwide Fair Saturday will take place on Saturday, 1 December, extending St Andrew’s Day  with a festival of cultural events that promote fairness and sharing while raising funds for good causes. Originating in Spain in…

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Crime writer Val is new Scottish Book Trust patron

Scots crime writer Val McDermid has been appointed as the new patron of the Scottish Book Trust. The national charity transforming lives through reading and writing has a long-time supporter in Val, one of the biggest names in crime writing and her novels have been translated into 40 languages, selling over 15 million copies worldwide.…

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More protection wanted for Scottish landscapes

Scots want their scenic landscapes to be better protected. That’s the result of a survey commissioned by conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland, which reveals overwhelming support for greater measures to protect Scotland’s best scenery. The online survey of a sample of 1,229 people representative of Scotland’s population by age and gender was commissioned…

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Rural innovators are honoured with their awards

Five projects and organisations from across Scotland have been named as outstanding examples of rural innovation by winning Scottish Rural Innovators Awards. Held every two years, the awards are organised and hosted by Scottish Rural Action to highlight excellence in rural innovation in meeting the needs of rural communities. The winning projects will all be…

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Nature-depleted Scotland needs new era of rewilding

A sticking plaster approach to conservation is failing Scotland’s wildlife – and species such as red squirrel, wild cat and capercaillie are declining or on the edge of extinction. The only thing that can help save them all is a new era of massive rewilding is needed, according to a landmark new book from Trees…

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Six of the best spa hotels in Scotland

Holidays in Scotland can mean a myriad of different things – walking in the Highlands, dining at Michelin star inns, historic tours of ancient cities, country pursuits, or relaxing in some of the country’s most elegant spas. From country house hotels with the most exceptional pools and hydrotherapy offerings, to a cutting edge city oasis…

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GPs can now prescribe a healthy dose of nature

Nature is being prescribed by Scottish GPs, as part of a pioneering partnership project. A partnership project between NHS Shetland and RSPB Scotland, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been extended following a successful pilot. All of Shetland’s GPs are now able to prescribe nature as part…

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Entrepreneur plays her part in £1million fundraiser

A Scots entrepreneur joined Sir Richard Branson on a charity fundraiser that raised more than £1million. Jill Henry, the founder of urban cycle clothing brand Meander Apparel, joined Sir Richard and his son Sam, in completing the month-long Virgin Strive Challenge 2018 at the weekend, to support the Big Change Charitable Trust. The endurance adventure began…

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Museum success can be focus of Scottish cultural summit

The successful openings of new museums in Scotland has led to a call to drive forward Scottish culture. The triumph of Scotland’s new museum of design, the V&A in Dundee, and the new Kirkcudbright Galleries, has seen Dumfries and Galloway Council leader Elaine Murrays suggest a summit where local authorities can share their experiences in…

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Awards are holding out for a rural hero

The search is now on for a hero of Scotland’s rural life. Each year the Scottish Rural Awards honours someone or a group which has made a huge difference to others. The Rural Hero category aims to highlight rural Scotland’s unsung heroes and community champions. This individual will have worked for the greater benefit of…

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