First killer whale match between Scotland and Norway

What is believed to be the first match of killer whales between Scotland and Norway has been made after experts identified three individuals photographed in southern Norway this month as part of a ‘mystery pod’ seen off Scotland’s west coast in 2018. The discovery solves a three-year enigma after the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust…

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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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Benriach adds a smoky whisky to its revamped range

Speyside distillery Benriach has released a brand new expression, Smoke Season, to add to its recently revamped portfolio. Celebrating the time of year where peated spirit runs through its stills, a tradition revived by the distillery over 50 years ago, Smoke Season is a small batch release that captures one of Benriach’s time-honoured seasonal production…

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Hotel bookings boost after re-opening confirmation

Crerar Hotels has reported a sharp spike in bookings following the announcement that travel restrictions would be lifted, and tourist accommodation able to re-open, on 26 April. The group, which boasts seven idyllic hotels and inns in some of Scotland’s most breath-taking locations, saw a 130 per cent week-on-week increase in booking revenues after Nicola…

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Bill Paterson narrates a history of ships and shipping

Scottish actor Bill Paterson has narrated the funny, sad and enlightening Hurricane Hutch’s Top 10 Ships of the Clyde. First published in 2013 this book is as much a social history as it is about ships and shipping. Bill Paterson’s uniquely recognisable voice brings a gentleness and authority to the storytelling, bringing alive Captain Robin…

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Speyside distillery enters the smoke season

Smoky whiskies are not traditionally associated with Speyside. Now creative Speyside distillery, Benriach, has released a brand new expression, Smoke Season, to add to its recently revamped portfolio. They have looked back through their archives and it’s clear that heavily peated single malts were the preferred palate of the region back in the 19th century.…

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See more of Scotland’s lochs from your armchair

Those keen to see more of our country and its lochs will be able to do so next week, from the comfort of our television screens. In the first programme of a new series of Grand Tours of Scotland’s Lochs, Paul Murton explores the lochs of Skye. He hears tales of the singer Donovan and his…

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East Haugh House launches Valentine’s Day dine at home box

A RESTAURANT near Pitlochry has launched the first dine at home experience in its 32-year history. East Haugh House’s “Valentine’s Dinner Box for Two” contains a three-course meal, designed with some elements to be prepared and cooked by customers, following instructions contained in the box. Available for mainland Scotland delivery by courier, as well as…

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Urgent plea to save Scotland’s rainforests

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for cash to help them save Scotland’s Atlantic oak woodlands. The sites, which stretch along the length of the west coast, are known as “Scotland’s rainforests” thanks to their high rainfall. The forests – which include birch and hazel, as well as oak – are home to specialist specials of plants, insects,…

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By the sea shore: The Seafood Shack cookbook

A trip to the coast is a free pass to indulge in the simple pleasures. Some collect seashells, others build sandcastles, and the day simply isn’t complete without sampling the Great Scottish Fruits de Mer.  Thanks to local lasses Kirsty Scobie and Fenella Renwick, such fabulous fare is not hard to come by in Ullapool.…

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