Five great places to spot the Painted Lady invasion

Nature lovers across the country are gearing up for a once-a-decade treat as summer draws to a close, with large clouds of Painted Lady butterflies fluttering through Scotland. The typical wet, Scottish summer has provided the perfect environment for the speckled, burnt-orange coloured creatures – it’s even anticipated the numbers could be higher this year…

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Ducking and diving – the tale of the eider duck

The much-loved eider duck is a conservation success story, but its insatiable appetite for Scotland’s finest shellfish has made it a raft of new enemies. Scouring the beach at Tentsmuir in Fife, as I walk, I’m constantly scanning the horizon with my binoculars, searching for waders and watching large seals haul themselves out of the…

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Call for bigger fines and jail terms for wildlife crime

People convicted of wildlife crimes should receive bigger fines and longer prison sentences than currently available says Scottish Land & Estates, the organisation which represents landowners and rural businesses. The Scottish Government recently launched its consultation on wildlife crime, such as deer poaching, hare coursing and bird of prey persecution, and SLE says that those…

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Attractive modern home in the centre of Scotland

A beautiful modern family home within easy distance of central Scotland is now available for sale. Cluan House is presented for sale by Savills, and is situated along with one other property beside East Lodge of the old Dunira Estate. The property was designed by local architects The James Denholm Partnership and has many of…

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Vital role of grouse moors to Scotland

The vital contribution of grouse moors to jobs, tourism and wildlife conservation in remote areas of Scotland has been heralded on the Glorious Twelfth. As Rottal Estate in the Angus Glens hosted the first party to go out on the Glorious Twelfth, rural communities backed the pursuit as vital to their long-term sustainability. Industry experts…

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Ten fantastic places to visit in… the Cairngorms

The Cairngorms may not be in the heart of central Scotland, but they are worth beating a path to. The area is rich in history, from royalty to railways, with so much to see and do. Here’s 10 things we recommend. BALMORAL CASTLE Balmoral was built for Queen Victoria in 1855 as a private holiday…

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Top dog walks in the north east, as recommended by you

Venturing out into the fresh air with your four-legged friends is easily one of the best pastimes.  One of the most beautiful areas in Scotland to explore is the north east – with beaches, forests and all manner of trails, there is more than enough entertainment to exercise those energetic legs. Providing you with some…

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What an estate to get into – a Highland haven

A unique opportunity to purchase a private estate with exceptional quality stalking and fishing on the spectacular Knoydart Peninsula. Kilchoan Estate provides the perfect secluded getaway with spectacular inland and coastal views to Skye, Rum and the other Small Isles beyond. Presented for sale by Bidwells, Kilchoan Estate is located on the Knoydart Peninsula, approximately…

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Delightful amenity estate with A-listed home at its heart

An A-listed Georgian country house with the main reception rooms, eight principal bedrooms, and a number of estate cottages is for sale. Nestled within the Nairn Valley, Holme Rose is an attractive residential and amenity estate close to the Moray Firth, with lovely views overlooking the policies towards the Nairn River, presented for sale by…

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The butterfly making a big Scottish comeback

A beautiful blue butterfly which has been struggling for the last 40 years could be making a comeback in Scotland, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation can reveal. The Common Blue is the most widespread of the UK’s blue butterflies and during the record-breaking hot weather in 2018, the butterfly’s numbers increased by 29% across Scotland compared…

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