Chris Muir

As the festive season draws near, many Scots are looking to reconnect with nature to unwind, de-stress, and recharge. NatureScot has compiled a list of the best winter walks across the country, offering an escape into Scotland’s beautiful landscapes. Whether you're after wildlife sightings, a scenic hike with friends, or some quiet time to reflect, these walks promise something for everyone. Embrace Nature for Health and Wellbeing Scotland’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities that boost both mental and physical health. According to Susan Luurtsema, Senior Adviser at NatureScot, spending time in nature, even for just 20…

Denis Law, one of Scotland’s greatest footballing icons and Manchester United's all-time legends, has passed away at the age of 84. His remarkable career, spanning both Scottish and English football, earned him a place in the hearts of fans across the globe. A Footballing Pioneer Born in Aberdeen in 1940, Denis Law made his mark on the football world from a young age. Despite his Scottish roots, he began his professional career south of the border, signing with Huddersfield Town at just 14 years old. His breakthrough came when he joined Manchester City for the 1960-61 season, before making a…

Scotland’s beauty shines brightly through the lens of its residents and visitors. From snow-covered landscapes to iconic landmarks, a selection of photos captured between January 10 and 17 highlights the country's stunning diversity. Below are some of the most striking images sent in by proud photographers. A Snowy Night in Aberdeenshire Keith Paton from Fyvie captured the serene beauty of a Jacob sheep standing in a snow-covered field under a clear, starry night. The moonlight illuminated the landscape, creating a peaceful, almost ethereal glow. The Glowing Ben Wyvis Dominic McArdle’s photograph of Ben Wyvis in the Highlands at sunrise is…

Fiji's national rugby team, the Flying Fijians, has confirmed that they will play two Test matches during the July/August international rugby window in 2025. The matches will be against the Wallabies (Australia) and Scotland, offering the team crucial opportunities to secure their place in the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings. Confirmed Test Dates and Opponents John Sanday, the new chairman of Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFU), the body overseeing rugby in Fiji, confirmed the matches with RNZ Pacific. The Flying Fijians are scheduled to face the Wallabies on July 6, followed by a match against Scotland the…

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is soaring into the future with the announcement of a new, state-of-the-art helicopter, the Airbus H145 D3, which promises to enhance its life-saving operations across Scotland. The new aircraft, currently in production, is set to replace the charity's existing EC 135 at its Aberdeen base later this year. A Giant Leap in Operational Capability SCAA’s decision to upgrade its fleet with the Airbus H145 D3 marks a significant step in the charity’s 12-year history and is the largest operational investment the charity has made to date. The new helicopter, with its twin-engine, five-rotor system, is…

Scotland has taken swift action to protect its agricultural sector by banning the import of cattle, pigs, and sheep from Germany after Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was discovered in water buffalo in Brandenburg. The announcement follows the detection of the disease, prompting heightened concern among the farming community in both Scotland and the UK. Increased Risk Level of FMD to Medium The Scottish Government has officially raised the risk level of FMD to medium, citing the ease with which the disease spreads through direct contact between animals and airborne transmission. While FMD does not pose a threat to human…

Scotland's head coach Gregor Townsend has named his squad for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, bringing both fresh faces and experienced veterans into the mix. From new additions to returning players, here are six key takeaways for Scotland fans ahead of the tournament. Fresh Blood: Fergus Burke's First Call-Up The standout inclusion in Townsend’s squad is Fergus Burke, the 25-year-old stand-off currently playing for Saracens. Burke qualifies for Scotland through his Glasgow-born grandfather and could make his debut during the tournament. Townsend has followed Burke's progress for several years and highlighted his ability to play both at stand-off and fullback,…

As Edinburgh prepares to implement its controversial visitor levy, UKHospitality Scotland has responded to the city’s revised proposal, expressing concerns while welcoming some key revisions. Visitor Levy Proposal: Concerns Over Impact on Businesses The proposal for a 5% levy on eligible bookings in Edinburgh has been met with mixed reactions from the hospitality sector. Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, emphasized that while the levy could be acceptable, it is crucial that its costs are kept to a minimum. The hospitality body has long advocated for businesses to be able to recover some of the costs associated with collecting…

In a dramatic turn of events, two lynx that were illegally released into the wild in the Scottish Highlands have been successfully captured. The footage of their capture has been widely shared, offering a rare glimpse into the efforts made to ensure the animals' safe retrieval. The Lynx's Unexpected Appearance The alarm was raised on Wednesday afternoon when two lynx were spotted near Kingussie, specifically in the Drumguish area, around 16:20. Their sudden appearance in the area sparked concern among local authorities and wildlife experts, especially as these animals are not native to the wilds of Scotland. The lynx, which…

A severe weather warning has led to the closure of hundreds of schools in northern Scotland as snowfall and freezing temperatures continue to grip the region. The Met Office has issued multiple alerts for snow, ice, and bitterly cold conditions, affecting daily life and prompting school shutdowns. Northern Scotland Faces Extreme Weather Conditions As the snowstorm intensifies, the Met Office has warned that snowfall could accumulate up to 10 cm in higher regions of northern Scotland. This harsh weather is expected to persist through Thursday, and the warning has now been extended until Friday. A ‘Yellow’ warning has been placed…