Dayna Bass

Christmas in Scotland is a magical time of year, where winter charm, festive traditions, and stunning landscapes come together to create an unforgettable experience. From festive lights illuminating ancient streets to cozy evenings spent by the fire, here are 10 reasons why Christmas in Scotland is the best time of year. 1. The Festive Atmosphere in Edinburgh Edinburgh is renowned for its breathtaking Christmas markets and winter festivals. The capital comes alive with festive lights, ice skating rinks, and a dazzling Christmas tree in Princes Street Gardens. The city's medieval charm makes it a magical setting for the holiday season.…

Traveling across Europe this holiday season? While the charm of festive markets and scenic winter landscapes is alluring, travelers are facing significant hurdles due to widespread transport strikes across Italy, France, Portugal, Scotland, the UK, and Spain. Here’s a country-by-country breakdown of the disruptions and how they might impact your journey. Italy – Public Transport Strikes Through January Italy is grappling with strikes across its public transport networks, creating hurdles for both locals and tourists. Nationwide Strikes: On 10 January, a four-hour nationwide strike will affect buses, trams, metro lines, commuter trains, and ferries. Long-distance trains and taxis will remain…

A heart-wrenching story from Falkirk reveals how one mother’s love transcended even death. Kirsten Bell, a 51-year-old hairdresser, made sure that her children would feel her presence on Christmas morning, even after her tragic passing. Kirsten’s children, Morgan (19) and Lyla (16), will have gifts from their mum to unwrap this holiday season, a gesture she carefully planned before losing her battle with terminal cancer. The story is a touching reminder of the lengths a mother will go for her children, no matter the circumstances. A Mother's Last Act of Love Before Kirsten passed away in early December, she made…

Adam Golebiewski, a teenage footballer from Banff, Scotland, who lost both his legs in a devastating car crash, has made a remarkable recovery. Just months after undergoing a double amputation, Adam is now walking again with the help of prosthetic legs, just in time to celebrate Christmas with his family. A Life Changed in an Instant Adam, 17 at the time, was a passenger in a car that crashed on Union Road in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, in the early hours of September 8, 2024. The crash left Adam with severe injuries, and doctors had to amputate both his legs below the…

Castlemilk Park in Glasgow has been officially recognized as Scotland’s 100th Local Nature Reserve, marking a significant achievement in a 15-year project aimed at transforming the green space into a vibrant community and wildlife haven. A Long Road to Transformation The transformation of Castlemilk Park began in 2009, led by Cassiltoun Housing Association in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and Paths for All, a charity dedicated to promoting walking. In 2011, the appointment of a community woodland officer, Stuart Whittaker, became a key milestone. Working closely with local residents, Whittaker focused on enhancing the park’s biodiversity, which now supports a…

As Christmas draws near, Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has renewed her call for Scotland’s national football games to be broadcast on free-to-view television. With the backing of politicians, supporters, and football fans across the country, Mackay is urging the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, to work with her to make this long-awaited goal a reality. Mackay’s campaign, which has gained significant traction over the years, seeks to end the growing reliance on subscription streaming services or expensive pay-per-view channels to watch Scotland’s international matches. The issue, Mackay argues, is increasingly pushing fans away from the sport due…

Susannah Morgan’s life took an unexpected turn after a benign tumor in her neck threatened her smile. But with the help of an innovative new technique using hologram technology, she avoided permanent facial paralysis and is now smiling again—thanks to her surgeon's pioneering approach. The Risk of Losing a Smile When Susannah Morgan, a 45-year-old mother from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with a pleomorphic adenoma in her neck, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. While the tumor was benign, there was a looming fear: the surgery needed to remove it might result in a crooked smile or even facial paralysis. She…

As winter approaches, pensioners may need extra support to cope with rising energy bills. The Winter Fuel Payment is a government initiative designed to assist with heating costs during the cold months. However, recent changes to eligibility have made it more difficult for some to qualify for this financial help. Here's everything you need to know about the Winter Fuel Payment and how the rules have changed for 2024. What is the Winter Fuel Payment and How Have the Rules Changed? The Winter Fuel Payment is a benefit previously available to all pensioners, designed to help with winter heating costs.…

In a unique opportunity for buyer members, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is hosting an exclusive fam trip at Edinburgh Zoo on Thursday, 20th March 2025. This day-long event promises an unforgettable experience with an in-depth look at the zoo's conservation efforts and wildlife exhibits. Exploring Edinburgh Zoo: A Gateway to Conservation Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo offers a diverse range of animals and conservation programs. Over 2,500 animals call the zoo home, from charming penguins to Scotland's only sloths. A key mission of RZSS is to educate the…

A recently discovered fragment of music found in the pages of Scotland’s first full-length printed book is shedding light on the soundscape of five centuries ago. The piece, part of a sacred text called The Aberdeen Breviary, offers rare insight into pre-Reformation Scotland’s musical traditions and is the only surviving piece of music from the region from that time. The Discovery Researchers from Edinburgh College of Art and KU Leuven in Belgium have been examining the fragment, which contains only 55 notes. The music is thought to have originated in the early 16th century, offering a glimpse into the sacred…