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His 1773 tour of Scotland’s rugged west gave birth to one of travel literature’s sharpest, driest, and most enduring critiques of paradise When the Englishman Samuel Johnson set sail for the Western Isles of Scotland in 1773, he wasn't chasing golden sunsets or balmy beaches. He wasn’t trying to write the next breezy bestseller about charming locals and quaint cobblestone villages. In fact, Johnson, the famously curmudgeonly lexicographer, essayist, and intellectual, didn’t seem particularly thrilled to be going at all. But go he did — and from that reluctant journey emerged A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, a…

As tartan-clad retailers nervously tally stock, Scotland has announced that from autumn 2026, stores with more than 50 employees must curb promotions on foods and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). The move brings Scotland’s rules closer to those in England and Wales, while sparing meal deals and temporary price cuts for now. Shoppers will still see candy bars and fizzy drinks on shelves—but fewer multi‑buy bargains or checkout temptations. Meanwhile, freestanding displays and non‑prepacked goods dodge the new restrictions, leaving some question marks over long-term impact on health and retail margins. Two-Tier Rollout: What’s In and What’s…

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has returned to Scottish waters this summer, launching a series of scenic sailings from Rosyth aboard its 1,325-passenger ship, Balmoral, in a move expected to boost regional cruise tourism and offer rare close-to-home options for Scottish holidaymakers. The cruise line will operate eight bespoke departures between June and August 2025 from the Fife port, with itineraries spanning everything from volcanic Iceland and the Arctic glow of Norway’s Midnight Sun to the cultural capitals of the Baltic and the dramatic western isles of Scotland. Scenic Voyages From Scotland’s Heartland Rosyth, located just north of Edinburgh, will serve…

Accountancy giant strengthens its presence in the capital with move to Semple Street, signaling confidence in Scottish market. EDINBURGH | May 22, 2025 — Business advisory and accountancy powerhouse BDO is deepening its commitment to Scotland by securing a 10-year lease on a new office in Edinburgh’s financial hub. The firm is relocating to 30 Semple Street, where it will occupy 8,176 square feet of modern workspace, replacing its current offices at City Point, Haymarket Terrace. Strategic Property Expansion The new Edinburgh premises form part of a broader strategy by BDO to modernize and optimize its national office footprint. The…

The Shetland Islands are in mourning after a teenage boy died in a tragic jet ski accident near Lerwick, Scotland’s northernmost town. Kyle McLean, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene after the jet ski he was riding crashed into a pier at Gremista marina on April 22. A 17-year-old boy, also involved in the crash, was rushed to the hospital but survived. Police Scotland confirmed that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing. 'To Know Kyle Was to Love Him' A family friend, Dawn Hatch, paid tribute to Kyle through an emotional post on a JustGiving fundraising…

The Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards 2025 are now open for entries, with nominations sought from across Scotland’s media landscape to honour exceptional journalism focused on refugee and asylum issues. Organised by the Scottish Refugee Council in partnership with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the awards spotlight stories that foster greater public understanding of forced migration, while championing accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity in coverage of people seeking protection in Scotland. Categories and Eligibility Entries are open to journalists, editors, independent media, and members of the public who wish to nominate impactful reporting. The awards will recognise standout work across…

Train services between Aberdeen and Dyce were suspended late Saturday night after a car ploughed into a stone parapet wall on a road bridge above the railway line, causing significant structural damage and triggering a major safety response. The crash, which occurred on Donbank Terrace in Aberdeen, led to the immediate closure of the railway line below as debris scattered onto the tracks and the integrity of the bridge was called into question. According to Network Rail, engineers deemed the line unsafe to operate until repairs can be completed. Major Disruption as Emergency Repairs Begin The collision was first reported…

Scotland’s rugged beauty has once again taken centre stage as two of its most dramatic walking trails — Corrieshalloch Gorge and Grey Mare’s Tail — have been named among the UK’s most picturesque routes by Countryfile, reaffirming the nation’s status as a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the trails were highlighted alongside celebrated destinations across England and Wales, including Dorset’s chalk cliffs and Cumbria’s ancient woodlands. But the Scottish sites, noted for their geological drama and remote tranquillity, stood apart for their raw, untamed appeal. Where Waterfalls Meet Wildness Corrieshalloch Gorge,…

Women in Scotland are set to receive better and more standardised miscarriage care over the next two years, following the launch of a new framework backed by £1.5 million. The plan aims to expand access to early pregnancy support, ensuring women get the care they need without unnecessary delays. A New Model for Miscarriage Support Health boards across Scotland have been tasked with introducing a graded model of miscarriage care within the next 15 months. The goal? To make early pregnancy care more accessible and provide support for those experiencing recurrent miscarriage, regardless of location. For years, women have often…

Scotland is bracing for a spell of unsettled weather over the coming days, with heavy bursts of rain expected to move across the region. The weather is predicted to turn significantly worse as Monday, September 23, progresses, with conditions worsening further by Tuesday, September 24. Heavy Rain to Sweep Across Northern Scotland According to BBC meteorologist Gillian Smart, the rain will start affecting northern Scotland around 4 p.m. on Monday, gradually working its way southward throughout the evening. The heavy rainfall will bring bursts of intense showers, which could lead to localized flooding in certain areas. Scots in the northern…