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Royal watchers know every accessory tells a story — and Queen Camilla’s latest jewellery choice was no exception. On July 1st, at the Sovereign’s Garden Party in Edinburgh, the Queen quietly paid tribute to Scotland in the most regal way possible: with a sparkling nod to its national emblem pinned proudly to her shoulder. More than 8,000 guests gathered at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, braving the occasional drizzle to mingle with King Charles and Queen Camilla in the lush gardens. But it was that glittering brooch — Queen Mary’s Diamond Thistle Brooch — that had royal fans and jewellery lovers…

It’s not every day you catch a band from New Delhi lighting up a Glasgow stage with a cocktail of gypsy jazz, psychedelic cabaret and good old-fashioned space disco. But that’s exactly what’s on offer when Peter Cat Recording Co. land at The Garage on Sauchiehall Street this July. Set for July 19, their gig promises to be one of the most offbeat — and downright fascinating — live shows in the city’s bustling summer calendar. From Delhi to Sauchiehall Street: A Global Sound Formed in India’s buzzing capital back in 2010, Peter Cat Recording Co. (PCRC to their devoted…

How often do work nights out end up blurry, with regretful Monday hangovers and tales you’d rather forget? Scotland’s top health experts say it’s time we stop laughing it off — and start treating workplace drinking as the serious health risk it is. Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), the medical alliance fighting Scotland’s alcohol harm crisis, is using Alcohol Awareness Week to kick-start a blunt national conversation: Should booze be so normal in work culture? Scotland’s Stubborn Booze Problem Let’s not kid ourselves. Scotland has a deeply rooted relationship with drink — for better or worse. The latest…

School’s out, the sun’s (sometimes) shining, and parents across Scotland are hunting for ways to tire out the kids — and maybe themselves too! Luckily, Scotland has no shortage of epic days out that promise adventure, giggles, and a good night’s sleep for everyone afterwards. From zipping through treetops to splashing in tropical lagoons, here’s a peek at six of the best family-friendly adventure spots to make this summer one to remember. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park: Rollercoasters and Rainforest Magic One of Scotland’s long-time favourites, M&D’s in Motherwell, is still a sure-fire winner for kids of all ages. You’ll find…

A new directive from Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity has sparked an outcry from staff and the public alike. The Scottish SPCA has told its frontline workers they can no longer euthanise suffering animals themselves — meaning wounded wildlife may now endure painful, drawn-out deaths if no vet is immediately available. Until now, SSPCA inspectors could carry out on-the-spot euthanasia in the most dire cases, using a fast-acting drug combination that ensured a quick, painless passing. But as of last Thursday, that responsibility has been pulled from their remit. Why the New Rule Has Staff Worried For years, SSPCA staff…

It feels like a lifetime ago — those heady days of August 2014 when Scotland’s first independence referendum dominated every dinner table, high street and news bulletin. Eleven years on, it’s fair to ask: what’s shifted, and what’s still stuck in the same old groove? Back then, the world’s eyes turned to a nation debating its very future. I even penned a piece for The National Interest, giving a US perspective on what was at stake. But has Scotland become the place campaigners dreamed of? Or did the promises — and the fears — fade into something more complicated? The…

It’s a sight many drivers dread — a deer frozen in headlights, seconds before impact. Now, fresh research by NatureScot lays bare just how common these collisions really are. Around 1,850 vehicle collisions involving deer happen every year across Scotland, a number that’s barely budged since 2016. It’s not just about dented bumpers either. Each crash is a hazard to life — for both humans and wildlife — and the cost runs into millions when you add up repairs, insurance claims, and the emotional toll. Where Drivers Face the Highest Risk So where’s the danger greatest? NatureScot’s new mapping shows…

A fresh breeze, golden sand, and a hidden harbour like something out of a storybook — Scotland’s coastlines have made quite the splash this year. The Sunday Times has just dropped its eagerly-awaited Best UK Beaches guide for 2025, and Seacliff in East Lothian has nabbed the crown as Scotland’s beach of the year. Chris Haslam, the Sunday Times’ much-loved chief travel writer, did the hard miles. He toured 756 beaches in a campervan, scoring each one on water quality, cleanliness, dog-friendliness, and all the stuff that makes or breaks a beach day. His verdict? Scotland’s got coastal gems worth…

A Scottish initiative aimed at saving lives through digital support just got a big vote of confidence — and a fresh cash injection — from the government. Digital Lifelines Scotland, which helps people who use drugs stay safe and connected, will get £783,150 to keep its work going next year. Started back in 2021, the programme has become a quiet lifeline for thousands who’d otherwise slip through the cracks. With overdose deaths still among the highest in Europe, some say this digital thread is more vital than ever. Funding Boost Brings Fresh Hope The latest funding package isn’t pocket change.…

A new gem has joined Scotland’s luxury scene — Seaton House, a five-star boutique hotel in historic St Andrews, is already creating quite the buzz. At the heart of its promise? A blend of local culinary brilliance and world-class hospitality. A Culinary Star Draws Top Talent Michael Davern, the hotel’s new general manager, knows his way around high-end hotels. But what sealed the deal for him?Two words: Roy Ondine. Davern says the celebrated seafood maestro was a huge pull. Ondine’s name rings bells in foodie circles for his artful takes on Scotland’s coastal treasures.One line: It’s not every day a…