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For whisky lovers, the Strathisla Distillery in Keith, Scotland, is a must-visit destination. Known as the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Strathisla has been producing fine whisky since 1786. Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or a curious newcomer, a visit to Strathisla offers an unforgettable experience that goes beyond just tasting whisky. The Strathisla Experience: A Taste of Heritage Scotland's whisky distilleries are scattered across its picturesque landscape, but few offer the blend of history, tradition, and exclusivity found at Strathisla. Located in the heart of the Highlands, the distillery is not just about producing whisky—it's about…

Stonehenge, one of the most iconic Neolithic monuments in the world, continues to intrigue researchers, with new studies shedding light on its purpose and significance. A recent analysis published in Archaeology International provides fresh insights into the enigmatic structure, revealing its role in uniting diverse communities across ancient Britain. Scientists now believe that Stonehenge was rebuilt not just for religious reasons, but also as a political monument, symbolizing alliances formed over vast distances. The Altar Stone: A Key Piece of the Puzzle One of Stonehenge's most distinctive features, the Altar Stone, has been at the center of this new research.…

How Reintroducing Wolves, Lions, and Leopards Could Help Scotland’s Ecosystem Scotland, renowned for its majestic landscapes, has long been missing a key element from its ecosystem: large predators. Once home to wolves, lynx, and bears, the country now faces a biodiversity crisis. But could reintroducing these apex predators help restore the country’s fragile ecosystems and provide new opportunities for farmers and local communities? If it can work in India and Kenya, why not in Scotland? The Scottish Highlands, with their sweeping hills and vast, untouched wilderness, offer an almost surreal landscape—one that, at first glance, could easily resemble the wild…

The Women’s Health Programme (WHP) has made significant strides in 2024, continuing its commitment to reducing gendered health inequalities and fostering a positive dialogue around women’s health. Delivered in support of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan (WHP), the programme has focused on raising awareness, challenging stigma, and amplifying women’s voices. Empowering Women’s Voices One of the most impactful aspects of the Women’s Health Programme in 2024 was the continued emphasis on women’s lived experiences. Through the WHP Lived Experience Stakeholder Group, women from across Scotland had the opportunity to directly influence policy and service design. This group met regularly,…

Exclusive by Hannah Brown, Political Correspondent A growing financial burden is threatening to force Afghan women studying in Scotland, particularly medical students, out of their education. The rise in visa and associated costs has led to a crisis for these students, some of whom are already struggling to meet the hefty financial demands required to continue their studies in the UK. A Call for UK Government Action The Scottish Government has intervened in response to the challenges faced by these students. Scottish Government Minister Jenny Gilruth has written to UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, urging the UK government to reimburse…

Fair Isle Primary School, located in the heart of the picturesque Fair Isle community, is seeking an enthusiastic and committed principal teacher to join its dedicated team. The vacancy presents a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to the education of children in a well-resourced school that serves a dynamic and welcoming island community. A Unique Opportunity for Educators The Shetland Islands Council has announced the opening for a principal teacher at Fair Isle Primary, a small yet thriving school that caters to students from early years to primary seven. The role offers an exceptional chance to work in a…

Police Scotland has revealed alarming statistics on the rising number of dangerous and illegal e-bikes being used on Scottish roads. Between January and September 2024, officers seized almost 300 e-bikes, many of which had been illegally modified to exceed speed limits and pose serious risks to public safety. A Growing Concern The figures, obtained by BBC Scotland News, highlight an escalating issue with electric bikes being ridden at dangerously high speeds, often on pavements. Police have reported a growing number of incidents in city centres, where these modified bikes, some reaching speeds of up to 40mph, are being used recklessly.…

The Scottish Government is set to establish a national flood advisory service aimed at improving the country’s preparedness for flooding and ensuring the widespread implementation of best practices. This initiative, announced on December 18, 2024, is part of a broader national flood resilience strategy designed to create more flood-resistant communities and environments. Objectives of the National Flood Advisory Service The new service will offer crucial support and guidance on building flood resilience across Scotland, providing expertise to delivery partners and local communities. One of the key functions will be to facilitate the governance framework necessary for advancing high-priority flood mitigation…

The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2023 has revealed important insights into cultural engagement across Scotland, shedding light on the attitudes, behaviors, and attendance patterns of Scots at cultural events and places throughout the year. The survey highlights a steady interest in cultural activities, particularly in cinema and live music, while also noting the continued importance of libraries as key venues for public engagement with culture. Overview of Cultural Engagement in 2023 The SHS report demonstrates that 76% of adults in Scotland attended a cultural event or visited a cultural place in the last 12 months, reflecting an increase from 74%…

Scotland has implemented a ban on the use of WhatsApp and other non-corporate messaging apps on government phones, following a review sparked by the UK's COVID inquiry. This decision aims to ensure that government business is conducted through secure and accountable communication channels. The Ban and Its Implications The new policy, announced on Tuesday by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, comes after an external review commissioned by former First Minister Humza Yousaf. As part of the initiative, not only WhatsApp but all non-corporate mobile messaging applications will be removed from official devices by next spring. Forbes explained that government communication…