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For those who dream of experiencing Scotland in unparalleled luxury, The Royal Scotsman by Belmond offers a rail journey through the Highlands that’s nothing short of opulent—if you can stomach the price. Channel 4’s recent show All Aboard! Scotland’s Poshest Train, hosted by Alan Cumming, lets viewers indulge in the fantasy of this sumptuous rail journey without the hefty £7,000 price tag. Cumming’s exploration of the train, which runs seasonally through some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes, is part insider’s guide, part travel escapism. He joins the trip both as a passenger and staff member, immersing himself in the extravagant…

Scotland paused on Armistice Day to honor those who gave their lives in conflicts across the world, with services of commemoration taking place across the country. On Sunday, 11 November, Scotland joined in the annual tradition of a two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. to reflect on the sacrifices made during times of war. A Day of Remembrance The solemn observance marks the signing of the Armistice of 1918, which brought an end to the fighting of World War I. Since then, the day has become an occasion to remember not only those lost in the Great War but also all…

Amid the hum of modern machinery and automation, the artisans at McMillan Coppersmiths in Prestonpans, East Lothian, uphold centuries-old methods in handcrafting copper stills for whisky distilleries. Here, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, traditional craftsmanship merges with the precision and artistry required to create copper pot stills—a staple in Scotland's famed whisky production. A Symphony of Hammer Strikes Inside McMillan’s fabrication hall, the rhythmic pounding of hammers on copper reverberates throughout. Skilled coppersmiths wield hefty mallets, steel hammers, and metalworking tools, shaping flat sheets of copper into the iconic stills that are indispensable to whisky production. Terms like “planishing” and…

The festive season is officially beginning for Glasgow, as the highly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-on event is set to light up the city on Sunday, 17 November 2024. For many, this marks the start of the most magical time of the year, with entertainment, music, and holiday cheer filling the streets of Glasgow. Event Overview: A Night to Remember Held at the heart of the city in George Square, this year’s event promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before. Glasgow’s iconic Christmas lights will be switched on with a spectacular evening of entertainment, performances, and festivities that will…

Protesters from across the Scottish Borders are vehemently opposing plans for the construction of massive pylons to carry wind farm-generated electricity into England. The proposed project, part of a £58bn national grid upgrade, is drawing sharp criticism from local communities who are concerned about the environmental and visual impact of these towering structures. The Pylon Plans: A 50-Mile Route Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) has announced plans to connect a new electricity substation near Lauder, Scotland, with existing overhead lines near Carlisle, England, via a series of 60-meter (197-foot) steel pylons. These giant structures would be positioned every 200 meters…

In the remote woodlands of Scotland, a bold new conservation tactic is being used to protect the critically endangered capercaillie, a majestic bird on the brink of extinction. Conservationists are hoping that a combination of innovative methods, including a diversionary feeding strategy, might just help save the species. A Bold Strategy: Diversionary Feeding At Abernethy Forest, a key habitat for the capercaillie, conservationist Jack Bamber is experimenting with a strategy known as diversionary feeding. His approach is simple: place piles of deer meat around the forest to lure predators away from capercaillie eggs and chicks. The goal is to draw…

A striking new public art installation has taken center stage outside the Allianz Field stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. The towering steel sculpture, named The Calling, depicts a majestic loon, Minnesota's state bird, frozen mid-call with its wings fully outstretched. Designed by renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott, who is best known for his iconic Kelpies sculptures in Scotland, this new piece is both a homage to the region’s natural beauty and a bold statement for the local community. The Artist Behind the Sculpture Andy Scott’s name is perhaps most synonymous with the Kelpies—two 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures located in Falkirk, Scotland.…

Motherwell FC has officially opened a Memorial Garden at Fir Park, offering a tranquil space for fans and local residents to reflect on the memories of their loved ones. The garden, which has been brought to life through months of hard work by volunteers and local businesses, stands as a testament to the strong sense of community that surrounds the club. A New Space for Remembrance On November 6th, 2024, the Memorial Garden was unveiled by Provost Kenneth Duffy, marking a significant milestone in a project that transformed an untidy patch of land into a peaceful haven. The garden, nestled…

Scotland's Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) is gearing up for its 2025 edition, with an exciting new twist: a former First Minister will headline one of the most anticipated events of the festival. From March 12th to 30th, 2025, the city will play host to a comedy extravaganza, bringing laughter, lively debates, and even some bookish banter. A Political Twist in the Comedy Spotlight Among the big names on the Glasgow International Comedy Festival’s (GICF) 2025 roster, one of the most surprising is the appearance of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Sturgeon, known for her political prowess, will swap the…

Edinburgh, Scotland – Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, a Scottish Conservative MSP and health spokesperson, has been hailed as a hero after saving the life of a man who collapsed and stopped breathing at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Dr. Gulhane, who is also a GP, was on hand to provide immediate life-saving treatment when the man, who had been waiting in a queue to visit the Holyrood building, suddenly collapsed near the entrance. Without a pulse and unresponsive, the man was in critical condition when Dr. Gulhane and a team of first responders stepped in to help. Heroic Response Dr. Gulhane,…