Tag Archives: Scotland

Ecosystems: Biodiversity In The British Isles (2023)

DW Documentary (May 19, 2023) – Human pollution is increasing worldwide. The overexploitation of nature is endangering biodiversity and plastics and chemicals are destroying many of humanity’s nature-based livelihoods.

But there is hope. The UK is not exactly known for its stringent environmental policy and following Brexit, many fear that standards are likely to deteriorate. But the UK is also home to coastal regions and islands characterized by wild beauty — and breathtaking diversity. The documentary takes us through some of the most remote landscapes of the country, from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall, the Hebrides and many other areas.

In each location, the film shows the amazing biodiversity of fauna and flora present. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales is known for large breeding colonies of many seabird species. Few people live on the Hebrides, located off Scotland. These wild islands are still a natural paradise of rocks, sand and moor. As such, they are biotopes for exotic species such as puffins and guillemots.

In this cinematic journey to the most beautiful natural sites in Britain, viewers meet the people who are trying to protect species threatened by extinction by preserving their habitats. It is a story of hope, one that indicates that a change in people’s thinking is taking place.

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Travel: Do Humans Or A.I. Provide Better Advice?

BBC Scotland (May 6, 2023) – Which source provides the most trustworthy tips on Glasgow’s attractions – artificial intelligence or the humans who live there? Craig Ferguson puts both options to the test.

Travel Films: ‘Winter In The Scottish Highlands’

Kirk Watson Filmmaker (May 4, 2023) – ‘Winter in the Scottish highlands’ is a drone showreel from the past winter seasons around Scotland filming.

The Scottish Highlands are a mountainous region encompassing northwest Scotland. Loch Ness is at the centre, overlooked by the ruins of medieval Urquhart Castle and known for mythical monster “Nessie”. Northeast, near the city of Inverness, dolphins swim in the Moray Firth. Southwest, in the Western Highlands, trails wind up Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s highest peak, and red deer roam Glencoe valley with its waterfalls.

June 2023 Cover: National Geographic Traveller UK

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National Geographic Traveller Magazine (June 2023). The latest issue features Canada’s greatest outdoor adventures, summer guides to Oslo and Lisbon, the quetzals and rivers of Costa Rica, and explores the Silk Road route of Central Asia.

Breaking bread: dining with sheep farmers in the Faroe Islands

Óli and Brim the dog, on the coast close to Velbastaður.
Óli and Brim the dog, on the coast close to Velbastaður.

​On their farm in the Faroe Islands, where the sheep roam the hillsides and the chickens put themselves to bed, Óli and Anna Rubeksen dish up a feast of local ingredients ranging from rhubarb to lamb hearts.

Also inside this issue:

Oman: A rich history and striking landscapes, from the Arabian coast to the Hajar Mountains.
Costa Rica: Explore Central America’s wildest corners, where quetzals hide and rivers lead to jungle lodges.
Laos: In a corner of this Southeast Asian country, life is shaped by the flow of the Mekong River.
Lisbon: Tram rides, street art and al fresco meals: Portugal’s lively capital is best explored outdoors.
Oslo: Summer is the perfect time to discover Norway’s flourishing premier city.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Discover this Balkan country’s turbulent history, wild nature and surprising food scene.
Barbados: Inventive food and drinks projects are redefining the Caribbean island’s culinary landscape.
Paris: The French capital beckons with accommodation options to suit every pocket.

Plus, it’s the anniversary of Vienna’s World Fair; new exhibitions in London; a taste of Corfu; archaeology and Indiana Jones in SyracuseManila’s design-led hotels; family trips to the UK seaside; sand, sherry and Spanish history in Cádiz; a Cornish escape to Falmouth; great reads on British nature; and packing essentials.

Profiles: ‘Two Lochs’ – UK’s Smallest Radio Station In The Scottish Highlands

Monocle Films (May 4, 2023) – Located in the north-western corner of the Scottish Highlands, Gairloch is a coastal village of about 700 people that known for its mountains, sea loch and rugged landscape.

Monocle paid a visit to Two Lochs, reportedly Britain’s smallest commercial radio station, which is nestled on Gairloch’s shores, run by a handful of volunteers and has built a loyal fan-base of global listeners.

May 2023 Cover: National Geographic Traveller UK

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National Geographic Traveller Magazine (May 2023). The cover story this month takes a fresh look at the classic destinations of Italy, a country that offers enough for a lifetime of discoveries. From a coastal road trip through Calabria to street art tours in Turin and dining in the shadow of Mount Etna, we round up 21 experiences that cast the peninsula in a different light.

This issue also comes with a free Ecuador guide. Inside, we discover the country’s striking wildlife and landscapes, try the dishes leading its culinary renaissance and meet is creative, resilient communities.

Also inside this issue:

Madagascar: The communities and eco-lodges preserving the island’s rich, endangered habitats.
Scotland: Canoe down the River Spey, the water of life for Caledonia’s malt whisky.
Germany
: Creativity, community and craftsmanship in the magical Black Forest. 
Kyoto
: Turn up the volume in Japan’s cultural heart, where live music fills cafes, bars and historic houses. 
Cape Town
: South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ is finding a new groove with edgy bars and excitinghotels.
Punkaharju
:Spend a weekend in the Finnish Lakeland.
Napa Valley:Discover local produce and craft beers in the US’s most famous wine region.
Mexico City:The Mexican capital’s hotel scene is booming in buzzing neighbourhoods.

‘Abyss Of Time’: How James Hutton Founded Geology & ‘Earth’s Age’ In Scotland

BBC News (March 26, 2023) – In the 1700s, geologist James Hutton discovered a rock formation in Scotland that transformed how we think about time. Through studying the rocky headland of Siccar Point, Hutton identified the existence of ‘deep time’ – proving that Earth is millions, not thousands, of years old.

James Hutton (1726–1797), a Scottish farmer and naturalist, is known as the founder of modern geology. He was a great observer of the world around him. More importantly, he made carefully reasoned geological arguments. Hutton came to believe that the Earth was perpetually being formed; for example, molten material is forced up into mountains, eroded, and then eroded sediments are washed away.

He recognized that the history of the Earth could be determined by understanding how processes such as erosion and sedimentation work in the present day. His ideas and approach to studying the Earth established geology as a proper science.

Walking Tour: Glasgow In Southwestern Scotland

Tourister (January 2023) – Glasgow, Gaelic Glaschu, city, west-central Scotland. It is situated along both banks of the River Clyde 20 miles (32 km) from that river’s mouth on the western, or Atlantic, coast. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, and it forms an independent council area that lies entirely within the historic county of Lanarkshire.

The city occupies much of the lower Clyde valley, and its suburbs extend into surrounding districts. Most important commercial and administrative buildings lie north of the Clyde. Area council area, 68 square miles (177 square km).

Scotland Views: Mains Castle In East Kilbride

John Carroll

John Carroll (December 2022) – East Kilbride is the largest town in South Lanarkshire in Scotland and the country’s sixth-largest locality by population. It was also designated Scotland’s first new town on 6 May 1947. 

Mains Castle lies just to the north of East Kilbride, and is easily visible from the public path around the loch of the James Hamilton Heritage Park. It is a free-standing rectangular tower house on a mound, with a square caphouse providing access to the wallwalk in one corner of the tower. Historically there were additional buildings clustered around the tower, but there are no traces of these now. Mains Castle is privately owned and is occupied.

Winter Walks: Christmas Market 2022 In Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market has been named the best in Europe by National Geographic. The most famous and main  Christmas  Market in the city is located at Princes Street Gardens.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.