Nature
Secretive and rarely seen, the European Pine Marten, (martes martes) is about the size of a cat. It can be ferocious, with sharp teeth and claws which help it to hunt birds and rodents. By Cherry Alexander Dark brown on their backs and with a distinctive yellow bib, this is
Heritage
The “richest man in the world” at the turn of the century, Scottish-born American industrialist Andrew Carnegie purchased his beloved Skibo castle in 1898 and turned it into one of the finest private residences of its time. Considered the father of modern philanthropy, he gave grants to create 2509 free
Tourism
Waterfalls are often seen as symbols of nature’s raw power and beauty. With Atlantic salmon travelling through the Kyle of Sutherland river systems to return to their spawning grounds, watching the salmon leap out of the water to traverse the waterfalls can be awe inspiring. By Silvia Muras Achness
Place-names
Gaelic, Norse, Brittonic? A look into the history and origins of place names in and around our area By Silvia Muras The river Evelix, from the Scottish Gaelic Éibhleag, ‘ember’, refers to a sparkling stream. The Allt a’ Ghuail, or ‘coal burn’ in Strath Chuileannaich is a tributary of the
Archives
Films
Release date (UK): 2023 | Country: Japan, Germany | Running time: 124 min | Genres: Drama | Director: Wim Wenders | Starring: Koji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano. | BBFC PG By Jack Weir Perfect Days is the latest film from German director Wim Wenders of Paris, Texas fame. The film follows Hirayama, a man in
Books
Ardgay Girl, by Lily Byron By Liz Treacher, Author I f you have read and enjoyed Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee, you will love Ardgay Girl (Byron, 2023) by local author Lily Byron. It’s a journey back in time, a dive into Highland life in the post-war era
Nature
Common frogs are one of the only six native species of amphibians found in Scotland. They come to ponds to breed during the spring and spend much of the rest of the year feeding on dry land. They generally appears shiny and wet, in contrast to the dryness of a
Place-names
Gaelic, Norse, Brittonic? A look into the history and origins of place names in and around our area By Silvia Muras Loch Mhic Mharsaill probably contains the name of a son of William Mareschal, a squire to Hugh of Ross, Lord of Fylorth and brother of William III, Earl of
Archives
Films
Release date (UK): 2023 | Country: USA | Running time: 206 min | Genres: Crime Drama | Director: Martin Scorsese | Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone. | BBFC 15 By Jack Weir Martin Scorsese’s latest film is an epic historical crime drama about the murders of Osage Native Americans that took place
Books
The Last Witch of Scotland, by Philip Paris By Liz Treacher, Author I love to read novels about the area penned by other local writers. So it was with great excitement that I picked up The Last Witch of Scotland (Black & White 2023) by Philip Paris. Philip has already