As Scotland’s Climate Week gets underway, a 127 year-old hoverfly is among the first insect specimens to be digitised as part of a major new project led in Scotland by National Museums Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
The specimen is a Pine hoverfly (Blera fallax), which entered the Museum’s collection in 1899. Blera fallax became critically endangered in Scotland and almost disappeared from the wild by the 2000 before successful efforts were made to reintroduce it in the wild in the Cairngorms National Park.
The DiSSCo UK project in Scotland aims to create approximately 700,000 digital records of specimens held in Scotland’s natural science collections. The project in Scotland will initially run for two years and will see more than 250,000 insects from National Museums Scotland and 388,000 herbarium specimens from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh become digitally accessible to all.
The value of the project in documenting Scotland’s natural history is illustrated by the way in which plant specimens from the same region are also being digitised by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, such as Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris).
The Scots pine of the Caledonian Forest is a key species for the habitat of the Pine hoverfly, with the insects using rot holes in the trees for the development of their larvae. The specimen in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was collected in Aviemore in 1975.
Dr Vladimir Blagoderov, Principal Curator, Invertebrates at National Museums Scotland, said: “It’s very pleasing to have started work on this important work digitally documenting and making accessible this really useful and valuable information about Scotland’s natural environment and how it has changed and will continue to change over time.”
DiSSCo UK [https://dissco-uk.org/] (Distributed System of Scientific Collections UK), is a £155 million, 10-year national programme to digitise and connect the UK’s natural science collections.
The programme is funded through the UKRI Infrastructure Fund and delivered by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) in partnership with the Natural History Museum and over 100 partners across the UK.
In addition to material from the Scottish national collections, the project will also see digital records created for 85,000 plant specimens held by Glasgow Life, 1200 insects from The Hunterian, 2400 specimens from Shetland Museum & Archives including plants, algae and fungi as well as 1400 plant, lichen and moss specimens from The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen.
It is hoped that future phases will encompass more of the collections of existing participants and also widen in scope to include more of Scotland’s natural science collecting institutions.
Month-long programme to tackle knife crime makes it’s mark
Throughout September, communities across Edinburgh have taken part in activities designed to help people understand the risks associated with carrying knives and explore how to prevent violence.
The 27-foot Knife Angel sculpture, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades, has provided a powerful focal point for conversations about the devastating impact of violence and knife crime.
As part of the programme, 500 pupils were funded to attend Code at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The gritty theatre production explores county lines gangs and violence through rap, parkour and BMX stunts.
The performance prompted important discussions among pupils, teachers and peers about the realities and consequences of violence.
Pupils from 13 high schools also attended Balisong, an educational play about knife crime produced by Strange Town. With support from Forth Ports, the production has toured high schools across Edinburgh, reaching thousands of pupils.
Young people have also played a key role in a creative project which saw 92 pieces of pupils’ artwork selected to form a mosaic on a Lothian bus. The artwork focuses on keeping safe and being kind, providing a positive message that was seen by people across the city.
Police Scotland school engagement officers have worked with schools and young people throughout September as part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence before it starts.
The Local Policing crime prevention team took part in community workshops, while officers have been providing local retailers with advice and guidance around the responsible sale of knives.
The Council held a closing ceremony on Friday to mark the end of the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh. The event brought the community together to reflect on the month’s activities and consider how partners can build on this work to continue reducing violence and knife crime across the city.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The Knife Angel has provided a powerful opportunity to bring people together and have important conversations about knife crime, violence and how we can make our communities safer.
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Knife Angel programme, particularly our schools, young people, community organisations, Police Scotland and our other partners. The creativity and commitment shown throughout the month has helped keep these important conversations going.
“Although the Knife Angel is now leaving Edinburgh, the work does not stop here. The partnerships, conversations and lessons from the past month give us a strong foundation to continue working together to prevent violence and keep our communities safe.”
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Edinburgh Division has been proud to have supported the Knife Angel residency alongside Places For People, City of Edinburgh Council and over 100 partners to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of violence crime and the support available to those affected by crimes of this nature.
“There is no place for violence in our society and our officers work daily with our communities and partners to respond to incidents of violence when they arise and support a range of diversionary activities aimed at deterring at risk groups from getting involved in violence.
“During the month of the Knife Angel residency we have helped keep people safe by patrolling the transport network, providing local retailers with advice on the responsible sale of knives, delivering inputs to schools on the dangers of weapon carrying, and, crucially, listening to those impacted by violence across our communities, including children and young people, about their experience of violence. This is all in addition to enforcement activity targeting perpetrators of violence.
“The Knife Angel has provided a platform for discussion reaching millions, united partners to roll out education programs, community engagement events, practitioner events and the sharing of accounts from those impacted by violence. However, the work does not end when the Angel goes, we remain committed to tackling violence in communities.
“If you are a young person who knows information about violent crime, including weapon possession, you can report it 100 percent anonymously via Fearless, the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers, at fearless.org.
“If you are an adult, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or directly to Police Scotland by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Together we can keep Edinburgh a safe place to work, live and visit.”
The Council will continue to work with partners, schools, and communities to support violence prevention and build on the work inspired by the Knife Angel’s visit.
And for Lisa Petrie, the remarkable wee mum who lost her son John McNab in a stabbing last September, the campaign goes on. The Angel may have moved on, but Lisa’s determination to ensure her terrible loss is Not In Vain remains as strong as ever.
More information about the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh and the Book of Remembrance is available on the Council’s website.
Guide helps Scots swap Positano for Plockton, Innsbruck for Inverness, Chamonix for Corpach and Germany’s famous Black Forest for Blair Atholl.
Five travel experts jumped on board a ScotRail Intae-Rail adventure,
ScotRail has unveiled a new ‘Intae-Rail’ map and guide, pairing Scotland’s most spectacular rail destinations with some of Europe’s most iconic hotspots to prove unforgettable adventures are closer than you think.
Every year, thousands of Scots dream of hopping on an Interrail adventure to discover incredible food, spectacular scenery, historic towns and unforgettable experiences across Europe.
But with the October break just around the corner, ScotRail’s new Intae-Rail guide is encouraging travellers to discover those same experiences closer to home, with 15 Scottish destination dupes waiting to be explored by train.
Swap Bilbao for Dundee, Positano for Plockton, Copenhagen’s foodie scene for Leith’s waterfront dining, or the Swiss Alps for the Cairngorms, Intae-Rail pairs some of Europe’s most iconic escapes with their Scottish destination counterparts via a map and online guide – proving you don’t need to cross the continent to find incredible food, culture, scenery and adventure.
Each Scottish alternative comes with its own ready-made Intae-Rail itinerary, packed with inspiration on what to see, eat, explore and experience when you get there – helping travellers turn European holiday inspiration into an adventure they can enjoy by train right here in Scotland.
It taps into the growing ‘destination dupe’ trend, which is seeing travellers swap famous holiday hotspots for lesser-known alternatives offering a similar experience, often without the crowds, cost or hassle.
According to research by Expedia, one in three (34%) travellers have already visited a destination considered a dupe of a more popular location, while almost half (47%) would consider doing so.
And it could particularly resonate with Scots. With affordability increasingly shaping holiday choices, research shows 45% of Scots expect to holiday in Scotland during 2026, as travellers look closer to home for shorter, more convenient breaks.
Now, ScotRail is putting a Scottish spin on the trend – showing that some of Europe’s most sought-after experiences could be just a train journey away.
Whether it’s a day trip, weekend break or a bigger adventure linking several stops, travellers can build their own Intae-Rail escape around whatever they’re “intae” – from food or exploring to nature, sightseeing and adventure.
Among the European-inspired recommendations to feature are:
Intae Adventure
Swiss Alps for the Cairngorms (Aviemore station)
Intae Exploring
Bilbao, Spain for Dundee (Dundee station)
Intae Sightseeing
Positano, Italy for Plockton (Plockton station)
Intae Food and Drink
Pula, Croatia for Oban (Oban station)
Intae Nature
Black Forest, Germany for Blair Atholl (Blair Atholl station)
Five Scots travel experts put Intae-Rail to the test, jumping aboard to experience individually designed itineraries built around five different passions – adventure, exploring, sightseeing, food and drink, and nature. Among them were Glasgow twin travellers and official TikTok ambassadors for Scotland, Kieran and Kevin D’Arcy, who regularly document their adventures on social media as @darcytwins.
The siblings have always been into food and drink, so they hopped on board a ScotRail service from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban, as they enjoyed a culinary experience that rivals Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.
Kevin D’Arcy said: “Despite travelling all over Scotland and visiting plenty of places across Europe, we’d somehow never made it to Oban. Coming here by train made the journey feel like part of the experience, and once we arrived it was easy to see why so many people love it.
“You don’t have to fly to somewhere like Pula to enjoy great seafood, a beautiful harbour and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Oban has all of that in its own way – including a striking amphitheatre.
“What really stood out was how much there is packed into such a walkable town. We had incredible seafood, wandered around the harbour, visited the distillery and just enjoyed taking everything at a slower pace, which felt very European.
“If you’re into food and drink, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a weekend eating well, exploring and enjoying the scenery without feeling like you need to rush anywhere.”
Lauren Smith from Abedeen took a cross-Highland trip to Plockton for Scotland’s answer to the “la dolce vita” vibes of the Amalfi Coast. She said: “You don’t have to head overseas to have a European-style adventure. Whatever you’re intae, there’s probably a place in Scotland that offers it.
“I found a picturesque harbourside town that really is Scotland’s answer to the Amalfi Coast, it even included palm trees.
“The charming village was quaint and peaceful, and all easily accessible by train. The journey also reminded me of my proud Gaelic roots, as I was able to deliver a quick guide of some of the Gaelic ways of saying station names.
“It showed how some of the best moments can happen on your journey, allowing you to slow down, relax on the train as you pass beautiful scenery along the way.”
Intae-Rail experiences are more affordable than ever with no peak fares on all ScotRail services, plus rail fares being frozen until March 2027.
And for those travelling with children aged 5-15, Kids for a Quid tickets are just £1 each return. Travellers looking for epic adventures around Scotland can consider the Highland Rover for trips up north, or the Scottish Grand for just £92. There are so many affordable options to use when travelling by train, so spur of the moment trips needn’t cost a fortune.
Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “Scotland is home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences to rival anything in Europe – and they’re all reachable by train.
“Whether you’re into adventure, food and drink, history or simply discovering somewhere new, our Intae-Rail guide is designed to inspire people to see Scotland differently and make the most of everything on their doorstep.
“And with the October break coming up, there’s no better time to Go by Train, with a range of ticket options available to help families and travellers turn Intae-Rail inspiration into their next Scottish adventure.
“The journey is all part of the experience, and travelling by train gives customers the chance to relax, enjoy Scotland’s incredible landscapes and create lasting memories along the way.”
The Leith Collective hopes its Winter Coat Exchange will bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those struggling this winter
Energy prices are set to reach a three-year high this winter, with an even greater hike to bills expected to hit households in the new year.
These increases, coupled with the knock-on effects of a significant El Niño will create a “perfect storm” for families already struggling to afford the basics to stay warm this winter, according to local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, which is launching a Winter Coat Exchange on Thursday 1st October to help bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need this winter.
Last year, The Leith Collective rehomed more than 10,000 good quality coats. This year, they hope to distribute even more, plus for the first time jumpers, blankets, scarfs, hats and gloves, and they are calling on local businesses and organisations to play their part.
The initiative is being launched in response to the announcement from the energy regulator, Ofgen, which outlined a rise in the price cap from October. This will add an extra £60 to the typical annual household energy bill, setting bills at a three-year high. What’s more, energy prices are predicted to rise again in January 2027, with current forecasts suggesting the price cap could increase by a further 25%.
All this comes amidst warnings from UN officials that a significant El Niño is likely to occur towards the end of 2026, with some forecasts predicting the strongest event on record. The direct effects of this El Niño will be felt across the globe and may heighten instances of extreme weather, leading to adverse effects on global food supply chains and energy prices.
In response, Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective is urging locals to act now. “Families here in Edinburgh are facing real hardship, and the prospects for this winter are bleak if we don’t step in and help.
“We’ve spoken to countless people who can’t afford to heat their homes, cook a decent meal or buy coats and jumpers to stay warm.
“That’s why we’re calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to donate and distribute good quality winter clothing to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need.”
Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.
The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can help themselves to warm winter clothes without charge and without judgement.
A landmark collection of over 50 artworks has been acquired for the nation, adding major paintings and drawings by Scottish and British artists to Scotland’s national art collection.
Explore a selection of over 20 of these captivating works on display now and free to visit at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One. The display spotlights pioneering artists who studied and taught at Scotland’s art schools in the early 20th Century, such as William McCance, James Cowie, Edward Baird and William Crosbie.
This major acquisition of 58 beautiful and compelling paintings and drawings, transforms the nation’s art collection, helping better represent the work of modern Scottish artists and demonstrating the important role of Scotland’s art schools.
Including works by several Aberdeen and Glasgow-trained artists, this significant collection tells stories about the creative communities around the country. The collection also features significant works by British artists such as Cecil Collins and John Tunnard, both of whom were associated with the surrealist movement.
Assembled over many years by private collector, Charlie Nairn, the artworks were generously allocated through the HM Government Acceptance in Lieu scheme, administered by Arts Council England. The initiative enables owners to transfer important works of art into public ownership in place of tax.
The selection on display at Modern One offers an exciting look at a variety of stylistic approaches, from the precise realism of James Cowie’s portraiture, the dream-like imagery of William McCance and William Crosbie’s exploration of modernist forms. Together, these works provide insights into the local and international contexts for Scottish art during the first decades of the 20th century.
Discover poignant portraits such as James Cowie’s The Reader. Painted in the early 1920s this is a rare surviving record of Cowie’s first wife, Nancy Buchanan. Friends remembered her as a quiet, gentle person, characteristics Cowie reflected in his tender portrayal. It shows Cowie’s earlier, more fluid painting style, before he honed a sharp, linear technique.
Cowie and Buchanan had married in 1918 and their daughter, Ruth, whose striking portrait by Cowie also hangs in the display, was born in 1923. Having studied at the Glasgow School of Art, Cowie was an admirer of the French painter Nicholas Poussin and Pre-Raphaelite painters and advocated classical values of self-restraint and objectivity. He developed a meticulous way of working and believed that art was a product of thought and reason.
The newly acquired artworks also explore the impact of Surrealism and other avant-garde movements, and the wider context of the mid-twentieth century, on British artists. In William Crosbie‘s Design for Life (Cats Cradle), 1944, the artist has portrayed himself balancing geometric forms suspended on strings. They spell ‘J M’, for the surrealist painter Joan Miró, whose work Crosbie greatly admired.
Crosbie later explained to Charlie Nairn that the painting explored the challenge of grasping for order amidst the chaos and tragedy of the Second World War. Crosbie found order – a ‘design for living’ – in the work of Miró, and in art in general.
After graduating from the Glasgow School of Art, Crosbie had spent two years studying art in Paris in the late 1930s. His mysterious Self-portrait as a Cello, also acquired through this important Acceptance in Lieu allocation, is also currently on show at Modern One on the upper floor, as part of a special display dedicated to Scotland’s surrealist art collection, alongside works by Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Dorothea Tanning.
Charlie Nairn, collector, said: ‘It’s a delight to know that these paintings and drawings, which I’ve known for so many years are now being looked after by the National Galleries of Scotland for the benefit of the public.
“My love of art began early and developed through encounters with some terrific artists and individuals, both abroad and here in Scotland. Although I’d originally been drawn to European modernism, I was encouraged to look at the work of those closer to home by the photographer Oscar Marzaroli, who I worked for as camera-assistant, and particularly his wife, the sculptor Anne Marzaroli, who taught at the Glasgow School of Art.
“Their enthusiastic championing of Scottish artists was instrumental in this group of works coming together. Seeing some of these drawings and paintings now on display at Modern One has been a great pleasure. I hope many people will have a chance to enjoy them, and will discover these important Scottish artists for themselves.’
Lucy Askew, Head of Modern & Contemporary art and Chief Curator at the National Galleries of Scotlandsaid: ‘This extraordinary gift to the people of Scotland significantly enhances how we can show and share the work of an important group of artists.
“We are incredibly grateful to HM Government and to Charlie Nairn for enabling these wonderful works to join the national art collection here in Scotland where they can be enjoyed by visitors and contribute to further research into modern Scottish and British history of art.’
Dawn Airey, Chair, Arts Council England, said: ‘Giving back to the public through Acceptance in Lieu is one of the most valuable offers that can be made to the nation.
“This allocation includes decades of meticulously collected paintings and drawings which, taken together, trace the evolution of Scottish art and the international influences that shaped it.
“With more than 50 culturally important works now secured for the public to enjoy, this is a lasting legacy that Charlie Nairn can be proud to have created.’
Former First Minister is first faculty leader announced for Corridors of Power, a new leadership programme for women in business and politics
Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon is to teach women from around the world how to lead under pressure, in a new masterclass. Launching in Edinburgh next January, the programme will feature several Prime Ministers and global leaders as faculty leaders.
Sturgeon is the first faculty leader announced for Corridors of Power, a five-day leadership programme including created by The Power Diaspora Forum (TPDF), the international platform founded by Scottish entrepreneur Veenoo Sharma to connect women to capital, influence and decision-making power.
Her full-day masterclass, Leadership Under Pressure: Lessons for Women in Power, will draw on her eight years as First Minister to show women in politics and business how to hold their ground when the stakes are highest.
Participants will learn how pressure shapes leadership at every level: in the decisions leaders make, in how they deal with others, and in the extra scrutiny women often face.
The masterclass will explore how political and institutional decisions are really made, the difference between formal authority and informal influence, and how to build coalitions and win over people who fundamentally disagree with you. It will cover negotiation and compromise, including knowing when to concede and when to stand firm, and how to maintain relationships through disagreement.
It will also examine the particular pressures on women leaders: establishing credibility in powerful environments, exercising authority where women are often judged more harshly, and carrying the responsibility of decisions with genuine consequences.
Nicola Sturgeon is Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister and the first woman to hold the role.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “We need more women in leadership across all walks of life. However, in our traditionally male-dominated world, women aspiring to or holding positions of power face unique challenges.
“I am delighted to be taking part in the Corridors of Power TPDF Masterclass to help a new generation of female leaders overcome these challenges. I am looking forward to sharing the skills and experiences I gained over many years of political leadership, and as well as an insight into the lessons I learned along the way.”
Veenoo Sharma, Founder of The Power Diaspora Forum, said: “Corridors of Power is built on a simple idea: who better to teach women about leadership and power than former First Ministers, Prime Ministers and leaders who have actually led countries?
“These are people who have made decisions at the highest level, navigated crisis, scrutiny and challenging circumstances, and carried the responsibility that comes with leading a nation.
“Bringing that lived experience directly to women is incredibly powerful. At TPDF, we believe women should be empowered through experience, not simply through discussion, and Nicola Sturgeon embodies exactly what this programme is about.”
Corridors of Power is open to women around the world working in, or aspiring to, senior roles in business and politics. Further faculty leaders including Prime Ministers and global leaders will be announced in the coming weeks.
A man has been charged in connection with disturbing a pod of dolphins off the coast of Portknockie.
The incident happened on Saturday, 27 June, 2026. Police received a report of a boat disturbing dolphins in the water.
The man was later traced and charged in connection. He will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Constable Bryony Munro said: “We would like to remind members of the public to take care not to disturb any marine wildlife when they are encountered, and to follow the Scottish Marine Watching Code, whether they’re watching wildlife from the shore or sea.
“We understand many people enjoy the spectacle of seeing pods of dolphins and whales, but we must ensure we are not endangering them. It is vital they remain safe and protected in our seas. Anyone not adhering to the law will be investigated.
“Should you observe any human behaviour you consider to be a disturbance or harassment of dolphins, whales or other marine life, please note as much detail as you can and report the information to us.”
Applications to stand as a candidate in the next Scottish Youth Parliament elections are still open. If you know a young person who’s looking to expand their network, explore their interests and build their confidence, encourage them to apply.
Becoming an MSYP gives young people the opportunity to represent their peers, develop new skills and get involved in the issues that matter to them.
You can find further information on our website here:
New changes introduced to the sale and placement of foods high in fat, sugar and salt in shops come into effect
Following the passing of regulations by Parliament last year, new restrictions will be introduced from 1 October 2026 in Scotland to support people to make healthier food choices.
Businesses with more than 50 employees will no longer be allowed to display prepackaged junk food such as sugary soft drinks, confectionary, biscuits and breakfast cereals in prominent locations, such as entrances, checkouts and at aisle ends.
Certain price promotions including free refills of sugary soft drinks will also be restricted.
The regulations, which will apply both in-store and online, are intended to create a healthier balance of products on offer, support healthier eating habits and help lower levels of obesity.
Similar restrictions are already in place across England and Wales.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to make it easier for people to live healthier lives. “In Scotland, two out of three adults are overweight or obese, with those living in our poorest areas more likely to be overweight and experience the most harm as a result.
“We know that promotions and the prominent product placement can encourage over-consumption and impulse buying of foods with high levels of calories, fat, sugar and salt.
“By restricting the promotion of less healthy food and drink we can make it easier for people to make healthier choices, improving health and wellbeing and create a Scotland where everyone eats well and has a healthy weight.
”We have engaged extensively with business and industry extensively in developing this approach.
“These restrictions strike a balance between improving the health of people in Scotland whilst reducing any potential effects on smaller businesses and shops.”
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Scotland’s retailers are committed to helping consumers make healthier choices. For example, fresh fruit and veg are heavily price promoted and grocers have led the way on reformulating products to reduce salt, sugar, and fat. We’ve pioneered traffic light labelling and signage to help consumers make informed choices.
“We believe these new regulations are proportionate and will enhance the positive work being done by retailers in supporting consumers to make healthier food and drink choices. The choice to implement a consistent model with other UK nations should simplify and reduce the cost of implementation: albeit retailers will still invest around £20 million to deliver the policy.
“We hope this approach, where industry is meaningfully consulted and government acts in a constructive manner, can serve as a model going forward as we work in partnership to make Scotland a healthier and wealthier nation.”
