Over 400 years since the Gunpowder Plot, James VI and I lives on

Conservators from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have been carrying out painstaking conservation work of a portrait of James VI of Scotland, the only monarch to be born at Edinburgh Castle.

The painting of James VI, which is on loan from a private collection, normally hangs in the Mary Room at Edinburgh Castle. However, at the end of last year the painting was brought to HES’s conservation studio to undertake a full assessment and essential conservation treatment.

James VI and I, who ruled Scotland from 1567 as James VI and England and Ireland from 1603 as James I, is the only monarch to have been born at Edinburgh Castle. The only son of Mary, Queen of Scots, he is the longest-reigning monarch in Scotland’s history.

He was also the target of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the attempted regicide plot to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The thwarted conspiracy is commemorated by Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) on 5 November each year.

Over the many centuries of the portrait’s life, it naturally accumulates surface dirt and changes in the protective varnish coatings. The painting underwent conservation work to stabilise the paint layer.

The old, discoloured varnish was carefully removed and replaced with a new protective varnish. King James VI and I’s silvery blue sash and his gold regalia, which had dulled in the centuries since they were first painted, now shine once more.

During the consolidation and conservation work, various strands of investigation also became apparent for Ailsa Murray, Senior Paintings Conservator. Several areas of the painting were retouched during previous conservation treatment, visible as dark purple areas under U.V. light.

Through scientific analysis of the fill material, it was found that there had been at least two campaigns of conservation previously. The original painting had at some point been lined with a second canvas, and the original stretcher, the wooden structure that holds the canvas in place, had also been replaced.

The other strand of investigation explored the identity of the portrait’s painter. The inscription on the bottom right reads ‘Painted by Jameson’ superimposed by a second inscription ‘School of Vandyck’. It is possible that this relates to the 17th century Scottish portrait painter George Jamesone (b. 1587 – d. 1644), though it may have been added later.

The original portrait by Van Dyck of James VI and I forms part of the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. The portrait was posthumously painted for Charles I and dates from 1632. If the portrait at Edinburgh Castle was indeed painted by Jamesone, this narrows the window from 1632 to 1644, when Jamesone passed away.

Restoration and inspection of portrait of James VI from the Edinburgh Castle collection. Painting on loan. Pictured – Ailsa Murray.

Ailsa Murray, Senior Painting Conservator at HES, said: “This painting has a lot of history to tell, and some of it may yet be uncovered. We hope that through this conservation treatment, the painting will be able to see another 400 years and continue to be enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to work so closely with such historically important works and to be just a small part of helping to preserve such collections for future generations.”

Deck the Halls hosts giant festive gift hunt at Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes visitors get the chance to win tickets and vouchers for upcoming Christmas shopping fair

Deck the Halls, a brand new Christmas gift fair coming to the SEC from 28-30 November, is teaming up with partner, National Trust for Scotland to host a giant festive gift hunt at Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh will host the gift hunt from Friday 7 – Sunday 9 November, giving visitors the chance to seek out hidden golden envelopes containing tickets to Deck the Halls and up to £150 worth of vouchers to spend at the upcoming event. 

Coming to Glasgow for the first time in partnership with National Trust for Scotland, Deck the Halls promises to be an upmarket Christmas shopping experience like no other. Featuring up to 125 handpicked exhibitors, ranging from unique gifts to food and drink and interactive festive workshops, Deck the Halls will help visitors tick off their Christmas list and get into the festive spirit in luxury and style. 

Gift hunt winners will get the chance to browse artisan food and drink brands like BeeHype Honey and Craobh Gin; explore handcrafted gifts from Lin-Pin Crafts, Marc Peters Glass and Edinburgh Illustrations; shop unique accessories from Maccessori, Lindsay McDowall and Gist Jewellery; as well as discover thoughtful gifts for everyone from the likes of Birlinn Publishing and National Trust for Scotland.

Speaking about the gift hunt, event organiser Springboard Events’ Managing Director, Mark Saunders said: “We wanted the lead up to Deck the Halls to feel every bit as magical as the event itself.

“Our gift hunt with National Trust for Scotland gives visitors the chance to soak up the Christmas spirit and enjoy some festive fun in the properties’ picturesque surroundings before stepping into Scotland’s newest festive shopping experience. It’s a taste of what’s to come as we get ready for our Glasgow debut later this month.”

National Trust for Scotland Director of Commercial Enterprises, Caroline Reid said: “We’re excited to be part of the celebrations leading up to Deck the Halls. Newhailes House & Gardens will provide the perfect setting for a festive adventure, and the gift hunt is a fantastic way for visitors to celebrate Scotland’s heritage and Christmas spirit while enjoying some of our most loved properties.”

Visitors to Newhailes House & Gardens this weekend will be invited to participate in the Deck the Halls gift hunt and find the limited number of hidden golden envelopes at each property containing tickets and vouchers for the event*.

Tickets for Deck the Halls are available to book now and save £2. General admission is £16 but with advanced booking, tickets can be purchased now for just £14 (children under 15 go free).

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.deckthehallsshow.com. 

Facebook: /deck-the-halls-show

Instagram: @deckthehallsshow

*T&Cs apply.

Essentia Foundation invests record £3.5m in Scotland’s young people

Hundreds of young people across Scotland have benefitted from a record £3.5 million investment from the Essentia Foundation across 2025. 

This total includes their largest funding commitment to date, with £2 million recently awarded to eight leading charities across the country.

Funding will support these organisations to deliver programmes tackling youth unemployment, poverty, poor mental health and barriers to education.

Each of the eight charities, including Edinburgh-based Children First and Bethany Christian Trust, has received £250,000, enabling ambitious projects that are helping young people build resilience, develop new skills, and take steps towards brighter futures.

This major investment comes at a critical time. Young people have been disproportionately affected by recent crises, from the long-term effects of the pandemic to the pressures of the continuing cost of living crisis.

Many continue to face the lasting consequences of disrupted education and social development, alongside limited opportunities in training and employment.

Combined with ongoing mental health challenges and persistent inequality, these barriers mean that support for Scotland’s young people is more urgently needed than ever.

Brian Davidson, Trustee and Chairperson of the Essentia Foundation, said: “Scotland’s young people are facing some of the toughest challenges in generations, and the need for support has never been greater.

“These eight charities are already making a real difference in communities across the country. This funding will help create opportunities, build resilience, and give young people the skills and confidence to thrive.

“The impact of these projects will last well beyond the life of the programmes themselves, and we hope it also sparks further support from others who want to see Scotland’s young people flourish.”

Other grant recipients of £250,000 each from the Essentia Foundation include:

  • Aberlour Childcare Trust
  • Cyrenians
  • Sistema Scotland
  • The Outward Bound Trust
  • The King’s Trust
  • The Venture Trust

These awards, alongside the additional £1.5 million that has been distributed this year by the Essentia Foundation, underpin its commitment to support young people across Scotland through initiatives focused on wellbeing, education, skills development, and opportunities for employment.

The awards also mark a milestone moment for the Essentia Foundation itself. The Foundation has confirmed it will now wind up its activities, leaving a £1.5 million legacy fund to be administered by long term partner Foundation Scotland, who have been supporting the Essentia Foundation since 2017.

Helen Wray, Head of Philanthropy & Quality, Foundation Scotland said: “We are honoured to continue Essentia Foundation’s legacy through the new fund. For the last eight years, our team has had the privilege of working alongside Essentia to ensure its resources reach young people who need them most.

“This next chapter will see us build on that partnership by supporting grassroots organisations across Scotland.

“We look forward to helping smaller charities deliver vital opportunities that improve wellbeing, education and future prospects for children and young people, ensuring Essentia’s legacy and impact endures for years to come.”

This future programme will provide small grants to grassroots charities, ensuring Essentia’s mission of supporting children and young people continues well into the future.

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/FoundationScotlandEssentia

Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide in major digital expansion

Festival’s biggest-ever on-demand release features Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ben Okri, Judy Murray, Philippe Sands, Linder, Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch, and dozens more – all on a donate what you can basis 

Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis. Already watched by viewers from 63 countries, ranging from Japan to a potentially very well-connected viewer in Vatican City, the festival has also been building its digital strategy around inclusion throughout the year, with over 100 events streamed into libraries across twelve Scottish local authorities in August alone, all entirely free. Together, these initiatives represent the festival’s most ambitious digital accessibility efforts to date. 

The collection, launched at 10am today, brings conversations with some of the world’s leading literary voices to audiences unable to attend in person, from Pulitzer Prize-winner Ta-Nehisi Coates in dialogue with historian David Olusoga, to novelist Ben Okri‘s exploration of heartbreak and renewal, local crime writing duo Ambrose Parry, and culinary icons José Pizarro and Sami Tamimi, among many more.

The Donate What You Can basis ensures financial barriers don’t prevent access to these conversations, while allowing the festival to continue delivering both its August events and year-round community projects, including the recently launched Paper Trails library project. 

The release marks a significant expansion of the festival’s digital offering, with these 60 new events bringing the total of on demand events available to view to almost 150, which more accurately reflect the diversity of the Festival’s in-person programme.  

Spanning urgent political debates, intimate author conversations, and family programming, highlights include climate justice discussions with Tony Juniper and Friederike Otto, disability rights activism with Rachel Charlton-Dailey, and renowned Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch unveiling his stunning debut novel, Nobody’s Empire. 

With the support of Event Scotland, a number of international territories will benefit from dedicated marketing materials to encourage increased global engagement with the Festival’s digital offering. 

Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “As an international festival, streaming our events around the world during August is a key part of what we do. It’s brilliant to now be able to make that content available all year round, both for international audiences and audiences in other parts of Scotland.  

“This is the largest on demand collection we’ve ever released. The depth and range of our programme means even if you did come in August and attended lots of sessions, there will still be an enormous number of insightful and inspiring discussions you might have missed, so it’s a gift that will keep on giving.  

“Every donation made to watch these events helps us develop our work as a charity, delivering  programmes in communities throughout the year and creating our August festival. We’re very grateful for your support.”

The initiative forms part of the festival’s year-round accessibility strategy, building on its Communities Programme and the Paper Trails library project launched earlier this year. 

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland said: “The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a vibrant celebration of literature, and the streaming of selected shows from this year’s programme offers an exciting opportunity for audiences to continue enjoying the festival beyond its August run.

“This online programme not only creates new opportunities for international audiences to engage with Scotland’s vibrant literary scene, but it helps build a sense of connection and curiosity that inspires future travel. 

“As part of our diverse portfolio of events and festivals, the Edinburgh International Book Festival plays a key role in helping to drive Scotland’s visitor economy and reinforces our reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.” 

Among the must-watch events now available: 

  • Literature meets politics: Tariq Ali on empire and resistance; Booker-shortlisted Madeleine Thien with translator Deepa Bhasthi on the sanctity of language, Ash Sarkar on identity politics
  • Genre favourites: Romance authors Bolu Babalola and Beth O’Leary; crime duo Ambrose Parry; bestseller Jenny Colgan (above)
  • Poetry and performance: Award-winning poets Raymond Antrobus and Najwan Darwish
  • Family programming: “Brilliant Bugs” and mystery-solving with Robin Stevens
  • Food and culture: Culinary conversations with José Pizarro and Sami Tamimi; music history with Dylan Jones and Miranda Sawyer
  • History: TV historian Dan Jones, Edinburgh writer Kate Foster sheds the city’s women and their stories, and Paul French on Wallis Simpson’s formative period in China 

All events are available with captions. You can find the full list HERE. 

These events are available on a pay-what-you-can donation basis at https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/look-and-listen/player 

RCEM asks Scottish government: ‘Where is the tangible plan for winter?’

Emergency Departments record worst-ever September performance

Accident and Emergency

As Scotland’s Emergency Departments experienced the worst September on record for performance, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has asked the government: ‘where is the tangible plan for winter?’ 

The figures, released yesterday (4 November 2025) by Public Health Scotland, come as Health Secretary, Neil Gray, is reported to have said waiting times in A&E are ‘below the levels we all wish to see’.  

The PHS data, for the month of September, reveals 6,427 patients waited 12 hours or longer in an Emergency Department before being admitted, discharged, or transferred.  

That’s around one in every 19 people and the highest number who experienced this wait for the month of September since records began in 2007.  

The data, for major EDs in Scotland, also showed that in September 2025: 

  • 12-hour waits were almost 34 times worse than in September 2018 – that’s despite the number of people attending EDs only increasing by 4.5% in the same period 
  • One in eight people (15,348) waited eight hours or more to be discharged or transferred – the worst September on record 
  • 63.7% of patients were seen within four hours – again, the worst September on record and is far below the government’s target of 95% 
  • There was an average of 1,955 beds occupied by people healthy enough to be discharged – a decrease of only nine compared to the previous month 

The new data comes shortly after RCEM published its political manifesto for Scotland, urging all political parties to end overcrowding in EDs, and provide enough Emergency Medicine staff to deliver safe and sustainable care, along with adequate resources to ensure equitable care throughout the emergency care system.  

Meanwhile, recently published analysis from the College revealed there were more than 800 deaths associated with long A&E waits before admission last year. 

Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Vice President for Scotland, said: “These figures prove what I and many other EM clinicians already know – that we are in crisis and the depths of winter, when the inevitable seasonal pressure hits, is yet to arrive.  

“Our members and their Emergency Medicine colleagues tell me about the relentless pressure their hospitals are under and the impact this has on patient care – people are being treated in ambulances, in corridors, and other inappropriate spaces.  

“Our EDs don’t have elastic walls. These are visual signs our hospitals are full to bursting– we can’t move patients from our departments into wards because of a lack of available inpatient beds.  

“On top of dealing with system pressures, our clinicians are facing violence and aggression from those we are trying our best to care for – that can be caused by frustration over long waits. It’s beyond unacceptable.  

“We know that Scottish Health Secretary understands the scale of the issue, and just today acknowledged that ‘ED performance is below where it should be’.  

“But we are yet to see any tangible plan from the government about how it intends to tackle the season ahead – which will be nothing short of challenging.” 

First Footin’ Trail returns on New Year’s Day to kick-start 2026

The countdown to 2026 has begun, as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, presenting another packed line-up of free and ticketed events in venues across the city.

Michael Pedersen, Edinburgh’s Makar, will host an evening of music and discussion to kickstart 2026 with guests including: Shirley Manson, Nicola Sturgeon and Norman Blake, whilst the First Footin’ music line-up welcomes the likes of Tinderbox Orchestra, James Emmanuel, Kathryn Joseph, Rachel Sermanni and more. 

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, First Footin’ transform some of Edinburgh’s much-loved venues and attractions with a showcase of artists from across Scotland and beyond, inviting audiences to discover new music and experiences on 1 January.  

The New Year’s Day events programme is a spectacular finale to the four-days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay,  which is created and produced by Edinburgh’s Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcoming local residents and visitors from across the globe to come together and celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a showcase of Scottish music and tradition. 

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes look like they’re shaping up to be a great way for people of all ages and interests to ring in the New Year.

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.

“The Scottish Government is therefore proud to continue our support with £180,000 for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay from our Festival Expo Fund, which aims to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them.”

An annual highlight, First Footin’ in St.Giles’ Cathedral will this year become a carnival of sound and colour, with Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra bringing together rappers and singers with soaring strings and thundering bass and drums. Tinderbox Orchestra will host a selection of Scotland’s finest musicians throughout New Year’s Day as they are joined by award-winning special guests James Emmanual, Kathryn Joseph and Rachel Sermanni.

The sessions will run from 2pm – 6pm, inviting audiences to welcome in the New Year with magnificent performances from some of the country’s most talented musicians in the atmospheric setting of St.Giles’.  

Tinderbox Orchestra said: “We are over the moon to be part of the First Footin’ programme this year alongside so many other wonderful acts.

“The opportunity to take over St Giles’ and share our music and showcase brand new arrangements with some of Scotland’s best loved artists is incredibly exciting for us and we cannot wait!”

The First Footin’ music trail also welcomes a collaboration from Edinburgh’s Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe and award-winning fiddle-player and composer Aidan O’Rourke uniting in New College’s Rainy Hall, for a spellbinding meeting of classical music and Scottish folk. Award-winning Dundee singer-songwriter Theo Bleak will be performing in Virgin Hotel’s Eve, along with other special guests to be announced. 

In the evening, the music continues with the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer, as live events come to life throughout the Grassmarket and New Town bars, featuring a feast of music from foot-stomping trad artists from across Scotland to be announced. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay draws to a close with Scottish literary and cultural icons in Portobello Town Hall as Muckle Be The Light: Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond welcomes one of Scotland’s most iconic musicians Shirley Manson and Edinburgh’s Makar Michael Pedersen at their cultural salon. 

Together, the duo will look back on their favourite moments of 2025, in art and friendship, joined by very special guests – former First Minister and author Nicola Sturgeon, plus live music from Teenage Fanclub frontman Norman Blake.

Audiences can expect lively discussion, live music, reading and more at this one-off event reminiscing on cultural highlights of 2025 whilst kickstarting 2026 with some of Scotland’s most iconic voices, as well as a special pop-up bookshop from local store The Portobello Bookshop.  

Michael Pedersen said: “’I can think of no more glorious a way to start the year than in the presence of Edinburgh’s primo cultural icon / all round extraordinary human / cherished friend, Shirley Manson.

“And what an epic year Shirley and Garbage have had – they delivered my album of 2025, and she’s my person of the year. Shirley also happens to be one of my favourite people to talk about books and art and life with – we’ll be brimming over with vocal zest.

“To be joined by one of the world’s finest songwriters, Norman Blake, and Scotland’s boldest new bestselling author, Nicola Sturgeon, is a level of dreamy beyond. Did I mention I went to high school ceilidhs in this town hall?

“What a quest to get here and return with reflections on my debut novel and first year as Edinburgh’s Makar. How’s about that for a first footing firework! Be warned: I’ll be swooning at them aw’!”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh has always been a city that knows how to celebrate, and there’s no time of year that shows it better than Hogmanay.

“We’re welcoming 2026 with the return of our much-loved First Footin’ – a fantastic showcase of Scotland’s talent with performances taking place in some of our most renowned venues and public spaces.

“I’m delighted to welcome this year’s programme and encourage everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, to come along and start the year on a high.”

With even more First Footin’ performances set to be announced, music fans can spend New Year’s Day discovering Scotland’s most exciting rising stars and familiar faces in some of the city’s most atmospheric settings – a celebration of music and friendship as audiences cross the threshold into a New Year.  

Tickets for all events including Concert in the Gardens with Wet Leg, Torchlight Procession and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel are on-sale now via www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook and Instagram.  

Experienced firefighter recalls “horrible” moment her crewmate was struck with firework

A seasoned firefighter has spoken of the terrifying moment her crew came under attack with fireworks. 

Watch Commander Debbie McCafferty serves communities at both Glasgow’s Clydesmill Community Fire Station and at Carluke Community Fire Station.

Debbie has protected communities since 2002 and balances her wholetime role with family life and responding to emergencies via a pager.

Last year, she and her on call crewmates came under attack during a callout to an unofficial bonfire in Carluke. 

After engaging with the crowd in attendance, Debbie and her colleagues began to extinguish the bonfire. It was then a firework was fired in their direction. 

Debbie recalled: “There were loads of people around the bonfire. As we began to extinguish it and the crowd began to disperse, we heard a whistling noise.

“I looked around to my left and an unexploded firework had hit a trainee firefighter on his leg. We both instinctively kicked it away and then it went off. 

“It was horrible, really horrible. Thankfully everyone was okay, but all it would have taken was for the firework to get stuck in his tunic or for it to have landed in front of us and it would have caused severe injuries. 

“We’re there trying to do a job and keep people safe. We’re not targets and we don’t deserve to be treated like that.” 

Firefighter Scott Stevenson attended the same incident and was struck by the firework. He recalled: “It was quite dark, and I was stood making sure the fire was out when I heard a whistle. 

“I felt something strike my leg and my colleague pulled me to the side as the firework exploded. 

“It was a scary situation and could have been a lot worse. 

“My family were very upset and angry when they found out.” 

Debbie is keen to point out that attending an organised firework event or bonfire display is the safest way to enjoy the bonfire season – but she is realistic enough to know many people will host firework displays or have bonfires at home. 

She said: “Have a good time and enjoy yourself but do it in a safe manner. Don’t put yourself at risk and don’t ruin anyone else’s fun. Respect other people and consider the impact of fireworks on animals. 

“We’re not there to ruin anyone’s fun, we just want to keep people safe – and that includes ourselves.” 

You can find out key safety information, including the Bonfire Code, on the SFRS website. 

On there, you will also see a full and updated list of all public firework events taking place across Scotland. 

Community Eye Health Day Event – Clarity Edinburgh

Clarity are delighted to invite local Edinburgh residents to join us for a special free community eye health open day. 

This event offers an opportunity to learn more about eye health directly from our expert clinical team, enjoy a tour of our facilities, and take part in a relaxed and informative afternoon dedicated to patient wellbeing. 

It will take place on Saturday, 22 November, drop in anytime between 10am – 3pm at Clarity Edinburgh, 60 South Gyle Cresent, Cornerstone, The Stones Business Park, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB. 

There will be: 

  • Free mini consultations and eye screenings to assess your eye health and identify any early signs of common conditions.
  • Expert advice from our specialist consultants, covering a range of eye treatments and services. 
  • Guided hospital tours offering an insight into our modern, patient-focused environment.
  • Complimentary festive refreshments served throughout the event. 
  • Competitions and giveaways with a chance to win a selection of prizes.
  • Free patient chauffeur service available to those who require assistance getting to and from the hospital.

“We’re very pleased to welcome local people from across Edinburgh, and beyond, to our new private hospital,” said Andrew Gunn, Hospital Manager.

“Our team is passionate about providing exceptional eye care and ensuring patients feel supported at every stage of their journey.

“This event is a chance to meet our specialists, learn about eye health, and enjoy the hospitality and care we are proud to offer.”

The event is free to attend.

Book your place here:

https://www.clarityhealthcare.uk/edinburgh-mini-consultation-event-25/ 

For further information, please contact events@clarityhealthcare.uk

Seabirds more likely to ‘divorce’ in bad weather

New study led by Edinburgh Napier University shows how rough conditions affect faithfulness

Wild seabirds are more likely to split up in windy weather, according to a newly published study led by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

The paper, published in the journal Animal Behaviour today (4 November) reveals that environmental conditions before the breeding season appear to have an impact on mate faithfulness – whether birds reunite with the same partner to breed each year, or ‘divorce’ to form a different pair.

Researchers from ENU, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), and Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS) analysed data collected over the course of two decades from more than 1,500 birds on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, in the Firth of Forth, and compared them with late winter weather records to understand their breeding habits.

The study focused on European shags (Gulosus aristotelis), given their long lifespan and tendency to change partners between breeding seasons. While the birds analysed for this study had a fidelity rate of 45%, this varied markedly from year to year.

Although age and previous breeding success have been established as strong predictors of mate faithfulness, this paper demonstrates how weather conditions in the lead up to the breeding season are also a significant factor affecting seabird mating habits. Out of the weather conditions analysed, wind speeds had the strongest effect on whether couples stayed together.

Importantly, birds that remained with the same partner tended to lay eggs earlier, which is strongly tied to how many chicks they rear.

The findings are significant given that climate change is bringing about warmer and windier weather conditions.

Ecologists are now calling for further investigation into how shifting environmental conditions could disrupt social relationships among wildlife.

Lead researcher Dr Sue Lewis, from ENU’s Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science, said: “We found that late winter weather is likely critical for pair bonding.

“It is a time when adults are returning to colonies and preparing to breed. When conditions are tough – particularly when it’s windier – it appears that ‘divorces’ are more frequent.

“Until now, the effects of pre breeding weather conditions on faithfulness have been largely under-appreciated. Our study suggests that it warrants further consideration.”

Co-researcher Professor Francis Daunt, from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “This study is one of the few to test how changing environments influence social behaviours in wildlife.

“It is excellent to see our long-term data used to tackle these important questions, given the current concerns about the impacts of future climate change.”