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.”
This year’s Big Butterfly Count results show a good summer for most widespread butterflies
However, Butterfly Conservation warns the impact of the hot, dry weather may have hit caterpillars hard, with many facing starvation
Charity shares three top tips to ‘drought-proof’ gardens and help butterflies
The results of Butterfly Conservation’s 2026 Big Butterfly Count are in and show it was a very good summer for butterflies. But experts warn that despite a good year, what comes next could be dire …
With the Met Office confirming it ‘increasingly likely’ to be the hottest summer on record, August saw the UK’s National Drought Group declare that more than 70% of England was officially in drought, with almost all of the UK experiencing drier than usual conditions.
As a result, the charity fears that the real cost of this summer’s extreme weather may not be felt until next year, when this year’s drought-stressed caterpillars should be emerging as adults.
Professor Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said:“This has been one of the hottest, driest summers on record, and the figures certainly suggest that was good news for many of the widespread butterfly species monitored by the Count. In fact, it was the second-best year in the 16 year history of the Big Butterfly Count!
“Adult butterflies love hot, sunny weather for flying, feeding and breeding, and that’s exactly why people saw so many this summer. But a good summer for adult butterflies is not the same as a good summer for butterfly populations.
“What matters far more is what’s happening on the ground, to the butterflies’ caterpillar offspring and the plants they depend on. The very same weather that made it a good year for butterflies – lots of sunshine and very little rain – could mean we’re actually on course for a population crash, which could take years to recover from.”
ButterflyWinners and Losers
During this year’s Big Butterfly Count, 101,565 participants recorded almost 1.4 million butterflies and moths across the UK.
Among individual species there were winners and losers. More species had above-average counts this summer than below-average. Holly Blue and Gatekeeper both had their best ever Big Butterfly Count results, and Small Copper its third best. Holly Blue abundance has increased by 42% over the 16 years of Big Butterfly Count and Small Copper has increased by 93%.
No species had its worst Big Butterfly Count in 2026, but it was the second-worst year for Small Tortoiseshell, which has now decreased by 66% since the Count began. Speckled Wood, Green-veined White and Ringlet, all species known to be sensitive to drought, were seen in below-average numbers and show declines of 44%, 54% and 39%, respectively, since 2011.
One of the standout stories was the Painted Lady, up 335% on last year, in what’s been widely described as a ‘Painted Lady summer’. It was the second-best year for Painted Lady since the Big Butterfly Count started and its abundance has increased by 74% over that time. Painted Ladies undertake one of the most remarkable insect migrations in the world, arriving in Britain via a relay of several generations, each flying a leg of the journey from Africa, across the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea, before reaching UK shores.
Small White topped the national table this year, with 281,634 recorded, ahead of Gatekeeper (211,029), Large White (190,295), Red Admiral (141,178) and Meadow Brown (134,335) rounding out the top five.
A difficult year ahead
Butterfly Conservation’s greater concern lies not with this summer’s results, but with the impact of the extreme summer weather experienced across much of Britain on butterflies next year and in the longer term.
This year, many of the plants that caterpillars depend on had withered or died before the caterpillars had finished feeding on them, and the charity fears the impact on butterfly and moth populations will become fully apparent in 2027.
Professor Fox added:“Our real worry isn’t this summer, it’s what happens next. We’ve been here before and it’s not good; the extreme droughts in 1976 and 1995 had severe impacts on butterfly populations, with some species never fully recovering.
“And the major problem we have now is that 80% of the UK’s butterflies have declined since the 1970s, so many are already struggling for survival, without these extreme weather pressures.
“With increasingly hot, dry summers and droughts predicted to become more and more frequent due to climate breakdown, degraded habitats and already depleted butterfly populations, some species may be pushed further and faster towards extinction, which is a very sombre thought.
“They are, quite simply, less resilient to these events, which means we could be looking at very difficult years ahead.”
Three top tips to ‘drought-proof’ gardens for butterflies
Butterfly Conservation is calling on people across the UK to take three simple ‘drought-proofing’ actions in their gardens and outdoor spaces this winter to help caterpillars, and in turn, butterflies and moths:
1. Plant more trees and shrubs
Holly, Ivy and Buckthorn are among the best choices for butterflies. Holly and Ivy together support garden favourite the Holly Blue, while flowering Ivy is also a valuable late-season nectar source for the colourful Red Admiral and charming Comma, as well as a host of bees, moths and hoverflies.
Buckthorns are the food source for Brimstone caterpillars, whose sunshine-yellow butterflies often herald the start of spring.
Species such as oaks, Hawthorn, birches, apples and willows all provide homes for caterpillars of a wide array of native moths.
All are widely available, low-maintenance, and provide shade and shelter from heatwaves as well as food for caterpillars and adult insects. Their deep roots and dense structure also help them cope with dry conditions once established.
2. Set up water butts
Collecting rainwater through autumn and winter, when it’s plentiful, means there’s a reserve to fall back on for key plants during a dry summer.
With numerous hosepipe bans enforced in 2026, preparing now could be the key to helping butterflies next year when the hot, dry weather is predicted to return.
3. Leave patches of grass to grow long
Left uncut, grass develops deeper roots and stays green for longer than a closely mown lawn, which browns off quickly in a drought. Longer grass also provides caterpillar foodplants for species like Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper, and creates cooler, damper conditions for butterflies to seek refuge during heatwaves.
Research by Butterfly Conservation scientists showed that gardens with a patch of long grass saw up to 93% more butterflies and a wider range of species, so this is one free and simple change that could really help butterflies when they need it most.
The Big Butterfly Count will return in 2027, when citizen scientists across the UK will be more important than ever before to help discover the true impact of this summer’s extreme weather.
Mark your diary now… Big Butterfly Count 2027 – Friday 9 July – Sunday 1 August.
*This year, Butterfly Conservation has developed and applied a new analysis to account for variations in flight times of butterflies. Many species emerged earlier than normal in 2026 due to the heat, and some had almost finished before this summer’s Big Butterfly Count started. The new analysis adjusts for such changes to ensure accurate representation of butterfly populations.
**Flight period adjustment is not available for moths or Scotch Argus at present.
PICTURED TOP: Small Copper in a very dry landscape – Pete Hughes
Would you like to take part in a textile art project in your community?
Share and gain stitching skills, meet other people and exchange knowledge and stories in this fascinating project facilitated by local artist Tamsin Grainger.
Members of the Granton community are invited to participate in stitching / embroidering a large collective map of Granton featuring plants and wildlife from participants’ places of origin and Granton.
The final Granton Nature Map will be hung at Royston Wardieburn Commumnity Centre and Granton Hub.
You can meet Tamsin at the library for a starter session on 7th September at 6.30pm.
Please note – You do not have to be confident in sewing to take part.
Following the fire which began in Holyrood Park on Sunday evening, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has called for recognition of the impact that climate change is already having on our city while highlighting the need for better wildfire awareness.
While wildfires can be an important part of the ecological cycle, the rate and intensity that we are seeing them occur with is a clear indication of climate change and its impact on our day-to-day lives.
Longer, hotter and drier summers are becoming the norm within Scotland and now areas that previously rarely saw such fires are affected more often. Given the number of visitors and the variety of purposes it serves, Holyrood Park is particularly susceptible to fires that are started by human activity.
Holyrood Park is a uniquely important ecological site with a wide range of trees, plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species. The effects of climate change threaten the destruction of these species within our city, reshaping how the park will look, sound and feel for the future.
Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: – “I am deeply concerned by yet another fire in Holyrood Park and want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and all emergency responders for their swift and professional efforts to tackle the blaze.
“Holyrood Park is one of Edinburgh’s most striking natural landscapes which provides a vital habitat for wildlife and a valuable green space for residents and visitors alike. Fires of this nature can have a devastating impact on local ecosystems, destroying vegetation, disrupting breeding habitats and leaving long-lasting damage.
“The effects of climate change are not a distant threat and we are already seeing its impact across our city. As climate change contributes to more frequent periods of hot, dry weather we need investment in wildfire prevention. We also need better education about wildfire risks due to human activity such as campfires and discarded cigarettes.
“Above all, we must increase our efforts to reduce emissions, support renewable energy and step up adaptation measures in these ecologically important areas so that they can be safeguarded for future generations.”
Peacock voted Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in first-ever poll
THE nation has spoken and crowned the Peacock Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in a landmark poll. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that the colourful Peacock has beaten off fierce competition from a colourful cast of species to take the top spot as Britain’s Favourite Butterfly.
Topping the first-ever vote to find the nation’s champion, the garden favourite beat 59 other butterflies to claim the highly coveted title, in a vote that saw over 20,000 votes cast across the UK between 15 May – 7 June.
The top five was a rainbow of colour, with the Orange-tip coming a close second, Red Admiral third, Holly Blue in fourth, and the bright yellow Brimstone coming in fifth. But ultimately, the stunning Peacock, with its eye-catching and instantly recognisable beauty, stole the nation’s hearts.
Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Engagement, Kate Merry, said: “The response to Britain’s Favourite Butterfly has been absolutely wonderful, and we’re not surprised. It’s clear that people up and down the country love butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colours, and voted in their thousands for their favourites.
“The Peacock is a worthy winner, it’s a true showstopper and a species that I bet a lot of us picture when we think of butterflies. It’s been really special seeing people get so passionate about their favourites and throw their support behind them!
“Now we can’t wait to see how many Peacocks are spotted up and down the country in this summer’s Big Butterfly Count.”
The result comes at a critical moment for the UK’s butterflies. In 2024 Butterfly Conservation declared a butterfly emergency after numbers recorded during its Big Butterfly Count fell to their lowest ever.
Now the charity is calling on everyone, everywhere to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count between Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August to help conservationists get an updated picture of how Britain’s most common butterflies are faring.
The winner – a showstopping garden icon
The Peacock, Britain’s official favourite, is an iconic butterfly. This showstopper is instantly recognisable with its striking colours and stand-out eye-spots, a remarkable evolutionary defence mechanism designed to ward off predators many times its own size.
It is a regular visitor to gardens and green spaces across the whole of the UK, particularly where patches of nettles can be found as they are its caterpillars’ favourite foodplant.
The top five – a rainbow of joy across the country
Completing the top five in the vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly are four species that between them create a kaleidoscope of colours and show why Brits love butterflies so much.
In second place, the Orange-tip is a worthy runner up, with its glowing white wings and vivid tangerine tips in the males, this uplifting species is a sure sign of spring and that warmer summer days aren’t far away.
Taking third is the Red Admiral whose striking jet-black wings, bold red bands and white spotted tips make it one of the most iconic species in the UK. A long-distance migrant, it travels all the way from North Africa to flutter around UK gardens each year, although it is now commonly sticking around through the winter, a sign of our warming climate.
In fourth, the fairy-like Holly Blue, which counts British icons Dame Joanna Lumley and Geri-Halliwell Horner amongst its fans. Its powder-blue wings are a shimmering delight when spotted in gardens, this species has been steadily spreading northwards in recent decades, bringing its appealing beauty to gardens and hedgerows across more of the country than ever before.
And rounding out the top five, the Brimstone, whose sunshine-yellow wings may have given all butterflies their name – the original butter-coloured fly, whose appearance is often heralded as the first sign of spring.
The Peacock, Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Brimstone, along with 16 other butterflies and day-flying moths, can be recorded as part of this summer’s Big Butterfly Count in July and August.
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, and this year it carries greater urgency than ever. Conservationists are hoping that a surge in public participation in 2026 will both improve the data picture and help galvanise support for butterfly-friendly habitats across the UK.
Kate Merry said:“Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn’t be easier, simply spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map.
“This information will help conservationists to see how some of our more-common species are faring, which in turn helps to build a wider picture of how all butterflies and moths are doing. It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies.”
This year’s Big Butterfly Count takes place from Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August. Simply download the free app, spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and types of butterflies spotted.
Children at Bright Horizons Cramond Early Learning and Childcare are enjoying weekly visits to the nearby beach and woodland areas, supporting learning through exploration, conversation and shared experiences outdoors.
The visits give children time to explore their surroundings at their own gentle pace, encouraging curiosity and helping them build confidence beyond the nursery environment. Experiences from their adventures are then revisited back at nursery through discussion, further exploration and play.
The approach comes amid growing national discussion about screen use in the early years. Recent UK research reported by Nursery World has highlighted the increasing role screens play in very young children’s daily routines, prompting renewed focus across the sector on real-world, hands-on experiences.
Yvonne, Nursery Manager at Bright Horizons Cramond, said: “Exploring the local area together supports children’s sense of belonging and helps them make sense of the world around them.
“When they return from visits to the beach and forest, they collect natural materials such as shells, leaves and pinecones, alongside ideas and questions to talk through back at nursery.
“This reflects our Nurture Approach, where emotional wellbeing, strong relationships and shared reflection are at the heart of how children learn.”
Practitioners use children’s observations and conversations from these outings to shape learning back at nursery, supporting communication skills, emotional wellbeing and meaningful connections with the world around them.
By prioritising outdoor exploration, time for talk and shared reflection, the nursery aims to offer young children rich learning experiences rooted in relationships and real environments, rather than digital distractions.
Bright Horizons Cramond Early Learning and Childcare is holding an Open Day on 13 June, giving families the opportunity to visit the setting, meet the team and find out more about early education and childcare.
Registrations are now being taken for 2027. Further details are available via the Bright Horizons website.
Join us at Leith Community Croft for a playful gathering rooted in nature, foraging, and connection.
This is a guided, small-group experience designed to help you step out of the noise of daily life and into something a little softer, a little lighter — where curiosity, play, and presence lead the way.
Dates:
• Saturday, 2 May, 1-3pm
• Saturday, 16 May, 1-3pm
• Saturday, 30 May, 1-3pm
What to expect:
• A warm, informal welcome to the space
• Playful time outdoors (slow wandering, noticing, playful exploration of the land)
• Seasonal, nature-based practices (simple, accessible, and lightly guided)
• Building knowledge of seasonal plants and easy preparations
This isn’t a workshop in the traditional sense — there’s nothing to get right. It’s an invitation to slow down, follow your curiosity, and engage with the croft in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and a little bit playful.
Who it’s for:
• Anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or in need of a reset
• People curious about nature-based practices (no experience needed)
• Those who want a playful, supportive space with a touch of lightness and joy
Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing — we’ll be outdoors for the duration of the session.
Spaces are limited to keep the group small and personal.
The UK is set for a spectacular summer of butterflies – and everyone is invited to take part!
Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, is calling on the public to prepare for a bumper summer of butterflies. This year, alongside its hugely popular Big Butterfly Count, the charity is launching something brand new – a vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly!
Famous for its annual Big Butterfly Count, in which tens of thousands of people spend 15 minutes counting butterflies, Butterfly Conservation is adding an exciting new milestone to the 2026 summer season as it sets out to discover which of the UK’s butterfly species takes the top spot in the nation’s hearts.
The call to action follows scientific evidence that proves counting butterflies boosts how connected people feel to nature and how motivated they are to protect it. Now the charity is encouraging people to vote for their favourite species, then head outside during Big Butterfly Count and see what they can spot this summer.
Kate Merry, Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Over the last 16 years, more than 1.35 million Counts have been done by hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, spotting almost 13.8 million butterflies and helping us with our vital science and conservation activities.
“This year, we can’t wait to celebrate a bumper summer of butterflies by holding the first-ever vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, before welcoming back the 17th annual Big Butterfly Count.
“Will the nation’s favourite species go on to reign supreme in the Count? Save the dates in your diaries to take part and help us find out!”
Britain’s Favourite Butterfly – Friday 15 May – Sunday 7 June
Britain’s Favourite Butterfly marks the first-time UK residents will be invited to champion their most-loved species.
Will the colourful Peacock take the crown? Or how about the understated Small White? Maybe it will be annual visitor the Painted Lady, or hedgerow fan the Gatekeeper.
The highly coveted title is up for grabs. The nation will decide…
Big Butterfly Count – Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August
The 17th annual Big Butterfly Count is back and better than ever. Following hot on the heels of the first-ever vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, keen citizen scientists are encouraged to get out for the Count and see what they can spot.
Will the nation’s favourite species reign supreme in this year’s Count? Or will it have to share the summer top spot with another?
The vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly will take place from Friday 15 May – Sunday 7 June, followed by Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count from Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August.
An Audience with Hamza Yassin: Talk, Q & A and book signing event
7.30pm on Saturday 11 April 2026, Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Fife
The SOC has long provided what our founders – back in 1936 – described as ‘a common meeting ground for all those interested in ornithology in Scotland’.
This year we celebrate 90 years of the Club fulfilling that original mission, and we’re delighted to commemorate this milestone by presenting a talk, Q & A and book signing from Scotland-based wildlife cameraman, author and TV presenter, Hamza Yassin.
Few naturalists have captured the hearts of the nation like Hamza. His infectious sense of wonder combined with his breathtaking filmmaking has engaged millions of viewers in the UK, including those who tuned in to watch his most recent series, Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles on BBC.
We’re delighted to be welcoming him on the night to share his incredible experiences filming wildlife across the globe, and particularly in his beloved homeland of Scotland. Packed with stunning footage, charming personal stories and reflections, the evening will offer a glimpse into the life and work of one of the country’s most-loved natural history storytellers.
As the Club enters its 90th year, Hamza’s message feels more important than ever. Hamza truly believes that by engaging people in the joy of nature and what it has to offer, we can all gain a fresh perspective on the world around us and work together to protect it.
Don’t miss this inspiring celebration—a night of stories, stunning visuals, and a shared passion for nature that birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and fans of Hamza’s programmes will never forget!
Book your place now at https://tinyurl.com/38abp3c5 and be part of this milestone event in the Club’s history – 60% of tickets have already sold!
This event is suitable for attendees ages 12 and above. Young people under 18 years are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
Everyone attending requires a ticket. All tickets are General Admission. Places range for £10 – £20.
SOC reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event due to unforeseen circumstances. Where participants are unable to join a re-scheduled event, a full refund will be given. With regret, ticket sales are non-refundable.
Legal targets to halt biodiversity loss and restore nature
The Scottish Parliament has passed the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill delivering for both nature and people with ambition at its heart and showing respect for nature, for the land and the people who steward and care for it.
For the first time statutory targets will be in place to enhance nature and protect biodiversity in Scotland.
Biodiversity is essential for sustaining the ecosystems that provide food, fuel, health, wealth, and other vital services.
When set, the targets will ensure Scotland is on a bold and ambitious journey to be ‘nature positive’ by 2030 and has actively and substantially restored nature by 2045 in a way that works for communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
The Bill forms a key part of Scotland’s response to the twin crises of climate change and nature loss, and will give Ministers new powers to develop legislation relating to wildfire management, sustainable forestry management and our internationally important protected sites.
It will also update the legal framework for National Parks – particularly in light of their leadership role in tackling key environmental and societal challenges, including the nature and climate crises.
There will be a requirements for swift nest boxes to be placed in all new buildings, supporting urban biodiversity. Swifts are a species under significant pressure as cavity-nesting birds that historically relied on gaps and holes in older buildings for nesting sites.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: “This Bill creates the strongest statutory framework Scotland has ever had for nature recovery and is the result of constructive work across the Parliament – sending a clear message that the Scottish Parliament stands firm in our commitment to protect and restore our precious natural environment.
“Biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home, but Parliament’s vote to pass the Bill shows we are determined to chart a different course. This Bill commits us to becoming nature positive by 2030 and restoring our natural environment by 2045. It is vital that future generations do not inherit the consequences of inaction and, instead, inherit a legacy of commitment and hope.
“By putting nature targets into law, we are ensuring that the government can be held to account for delivering real, measurable change. Scotland’s natural environment underpins our economy, our wellbeing and our quality of life. Protecting it is not optional – it is essential.”
Unsustainable deer populations are one of the biggest barriers to nature restoration and habitat recovery, causing overgrazing and preventing woodland regeneration. Provisions in the Bill will make it easier to control deer where they are impacting environmental work. This will help support the restoration of peatlands, regenerate forests, and protect habitats.
Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie said: “This Bill provides better tools to manage our deer populations in a way that benefits both the environment and rural communities and creates business opportunities.
“If we want healthy communities, sustainable food production and vibrant rural industries in the future, we need thriving ecosystems today.
“We all know now more than ever we must act to protect and restore nature – this Bill will ensure that happens.
“I want to see venison at the heart of our approach to deer management, and the provisions in this Bill will help us maximise the opportunities this can bring for rural Scotland. We will continue working closely with farmers, crofters and land managers to deliver real results on the ground.”
