Thomas Mackay | The Scotsman

Search and Trends Writer

Search and Trends Writer

Thomas Mackay works as a Search and Trends Writer for The Scotsman and The Edinburgh Evening News.

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Found in Stornoway, the sign reads: "a broken Gaelic is better than a Gaelic in the chest (coffin)". Encouraging people to use what they've got regardless of any imperfections.

Stornoway Gaelic Cafe ignites new hope for Gaelic's prosperity in Scotland

Many Muslims around the world will be familiar with the phrase 'Ramadan Mubarak' which translates to 'blessed Ramadan'.

What is Ramadan? When is Eid 2023? How can you wish someone a Happy Ramadan?

The date of Easter changes yearly. In 2023, the celebration will fall on Sunday, April 9.

When is Easter 2023 Scotland? When are the bank holidays?

Works and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride leaves at 10 Downing Street, London, after a Cabinet meeting ahead of the Budget..

When do I get my State Pension? What is the pension age? Does the UK Gov decide?

The upcoming full moon, often referred to as the 'Pink Moon', will fall on April 6 according to Royal Museums Greenwich.

When is the next full moon? Dates for all full moons in 2023 and name meanings

Oracle reports that "AI technology is improving enterprise performance and productivity by automating processes or tasks that once required human power."

What is AI? Why was ChatGPT banned? Can we distinguish AI from human writing?

UK inflation shot up unexpectedly last month as vegetable shortages pushed food prices to their highest rate in more than 45 years, according to official figures. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

What does high inflation mean? This is what happens when inflation rises

Here’s what to do in Edinburgh without paying in this list of 13 free attractions that you’re sure to love.

What to do in Edinburgh for free: 13 Awesome things to do that cost nothing

Each year, a new theme sees new red noses designed to raise money for charitable causes.

Everything you need to know about Red Nose Day 2023

Mother's Day is a celebration historically linked to Christianity but in modern times it is marked globally even by those outside of faith.

When is Mothers Day and what do mums really want for gifts? Top answers revealed

St Patrick's day commemorates the Patron Saint of Ireland who is credited for introducing the country to Christianity.

St Patrick’s Day 2023: Who was Saint Patrick and why do people wear green?

The custom of changing our clocks twice per year dates back over a century to when it started in the First World War.

When do the clocks go forward in 2023 and when is Spring?

The UK Government is set to ban TikTok for its members due to national security concerns over the app's links to China.

What is TikTok, who owns it, and why is the UK banning the app?

Receiving anonymous calls is a common occurrence but there are many services that can shed some light on your mystery caller.

Who is calling me from this number? How to see who’s calling you and from where

Who is the Hebridean Baker and why is the Scottish Tiktoker famous?

“An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment.”

Best of David Attenborough: 28 epic quotes in honour of his new 2023 series

Scottish veteran broadcaster Ken Bruce leaving BBC Wogan House in London, after his last day presenting his BBC Radio 2 show, which he has hosted for 31 years.

When does Ken Bruce start on Greatest Hits? Ken leaves BBC after 31 years there

Beltane is said to refer to the Celtic sun god, Belenus, and ancient Celts would light two bonfires on this day (May 1) as it was said to increase their fertility and encourage their crops to grow. It was said this date was chosen as it marks the midway point between the Vernal (Spring) equinox and summer solstice. Many other traditions on May 1 have been observed in Scotland for centuries, such as young girls who would rise early that day to wash their faces in the May dew as it was said to offer them good luck.

Spring in Scotland: 9 ancient traditions and Celtic customs of Scottish Spring

There are some Scottish clans that include ‘visible relics’ of their Norse ancestors. For example, the MacIvors were originally the sons of Ivar, Macaulay the songs of Olaf, MacAskill the sons of Asgeir and MacSween the sons of Swein. The ‘Mac’ surname prefix meaning ‘son’ is Scottish in origin as a Gaelic term.

Vikings & Scotland: 9 Incredible facts about ancient Vikings in Scotland

A spokesperson for Prince Harry has confirmed he received his invitation for King Charles' coronation.

King Charles Coronation: When is it, will Prince Harry come, is it a holiday?

Run Florist, Run... As in 'run' a popular business that specialises in beautiful flowers which can be found in Glasgow.

30 of Scotland’s Punniest Shops and Business names to make you chuckle

The island of Iona on Scotland’s west coast is called the “birthplace of Scottish religion”. In 536 AD, St. Columba and his followers landed on the island where they founded a monastery which some historians argue was the capital of knowledge in the medieval world. The island, also known as Innis nam Druidneach in Gaelic (Isle of Druids), eventually lost its library as some believe it was pillaged by Viking raiders who attacked in the ninth century. However, one book known as ‘The Book of Kells’ was preserved and it is believed that others may have survived or been taken elsewhere to be kept safe. In the 1950s a search was performed in the Treshnish Islands, nearby Iona, in search of such lost books - although nothing was discovered it is still believed by many that this reservoir of precious knowledge could be found again one day.

Scotland’s Unsolved Mysteries: 13 Bizarre Scottish mysteries that haunt us

Nowadays the Grassmarket boasts an exquisite selection of pubs and shops, but back in the day it was a busy market place for livestock and - unfortunately - an infamous site for public executions.

Then and Now: 11 vintage pictures showing Edinburgh over the years

James III ordered the creation of Nor' Loch in 1460 as a way to fortify Edinburgh Castle's defences, however it was really just the city's cesspool. It was used as a site for execution where people were sentenced to death by drowning in the filthy waters with some even being locked in chests where they sank to the bottom to perish. On one single day in 1624 eleven women drowned there. Nowadays, this location goes by Princes Street Gardens as the loch was filled during the creation of the New Town.

13 Haunting facts you didn’t know about Edinburgh that will creep you out

St Andrews is described as a "unique and captivating" place and the stunning university campus is no exception. Founded in 1413, this is Scotland's first ever university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world.

14 Scottish Universities ranked best to worst in new list, this Uni took 1st

The Scottish Actor who boasted impressive roles from James Bond to Robin Hood, was born in the Fountainbridge area in 1930. Back then, he attended Tollcross Primary School but decided to leave education early at 13 to become a milkman. Unlikely origins for the man who would become one of Scotland’s most famous stars. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.

10 Famous Edinburgh Students: Celebrities who studied at Edinburgh schools

The Royal Mile is just one of Edinburgh's many famous tourist attractions that there's more to than meets the eye.

10 bizarre facts you wouldn’t believe about Edinburgh

The Gaelic translation for Dunnottar is "fort on the shelving slope" and this is why the fortress has played such a prominent role in Scottish history back in the 18th century with the Jacobite rising because it was a defensive and strategic location. Described as a "ruined medieval fortress" today you can still explore it at the north-eastern coast of Scotland, 2 miles away from Stonehaven.

Clans and Castles: 17 Famous Scottish Clans and where their Castles are

Selkies are seal creatures that reside in the sea yet can adopt human forms if they shed their seal coats on land. They are described as very attractive in human form and were known to intermarry with humans in coastline towns and villages. However, their loyalty is to the sea and they tend to return quickly, unless the human has been able to hide their seal coat which is needed for retransformation. Even if a Selkie forms a loving family on the land, they will always return to the sea if they get the chance.

13 mythical creatures from Scottish Folklore starting with Selkies

A well-loved comedy drama, Local Hero explores the conflict between a Texas oil company and the residents of a Scottish fishing village whose land is needed for the company's North Sea oil base.

Best Scottish Films of all Time: 21 Best films voted by Scotsman readers

An old joke in Scotland was telling American tourists who asked 'What is a haggis?' That it's "a small four-legged creature from the Highlands!" Some reported that this was actually taken seriously, however, and not humorously as intended.

What is Haggis made of? Is it truly Scottish? Why is it banned in the US?

Lovers of mythology will appreciate the story that sees the young Ronja explore medieval forests that host many a mystical creature.

Studio Ghibli in Scotland? The Scottish Gaelic dub anime set in medieval times