Nature

Some of Scotland's most beautiful animals have seen their numbers plummet in recent decades.

10 of the most endangered animals in Scotland

Treat yourself to a visit to Rosslyn Chapel this autumn or winter. Picture – supplied.

Ad Feature Autumn and winter season unveiled at Rosslyn Chapel

Glorious Glen Affric is a great place to go forest bathing in Scotland this autumn.

How to embrace quiet living in Scotland this autumn - and where to go

“Man standing on top of Ben Vorlich in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.” (jgshields)

21 Epic Munros to bag near Edinburgh starting with Ben Chonzie

15 Incredible castles along the rugged Scottish coast

The curious rock formation, often known as just “the Praying Hands”, is nestled in the heart of one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens. (Photo: spodzone via Flickr)

Explainer Praying Hands in Scotland’s “longest, loneliest and loveliest” glen

Forest walks are beneficial both to the body and mind. Here are some recommended trails near Edinburgh.

13 Gorgeous forest walks near Edinburgh including Roslin Glen

Scotland has many beautiful glens to choose from and - incredible landscapes aside - the wildlife is stunning too.

Scotland’s Glorious Glens: 13 Scots glens you need to visit

If you cannot get enough of bonnie Scotland then these are the podcasts for you.

5 Recommended podcasts for lovers of all things Scottish

Work has now started chainsawing the felled tree into sections for its removal (Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Beloved Sycamore Gap tree to be cut up and removed from site

A Draconid meteor near Skekarsbo at the Farnebofjardens national park 150 kilometers north of Stockholm in 2011 (Photo: P-M HEDEN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Draconid meteor shower 2023 peaks on 8 October - what to expect

White Sand Beaches in Scotland: 13 Beaches that rival tropical ones

Here are 6 Scottish places that earned UNESCO World Heritage status

Red Deer Stags in Scotland: 9 Places where you can see them rutting

Seals in Scotland

Seal Spotting Sites in Scotland: 9 Places to see adorable seals

Scared of spiders? Brace yourself. Sex-crazed male spiders want to breed in warm UK households this Autumn.

How to keep spiders out of the house: Why are there so many right now?

White-tailed sea eagles have increased in recent years as a result of reintroduction projects. Picture: Katie Nethercoat

Reports shows stark warning over ongoing loss of species

The Dunino Den is a ‘pre-Christian’ place of worship that historians report was used by the Picts, Druids and other Pagan worshippers for a variety of rituals... Some grislier than others.

Explainer Dunino Den: The Scots druid site where carvings tell of a grisly past

Odds revealed for The Great British Bake Off 2023 winner

The UK’s perfect climbing tree is given the name Mr Silly Arms

Scotland has over 30,000 lochs but only one natural lake; the Lake of Menteith in the Trossachs region. There are many theories to account for this curious distinction.

Explainer Loch vs Lake: Why does Scotland have 30,000 lochs but only one lake?

13 Scottish Waterfalls including the one crowned ‘most beautiful’

Approximately 5% of ticks are said to carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This infection has been described as a ‘hidden epidemic’ so it is important to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Explainer How to Remove a Tick Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide for Ticks

Best of Scottish Tourism: 25 Recommended sites for first time visitors

Dolphin Watching in Scotland: 9 Beautiful places where Dolphins roam

National Geographic crowns Scottish Highlands in Best of the World ‘23

According to National Museums Scotland: “ Wildcats are found in Scotland north of the Central Belt but used to live throughout Britain.”

Explainer “Clinging by a claw”, Scottish Wildcats are near extinct says experts

Here is everything you should know about Autumn in the UK and the upcoming clock change.

Explainer When does Autumn start? What is the Autumn Equinox? Clock change date

Marine heatwaves can lead to coral bleaching and harms to ocean life – this picture was taken during an underwater survey in Australian waters in 2017. Picture: J Stella/Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Ocean heatwaves like ones off Scotland's coast are ‘new normal’, scientists warn

Ardnumarchan means “Height of the Seals” when translated from Scottish Gaelic.

Scotland’s Gaelic Landscape: Do you know how to read a Scottish map?

The Great Pyramid of Giza? More like “giza break” because who can afford flights to Egypt in this economy? Instead, check out this fascinating site in the Scottish Highlands.

Explainer The Great Pyramid of Scotland? The odd Scots pyramid in the Highlands

Stay in a bespoke bothy with views over the Aberdeenshire coast

Beached Jellyfish sightings are common throughout the UK during the Spring and Summer months. Scotland, in particular, has had a recent influx which has shocked many.

Explainer Why are there so many dead Jellyfish? Scots beach full of huge Jellies

What to do in Edinburgh for FREE: 13 Incredible attraction that cost 0

The full moon rises behind Edinburgh Castle. The July full moon, otherwise known as the Thunder Moon, is synonymous with summer storms.

When is the next full moon? All full moons dates and name meanings

According to the Cairngorms National Park Authority: “(The Caledonian Forest) is estimated to have reached a maximum coverage of 1.5 million hectares around 5,000 BCE.”

Explainer 15.7. Scottish trees cut for wind farms, our forestry heritage

Arthur's Seat is part of an ancient volcano which forms the main peak of the group of hills in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. From the top of Arthur's Seat you can enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh and watch as the autumnal colour palette envelops the city.

Scottish Autumn: 16 Places to admire cool autumnal scenery in Scotland

Here's where you can find Highland cows in Scotland. Photo: Brian Taylor/Unsplash

12 places where you can visit Highland cows in Scotland

Firefighters tackle the raging wildfires in Greece. Image: Sarah George/Press Association.

Nature will not wait for a general election

Nicola Bulley, a mother-of-two, accidentally drowed in the River Wyre in Lancashire on January 27.

Nicola Bulley family reeling after pictures posted on dating website

The new 17th hole at Royal Liverpool has been a big talking point in the build up to the 151st Open at the Hoylake venue. Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images.

Test for 151st Open 'forged by nature' as drama awaits at new 17th

Raising the value of benefits would have been preferable to sending out a string of lump sum cost of living payments to households, according to a leading UK economics thinktank which has dubbed the sporadic cash boosts an “ineffective sticking plaster”.

Cost of living payments are ‘ineffective sticking plaster’, warns IFS

Eight in 10 people in the UK admit to wasting their downtime - by mindlessly scrolling for hours on end

Many adults waste their downtime - by mindlessly scrolling for hours

Despite the name, the common scoter is a rare duck in the UK. Scotland is one of the best places to see them during the summer months, in the north and west of the country, particularly in Caithness and Sutherland. The male is almost entirely black, while the female is lighter with a pale face.

All 20 species of duck found in Scotland - and where to see them

Prince Harry

Prince Harry planning a major new Netflix project

Why have orcas been attacking human boats? Image: PA

Why are orcas attacking ships? Killer Whale boat bashing explained

Sarah Ferguson is recovering from breast cancer treatment, a royal spokesperson has confirmed - Credit: Getty

Piers Morgan reveals Sarah Ferguson text following cancer diagnosis

Some of the species of whale and dolphin that can be seen in Scottish waters.

The breeds of whale and dolphin most commonly found in Scottish waters

Blackface sheep are judged in the ring at the Royal Highland Centre

A net zero future for UK farming is our goal - Alison Rose & Tanya Steele

A few of Scotland's 18 birds of prey.

All 18 birds of prey found in Scotland - and where to see them

A few of Scotland's 35 species of beautiful butterfly.

Where and when to see Scotland's 35 native species of butterfly

TUI competition for ‘thrill seeking’ over 60’s to win a break

TUI launches competition for ‘thrill seeking’ over 60’s to win a break

Bournemouth Pier in May 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Tributes paid to 12-year-old girl who died at Bournemouth beach

What you should do if you find a stray, feral or lost cat

What to do if you find a stray cat according to RSPCA

A view overlooking Threave Nature Reserve where a 100 year project is underway to restore the land to its most natural state (pic: National Trust Scotland)

A closer look at a disused dairy turned wildlife haven

100 cows deployed to reserve 50,000 acres of land

The Scotsman Top Stories

Scotland has failed to meet its latest target for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the latest official figures show. Picture: John Giles/PA Wire

Fail: Scotland misses climate target

Pro-independence protesters with Scottish Saltire flags (top) march for Scottish independence. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

Yousaf: Growing popular support for Yes the only way to Scottish independence

Nadine Dorries. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

SNP MP cleared of bullying Nadine Dorries