Red meat industry counts the cost of the BSE case
Scotland’s £674 million flagship beef industry is assessing the potential cost and reputational implications of a single case of BSE.
Man who sparked major security alert whilst trying to set fire to the Scottish Parliament gets jail sentence
A man who tried to set fire to the Scottish Parliament, held a large kitchen knife over his head and said he wanted the police to kill him has been jailed.
Highland spaceport put on hold
Hopes of an early lift off for Scotland’s new spaceport - bringing a jobs boost for the North in its trail - appear to have been grounded.
Looking into the history of the ‘tattie holidays’
Traditionally October is the month for the potato harvest and before modern machines entered the fields the work was all done by hand.
Teenager made homophobic and menacing comments in 999 call
A 17-year-old has admitted making homophobic and menacing comments in a 999 call - over a row with his bank.
10% of people on Highland Council’s housing list have no roof over their head as the north’s homeless crisis escalates
The number of homeless people seeking council housing in the Highlands has risen to an “alarming” 690 - at a time the authority is facing a multi-million-pound “crisis” over rent arrears because of Universal Credit.
‘Entirely fresh look’ for Bourne’s classic at Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre
When director Matthew Bourne presented his all-male version of Swan Lake in 1995, it certainly ruffled a few feathers.
Inverness woman becomes world-record-breaker after epic global trek
An Inverness woman has pedalled her way into the record books.
Record-breaking Nessie searcher in movie plans
For more than 25 years, he has assiduously watched Loch Ness for a sighting of the monster - setting a world record for the longest Nessie vigil in the process.
The global orchestra playing for peace
How do we remember the Great War? The last Scottish veteran, Alfred Anderson of the 5th Battalion the Black Watch died in 2005. The “last fighting Tommy” Harry Patch died in 2009. Florence Green of the Women’s Royal Air Force died in 2012. We will soon sadly lose the last veterans of the Second World War.
Oil and gas boost starting to trickle down to subsea sector
The subsea industry is finally starting to feel the positive effects of improved market conditions in oil and gas, despite this week’s closure of the Underwater Centre.
Hard Brexit could mean grounding support fleet
There will not be enough UK seafarers to maintain the North Sea’s offshore support vessel fleet in the event of a hard Brexit, according to an organisation for ship operators.
Novel with a sympathetic view on Hitler may strike surprising Chord with masses
Chances are you haven’t come across The Tristan Chord, the recently released first novel by an American psychiatrist called Glenn Skwerer.
i3 Energy gets help in Liberator farm-out
North Sea firm i3 Energy has appointed acquisitions and divestitures adviser FirstEnergy Captial to assist with the company’s farm-out process for the Liberator development.
One way to sing all the greats as Beyond the Barricade theatre show hits Aberdeen
West End heavyweights such as The Lion King, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera are all well-known and well-loved – but what about a show that brings them all together?
North-east scientist awarded £1.5m research bonus
A north-east scientist has been awarded around £1.5 million in funding in a single week giving a “major boost” to research in the region.
North Sea leading global offshore wind power generation
The North Sea now accounts for 90% of all global offshore wind power generation, but will soon face a challenge from China, it has emerged.
Go forth and spread the word of God
British Christianity is in pretty poor shape.
SNP in fantasy land over Europe as it tries to square economics with independence
Twenty-one years after leaving office, John Major has found a moral urgency that he lacked in Downing Street, commenting this week: “No form of Brexit will remotely match up to the promises made by the Leave campaign in the referendum: they were vote-gathering fantasies, not serious politics.”
Firefighters battle gorse blaze in north-east
Firefighters are dealing with a gorse blaze in the north-east this evening.
A warm welcome and a fine feast at Beekie’s Neuk in Newmachar
Every weekend, I travel around the north-east of Scotland following the fortunes of my footballing son. Saturday morning is for school matches, and Sunday sees me cheering on his club team.
Scottish SPCA investigate claims of abuse at wool farms in Scotland
Horrific footage has emerged showing workers at 24 sheep farms in Britain "punching, stamping and beating" animals, campaigners claim.
The hidden talents of our four-legged friends
The volunteers all describe it in the same way.
The Lunch: Three healthcare experts speak to the P&J business editor
Healthcare in the UK is something that is all too often taken for granted. Whether we need an emergency operation, a routine check up or an annual eye test we are fortunate enough not to have to worry about the associated costs.
Australia on cusp of Piper Alpha-style disaster, warns visiting trade unionist
An Australian trade unionist and safety representative, who is currently locked in a David v Goliath battle with an oil giant has claimed his country is “on the cusp” of a disaster similar to Piper Alpha.
Investigations launched into ‘mystery’ whale deaths
Scientists are investigating a second mysterious spate of whale deaths around Scotland.
Rural pubs miss out on hospitality sector toast
More than a third of rural pubs are struggling to stay afloat in the current economic climate – despite an overall growth in the hospitality sector.
Parts of a luxury Highland hotel destroyed after fire breaks out
The boss of a Highland hotel has thanked the quick reactions of the emergency services and his own staff after a blaze broke out in the building.
Blondes have more fun – but not as much as the self-service checkout watchers
If you need a good laugh, just go to a supermarket at a busy time. Friday teatimes or Saturday lunchtimes, for example. Go in but don’t stray too far from the door. Then just hang around, looking all unconcerned and non-suspicious until you spot a target.
The north-east care empire – 30 years on
Most octogenarians are more likely to be researching their ideal care home rather than running it.
Milestone in Hurricane Lancaster development
Hurricane Energy has confirmed the sail-away of the production vessel for its huge Lancaster development west of Shetland.
Lift off for Scotland’s new spaceport as it’s set to begin a year ahead of schedule
Public consultations have begun on the £17m project at Melness in Sutherland with a planning application expected to be lodged next year.