Steven Mckenzie

A female Scottish wildcat named Sully has reportedly become the first of the species recorded swimming in the wild. Canoeists spotted and filmed her on the River Spey, while her GPS collar confirmed her identity. Born in captivity in 2022 and released in 2024 through the Saving Wildcats project, Sully is part of efforts led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to rebuild the critically depleted wildcat population in the Cairngorms. The project has released 28 wildcats since 2023, although two of nine released in 2024 died shortly afterward. Habitat loss, road collisions, hybridisation with domestic cats and disease remain major threats.

Luka, a five-year-old Japanese macaque, returned by himself to his enclosure at Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore after escaping overnight. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland used drones with thermal-imaging cameras during the search and said it did not yet know how he got out. Park officials linked the incident to the complex dynamics of primate groups and said Luka would receive a health check. The escape recalls a similar 2024 incident involving another macaque, Honshu, which was later moved to Edinburgh Zoo.

A bright orange pyrophilous fungus has appeared at Glenmore near Aviemore after a major wildfire burned thousands of acres in the Cairngorms National Park. Forestry and Land Scotland said the fire-loving fungus is among the first organisms to colonise burned ground, helping break down carbon, reduce soil erosion and prepare conditions for grasses and plants. The July wildfire killed vegetation and wildlife, badly damaged the RSPB Scotland Loch Garten reserve, prompted evacuations and involved more than 500 firefighters. Hotspot monitoring continues, while a £3m recovery fund has been opened for affected businesses.

A bright orange pyrophilous fungus has appeared at Glenmore in the Cairngorms National Park after a major wildfire burned thousands of acres of woodland and moorland. Forestry and Land Scotland said the fungus is among the first colonisers of burned ground, helping break down carbon, reduce soil erosion and create conditions for grasses and plants to return. The fire damaged wildlife habitat, including the RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve, prompted evacuations and involved more than 500 firefighters; drones continue to monitor peatland for hotspots while affected businesses can access a £3m recovery fund.

The Scottish Government has established a £3m fund, to be administered by Highland Council, to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire. The fire, which began on 15 July, has burned thousands of acres and forced businesses in Glenmore, Nethy Bridge and Aviemore to close during peak tourism season. More than 500 firefighters and other responders have tackled hotspots, while access to Glenmore is expected to reopen after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service judged firefighting efforts successful, although some outdoor areas will remain restricted.

The Scottish government has established a £3m fund, administered by Highland Council, to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire, which has burned thousands of acres since 15 July. Businesses in Glenmore, Nethy Bridge and Aviemore have faced prolonged closures during peak tourism season, with some reporting substantial turnover losses. More than 500 firefighters and local volunteers have responded, and Glenmore is due to reopen to the public after progress in extinguishing hotspots, although some areas will remain restricted.

More than 20,000 people attended Belladrum Festival near Beauly from Thursday to Saturday, with many dressing for the event’s “party animals” theme. James withdrew from the closing headline slot after singer Tim Booth lost his voice, so Razorlight took over. The weekend lineup included Scottish acts such as Torridon, Skerryvore, Cammy Barnes and Valtos, alongside performers including Mika, The Human League, Rizzle Kicks and Scouting for Girls. Valtos members Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald also discussed their experience performing at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Scouting for Girls returned to the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival for their fourth appearance, nearly 20 years after first playing there in a small tent. Frontman Roy Stride told the crowd the band loved the festival and announced 20th-anniversary shows in London, Manchester and Glasgow next year. The band performed several hits before closing with “She’s So Lovely.” The festival near Beauly also featured opening-day performances by Mika and Callum Beattie, with The Human League set to headline Friday. More than 20,000 people are expected across the three-day event, which includes themed fancy dress, unusual decorations and six planned weddings.

Scouting for Girls returned to Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival nearly 20 years after their first appearance, performing hits including “This Ain’t a Love Song,” “Elvis Ain’t Dead” and “She’s So Lovely.” Frontman Roy Stride said the band loved playing the Highland festival and would celebrate its 20th anniversary next year with concerts in London, Manchester and Glasgow. More than 20,000 people are expected at the three-day event, whose lineup also includes The Human League, Mika, Callum Beattie, Rizzle Kicks, Kula Shaker, Trail West, Bombskare and James. Festival attractions include elaborate decorations, a fancy-dress parade and six planned weddings.

Archaeologists documented names, tool impressions and drawings left by soldiers who built World War Two anti‑tank defences at Tentsmuir in 1940. Some markings included initials, cartoon figures and a misspelled version of the anti‑fascist slogan “no pasaran,” along with an outline resembling General Franco. Many of the concrete blocks are partially buried and threatened by coastal erosion. The survey, supported by volunteers and university partners, is part of ongoing efforts to record coastal heritage sites at risk.

Culbin Forest on Scotland’s Moray Firth, once a sand-blasted landscape that buried farms in the 17th century, features as a filming location in the upcoming movie The Odyssey starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland and Zendaya. The forest, now managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, evolved from a former desert-like area to a protected habitat after stabilisation efforts in the 1920s. Its history includes major sand drifts, witchcraft lore, a destructive 1939 wildfire and use as a World War Two training ground shelled by the Royal Navy. Today it is managed through continuous cover forestry and supports diverse wildlife while drawing visitors and film crews alike.