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Charities Come Together To Support Scottish Communities With The Digital Landline Switch

Ability Net and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland have partnered with BT Group to run events across Scotland, supporting communities with information on the forthcoming switch to digital landlines.   BT is currently migrating customers to its digital solution and this roll-out will be complete by January 2027.  

Wiping The Plate Clean - Over A Make Their Children Finish Meals, Survey Finds

New research from the British Nutrition Foundation finds that 57 percent of parents surveyed rely on visual estimations to decide portion sizes for themselves.   Nearly a third (32 percent) of parents only sometimes or rarely feel confident about choosing the right portion size for their child Nearly half (48 percent) of all parents say that their children have second helpings at least once a week.  

Online Recruitment, Anonymity And Encryption - Just How Easily Are Cyber Criminals Targeting Our Children And Young People.

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland has issued it latest advice and warning about targeting of young people.   Encrypted messaging services on social media allows criminals to create chat groups online, with restricted access typically limited only to verified members.  

Donald Mitchell Countryside Ranger Looks At Sand

Sands of Time - Donald asks the question about the sustainability of our beaches.   I'm thinking of this poem whilst carrying out one of my favourite past times, beachcombing - walking on the beach and looking, and thinking - a bit.  

Saving Energy But Are Heated Clothes Driers Better Than Tumble Driers

In terms of energy efficiency and garment care, heated clothes dryers (often called heated airers) are generally considered better than tumble dryers, as they use significantly less energy, cause less damage to clothes.  They can produce less wrinkles, making them a more gentle drying option; however, tumble dryers are typically faster at drying clothes, so the best choice depends on your priorities regarding drying time and garment care.  

Uk Medicines Regulator Warns Against Buying Weight Loss Medicines Without A Prescription This New Year

The MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit works to identify and prevent the illegal sale of weight-loss medicines online.   The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding the public this New Year not to buy weight-loss medicines without a healthcare professional's prescription from beauty salons or via social media.  

Which Infectious Disease Is Likely To Be The Biggest Emerging Problem In 2025?

COVID emerged suddenly, spread rapidly and killed millions of people around the world.  Since then, I think it's fair to say that most people have been nervous about the emergence of the next big infectious disease - be that a virus, bacterium, fungus or parasite.  

Countryside Ranger Online Talks

Beachcombers guide to the strange finds on the beaches of NW Highlands - Thursday 23rd January 7:30pm.   From stranded whales and sea turtles to mermaids purses and by-the-wind sailors, beachcombing is a fascinating and soothing mindful activity.  

King Charles is changing his diet to keep his cancer at bay - here's what the evidence says

King Charles's decision to cut red meat from his diet following his cancer treatment has sparked a frenzy of interest in the potential effect of what we eat on cancer outcomes, and how well people do after they're diagnosed.   While the specific details of the king's diagnosis and treatment remain private, his dietary adjustments align with growing evidence suggesting that nutrition plays a crucial role in cancer "survivorship", meaning living with the disease after being diagnosed - and in some cases, hopefully, being cured of it.  

Ten Ways To Make Space For Nature In Your Life This Winter

Scotland's wildlife needs our help.  Since 1994 we've lost 15% of our precious nature, but there is hope.