Taken with my Fujifilm XT30 ii !!!

The stone stands atop "Mote Hill" or the more appropriately named "The Heading Hill," a spot where an ancient Pictish Fort once stood. Over time, this area became the place where King James I would have his enemies dispatched. Beheadings were specifically reserved for individuals found guilty of committing treason. Most notably was that of Murdoch, Duke of Albany in 1425, the grandson of King Robert II, founder of the Stewart Dynasty.

I see allot of negative stuff online so thought i would share my positive experience. Visited Scotland for the first time earlier this year and a second time a few weeks ago . i want to say its hands down its one of the , if not the best places i have been to! Everyone’s was welcoming, friendly and helpful 🙏🏽. I have been all over Europe and hands down you guys are the best . From the workers at the airport, to the random people i met on my travels. I have visited all over Europe and no other place has even came to your level of hospitality.

Dundee, Frazerburgh, Glasgow, Greenock and Motherwell never sounded better.

https://archive.ph/OZ3YV

Is it just me or is this just a super underrated spot? I haven’t seen anyone mention it at all. When we got here we just found it beautiful and there was no one else there. Maybe it was the time too, cause it got pretty late(otw to inverness from fort Augustus)
Has to be top 3 spots for me in the highlands

I’m not originally from Scotland and am going home for Christmas this year. Due to various logistical family reasons, I’m trying to wrap up my Christmas shopping ASAP.

I need a gift for someone who likes anything bitter or sour. They are autistic and quite particular, not a drinker so no booze. They like lemon sweeties. They really love rowan berry jam but I don’t have time to make any this year.

Any suggestions will be extremely welcome!

https://archive.ph/0VySh

Right hello folks - genuinely interested to hear peoples thoughts on this. Gordon Strachan appeared on Open Goal podcast recently, and reiterated his point that he controversially made about Scottish athletes. I believe somebody needs to pick Gordons bones on the Scottish ‘wee man’ small genetics comment. Seems to allude to it again in the pod without any basis. Aye the average height (5’6) and life expectancy in certain areas is worse than Yemen at a push, but look at some of the authentic Scottish patches eg. North East, Borders, Highlands etc, that by proxy probably have healthier diets (far less fast food, real issue) and grow up primarily outdoors. Some of the Shinty teams are a good example. Some of the clear Celtic/Pictish sorts that naturally don’t grow up on tangfastics and Lucozade (Inner Urban areas), and you see stock not associated with 5’5 radges. Look at Irelands rugby team - not rural but non-urban folk that are actual athletes, playing a wide range of sports (not just the obvious, rugby). I think we can say the same, but perhaps theres too much of an urban perspective on matters and its more of a cultural thing in Scotland. Nothing against the jimmy johnstones of the world btw, but Gordon needs challenged on this one - mentioned it as Scotlands manager. Devils advocate but wee man syndrome?

Falkland palace from the grounds, really interesting place to visit and has the world's oldest tennis court - or real (royal) tennis

With both the SNP and the greens opposing new nuclear energy it looks highly unlikely that torness power station will be replaced by a new nuclear site in Scotland.

I am fully on board with increased renewable sources being used to add to Scotland's energy production but feel we lack the ability to store that energy adequately. Pumped hydro and battery storage seems to be the main sources for that storage however we still rely on torness and Peterhead to supply energy to the grid and rely on them during periods of low production. With torness scheduled to stop production around 2030 and the age of Peterhead power station combined with the carbon emissions it produces without a real carbon capture system approved, it feels like by the early-mid 2030's Scotland will be reliant on power being supplied by south of the border to make up the shortfall when renewable production is low.

Surely a new nuclear power station would be the simplest and cleanest solution to this and would actually strengthen the independence cause as opposed to damaging it?

John Swinney was quoted the other day stating opposition to the proposed sovereign wealth fund being used for nuclear power in England so why don't we use it for a new station in Scotland?

This is of course without mentioning the benefits that industrial plants such as power stations provide in terms of high paying, highly skilled jobs and strengthening supply chains which can be used in other industries.

Edit- a lot of great replies and opinions thanks for the engagement. A lot of statements being given without back ups though so thought it might be worth linking the Scottish governments energy reports for people to peruse if interested in digging into the current data as well as the trends over the past few years. https://www.gov.scot/collections/quarterly-energy-statistics-scotland/

Hello fellow carb-lovers!

I am on the hunt for the very best Macaroni Pie. My current leader is from Mhor bakery in Callander (belter bakers by the way), but a Baynes is still a solid and easy to find option.

Big thoughts and prayers for the old, now retired, macaroni pie from Ashers bakery in the highlands. Gone but not forgotten.

Any suggestions and recommendations appreciated. I am macaroni pie daft.