2 h. ago Eight of the best affordable beach holidays, from Crete to the Costa de la Luz

Kick back and dream of summer with our pick of seaside gems, including a stylish Andalucian bolthole and a villa with views of StromboliWild, windswept and wonderfully unspoilt, the Costa de la Luz is the Spanish coastline time forgot; a great swathe of Atlantic drama, fringed with sandy beaches and small seaside villages and resorts. Hotel Madreselva, surrounded by the pine forest, wetlands, dunes and sea cliffs of the Breña y Marismas de Barbate nature reserve, makes a suitably tranquil base, with a palm-shaded courtyard, flame-walled pool area and 18 stylish rooms, all with a private patio. A minute’s walk from the beach at Los Caños de Meca, the hotel is perfect for watersports lovers, as well as exploring this unspoilt corner of Andalucia. The hilltop pueblo blanco of Vejer, a 20-minute drive away, has charm in spades, while Cape Trafalgar, a lighthouse with views over the Strait of Gibraltar, is 10 minutes’ walk along the beach.Doubles from £83 B&B, hotelmadreselva.com Con...

Politics

44 h. ago Dream job opportunity for nature fans on three beautiful Scottish islands

The isles of Lunga, Staffa, and Iona are seeking a ranger.

Politics

45 h. ago Scottish island chain named 'top alternative holiday hotspots' for 2026

It beat destinations in Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Thailand.

Politics

65 h. ago Scottish Highlands island on the market for just £50,000 but with one catch

Eilean a' Chapuill is six acres and comes with its own boat house.

Economics

67 h. ago Roy Keane slams Michael Carrick's Man Utd coaching team in tense Gary Neville exchange

Roy Keane has been left unimpressed by the decision to bring Jonny Evans into the Manchester United coaching staff and let rip as Gary Neville backed the hire of Steve Holland

Politics

68 h. ago Scottish islands nature reserve hiring staff in dream job opportunity

The isles are "famous worldwide for geology, history, flora and fauna".

Politics

68 h. ago Why beavers could soon be introduced to this south London park

The move is part of a rewilding project at the nature reserve

Politics

3 d. ago Everything you need to know as River Island to close Scots store in days

Find out all the key details on why River Island will be closing down four Scottish branches starting from this week.

Politics

3 d. ago Scottish island for sale at bargain price but comes with a major safety warning

Eilean a' Chapuill is found just off the Knapdale peninsula in the Highlands.

Events

4 d. ago Renfrewshire nature reserve to receive almost £20,000 to enhance visitor zone as councillors agree award

RSPB Lochwinnoch will land windfall from villages investment fund for installation of wooden gazebo and other improvements.

Economics

4 d. ago Scottish Budget: Fresh focus on fixed links between Scottish islands

Campaigns have been running for years across Scotland’s northern isles to improve inter-island connections

Politics

4 d. ago Whisky from Scottish island features in Golden Globes winners' $1million gift bags

The Scottish Distillery was selected as one of the brands to be included in the 'The Ultimate Gift Bag' worth $1million each which was given to winners and presenters at the Golden Globe Awards

Economics

6 d. ago More Brits unemployed in '39th straight month of decline' as Keir Starmer issued warning

Jobseekers rose sharply in December as demand for new hires slumped, with permanent staff placements declining for the 39th consecutive month

Events

7 d. ago Tranquil river walk with rare birds and a cosy country pub at the end

Cwm Clydach nature reserve near Swansea offers woodland trails with red kites and buzzards, plus a pint at the dog-friendly New Inn

Politics

8 d. ago Historic castle on Scottish island hiring staff with accommodation provided

A unique job opportunity on the Isle of Skye has come up.

Politics

1 week ago How a TV interior designer is helping revive a remote Scottish island

On Ulva, in the Inner Hebrides, Banjo Beale and his husband are transforming a rundown mansion into their dream hotel, while another adventurous couple have created a charming bothy for hardier folkUlva House is a building site. There are workmen up ladders, hammering, plastering, but I leave my muddy walking boots by the door. There’s no central heating or hot water and Banjo Beale and his husband, Ro, have been camping out here for weeks, but he greets me, dazzlingly debonair, in a burnt orange beanie and fabulous Moroccan rug coat.The 2022 winner of the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, who went on to front his own makeover show Designing the Hebrides, Banjo’s vibe is more exuberant Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen than quizzical Kevin McCloud. His latest project with Ro, the transformation of a derelict mansion on the small Hebridean island of Ulva into a boutique hotel, is the subject of a new six-part series, airing on BBC Scotland. I’m here for a preview of the finished rooms. Continue r...

Culture

1 week ago Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dream job blocked after announcement as Man United icon primed for return

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed a three-year tenure with Manchester United between 2018 and 2021, but could be an option to return as a short-term replacement for Ruben Amorim following the head coach's sacking on Monday

Politics

1 week ago Tiny Scottish island where they celebrate Christmas 12 times a year

If you're suffering from the January blues, there are options open to you

Politics

1 week ago Migrant father who tied up his daughter, 18, and drowned her in a swamp because her 'Western behaviour' shamed the family is found guilty of honour killing in Holland

Khaled al Najjar, 53, skipped the country hours after the body of his daughter Ryan, 18, was found bound and gagged in a swap at an isolated nature reserve and is now hiding in Syria.

Events

1 week ago Scotland's Home of the Year host back with new show renovating historic island mansion

Banjo Beale is putting down his Scottish roots on the island of Ulva – and it feels like a home from home.

Culture