Out of Doors

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Factual: Science & Nature

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Out of Doors: New Farmers, Eriskay Ponies and Owls

New Farmers, Eriskay Ponies and Owls

BBC Radio Scotland - Out of Doors, New Farmers, Eriskay Ponies and Owls

Mark Stephen and Euan McIlwraith with the latest outdoor activities.

Join Mark Stephen and Euan McIlwraith for the latest outdoor activities from Shetland to the Borders, plus the key stories for those who live and work in the countryside.

Earlier this week Mark went along to the seventh annual event held by the Farm Advisory Service for New Entrants to Farming.  The day was held at Perth Racecourse and over 100 people attended from across the Scottish agricultural sector.  A range of speakers were there giving advice and inspiration to those who want to make farming their career.  We hear from some of those who took part including Hannah Jackson, the red shepherdess and Duncan McConchie from Laggan Outdoor. 

Euan is on the Black Isle finding out about some research being carried out by the University of the Highlands and Islands into what impact tree felling and other foresty work has on red squirrels.

Mark speaks to the outgoing president of Ramblers Scotland, Ben Dolphin, about what he has enjoyed about his time there and what he sees as the important roles of the organisation. 

The Eriskay Pony was traditionally a crofters’ pony because of its hardworking but friendly nature.  Euan hears all about the breed from the Eriskay Pony Society. 

Mark is back visiting the Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers at their Almondell home in West Lothian.  He finds out a lot has changed at the site since his last visit. 

The Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis are one of Scotland’s best preserved Neolithic monuments.  But as Euan finds out, there’s still a lot we don’t know about them.

The Scottish Owl Centre near Whitburn is home to over 150 birds, mainly owls.  Mark finds out what makes the owl such a curious bird and about some of the different breeds, all of which have their own personalities. 

“Thirty days hath September…” starts the rhyme for remembering the lengths of the different months.  And this year of course February has an extra day which Euan tells us is steeped in folklore and tradition.

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