Scotland Archives – Oyster Card Junkie

Midge Season in Scotland

Midges tend to avoid bright sunlight, making them less active at dawn and dusk, with winds of more than 3mph preventing their flight. Damp forests and heather-covered moors provide their natural home. You might also spot them near lakes and rivers. Thankfully, unlike mosquitoes, these spiders do not carry infectious diseases that could infect people. What is a midge? Midges (Culicoides Impunctatus) are small two-winged flies which swarm in Scotland's highland areas from May through September. While similar in appearance to mosquitoes, they do not carry infectious diseases and only cause itchy bites as nuisances. Midges prefer still, humid conditions to thrive in, making their presence known at dawn and dusk as well as in wet, marshy areas across Scotland. West Highlands in particular are notorious for midge infestation while…

How to Get Into Cyber Security in the UK

Blog, Business, Scotland

After several high-profile cyber attacks, an increasing number of individuals are turning to cybersecurity as a career path. It offers excellent opportunities for professionals with technical abilities who share an interest in protecting personal data. Bachelor degrees can provide a solid basis for entry, but nontechnical professionals can still break into the industry through additional training and certifications. Launching Your Cyber Security Career in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide Welcome to your comprehensive guide to venturing into the exciting field of cyber security in the UK. Tailored for aspiring IT professionals, career changers, or anyone intrigued by digital protection, this blog is your pathway to becoming a cyber security guru. We focus on providing up-to-date industry insights, educational pathways, career advice, and practical tips to help you excel in this…

The Current State of Scotland’s Housing Market

Blog, Property, Scotland

Landmark Information Group has predicted that Scotland's property market will mirror UK-wide trends of declining activity due to affordability issues potentially diminishing buyer interest. Their latest Scottish Property Trends Report suggests this as a possible explanation. An imbalance between demand and supply is causing prices to rise in certain areas, especially for attractive properties at reasonable prices in key locations, according to a statement released by the agency. 1. House Prices Scotland's house prices increased by 2.0% annually during Q1 2023, an indicator of slowing annual price inflation compared to Q3 2020, when they peaked at 3.0%—this rate being the lowest seen since mid-2010 yet still higher than the UK average of 1.9%. More recent monthly data (which tends to be more volatile) indicates this slowing trend continued into April…

Is It Worth Doing a House Up Before You Sell Your House Fast in Scot?

Blog, Property, Scotland

We wish you a warm welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into a common dilemma faced by homeowners in Scotland: Is it worth renovating your house before putting it on the fast-selling market? Scotland's property scene is as dynamic as it is diverse, and making the right decisions can significantly impact when you sell your house fast in Scot and the profitability of the sale. In this post, we'll explore the nuances of the Scottish real estate market and weigh the benefits against the costs of home improvement before a sale. Whether you're a seasoned property flipper or a first-time seller, understanding the market trends, potential return on investment, and the specific demands of Scottish buyers can be the key to a successful and profitable sale. Join…

The Most Beautiful Places in Scotland to Live

Property, Scotland, Travel, Useful Tips

Scotland is an eye-catching land of stately castles and shimmering lochs that is rich with modern culture as well as natural splendor. Edinburgh tops numerous "best city" lists and is ideal for visitors who appreciate compact cities with walkable environments. Here you'll find museums and galleries, historic sandstone buildings, as well as Charles Rennie Mackintosh's designs that can be discovered. Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland's cultural heart and capital city, provides free healthcare and education at world-class universities. With low crime rates, friendly residents, stunning vistas, and beautiful parks & gardens - Edinburgh is an idyllic place for life! Renowned as the first UNESCO City of Literature; home of Arthur Conan Doyle, JK Rowling, Alexander McCall Smith, Allan Ramsay & Walter Scott as famous authors! Edinburgh is built upon seven hills, creating…

How to Get ISO 27001 Certification – ISO 27001 consultant UK Guide

Business, Curious, Scotland, Useful Tips

To achieve ISO 27001 certification, your company must develop & implement an information systems security management system that fulfils the requirements of the standard while training employees and conducting internal audits. Afterward, register for certification with an accredited registrar. There are various ISO 27001 consultant services which help make the process easier. Every business requires different data protection measures, so it is essential that you determine which of the 114 ISO 27001 controls are applicable for your organisation. Once this information has been compiled, an accredited auditor should conduct a certification audit. Cost The cost of ISO 27001 certification may seem intimidating at first, considering all its components. However, its benefits far outweigh its initial expenses. These include making you more competitive, showing your dedication to information security, and helping…

10 Reasons to Go to Scotland

Blog, Legend, Scotland, Scottish History, Travel, Useful Tips

Scotland, known for its rugged cliffs and snow-capped mountains, also offers delicious cuisine, over 30,000+ lochs, and friendly people—an ideal location for hiking and island hopping! Start off your experience on the Glenfinnan Viaduct with an amusing tourist photo op and try Irn Bru for yourself—they say it tastes like heaven! 1. It’s a country of legends Scotland is widely known for its cultural traditions—from bagpipes and kilts to haggis and whisky, these are some of its more prominent symbols—but this stunning country offers much more than meets the eye. Explore the mysterious Isle of Skye or hike to the peak of Ben Nevis - often referred to as 'the mountain with its head in the clouds' - both have something special to offer visitors. Scotland is also famous for…

Discover The Beauty of Scottish Gardens & Glasgow Landscape Gardeners

Blog, Property, Scotland, Travel

Scotland is home to beautiful gardens ranging from stately castle estates to city oases, offering an incredible diversity of styles, settings, and plants. Discover changing fashions in garden design while learning which plants thrive best in its varied climate. Floors Castle gardens feature perfectly shaped lawns, vibrant flower borders, and fruit trees, while Roxburghe Castle's Millenium Garden showcases romantic initial displays among an abundance of colour and fragrance. Amisfield Walled Garden Amisfield Walled Garden near Haddington is one of Scotland's largest. Bound by a 16-foot-high stone wall and featuring deep herbaceous borders and long beds against each side, as well as ornate circular pavilions in each corner, summer brings vibrant colours while winter sees evergreen shrubs planted throughout. The garden features miniature Pathenon-esque pavilions resembling miniature Pathenons with domed roofs…

Why Visit Scotland On Your Next Holiday Leave?

Scotland, Travel

If you’re looking for a country that offers stunning scenery, fascinating history and an array of unique experiences, Scotland is the place to visit. You can explore a wild and spectacular landscape on a road trip around the Highlands and islands, or you can get closer to nature with a hike or woodland stroll. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to fall in love with this wild and spectacular land. 1. It’s the birthplace of Golf Scotland has a long and storied history with the game of golf. Known worldwide for its world-class links courses, this country is the birthplace of the sport. The game began in the 15th century around the Kingdom of Fife. It originated from a stick and ball game where players hit small stones over sand…

Exterior Wall Coating in Edinburgh

Property, Scotland

A wall coating is a cosmetic treatment formulated for exterior masonry surfaces. These can be smooth or textured and are available in various colours. An exterior wall coating in Edinburgh is a cost-effective alternative to masonry paint. They are much longer lasting and provide far better weatherproofing protection than a tin of masonry paint. They are also a decent value home investment and can add real value to your home in the long run. Weatherproofing Weatherproofing exterior walls is important for preventing mould growth that can damage buildings, lead to costly repairs and replacements, and compromise tenant or resident health. It also helps to improve a building's energy efficiency. The first step in exterior waterproofing walls is finding cracks that allow water to seep into the wall. This can happen…