ScotRail nationalisation comes in from today - but what does it mean for passengers? 🧵
From today the ScotRail franchise transfers power from Dutch firm Abellio into public ownership in the latest nationalisation drive by the SNP Government. 🚆
Abellio has been running Scotland's rail service since 2015 but it was overwhelmed with complaints including
👎 delays
👎 declining performance levels
👎 closing ticket offices
👎 rising fares
👎 chronic staff walkouts over pay, limiting services
Scotland #coronavirus so-called 'freedom day' has been put on hold again after Nicola Sturgeon announced a ‘phased approach’ to scrapping face mask wearing rules. 😷
The First Minister gave her latest Covid-19 update to Holyrood on Wednesday after her Cabinet considered changes to Scotland’s #covid laws.
.@MiscarriageA and Bereavement Support Services, two charities that offer support to people who have lost a baby, have commended the writers after an emotional scene between two of the male characters on the show.
🧵 A look back on the Duke of Edinburgh's visits to Scotland over the years:
In our own tribute, we take a look at the fond memories the royal couple spent in Scotland over the years. The Queen has previously reflected on her "deep and abiding affection" she and Prince Philip shared for the country. 🏴
Prince Philip shared a fondness for the outdoors since adolescence.
He attended the notoriously outdoorsy Gordonstoun school in Aberdeenshire, Prince Philip has over the years shown much admiration for the Windsor-owned Balmoral Castle and Estate spanning some 50,000 acres.
The Queen has had a wheelchair lift installed at her Balmoral home, sparking speculation that she may be planning to spend more time in Scotland. 👑
The 95-year-old monarch is also planning to put in extra security, including CCTV and automatic gates, at her beloved Highland getaway on Royal Deeside. 💙
Although the imposing Balmoral Castle is the focal point of the 50,000 acre estate, the Queen often prefers to stay in nearby Craig Gowan House.
Outlander is a combination of action, romance and fantasy - and Scotland is a perfect setting for that. 💙
Our country's culture and heritage could arguably be one of the main reasons the show is so popular, with legions of fans around the world. 🏴
In celebration of our beautiful country, and the new season of Outlander, we took a look at some of the stunning Scottish castles featured in the show. 🏰
Doune Castle 🏰
A medieval stronghold near the village of Doune, in the Stirling district of central Scotland.
The large and impressive old fortress doubles as Castle Leoch, home of the Mackenzies in the 18th century.