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Interesting news · 24 October 2025

Rare Medicinal Leeches Breed at Highland Wildlife Park

Cairngorms · from strathspey-herald.co.uk

Photograph · strathspey-herald.co.uk

A conservation project at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park has welcomed 30 hatchlings from 12 cocoons in its most successful season yet. The effort aims to restore the endangered medicinal leech to Scottish lochs, after centuries of decline due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. The species now survives in only three known sites in Scotland. With partners including Buglife Scotland and Species on the Edge, the team plans future releases into the wild.

Read it at the sourcestrathspey-herald.co.uk

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Andersons Restaurant

A relaxed evening restaurant in Boat of Garten cooking local Scottish produce in season, with vegan and children's menus.

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Nethy House

A café with rooms in a granite house in Nethy Bridge, with home baking, Glen Lyon coffee and a welcome for dogs and bikes.

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The café at the foot of Cairngorm Mountain, with wood-burning fires, a terrace over the hills and hot food after a day on the hill.

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Tower O'Ess

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The estate stalker's old cottage on the Alvie Estate, facing the Cairngorms, with a wood-fired hot tub, for six.

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A restored 1820s house in Kingussie for four, with the feel of a Highland lodge and a snug with a woodburner.

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A big cottage for ten on the banks of the River Feshie, at the heart of the Glenfeshie estate.

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