A Fin24 reader looking to invest in a living annuity, was shocked to find that she would have to pay fees of up to R110 000 per annum. She wants to know if there are other options. An investment expert responds.

Quiet, crisp and clear winter days are perfect for exploring Scotland’s most spectacular coast and countryside scenery – especially with the promise of a wholesome, heart-warming meal and a cosy room after a day exploring. While Munro-bagging at this time of year might be a little too ambitious, Scotland has no shortage of shorter and more gentle winter walks, all within a stone’s throw of some of Scotland’s best foodie destinations. Here is a selection of Scotland’s top 10 winter walk

In conjunction with the soft launch, Apple uploaded 10 YouTube videos that explain how consumers can apply for the credit card and use it. Sign up in the iPhone's Wallet app.

MY heart was beating as if it were trying to escape my body. My mind was racing and hands shaking. All from what would usually be the comfort of the sofa. Was I ready? Ready as I’ll ever be, I told myself. I was standing at the greatest watershed moment of my life and was acutely aware of it. I was about to come out publicly as gay to more or less everyone I knew, all at once, through a post on Facebook.

Sandra Brydon, director of Home Group Scotland

COMPLAINTS about holidays have overtaken job concerns as the number one issue for hundreds of Scots contacting two independent national advice services every day during the coronavirus crisis.

RIGHT now, Shahbaz Majeed should be heading to Glencoe. Or flying over central Scotland. Or making his way to Harris which he has been trying to get back to since his first visit in 2018. Or maybe visiting some other part of Scotland so he can capture it in a photograph. Instead, he is at home in Dundee (where he is web development manager at the University of Dundee), “climbing the walls,” and looking forward to life after lockdown.

IT’S not everyone who’s given the chance to design their own tartan so when the opportunity arose, Vixy Rae didn’t need to give it a second thought.

The budget for Census 2021 is ringfenced and won't be compromised as Treasury seeks funds to fight Covid-19, says Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.

Partners of OM EAST distribute copies of My First Bible to Nenets children on the Yamal Peninsula in northern Arctic Russia.

OM EAST responds to the need for Christian books in the Georgian language.

One team member's impressions from the 2015 Salamu Aleikum outreach to Muslim tourists in Zell am See.

The OM Austria Building Bridges team gains valuable experience during a short term trip to Turkey.

Thirteen participants from all over the world spent a week getting to know and supporting the refugee work in Linz. Six share about their experiences.

Stories from ReachAUT, an outreach in Austria organised by the Liebenzeller Mission in cooperation with other Christian organisations, including OM.

TIM HENMAN believe the recent investment in Scottish tennis can help improve the game in this country, and the former British number one admits he is hugely impressed with some of the young talent being produced across the UK, in particular Scotland’s Aidan McHugh, the 19-year-old who has recently ventured into the senior ranks.

We find out about the grassroots events organised in England in conjuction with the UEFA Champions League final.

We find out why 2011 UEFA Best Grassroots Leader, John de Looze, is so valued at the KNVB.

THE irony that the recent weather would have been ideal for the start of the domestic cricket season is not lost on Kyle Coetzer.

MAY is normally a busy month behind the scenes for Gareth Chalmers and the ongoing uncertainty around sport hasn’t changed that a huge amount.

27,593 passengers departed from and landed at Berlin's airports Schönefeld and Tegel in April. That is just 1 per cent of air traffic in comparison to April 2019. 22,079 passengers flew from Tegel, and 5,541 from Schönefeld.

Wild Garlic & Walnut Pesto

James Morton's pave rustique recipe will likely become a lockdown favourite, says Ella Walker.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not undergo surgery or any other medical procedure, a South Korean official has said amid continued speculation about his health.

China and South Korea both reported more coronavirus infections yesterday after reopening economies damaged by devastating outbreaks.

China and South Korea both reported more coronavirus infections Friday after reopening economies damaged by devastating outbreaks.

Dear Editor,I might as well just say it out because it's the truth: Butch Stewart is a rare gift to Jamaica.The Jamaica Observer editorial yesterday captures it better than I could, 'Butch Stewart — the gift that keeps on giving'.

Over twenty people have been killed in a landslide in Costa Rica, due to heavy rainfall in the Central American country. The disaster caused huge damage in both in the Pacific coast and in a suburb of the capital San José. Together with local churches, OM Costa Rica is organising help for families who lost their homes.

A glance through Jamie Genevieve's social media pages and a fairly intimidating impression emerges.

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

Prudence Wade chats to self-confessed 'skincare junkie' Dominic Skinner, one of MAC's top make-up artists.

Give your skin a tasty treat and cook up your own beauty recipes, says Sandra Dick

RESEARCHERS have called for a two-track approach to easing lockdown which would strengthen protection for the most vulnerable but relax restrictions for the majority of the population.

Staying home can save you money. You won't be spending your cash on your commute, on eating out or going to the pub whilst in lockdown, but that's not all. There are other ways you can be savvy with your spending and find ways to save.

THAT potato paratha then, being freshly made as I stand by idly at the counter, spring rain pouring from those raised shutters above and streaming onto open decking right behind. It would be miserable waiting for it out here were it not for the following.

"Every time we communicate, there is potential to inform and inspire others for mission. Shall we not then covenant to ‘tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth’?" asks Greg Kernaghan.

On the potholed drive home from the pub the other night, a creature ran into the beam of our lights. Long, low and lean, for a moment it looked like an otter. One has occasionally been sighted in our village, though like Loch Ness’s fabled monster this is a source of some dispute. But in another second it was clear that this beast was not from the riverbank but the woods.

Sunday, April 19, 2020.

Location: Littleferry, Sutherland

HOLIDAYS may be temporarily on hold, but planning magical trips is still possible. Spontaneity shapes thrilling travel escapades, but there's also a case for careful, methodical planning. Often, the preparation – deciding on a route, reading up about a destination – can be just as enjoyable as the trip itself.

A new youth academy in Ta' Qali for the island's outstanding talents has sharpened the focus of the Malta Football Association as it envisions a bright future for the game.

Police have issued more than 140 fixed-penalty notices to people flouting coronavirus lockdown rules in Scotland in the week since new powers came into force.

A man has been found dead outside of a police station in Ayrshire.

It was 25 years ago this month that the sporting world witnessed a miracle when the former pariah state of South Africa hosted what many people still consider to be the best ever Rugby World Cup finals.

It is a tiny spit of land that lies in the Firth of Clyde two miles off the coast of Troon where colonies of seabirds have made their homes for centuries.

Celtic Connections

THE Celtic Connections music festival last night lifted the curtain on next year’s line up – and revealed it will be kicking off the 700th celebrations of the Declaration of Arbroath.

Speak to anyone involved in Scottish football and they'll tell you that the current crop of Under-16 players coming through the academy systems are among the best they've seen.

The great North-South divide in rugby was never more in evidence than when the votes were counted for the chairmanship of World Rugby last week. Sir Bill Beaumont stayed in the job, beating Agustin Pichot by 28 votes to 23, but wow, what an outcome in terms of who actually supported the former England and British Lions captain.

IT’S almost time for the last supper. Though not quite. Another 24 hours will have to pass before the concluding morsel is munched, the final nibble on the edge of no more. After that, a little part of Scotland’s living history will die.