Secret Scotland

Adding to the intriguing properties that fungi can demonstrate, researchers at Dundee University have found that uranium can be locked into fungi in mineral form.

Although still hazardous, using fungi to retain the nuclear material means that it is no longer mobile, and therefore less likely to make its way into water supplies, or be taken up by plants and animals, and into the food chain.

The discovery could help recover land polluted by radioactive fallout, and help in clearing up the after effects of recent conflicts that have seen the use of DU (Depleted Uranium) weapons, where the residual material does not offer the same danger from radiation as natural uranium, but is still a threat due to its toxicity. This is greater when the material has fragmented or been dispersed by burning, and become dust.

One of Scotland’s newest, most advanced, and interesting ferries is due to enter services in a few weeks.

Built to serve on the Pentland Firth route between Caithness and Orkney, the new catamaran, The Pentalina, will replace an older vessel on the same route. With a capacity of 350 passengers, 32 to 58 cars, and nine lorries, she is expected to make the crossing between St Margarets Hope, Orkney, and Gills Bay, Caithness, in around 45 minutes.

Built for Pentland Ferries, Pentalina was constructed at the FBMA Marine Yard, Cebu, in the Philipines, the new vessel is undergoing sea trials in south east Asia, and will make her own way to Scotland when these are completed, taking around 30 days to complete the journey, after which she will enter service, probably at the end of May, or shortly thereafter.

The Pentland Ferries site currently carries a news article with pre and post launch images of the ferry.