Edinburgh (Scotland), Mar. 19 : The Guinness Book of World Records has officially recognized the Old Golf Course at Musselburgh Links as the oldest in the world.

According to the Account Book of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston, the earliest game played on Musselburgh Links took place on March 2, 1672. He also mentions that "Mary, Queen of Scots reputedly played here in 1567".

This documentary evidence was included in The Golf Book Of East Lothian, published in 1896 and written by John Kerr, the minister of Dirleton.

The Old Golf Course, which is now managed by SportPlus on behalf of East Lothian Council, was originally a seven-hole course. The eighth and ninth holes were added in 1838 and 1870 respectively.

Edinburgh, March 9: Scotland’s new environment minister has said that people should learn to stitch their torn socks, among learning other traditional activities from their elders, in order to lead greener lifestyles and save the planet.

According to a report in The Scotsman, the advice by Roseanna Cunningham, the new environment minister, came as a survey revealed that people in Scotland saw the environment as a global issue rather than a local one.

The new Tobacco and Primary Medical Service (Scotland) Bill includes various plans to save future generations from clutches of smoking and smoking related diseases.

Under the new bill, cigarette vending machines and tobacco displays in shops would be banned. It also includes a registration scheme for retailers. It will also grant trading standards officers the power to fine retailers selling tobacco to under-18s.

Public health minister Shona Robison said that the health risks associated with smoking are both enormous and well documented advertisements.

Recent survey revealed that Scotland has the eighth-highest level of alcohol consumption in the World. Neilsen Company, on the behalf of the Scottish Government conducted a survey on the sales of alcohol.

Survey revealed that Scots consumed equivalent to 11.8 litres per person over 16, in 2007. This amount is two litres more than in England and Wales where the average was 9.9 litres per person.

A new study claims that women's faces are easier to read than men.

The research conducted by the scientists at the University of Glasgow has found that a woman's face reveals more about her personality as compared to that of a man.

According to lead researchers, Richard Wiseman, from England's University of Hertfordshire, and Rob Jenkins, from Glasgow University in Scotland, one can easily trait the personality of a woman from her face. Just by looking at female face, one can easily recommend if she is lucky, religious or trustworthy.

Edinburgh, Feb. 15 : Several Islamic clerics will join police and youth workers in an innovative new scheme to wean young Muslims away from trouble.

According to The Scotsman, the imams, most of them Scottish-born, will take to the streets starting this week, targeting a dozen teenagers believed to be on the edge of the embryonic Asian gang culture on Glasgow''s Southside.

Their allies, including workers from Youth Counselling Services Agency (YCSA), a support group for young Asians, reckon the clerics will be able to command more respect from youngsters than other professionals, including the police.