European Media

      Spitfire 90th Anniversary Ninety years ago, in 1936, the Supermarine Spitfire prototype (K5054) took to the skies for the first time. Conceived by visionary designer R.J. Mitchell, this sleek, elliptical-winged aircraft forever changed the course of aviation history and stands as an enduring symbol of freedom. Photograph: © Daren Frankish. All rights reserved The Maiden Flight That Changed Everything In March 1936, test pilot Captain Joseph "Mutt" Summers climbed into the cockpit of the Supermarine Type 300 at Eastleigh Aerodrome (now Southampton Airport). After just eight minutes in the air, Summers landed and delivered a verdict that would echo through military history: "Don't change a thing." That single, near-perfect test flight launched the legendary interceptor that would soon become the backbone of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain. Iconic Design and Evolution What set the Spitfire apart was its groundbreaking engineering. Paired with...

   Gilmerton Cove Gi ilmerton Cove Gilmerton Cove is one of Scotland’s most baffling archaeological mysteries. Hidden beneath a quiet crossroads in a mining suburb south of Edinburgh, this subterranean network of hand-carved tunnels and chambers has defied definitive explanation for centuries. It remains a subterranean enigma, challenging historians and capturing the imagination of visitors. The Layout of the Underworld The cove consists of a series of caves and passageways meticulously hewn from carboniferous sandstone. Entering the complex requires descending a steep flight of stone steps into the darkness. Once inside, the craftsmanship is immediately apparent. The network features five distinct rooms connected by narrow corridors. Rather than a rough, blasted mining site, Gilmerton Cove resembles a fully furnished home or meeting place carved directly out of the bedrock. Among the most striking features are stone tables and rock-cut benches that line the walls. Deep recess...

    The 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, themed "A Call to Gather", runs from August 7 to August 29 at Edinburgh Castle. It features an internationally acclaimed lineup including the German Army Band Koblenz, the New Zealand Army Band, and the United States Army Field Band, all centred around the Royal Air Force as the lead service.   A Call to Gather: The 2026 Theme Rooted deeply in Scottish identity, the theme for the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is "A Call to Gather". This year, the traditional gathering of the clans evolves into a broader, global gathering of nations, allies, friends, and kindred spirits. Organisers designed this year’s showcase to celebrate the power of human connection, emphasising how music, culture, and shared heritage can unite people across borders. As a spectacle that draws over 220,000 live spectators annually and reaches millions more through global broadcasts, the 2026 Tattoo promises to be one of the most culturally expan...