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All the curling stones used in Beijing are made in Ayrshire using granite from an uninhabited island.

From ancient times to today, portraiture has told us fundamental truths about humanity and identity, whoever the subject. Cath Pound explores the genre's most powerful examples.

The Canadian capital's mayor says the city is out of control, with more protesters than police.

While searching for a new path in life, two former nuns created a wondrous "Coastal Camino" that is bringing travellers to an otherwise neglected part of Northern Ireland.

Craig Lambert's father guarded Adolf Hitler's deputy during his life sentence in Berlin.

As the Queen marks 70 years on the throne, historian Robert Lacey asks how prepared she was for her destiny.

No longer the preserve of superpowers, drones are now in the hands of insurgents and smaller countries.

A fall in demand for Icelandic whale products means the controversial practice is no longer profitable.

An investigation finds some 4,500 classified ads on social media, offering African grey parrots for sale.

A US couple is suing after discovering that their daughter is not biologically related to her father.

An international centre will defend the interests of science as thousands of satellites are launched.

As many as 20 people in South Carolina have been arrested over contraband deliveries to prisoners.

The melting is endangering both climbers and locals who rely on the glaciers for drinking water.

Women describe their experiences but what can firms behind virtual-reality platforms do about it?

Germany and the EU condemn a decision to shut down Deutsche Welle's bureau in Moscow.

A Dutch company is testing an underwater system that can store excess energy from wind farms.

Playing has been shown to improve the mental health of adults, but most people stop in childhood. How can we rediscover the benefits of playfulness after the toys have been put away?

Moscow and Beijing release a statement showcasing agreement on a wide range of geopolitical issues.

A video showing college gates being shut on a group of Muslim students has led to outrage.

India's Koo expects to surpass Twitter's 25 million-strong user base in the country.

The discovery of a 3,000-year-old city that was lost to the sands has been hailed as one of the most important archaeological finds in recent Egyptology.

The latest bid to find Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton's lost polar yacht is set to get under way.

Nasa says the ISS will operate until 2030 before the agency hands over to commercial companies.

A new exhibition brings together recent images and a 1969 project, revealing the issues facing the US – including protests, poverty and racial injustice – writes Andrew Dickson.