Posts by Ellie Forbes
Letter signed by Mary Queen of Scots sells at auction
A letter signed by Mary, Queen of Scots and a unique archive of sketches by Roald Dahl have sold at auction. The collection of rare manuscripts from Kilravock Castle, near Nairn in the Scottish Highlands, has sold for nearly £125,000 when it went under the hammer at Lyon & Turnbull. It included a selection of…
Read MoreMark Wahlberg surprises ocean-rowing Maclean brothers with mid-Pacific call
Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg surprised three Scottish brothers rowing across the Pacific Ocean with a second call in a matter of weeks – and says it won’t be the last. ‘You guys are bored. You need someone to talk to. You need someone to, you know, give you a little pump up. Let me know.…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Richard Strachan: ‘Terry Pratchett is one of the funniest writers in the English language’
Richard Strachan on Terry Pratchett, how Ted Hughes inspired him and the book he’s reading now. The first book I remember reading: This feels so far back in the mists of time that I’m not sure if it’s completely accurate, but other than picture books it was probably one of Richmal Crompton’s excellent Just…
Read MoreHere’s 3 top cycling routes through Perthshire and the Cairngorms
We explore three great cycling routes through Perthshire and the Cairngorms with adventurer Markus Stitz as his new book, Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire, comes out. Easy Route – Kindrogan Forest from Kirkmichael The shortest ride in the book explores Kindrogan Forest, nestled within the Cateran Ecomuseum. Parts of the route follow the Cateran…
Read MoreLaings celebrates the Gemstones of Paradise
Sponsored Content Pockets of geological wonder, gemstones are amongst the world’s most magical and enduring natural marvels. Gemstones have long fascinated us, and it is estimated that they were first worn in jewellery around 4,000 BC, captivating admirers with their exceptional beauty and mesmerising hues. Often credited as the earliest adopters of gemstone jewellery, The…
Read MoreThe Enchanted Forest: Theme revealed for Perthshire light show and how to get tickets
One of Perthshire’s most popular events, The Enchanted Forest, returns once again this autumn, and organisers have revealed this year’s theme. When will it take place? The light show is set to take place between 2 October and 2 November at Faskally Wood, Pitlochry. The theme This year’s theme is Luminara, which organisers describe…
Read MoreLife With Gray O’Brien: ‘I am so disappointed with the current vein of dramas on TV at the moment’
Scottish actor Gray O’Brien on growing up, the TV he’s watching at home, and the best advice he’s ever been given. I was born in Glasgow and moved to Stewarton, Ayrshire where I was brought up from the age of three, but I live in Stirlingshire now. I was a nightmare pupil at school.…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Claire Wilson: ‘I learned my craft reading Stephen King from an early age’
Claire Wilson on the books of her childhood and how Stephen King and Val McDermid inspired her writing. The first book I remember reading: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. Maybe in primary three? My mum took me and my brothers to the library every weekend, where I then read everything he…
Read MoreLife With Brandon McPhee: ‘I’ll never forget the moment my grandad let me try his accordion for the first time—it just felt right’
Musician Brandon McPhee on falling in love with the accordion, how Jimmy Shand continues to inspire him and the music he listens to at home. I grew up in Castletown, a small village in the far north of Caithness – so far north, in fact, that you might think you’d fall off the edge of…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Marisa Haetzman: ‘Denise Mina is one of Scotland’s great writers, I’m looking forward to her next book’
Dr Marisa Haetzman is a former consultant anaesthetist and together with her husband Chris Brookmyre, she writes under the joint pen name Ambrose Parry. The pair will be appearing at Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival in Stirling 12-14 September. For tickets and further information go to www.bloodyscotland.com The first book I remember reading: I don’t…
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