Posts by Kenny Smith
A fresh look at a Scottish hero – Robert the Bruce
Robert the Bruce, by James Robertson, is a fresh perspective on one of the most celebrated Scots. It’s a captivating and visually striking book. Vibrant illustrations and concise information help to rejuvenate the man behind the myths as we follow his early years of struggle and defeat, to his legendary victory at the Battle of…
Read MoreOne final trip Inside the Zoo as giraffes return
The last in this series of Inside the Zoo is being shown tonight. Narrated by Gail Porter, this episode marks something of a new beginning for Edinburgh Zoo. It’s seventeen years since the zoo said farewell to their last giraffes. But that’s all about to change as staff prepare to welcome five new young males…
Read MoreRoyal warrant granted to Scotch whisky distillers
Royal Lochnagar Distillery has been granted a Royal Warrant as Scotch Whisky Distillers By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen. To mark this honour, the first cask filled at the distillery after the granting of the Royal Warrant has gone on public display, proudly bearing the Scottish Royal Arms in full heraldic colours against a…
Read MoreA year of Scottish nature success stories
NatureScot’s National Nature Reserves across Scotland celebrated some great success stories in 2021. In Argyll two sightings of the rare and endangered marsh fritillary butterfly were made at Glasdrum NNR, the first on the reserve since 2016. The butterfly’s foodplant, devil’s-bit scabious, has done well on the reserve this year so staff are hopeful the…
Read MoreAn in-depth look at the Battle of Bannockburn
No matter whether the only history you know is from Commando Comics or Horrible Histories, if there is one fact that almost every Scot knows, it is who won the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. A bloody contest that resulted in the unlikely outcome of the Scots squashing a numerically superior English force to end…
Read MoreThe winter solstice marked with special film
Historic Environment Scotland marked this year’s Winter Solstice with a special film. They showcased a new online film exploring the connection between the globally renowned Maeshowe Neolithic chambered tomb on Orkney and the annual celebration which traditionally marks the onset of winter and the year’s shortest day. Presented by HES Orkney Ranger, Sandra Miller, and featuring a range of experts and local people inspired by the Solstice and…
Read MoreFirst whisky release from Càrn Mòr Family Reserve
Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers has announced the first release from their Càrn Mòr Family Reserve range. The 32-year-old Single Cask from Glen Garioch Distillery was distilled in 1988, when the Morrison family owned the distillery. This cask was specially selected by Brian Morrison, who has a long history with Glen Garioch Distillery, for the inaugural…
Read MoreChristmas crackers to keep us company on TV and radio
BBC Scotland has a stocking full of festive goodies across television and radio to entertain audiences. There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained across TV and radio on Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day, to capture the festive spirit. Christmas Classics on Christmas Eve will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland from 10-11.30pm. Recorded at The…
Read MoreWinter walkers urged to walk safely on estates
Walkers accessing Scotland’s rural estates for recreation over Christmas and New Year are being asked to take care as the clear up operation from Storm Arwen continues. Although the full damage is still being assessed from the storm in late-November, it is estimated that more than eight million trees were damaged, accounting for between 1…
Read More£500,000 funding for Glencoe tourist attraction
A £2m project to transform a major tourist attraction in Lochaber has secured up to £500,000 of funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Funds will go towards the construction of a new base station at Glencoe ski centre which will see the demolition of the current fire damaged building. The new facilities are expected to…
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