Edinburgh Festival Fringe: comedian Simon Evans

Prepare to be depressed and entertained at the same time with some of the driest and most acerbic comedy on offer in this year’s Fringe. Brighton-based Simon Evans has been a circuit comedian for years, and those of you who are regular listeners to BBC Radio 4 will be familiar with his particular style of…

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Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Newsrevue is still one of the best

Newsrevue is an annual fixture which deserves its plaudits and awards, and this year’s offering  is flawlessly delivered by four professionals who are as comfortable singing as acting. Piano is a tad too loud on occasions, but I’m being picky. There’s no shortage of material this year so the political satire and wry view at…

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Eight of the most unusual places to stay in Scotland

Nowadays a simple hotel room stay or a city apartment break are a thing of the past. So whether it be for a weekend getaway with the family, other half or even just to experience the county from a new… or sometimes old location you can always count on Scotland to provide some quirky places…

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The Grand Cafe more than lives up to its name

The former home of The Scotsman newspaper on North Bridge is now grand by name as well as by nature. The décor is reminiscent of continental cafes, rich in marble pillars and period features. The menu encompasses an entire day of dining, from brunch to dinner via lunch, afternoon tea and snacks. Chef Chris Niven reached the finals of Masterchef: The Professionals…

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Wedderlie House is an attractive small country estate

Knight Frank has brought to the market Wedderlie House, an attractive small nine bedroom country estate. Westruther, in Gordon, the Scottish Borders, has a long and rich history. Wedderlie was originally owned by the Polwarth family in the 13th century but passed to the Edgars in 1327 and remained with them for 400 years. There probably was an…

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Natural inspiration for new exhibition of sculptures

A reknowned sculptor has created an impressive new work which has been inspired by a National Trust for Scotland property. Inspired by the shelterbelt at the NTS’s Inverewe Garden, Wester Ross, this is the focal point of a new exhibition in its Sawyer Gallery. The piece, The Shelter of Your Arms, was created by Ann…

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Nicole takes the double at Welsh Home Pony event

An Aberdeenshire rider has dominated the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers second round. Nicole Lockhead Anderson from Banchory dominated at the Welsh Home Pony at the David Broome Event Centre in Monmouthshire, commandingly taking the top two places. A mammoth field of 90 competitors contended the first round over course-designer Raf Suarez’s testing and technical track…

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TV chef is Toast in brand new Fringe production

One of Edinburgh’s top chefs is taking his culinary creations to the stage after being chosen to take a starring role in Nigel’s Slater’s Toast at the Traverse Theatre. Owner of Cater Edinburgh, Barry Bryson, 42, will be making his Fringe debut as part of the play which takes its name from the award-winning autobiography…

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Have your say and vote in the Eat Game Awards

The public will soon have the chance to have their say and pick their favourites in the Eat Game Awards. Celebrating Wild British Produce, this is a brand-new initiative created by three leading British businesses, James Purdey & Sons Ltd, Boisdale Restaurants and Taste of Game, bringing together the shooting, game meat and hospitality sectors…

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