Posts by Kenny Smith
Duke of Wellington’s aide’s chest goes to auction
An innocent-looking wooden chest belonging to a Scotsman is set to go to auction – and it has an amazing history. Holts Auctioneers are selling a campaign chest once owned by the Duke of Wellington’s aide-de-camp who was killed at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It looked like an old wooden chest but painted…
Read MoreGreat Tapestry’s return is welcomed by writer
Scots writer Alexander McCall Smith is delighted that the Great Tapestry of Scotland is returning to New Lanark. With just a week to go, New Lanark prepares to turn their newly developed exhibition gallery into the home of the Great Tapestry of Scotland. First hosted at New Lanark back in 2014 to over 13,000 visitors,…
Read MoreAn incredible 30 years of fair play from Graham
A Scots businessman is celebrating a unique claim to fame this year. Graham Mackinlay, of Graham Mackinlay & Co Gunmakers in Dumbarton, is the only person to attend all 30 years as a business at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fair, which is taking place from Friday 29 June-Sunday 1 July at Scone Palace. In…
Read MoreItalian honour bestowed on restaurateur
A restaurateur known for serving up authentic Italian food across his eateries in Edinburgh has been honoured by the Italian government. Tony Crolla is known to generations of Edinburgh families for his outlets in Edinburgh City Centre. But, thanks to an honour that is to be bestowed upon him by the Italian Government this week,…
Read MoreGeorgian Gothic home offers holiday income potential
A B listed Georgian Gothic-style property, set in mature grounds, is now available for purchase. Kinlochlaich House, in Appin, Argyll and Bute, is presented for sale by Bell Ingram. Kinlochlaich House is a B listed Georgian Gothic style house dating from about 1800, but with some parts of the house having much earlier origins. The…
Read MoreNew Sheila Fleet jewellery range is set to launch
Respected Scottish jewellery creator Sheila Fleet is holding a Meet the Designer day in Edinburgh later this month. From 25-27 May, Sheila will be on hand in her Edinburgh shop in Stockbridge to launch her new collection, Sea Motion. New Sea Motion is inspired by the constant movement of the sea, something Sheila finds very…
Read MoreBook review: RHS Genealogy for Gardeners
What’s the story? We’re finally starting to see signs of summer, and the gardens are in full bloom at last! If you’re a budding gardener, or just want to learn more about the beautiful greenery around you, Dr Ross Bayton and Simon Maughan will guide you through everything there is to know about plants.…
Read MoreBear with them for a double celebration in Fife
A ‘burning of the bear’ ceremony is to take place to mark World Whisky Day and the Royal Wedding. There’s unlikely to be a more unique way to celebrate World Whisky Day on 19 May than witnessing a 100ft high bear carving set aflame on a Fife hillside. On the hill overlooking Lindores Abbey Distillery’s…
Read MoreFormer Mercury Prize nominees set to play in Scotland
Former Mercury Prize nominees the Portico Quartet will head to Edinburgh next month. The group will play at the Summerhall this summer, on 20 June. Portico Quartet has always been an impossible band to pin down. Sending out echoes of jazz, electronica, ambient music and minimalism, the group have created their own singular sound. And while…
Read MoreSupermarket deal is a huge boost for new gin producer
A gin deal with a major supermarket is just the tonic for a fledgling Isle of Mull gin business which sold its first bottle less than one year ago. The contract win with the Co-op is a double celebration for Whitetail Gin – named after the eagle which lives on the Isle – which also…
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