Posts by Kenny Smith
Renovation breathes new life into famous Gretna venue
Major refurbishments on a building have given a new lease of life to Scotland’s most famous wedding venue. Gretna Hall has stood in the heart of Gretna Green village for over 300 years, and was made famous for hosting a series of high profile aristocratic marriages in the 1800s. Two years ago, on 12 August,…
Read MoreStunning Castleton House offers peace, privacy and a pool
A beautiful Scottish country house with its own swimming pool is available for over ÂŁ1.2million. Presented to the market by Savills, Castleton House is a stunning country house surrounded by wonderful gardens in a secluded private location on the Argyll coastline. The house is thought to date from the early 18th century when it was…
Read MoreA hat-trick of nominations for cosmetic nurse
An Edinburgh cosmetic nurse is sitting pretty after scoring finalist spots in three prestigious cosmetic and aesthetic competitions. Jackie Partridge, who founded the capital’s Dermal Clinic in 2007 with husband Jarrod, has scooped nominations in three of the industry’s annual award ceremonies: the Look Awards, the Diamond Awards and Scotland’s Medical Cosmetic Awards. A finalist…
Read MoreGrand celebration marks the end of 40th birthday
Scotland’s biggest creative community is marking the end of its 40th birthday year with an exhibition by its art studio tenants from Orkney to the Borders. Wasps, Scotland’s largest creative community, is marking the end of its 40th anniversary year with 40/40 Vision, which features work produced at 16 Wasps galleries and artists’ residencies, will…
Read MoreScottish writers turn back time to their childhoods
What’s the story? Acclaimed best-selling romantic comedy novelist Jenny Colgan, from Prestwick, and award-winning TV writer/producer Steven Moffat, from Paisley, have turned back the clock to their childhoods. The pair, both committed Doctor Who fans, have written novelisations of TV episodes in the style of the classic Target books of the 1970s and 80s. They’ve…
Read MoreNo need to go batty when experts can sort it
Most people are resigned to the fact that building works can be delayed by setbacks in the construction process or bad weather. However, very few people expect their property renovation to be delayed due to bats, which is a growing problem, reports property consultancy, Galbraith. Scotland is home to nine species of bats and all…
Read MoreNature in the focus at Cairngorms family weekend
Scots are being encouraged to get into the great outdoors and enjoy fun for all the family at the Cairngorms Nature Big Weekend. Running from 11-13 May, it will be a park-wide celebration where people can get first-hand experience of some of the outstanding wildlife that lives and grows in the Cairngorms National Park. There…
Read MoreIrn Bru scones are on the menu at The Caledonian
Scottish cuisine is known throughout the world – for better or worse! Our haggis, black pudding, square sausage and tattie scones are the stuff of legend, and among the most missed foods for our ex-pats. On the other hand, our deep fried Mars bars and other confectionary treats have brought Scotland a slight infamy. However,…
Read MoreGordon & MacPhail revamps with five clear ranges
Scotch whisky maturation expert Gordon & MacPhail is streamlining its existing portfolio into five distinct ranges. They say the relaunch of its portfolio of single malt Scotch whiskies will continue strengthening the reputation of the brand globally. The 122-year-old, family-owned company is will have five ranges: Discovery, Distillery Labels, Connoisseurs Choice, Private Collection, and Generations.…
Read MoreA beautiful home by the bonnie, bonnie banks
A striking seven-bedroom property on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond is now on the market. Presented by Savills, Gartochraggan dates back to around 1800, the property has been formed though extensions and refurbishments following the acquisition of neighbouring properties to create the superb family home that stands today. Constructed of white harled stone under…
Read More