Posts by Kenny Smith
Concern as butterfly numbers drop in survey
Two declining butterflies suffered their worst year on record in 2017 after hopes of a butterfly revival were dashed by a chilly snap in spring and a gloomy, wet summer, a study has revealed. Grayling and Grizzled Skipper recorded their lowest numbers since records began as difficult weather conditions caused problems for some of the…
Read MoreCollection honours former still house’s final spirit
Spirit from the final days of Glenmorangie’s former still house is being ncelebrated in a new dram. The cask assemblage of Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1989 is the first Glenmorangie expression to be part-matured in rare ex-Côte-Rôtie casks. This rich and complex single malt whisky is the second limited release in Glenmorangie’s prized Vintage Collection…
Read MoreBook examines returning wild lynx to Scotland
A new publication is looking at pros and cons of reintroducing lynx to Scotland. Published by Scotland: The Big Picture, it looks at what thing could be like if the Eurasian lynx returned to Scotland. The Lynx and Us – by ecologist Dr David Hetherington, with stunning photography of wild lynx from Laurent Geslin –…
Read MoreBook review: Japanese Whisky by Brian Ashcraft
What’s the story? Japanese whisky has been around for less than a century, and this book by Brian Ashcraft, with Idzuhiko Ueda and Yuji Kawasaki, highlights the rapid growth in the industry, revealing the secrets of the master distillers of the Far East. It features never-before-published archival images and interviews chronicling the forgotten stories of…
Read MoreTasty options and a good atmosphere make Tapa a hit
Tapa This Leith eatery in a converted warehouse tucked away just off The Shore in Leith is where we often go as a family for a lazy Sunday lunch with friends. It’s relaxed, child-friendly, able to cope with big groups and there’s always space. The £15 set lunch is good, but we like the costillas,…
Read MoreSpirits firm move gin production to Isle of Colonsay
Wild Thyme Spirits is moving gin production to its base on the beautiful Inner Hebridean island of Colonsay this month. The first ‘island batch’ of Colonsay Gin set to run from the still by the end of May. Founders of Wild Thyme Spirits, husband and wife team, Fin and Eileen Geekie relocated from Oxfordshire to…
Read MoreTen things to look forward to at Ideal Home Show Scotland
Scotland’s best loved home exhibition is returning for an ‘ideal’ day out. Returning to Glasgow’s SEC from 31 May–3 June for another year of top class home and garden inspiration, this year’s Ideal Home Show Scotland is set to be bigger and better than ever before. From interiors, home renovations, DIY, gardens, food and drink,…
Read MoreProud whisky shop owner is a Keeper of the Quaich
The owner of The Whisky Shop in Dufftown is delighted to have become a Keeper of the Quaich. Mike Lord was one of 38 new members who were inducted into the international society at a private ceremony at Blair Castle. The Keepers of the Quaich was established by the Scotch whisky industry as recognition for…
Read MoreS-Marty thinking as Scottish firm exports its robot
A robot developed in Edinburgh is to teach children in South Korea all about computer coding. The educational Marty the Robot in extremely high demand, as a huge order has been placed by the Wise Club in South Korea, and it has also been named a finalist in the 2018 Made In Scotland Awards. Usable…
Read MoreTaking Scotland to the world at tourism Expo
VisitScotland will be telling the world to get on their bikes and come to Scotland. The national tourism organisation is exporting Scotland to the world with the flagship Expo event which will see around 600 tour operators and travel agents from over 30 countries – including the USA, Japan, Brazil, Russia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia…
Read More