Posts by Kenny Smith
Sick children will be boosted by a visit from police pups
There’s no escaping the long arm of the law – even if you’re in hospital. But young people at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children are to be treated to a visit from Police Scotland’s newest four-legged recruits to bring a smile to their faces. German Shepherds, Otto and Karma, were named by children in…
Read MoreThe Torrs is an impressive home with a bit of history
A quality country house of elegance and comfort offering stunning views over the Solway Firth and beyond to the Lake District coastline is now for sale. The Torrs, in Portling, Dalbeattie, is presented to the market by Galbraith. The Torrs is the former residence of Sir Thomas McAlpine, the house was converted from a cottage…
Read MoreBook review: Flodden by Gary Mill
What’s the story? Flodden is a fantastic mixture of Scottish history and thoughtfully constructed fiction. The novel focuses on the epic battle between Scotland and England which took place on the slopes of Branxton Hill in Northumbria in 1513. It tells the story of King James IV of Scotland and a young arrow maker named…
Read MoreAppointment in Arezzo: A Friendship with Muriel Spark
What’s the Story? Alan Taylor, who has been a journalist for over 30years in Scotland, struck up a close friendship with Muriel Spark the world renowned writer after a 1990 interview in Arezzo, Italy. The book discusses Spark’s successes over her inspiring career and also addresses many of the controversies which Sparks often shied…
Read MoreScottish runners can show their mettle at Ironkids
Scottish youngsters are being encouraged to take part in a series of three fun and family-focused running events. The organisers of Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh, Scotland’s biggest triathlon staged in the capital and outlying regions on Sunday, 1 July, has launched Ironkids Scotland, for young people aged three to 14. The events form an exciting addition…
Read MoreGlasgow and Edinburgh are UK’s top travel choices
Scotland’s big two cities have dominated a British poll on 2018 city destinations. Using booking data from its collection of over 250 independent properties across Great Britain, combined with YouGov and Google search data, Best Western has created a list of the top 10 UK tourism hotspots for this year. Scotland reigned supreme overall, with…
Read MoreCelebrating the joy of Scotch whisky in Australia
My involvement with whisky is pretty intense. I am the state manager for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for Western Australia, and I work for an importer who brings whisky into Australia. I run my own whisky blog called SquidgyAsh the Whisky Fiend, and along with co founding Dram Full Australia, I am also in…
Read MoreLots to mill over with this conversion full of character
Catcune Mill is a characterful conversion which captures the eye. Presented by Knight Frank, this is a six bedroom house for sale in Fushiebridge, Midlothian. Providing spacious and flexible family accommodation over two floors, the house stands in its own private gardens and is surrounded by open countryside yet is within 12 miles of Edinburgh…
Read MoreHave your automobilia items valued for a good cause
This Sunday is the 50th anniversary on the death of Scottish former Formula One driver Jim Clark. A full weekend of activities is taking place in Duns, with a special automobilia and general antiques valuation day taking place, run by Bonhams. Bonhams Automobilia specialist and general valuers will have a marquee in the car park…
Read MoreScots get ready to take part in New York Tartan Day
Scots have been crossing the Atlantic this week to play their part in the 2018 New York Tartan Day parade. Being held in the Big Apple on Saturday April 7, pipers and drummers from all over the world will take part in the event, a celebration of the contribution made to the USA by the…
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