Appliance of science for David Livingstone

The David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre re-opens this Wednesday, July 28. Student Andriani Maimaridou, who is currently undertaking a Professional Development Diploma after the successful completion of an MA in Conservation Studies – Ceramics and Related Materials at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation was given a big challenge – to conserve a painted…

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Thrum of the Bass Rock inspires artists

It has cast its spell over artists and writers such as Turner and Robert Louis Stevenson. In the 17th century, it was dubbed Scotland’s Alcatraz following Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland. Now the Bass Rock, which sits a few miles off the coast of North Berwick in East Lothian, is to be the subject of a…

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V&A Dundee announces latest sensory friendly days

V&A Dundee has announced new sensory friendly days as the latest step in the museum’s long-term commitment to ensure greater access to design. Taking place on Tuesday 10 August and Tuesday 28 December, dedicated sensory friendly days will provide a safe, relaxing environment for people with sensory needs, including autism spectrum conditions, sensory processing differences,…

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Turning back the clock to see a long-lost Scotland

We travel back in time to look at a bygone Scotland on our TV screens over the next two weeks. Films of Scotland is a two-part documentary being shown on BBC Scotland. In 1928 and at the age of eleven, Harry Birrell was given his first cine camera. ‘The greatest toy a child could ever…

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Foodies Festival returns to the capital in a new home

Foodies Festival, the biggest gourmet food, drink and music festival series in the UK, returns to Edinburgh in a new venue next month. And they will be joined by MasterChef and Bake Off champions, as well as more than 50 music acts. Local celebrity baker Peter Sawkins, who won Great British Bake Off 2020, is…

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Meet the Beast with new Timorous Beastie whisky

Douglas Laing & Co, the firm behind the Remarkable Regional Malts Scotch whisky range, has unleased its latest offering. Timorous Beastie – Meet the Beast is a limited edition partner to their Highland Malt brand. Offered at a natural cask strength of 54.9% and matured exclusively in ex-American Bourbon barrels, the spirit is said to…

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A world first carbon offset single malt whisky

The first release of Creag Dhu Speyside single malt whisky has caused a big stir in the drinks world. Produced by the same distillery team behind multi award winning Daffy’s Gin, at £34, Creag Dhu is being hailed by whisky experts across the board as the best value single malt whisky on the market. Creag…

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VEGA shines brightly in Glasgow’s eating scene

There’s a new star in Glasgow’s dining and entertainment landscape. VEGA, illuminating the top floor of YOTEL Glasgow, is named after a star, and there’s a glittering prize awaiting when you head up to it. My companion and I travelled in a world-first immersive disco lift, which music and flashing lights as it moves, and…

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First period album from Nicola Benedetti goes to No 1

Grammy award-winning Scots violinist Nicola Benedetti’s new Baroque album is No. 1 in both the Official Classical Artist Chart and the Specialist Classical Chart. Released on Decca Classics on Friday 16 July, Baroque is the fifth album from Nicola Benedetti to chart at number in the Specialist Classical Chart alongside Fantasie (2009); The Silver Violin…

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One young man’s musical hopes and dreams

The Lighthouse Keepers is a moving story of a young man, Max Bruford, who, against his parents’ wishes, wants to have a career as a musician – aiming to become the best in the world. After a bad reaction to the news of his aspirations, Max comes across two lighthouse keepers, who are swallowed with…

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