Posts by Kenny Smith
Exciting page-turner on the streets of Glasgow
The Longest Shadow is a great example of the ‘tartan noir’ genre that is currently going from strength-to-strength. This offering is the third book in the Gus Thoroughgood series and follows the Detective Sergeant at break-neck speed as he pursues his quarry through the streets of Glasgow. A fast-paced and immensely enjoyable page turner that…
Read MoreThe King is back at the Scottish Elvis Festival
The first-ever Scottish Elvis Festival kicked off with tribute acts from around the world, recreating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest hits. It was a night of hysteria and hip action that left Grangemouth all shook up. The ubiquitous mirror ball, set in the centre of the low ceiling, casts slivers of silver across…
Read MoreTube journey marks the rise of the sporran legion
Using everything from inner tubes to damaged biker jackets, Jen Cantwell is taking Scottish sporran making in a new direction. ‘It was a happy accident really,’ says Jen of the beginnings of her contemporary sporran-making business, Sporran Nation. ‘I had been making sporrans for friends out of recycled clothes, and I saw the work of…
Read MoreThe Assynt murder shocked a Highland community
The 19th-century killing of popular pedlar Murdo Grant by a local gambler and drunk cast a dark shadow over a strong Highland community. In October 1830, the newspapers carried a story that would not be amiss in today’s tabloids. It had it all: villainy, drunkenness, a life spiralling out of control and a dark murder…
Read MoreCan we build it? Our top ten Scots architects
Scotland is known the world over for its masters of design. This round-up of prominent Scottish architects goes to show that when it comes to designs and building, we’re among the very best. 1. Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) Architect, designer and artist, Mackintosh is today celebrated internationally as one of the most significant talents of…
Read MoreOffers over £1.1million for home in riverside setting
A statement home in a splendid riverside setting, with opulent interior architecture and finishes, to afford the most sumptuous of contemporary living accommodation, is now for sale. Presented by Rettie and Co, Wheatfields, in Dunmore, Stirlingshire, was designed with flair and ambition by highly acclaimed Somner Macdonald Architects, and is an exquisite example of a…
Read MoreA celebration of influential Scots painter Bellany
Bellany is a suitably hefty tribute to the most influential Scottish painter of the last century. With an introduction by the director of the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, this book is a well-produced and glorious journey through the work and mind of the Port Seton-born artist John Bellany, who drew inspiration from the sea…
Read MoreScots surgeon writes a fascinating memoir
A doctor who spent 45 years as a transplant surgeon in Scotland has written his memoirs. As a surgeon who trained in Glasgow, worked in Oban and now lives in St Andrews, Dr David Hamilton has a first-hand insight into the Scottish NHS. His new book Waiting for the Urine: Reminiscences of a Scottish Transplant…
Read MoreSpecial event for International Women’s Day
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is hosting an inspiring evening. Taking place on Thursday 12 March, from 6-8pm, the hotel’s general manager, Dale MacPhee, will host a panel of powerful women from diverse industries to discuss the role of women, how this is changing and what can be done…
Read MoreA delicious crab and crayfish cocktail recipe
Ox and Finch head chef Daniel Spurr is serving up great plates inspired by world foods made for sharing. Since opening in May 2014, the restaurant’s tapas-style, small-plate dining concept has proved a hit. ‘We tried to make it as accessible as possible. It’s not one set cuisine, there’s something for everyone and we try…
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