Posts by Kenny Smith
Blue Planet cameraman’s whisky partner
Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky has announced underwater explorer and Blue Planet cameraman Doug Allan as the first partner in its new campaign, Rise With The Tide. Known as The Maritime Malt, the whisky is highlighting its coastal roots by following inspirational stories of those whose lives have been shaped by the sea. As…
Read MoreSpending 23 years bringing Landward to our screens
Wheels Rolling at Eight is the autobiography of former BBC Scotland television producer Arthur Anderson. It’s both humorous and informative. Starting life on the family farm in South West Scotland, Arthur left school at the age of 16 to join The Scotsman. Stints at the Scottish Farmer and the then Glasgow Herald ensued before he…
Read MoreYou will be spoiled for choice at Voujon
Voujon is a bit of an institution in the capital. Opening in 2005, this southside stalwart serves up authentic Bangladeshi and Northern Indian food alongside all of the classic dishes you would expect from an Indian restaurant, as well as a few dishes showcasing fusions of flavours from east and west. The interior of the…
Read MoreFolk rock group ready to release their latest album
Highland folk rock outfit Torridon are releasing a new album next week, signalling a significant progression in the band’s style, sound, vision and drive. Break The Chains is set for release on Friday, 20 September, seeks to replicate the band’s enigmatic live performance and showcase a passion for serious and original storytelling and song writing,…
Read MoreDracula to be performed at its inspirational castle
Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire is widely acknowledged having inspired Dracula’s castle, in Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Now, award winning circus company, Modo, brings the classic vampire story to life with a new Doric twist. The production reflects the inspiration Stoker found in his frequent visits to Slains Castle and Cruden Bay. Following its premiere at…
Read MoreHave your say and pick Scotland’s Tree of the Year
Six trees are in the running for Scotland’s Tree of the Year. Organised by the Woodland Trust, they are looking for people’s favourite wooden growth in Scotland. The contenders are: The Cadzow Oak, Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton This is one of 300 very ancient oaks growing on what were the hunting grounds of the Duke…
Read MoreRare whisky value declines for first time in a decade
The investment performance of rare Scotch has dipped during the first six months of the year. This is the first such recorded half year decline, according to new figures published today by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101. The value of the broadest measurement of the market, the Apex 1000 index crystallised…
Read MoreThe Scotsman whose art brought Egypt to the world
David Roberts started a Middle Eastern vogue and his art remains highly sought after, but the much-loved Edinburgh artist’s charmed life hid heartbreak and a love that never died. When the Scottish artist David Roberts collapsed on Berners Street, London in November 25 1864 and died ‘of apoplexy’ that same night, he departed a worldly…
Read MoreRunning with the hounds – meet the Barony Bassets
When the Dumfriesshire Hunt was disbanded in 2002 the area was left without a pack of hounds for the first time in 150 years. That was until Daphne Thorne put together the Barony Bassets foot pack. It was a miserable, dreich dawn with a bitter blast of air from the north as we reluctantly started…
Read MoreThe missing lynx – should it be reintroduced?
Could the big cat be the first carnivore to be reintroduced into Scotland? Discussions about reintroductions are rocket fuel. Most people have theories on the subject be it sea eagles, wild boars or beavers, and inevitably the atmosphere becomes heated as balanced argument flies out of the window. The return of the wolf is perhaps…
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