Posts by Kenny Smith
CAMRA reveals the best public house in Scotland
The Campaign for Real Ale has revealed its best pub in Scotland to mark the close of its Summer of Pub campaign – an initiative to encourage pub-going throughout the warmer months. The top 16 pubs in the UK have been announced in the nationwide search for the next National Pub of the Year; the…
Read MoreFringe: 3, 2, 1… you’re back in the room
Call me a spoilsport, but I’ve always been a little sceptical about anything involving mind readers and hypnotists. Quite frankly, I can’t decide if a night with a Ouija board would make me want to run away screaming in fear or just make for a good night of entertainment among friends. So when I was…
Read MoreTen of the finest follies to be found in Scotland
Decadent indulgences by people with more money than sense, or touching attempts to leave a lasting legacy other than wealth? Here we suggest 10 of Scotland’s finest follies. 1. Kinnoull Tower Built in the 18th century by the 9th Earl of Kinnoull to resemble a castle on the Rhine in Germany, Kinnoull Tower is one…
Read More10 alien invaders Scotland can do without
Scotland’s native wildlife is being attacked by ruthless foreign species that are hell-bent on world domination. A great many creatures that are part of the Scottish landscape are not, in fact, native species: the likes of the rabbit, pheasant and fallow deer were all introduced at some point in the past. But while these have…
Read MoreHow Robert the Bruce gave the English a bruising
Rather than overcoming a far larger English force, a controversial theory says Robert the Bruce fought far from the accepted battlefield and won by a cunning plan that didn’t involve cavalry or the wee folk. ‘Wha for Scotland’s King and law, Freedom’s sword will proudly draw, Freeman stand or Freeman fa’, Let him on wie…
Read MoreThis is a substantial new build home of the highest quality
An exceptional modern country property close to St Andrews has been brought to the market. Presented by Galbraith and commanding breath-taking panoramic views out over the Firth of Forth and beyond, North Cassingray House is an outstanding country property quietly positioned in a lovely secluded rural setting with a generous garden. Constructed just over 10…
Read MoreA history of the Borders – delivered on foot
In compelling study Walking The Border, Ian Crofton documents his trek along the Anglo-Scottish Border, on foot or by train, digging deep into historical archives and listening to the stories of those along the way. In a larger sense, Crofton calls into question the borders which encircle us, restrict us, define us in a world…
Read MoreSir Alex Ferguson – a winner born and bred in Govan
Scotland’s most successful football manager Sir Alex Ferguson explains how his personality was forged by growing up in Glasgow. In 2011, Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to Scottish Field editor Richard Bath in an interview for the Glasgow Marketing Board, about being made in Glasgow. The former Aberdeen and Manchester United boss won every domestic trophy…
Read MoreA versatile bungalow in an area of natural beauty
An impressive detached bungalow in an excellent residential location has been brought to the market for the first time. Windsmere, in Parkdaill, Hawick, is an impressive detached bungalow which was built by the current owner in 1952/53. Presented by Galbraith, the generally bright, versatile and well maintained family sized accommodation is all at ground floor…
Read More16th century Scots ‘rappers’ had verbal jousts at the flyte club
What do hip-hop music and sixteenth century Scotland have in common? Not much, you’d assume. But hip-hop – which developed in the The Bronx, New York in the 1970s – actually has its roots in the court of James IV and the Scottish art of flyting. ‘Flyting’ is an old Scots word meaning ‘quarreling’ or…
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