New play marks the life of a Scottish rugby icon

A new play celebrating the life of the rugby commentating legend Bill McLaren is to be launched soon. Bill McLaren: The Voice of Rugby tells the love story between Bill, his wife Bette, the Scottish Borders and the game of rugby. Presented by award-winning Hawick-based theatre company Firebrand, Bill McLaren: The Voice of Rugby will…

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Fringe: Lucie Pohl offers a mixed bag of laughs

Okay, here’s a few things you should know about stand-up comedian Lucie Pohl. Firstly, she’s a short (5ft 1in) and hyperactively talented German-born New Yorker who dances like no-one’s watching and is inventively potty-mouthed. Despite being pint-sized, this failed former actor (her words) nevertheless exudes the sort of charisma which registers on Geiger counters. She…

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Fringe: A timely reminder of historical horrors

A young woman rescues a drowning man on a beach in South America and the ensuing conversation between the two reveals the true nature of the man – and why he is what he is. This is not a play about the well documented mass murder and experimental atrocities committed by Josef Mengele, it is…

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Estates help protect rare birds across Scotland

Sporting estates across the Highlands are working with public sector partners to protect rare bird species delivering a range of public benefits with some of the projects beginning to show good results. The first is the Highland golden eagle project which has helped to deliver an increase in the territory occupation and breeding success of…

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London Scottish House has a proud past – and bright future

Plans have been revealed for a £7million transformation of an iconic building for London’s treasured Scottish community. The custodians of London Scottish House are leading an ambitious £7 million refurbishment to preserve the past of the London Scottish Regiment volunteers, and carry them into the future. Steeped in history, the London Scottish Regiment has a…

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Castle will host adventure travel film festival

Bikes and natural beauty will be in focus at Brodie Castle’s first film festival. Exploring the globe on two (and sometimes three) wheels is a theme for the first ever Adventure Travel Film Festival to take place at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodie Castle this September. Pedalling in Patagonia, rickshawing across India, motorbiking through…

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How to enjoy whisky in a long hot summer

Whisky is a drink that’s often considered most appropriate by the fireplace in winter. However, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experts from hotter countries around the world prove that it is far more versatile and should be sipped in the sunshine. As the temperature soars, experts from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society around the globe…

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Ten fantastic places to visit in… East Lothian

One of the most famous aeroplaces ever, amazing birds, beautiful castles and classic cars – all can be found in East Lothian. The area has so many things to see and do, which will entertain and amuse people of all ages. Here’s 10 places we recommend that are worth a visit in East Lothian. SCOTTISH…

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Fringe: From Russia with confusion

The pedigree of the performers in Forest is thoroughbred, all alumni of the legendary Moscow Art Theatre established in 1898 by Stravinsky. The performers of this prestigious theatre school are part of The Brusnikin Studio. The production, to me, was bewildering. Had I not read the leaflet beforehand I would have been at a loss…

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Some handy gardening tips for busy people

When it comes to having your dream garden, the key barrier for most people is a lack of time and energy to invest. Though costs can also be prohibitive, it’s juggling busy work schedules and social lives with household maintenance that tends to see the latter fall by the wayside. If you’d like your own peaceful…

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