Posts by Kenny Smith
The Bonham turns back the clock to go forward
One of Edinburgh’s best-loved boutique hotels, The Bonham Hotel, has been refurbished from head-to-toe, courtesy of a multi-million pound investment. Following the refurbishment of all 49 bedrooms last year, the public areas of the hotel have also had a makeover with a new bar and the launch of a brand new restaurant – No. 35…
Read MoreLots to love and nothing to fear from Marina
With three headline tours under her belt, Marina returns to Glasgow for a fourth, this time without the Diamonds and after the release of the new album Love + Fear. The night began with a playlist curated by Marina in lieu of the usual support act. A bold choice that was perhaps not entirely ideal…
Read MoreNicola Benedetti – a true Scottish musical star
It is not in Nicola Benedetti’s nature to let anyone down. As well as being a player of transcendent violin concertos, she is the tireless judge of competitions, encourager of young musicians, cheerleader for classical music in education and keeper of appointments. So how come she stood up Scottish Field? There was a last minute…
Read MorePolitical intrigue led to Scotland’s most notorious duel
When the euphoria that followed the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815 had subsided, Britain experienced a period of financial depression and crop failure that led to intense political unrest. The Whig party agitated for parliamentary reform, which was resisted by the Tories, who had held power for many years and were terrified of…
Read MoreThe Scottish newt is a natural born survivor
Around for a million years, adapted to land and sea, and with remarkable regenerative powers, the newt is a creature like no other. I have long been fascinated by newts. If they survive the attentions of their many predators, they may be fairly longlived. They also have an extraordinary ability to regenerate various parts of…
Read MoreA special pair of bank holiday weekend bagels
There are few things guaranteed in life – taxes, disappointments, death, and delicious creations from Bross Bagels. The last one is most definitely my favourite of these. Bross Bagels are already something of a legend in Edinburgh, despite being a relatively new business. I love a bagel – and I would never have expected them…
Read MoreAttractive stretch of the River Dee for sale
The Ardoe and Murtle beat on the world famous River Dee has been made available for sale. The Inverness office of Galbraith has launched the sale of this attractive beat. Purchased in 1990, this lower Dee beat extends to about 1.5 miles and has 11 named pools. It was successfully timeshared by Salar Management Services Ltd,…
Read MoreThe story of the man behind New Lanark
The first full biography of David Dale, founding father of socialism, this book reflects 30 years of research. David J McLaren came to know about Dale through an interest in Robert Owen’s New Lanark, the famous 18th-century cotton-spinning community, and his attempts to forge a ‘new view’ of society. But it was during Dale’s ownership…
Read MoreCelebrating 10 of the most historic pubs in Scotland
From haunted inns to writers’ retreats, Scotland’s public houses have a rich history. Here, we highlight 10 of the best boozers in the land. 1. The Globe Inn The Globe Inn on Dumfries High Street may have been founded in 1610 but it wasn’t until Scotland’s most famous poet made it his chosen haunt that…
Read MoreGreek mythology inspiration for tartan mosaics
Moira Dalgetty travelled the world as a journalist with Tass, the Soviet Union’s news agency, and American broadcaster CBS. But the inspiration for her business, Tartan Connections, came from a little closer to home. Dalgetty, who lives and works on the Isle of Bute, had been collecting scraps of tartan for years, with the intention…
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