Posts by Kenny Smith
The forgotten daughter of Sir William Burrell
Behind the remarkable collection gifted to Glasgow by philanthropist Sir William Burrell, lies a bitter family feud and a daughter who could never fulfil her father’s expectations. More than twenty years ago I set out to unravel a mystery, but with no idea where my mission would lead. It all began with the death in…
Read MoreThe spirit is strong for the BBC’s Jamie McIvor
As a BBC news correspondent, Jamie McIvor has seen more of the country than most, but for him nowhere can match his home town, Campbeltown. BBC Scotland’s Local Government and Education correspondent Jamie loves nothing more than returning home, especially to indulge his love of running. This feature was originally published in 2014. Sailing into…
Read MoreExtermination to germination for the jay
The naturalist Henry Williamson described the distinctive shrill call of the jay as like the sound of tearing linen. But this bird has a large repertoire of vocalisations and is one of the best mimics in the avian world, particularly adept at mimicking sheep, lambs and horses. Some become specialists; I once followed the sounds…
Read MoreThe Reiver Rat is a good Scots read for children
If The Reiver Rat sounds familiar, then the chances are you may well have either read it, or heard of it before. Translated by James Robertson and featuring Axel Scheffler’s engaging illustrations, this brilliant Scots version of The Highway Rat serves as a great, entertaining introduction to the ‘mither’ tongue for youngsters. With the flow…
Read MoreLive by the banks of a bonnie loch
A delightful modern home on the banks of Loch Snizort offers spectacular views over to the Cuillin mountains and to the Outer Hebrides. Galbraith present to the market Crionach, at 3 Kingsburgh, Snizort, Portree, which lies in a delightful, private setting in the scattered crofting township of Kingsburgh on the north-west coast of Skye. The house,…
Read MoreJupiter Artland offers out of this world exhibitions
Nicky Wilson is excited about the year ahead for Jupiter Artland, the sculpture garden that she runs near Edinburgh with her husband, Robert. The garden’s 2019 programme includes a series of exhibitions and workshops. Wilson bought Bonnington House in 1999 and opened Jupiter Artland in its 100-acre grounds in 2009. Jupiter Artland Foundation has been…
Read More10 Scots who went off on voyages of discovery
The natural curiosity and bravery of the Scottish people has initiated many a dangerous expedition. Here, we turn the spotlight on ten of Scotland’s best explorers. 1. Mungo Park (1771-1806) Park was 23 when he volunteered to explore the course of the River Niger. Before setting off, the Selkirk-born former ship’s doctor learnt the local…
Read MoreStunning drone footage showcases a Highland home
A highly desirable Highland country property is now on the property market. Galbraith has just launched a stunning converted steading and adjacent farmhouse to the market in an idyllic rural setting. Convinth Steading, a five reception, six-bedroom property, and the separate four-bedroom farmhouse, are both highly desirable country properties located within easy reach of Inverness…
Read MoreMcIlvanney was the godfather of tartan noir
Long before Rankin or Welsh had ever picked up a pen, William McIlvanney had already created some of the most iconic hard men in Scottish literature. The writer, who died in December 2015, casts a shadow over the literary world in Scotland even today, and his memory lives on with a prize named after him…
Read MoreWhen the bagpipes sound, his fish have arrived
We all have sounds that we associate with certain events in our lives – but we can bet bagpipes and fish aren’t an immediate one. However, Alasdair Allen plays his bagpipes on the banks of Loch Ness to let his customers know that his fish van has arrived. Scottish Field spoke to the man who…
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