Posts by Kenny Smith
A tour of Scotland and exploring Broken Britain
Kellan MacInnes’ first novel, The Making of Mickey Bell, employs an unusual style of writing that launches a refreshing new literary talent into the Scottish fiction firmament. Jumping from the voice of the narrator to Mickey’s inner monologue, MacInnes leads us away from the rough Glasgow streets to a different kind of rough in the…
Read MoreFarmhouse has been converted into family home
A stunning farmhouse in the heart of the Borders has been brought to the market. Kirkton Farmhouse enjoys a peaceful position in Roxburghshire, and this impressive period property dates back to the mid-1800s and has been beautifully upgraded throughout, offering an undisturbed lifestyle set in private grounds within idyllic countryside. Conveniently positioned for the best…
Read MoreSaving the chough should be taken as red
Connoisseurs of malt whisky are well aware of one of Scotland’s most stunning islands and its eight famous distilleries, but its popularity is nothing new. Not for nothing did the Lords of the Isles choose the surprisingly fertile Islay as the headquarters of their sea kingdom. It nestles in the Atlantic and, though often exceedingly…
Read MoreThe top ten riots on the streets of Scotland
Scotland’s history is peppered with tales of uprising and unrest, many of which have ended in bloodshed. These are Scottish Field’s top ten riots. 1. Battle of George Square, 1919 ‘Bloody Friday’ was the culmination of a week-long strike at the end of January opposing the new 47-hour week. Over 70,000 Glasgow workers came out…
Read MoreFunnyman Fred MacAulay on his love of laughter
Fred MacAulay has been keeping us entertained for well over 20 years, as a comedian, radio presenter and chat show host. Originally from Perth, he began as an accountant before moving into stand-up, and for 18 years, until March 2015, he presented a daily BBC Scotland radio programme MacAulay and Co. He also co-hosted McCoist…
Read MoreThe bronzed beauties hailing from the Black Isle
Farquhar Laing has sculpture in his genes and with the recent successes of his casting business it seems he may also have bronze in his blood. Sculptor and founder of Black Isle Bronze, Farquhar Laing tried his hand at several jobs before realising that the ‘hands on’ approach was the way forward for his career.…
Read MoreDiscover who was the scourge of King Henry VIII
Whilst Mary, Queen of Scots is a familiar historical figure her mother, Marie de Guise, is relatively unknown. The historian and blogger Melanie Clegg delves into the relationship de Guise had with her French family, The Lorraines, with imaginative fervour which sees this lively biography often stray into the realms of fiction. Scourge of Henry…
Read MoreWoodland and a loch surround a private home
A beautiful home on the coast of Loch Fyne is now available on the property market. Presented by Robb Residential, Olbia is a lovely detached bungalow set in tranquil woodland and riverside gardens close to the coastline of Loch Fyne at Inverneill, near Lochgilphead, on the west coast of Scotland. The house is completed in…
Read MoreTurning Japanese at Umi in Edinburgh
Hidden away beneath one of Edinburgh’s longest established Chinese restaurants, I was hoping to find buried treasure at Umi on Deanhaugh Street in Stockbridge, Edinburgh. This newbie is the sister project of Kenji Sushi and Bentoya and it seems that word has spread quickly about the quality of the authentic Japanese food on the menu…
Read MoreGamekeepers take a shot to help community
A group of Scots gamekeepers have come together to help save a community playgroup a four figure sum for the encouragement of outdoor learning. For some time, officials at Edzell Playgroup in Angus have been costing out a revamp of the gardens used by the kids for outdoor play. However, the quotes they received were…
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