Posts by Kenny Smith
Hat’s the way to do it as Pea uses her head
Glasgow based milliner Pea Cooper and famous clients like Paloma Faith are leading the charge in the renaissance of the hat. It isn’t often that a collection of granny’s hats is cited as the inspiration for cutting edge fashion design. But this is the spark that ignited milliner Pea Cooper’s career. ‘It may sound odd…
Read MoreThe Scotswoman who was a fantastic fly tyer
Born in the Highlands in 1915, by the age of 20, Megan Boyd had established herself as one of the most skilled salmon fly tyers of all time. Her cottage in Brora became a Mecca for fly fishermen from across the globe. This is an affectionate and personal account of Megan’s remarkable talent by friend…
Read MoreThe gin invasion of whisky’s heartland
A gin festival is being launch this summer in the heart of Scotland’s most famous and prolific malt whisky-producing region. The team behind the Spirit of Speyside brand, which already stages the highly successful spirits events, is now celebrating the area’s rapidly-growing gin industry. Spirit of Speyside: The Gin Experience takes place from July 12…
Read MoreRobert the Bruce link to this attractive hotel
A historical hotel reputed to be sited near where Robert the Bruce was inspired by a spider is on the market. Dunvalanree, a hotel on the stunning West Highland beach where Robert the Bruce landed while fleeing the English following an early setback, is being offered for sale. Located in the tiny Kintyre hamlet of…
Read MoreBeautiful elevated views from the edge of a golf course
A Scottish home with a breathtaking rural outlook from the edge of a golf course is now for sale. Drumnagrain, at Ballindalloch, Moray, is presented to the market by Galbraith. Drumnagrain is a charming detached cottage located in a stunning elevated position overlooking Strath Avon and Ben Rinnes. Built predominantly from harled stone under a…
Read MoreHonours presented at the Scottish Rural Awards 2019
A host of Scottish businesses are celebrating after taking home awards at the 2019 Scottish Rural Awards last night (Thursday). Veteran broadcaster and Deacon Blue drummer, Dougie Vipond took to the stage as compere for the evening, hosting over 450 guests and presenting two awards in each of the 11 open categories – a runner-up…
Read MoreMake Mother’s Day a hole new experience
A Mother’s Day gift with a difference is being offered by an Edinburgh eaterie. The renowned Bross Bagels have created a limited edition Treat Yo Mama Platter especially for Mother’s Day. The special lox platter will be available to pre-order from Bross Bagels for Mother’s Day only created by Mama Larah Bross – but this…
Read MoreRuth and her very own chocolate factory
For the sweet-toothed among us chocolate is an indulgent pleasure, but for chocolatier Ruth Hinks it is a form of art and a way of life. It’s difficult to think of a fate worse than being deprived of chocolate. But throughout her childhood, this was a reality for UK World Chocolate Master and daughter of…
Read MoreThe strong and steady revival of the pine marten
Playful and inquisitive, the pine marten has been making friends all over Scotland – with the exception of gamekeepers, of course. As I sit by the window, I spot an otter with cubs crossing the bay. They cruise playfully through sea the colour of pewter before disappearing behind the rocks. There is a great northern…
Read More10 Scots who were welcomed to the jungle
Scots get all over the world in the name of science. These heroic explorers risked life and limb to travel around the globe and discover the species of fl ora that make our gardens the beautiful places that they are today 1. Thomas Thomson (1817-1878) When he was only seventeen, Thomson discovered fossil mollusca on…
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