Posts by Kenny Smith
Watch as Dippy the dinosaur is assembled
After sailing across the Irish Sea Dippy, the Natural History Museum London’s famous diplodocus, has arrived at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. The awe-inspiring 292 bone structure is being delicately unpacked by a team of specialists who are tasked with piecing together the iconic dinosaur cast. In a Dippy on Tour first, Scottish…
Read MoreFascinating facts you may not know about Scotland
We answer some commonly asked questions about Scotland and all things Scottish. Q Are rowan trees sacred? A The rowan has a reputation in Scottish folklore as being a protection against witchcraft and enchantment. Rowan trees were planted at the front doors and gates of homes to ward off evil, and can still be found…
Read MoreDid a Scot beat Darwin to his famous theory?
Did a little-known, interesting but eccentric Scot from Errol in Perthshire really beat Charles Darwin to the theory of natural selection? Patrick Matthew — landowner, horticulturalist, silviculturalist and land improver, entrepreneur and free-trader, Chartist, author, philosopher and proponent of Scots emigration — was a man of many parts who deserves to be acknowledged and better…
Read MoreCity Bar & Diner chef David reveals his food heaven and hell
Aberdeen’s City Bar & Diner head chef and owner David Anderson takes us to his food heaven and hell. Who inspired you to start cooking? My grandfather started it off. I always used to help him in the kitchen cooking the Sunday dinners. We cooked the usual family meals on the weekend like Sunday roasts and…
Read MoreTravel essentials that you can’t go without
Finding great clothes to travel with is no mean feat – I’ve been on the road full-time as a travel writer for 35 years and struggled to find good kit for decades. Interestingly I find men’s travel clothes easier to source than women’s. One brand worth sussing out is Bluemint. Founded by Turkish-born Dogu in…
Read MoreTry something that’s sweet and tasty – and unusual
We all like something a little bit sweet, and our recipe for Thenagai Mithai will definitely appeal. Courtesy of Glasgow’s Dakhin restaurant, we bring you something a little different. This is a treasured homemade recipe from the southern region of India, this coconut fudge is definitely for those with a sweet tooth! Perfectly dense, creamy…
Read MoreThe scent of whisky is captured in a candle
There’s something special about the smell of a whisky. It captures a moment in time – it can take you back to where you first tried a favourite dram, or conjour up images in the mind, as it bombards your senses as it passes over your taste buds. But there’s something new for 2019 from…
Read MoreThey are keeping the ancient skill of farriery alive
Farriery is an ancient skill which has been passed down for centuries. The latest in a long line of Farriers, the Duffs, are well practiced in the art. The Duff family have been shoeing Scotland’s horses for decades. Graeme Duff is the eighth generation of his family to become a farrier. He is now fully…
Read MoreTen places Clan MacLeod of Raasay members should visit
Scotland is full of incredible heartlands that people all over the world should visit. Here, we present 10 places that all members of Clan MacLeod of Raasay should try to visit at some point in their lifetime. 1. Eilean Donan The Macraes of Eilean Donan supported the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 and suffered great losses…
Read MoreArt treasures were sold as palace vanished from sight
The demolition of Hamilton Palace at Hamilton in South Lanarkshire in the 1920s and the dispersal of its treasures in two sales in 1882 and 1919 was a national tragedy. It was the grandest country house in Scotland and was filled with outstanding furniture and art, thanks to Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767-1852). The…
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