Posts by Kenny Smith
When Ayrshire was at war with two families
April 2016 marked the 430th anniversary of the Massacre of Annock. Though not an unusual occurrence in the lawlessness of Scotland in the 16th century, that event, and particularly the extent and ferocity of the reprisals that followed, marked the beginning of a change in attitude towards blood feud. ‘Blood feud was the custom of…
Read MoreFour single casks launched at The Whisky Shop
A new partnership will see The Whisky Shop launch four single casks from three top distilleries – two from Highland Park and one from Maker’s Mark and Bowmore respectively. Edrington-Beam Suntory UK was delighted with the deal, from three distilleries in their portfolio. The first Single Cask from Highland Park is available exclusively to The…
Read MoreDunfermline Abbey hosts screening of Outlaw King
The resting place of Robert the Bruce, which played a starring role in Netflix film Outlaw King, will once again be in the spotlight at a unique showing of the historical epic. Dunfermline Abbey, which doubles as Westminster in the film, and the Abbey Church, which is home to The Bruce’s tomb, will play host…
Read MoreThe Scot who was off the strait and narrow
The temptingly wide strip of water was a terrible place to bring a ship in a gale, despite the arrival of a mystery Scot as protector. Only discovered by the British explorer George Bass a few decades before the Cataraqui went down in 1845 – still considered Australia’s worst peacetime disaster – the fact that…
Read MoreScots silver that was kept secret from the Vikings
Concealed underground for over a thousand years, this fascinating haul of elaborately decorated Scottish silverware came to light in the middle of the 20th century during an excavation on St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland. Dated back to 700-800AD, the coveted collection, known as the St Ninian’s Treasure, is the only Scottish hoard of fine metalwork of…
Read MoreB listed Georgian Gothic style home is over 200 years old
A B listed Georgian Gothic-style property, set in mature grounds, is now available for purchase. Kinlochlaich House, in Appin, Argyll and Bute, is presented for sale by Bell Ingram. Kinlochlaich House is a B listed Georgian Gothic style house dating from about 1800, but with some parts of the house having much earlier origins. The…
Read MoreDon’t grouse about your Sunday dinner – try this
Just the two of you this Sunday? Rather than juggling pots and pans over a complicated roast, serve something delicious yet simple. As part of Great British Game Week (19–25 November) Eat Wild is challenging the nation to think differently about game – and it’s starting in the kitchen. Today is the last of our…
Read MoreA love affair that has lasted over 500 years
The origins of the Palace of Holyroodhouse lie in the religious, or monastic, setting of the Holy Rood, which is said to have been a fragment of the cross of Jesus Christ which found its way from the Holy Land to Edinburgh. There is also the tale of David I of Scotland (1124-1153) having a…
Read MoreThe late Alan Bean was the Scotsman on the moon
Artist Alan Bean was part of the second lunar landing – and in tribute to his Scots ancestry, he took a swatch of MacBean tartan with him. Sadly, in May this year, Alan passed away at the age of 88. Prior to his death, Alan was an artist, who liked to paint figures set in…
Read MoreUsing ancient skills to create a crafty coracle
Jane Wilkinson is a willow weaver with a passion for traditional craft and a love for the ancient art of coracle making. Despite studying science at Edinburgh University, Jane’s love of woodlands led to her branching out in a different direction. Now based in Alyth, near Blairgowrie, the willow weaver and artisan basket maker is…
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