Posts by Kenny Smith
The ancient art making a comeback in Scotland
The ancient craft of hedgelaying has been practiced in Scotland since Celtic times, but the method largely fell out of use after World War II when mechanisation took over the farming scene. But despite this, the craft is now enjoying something of a revival in the Borders. Graeme Walker, a Kelso native based in Newton…
Read MoreGo back to the future with this modernised cottage
A beautiful country property blending a traditional cottage with modern extension is currently for sale. Presented to the market by Galbraith, Remilton is a substantial rural home of the highest calibre, which has been finished to an exceptionally high standard and offers beautifully proportioned accommodation over two levels extending to about 351 sqm (3,779 sqft).…
Read MoreRoman sculpture found in a Scottish river
Recovered in 1997 from the mouth of the River Almond in Cramond, near Edinburgh, the Cramond Lioness is a sculpture dating back to Roman times. It portrays a male prisoner being killed by a lioness. It was Robert Graham, a local ferryman, who uncovered the sculpture from the mud of the river. It remains unknown…
Read MoreA taste of L.A. comes to new Glasgow restaurant
A new £1million California-inspired restaurant has opened in Glasgow. RUSK & RUSK, the award-winning team behind, The Butchershop Bar & Grill, Hutchesons City Grill, and The Spanish Butcher, have today unveiled their latest restaurant, bar and event space, So L.A. Situated on 43 Mitchell Street, the new all-day venue is inspired by the vibrancy and…
Read MoreSee the Britannia as you’ve never seen her before
The Royal Yacht Britannia is offering visitors the chance to see a part of the ship which has never been shown to the public before. This December, for two nights only, the Britannia is hosting ticketed festive evening private tours, allowing ‘behind the ropes’ access to experience the highlights of this iconic ship whilst taking…
Read MoreTen fascinating facts about the Clan MacMillan
Scottish clans have fascinating histories, dating back hundreds and hundreds of years. Here, we reveal ten important facts every aspiring member of Clan MacMillan should know. 1. The chiefs of Clan MacMillan descended from an ancient royal house as well as from orders of the ancient church. On the island of Iona, King Alexander I…
Read MoreThe story of the Scots storytellers – the Shennachies
The likes of CSI and Silent Witness playing out on small screens across the country may portray an unashamedly 21st-century take on telling a tale of what has gone before, but it would be wrong to think age-old tradition and custom no longer have a voice in an increasingly digital society. Historically, a Scottish clan…
Read MoreLest We Forget our war heroes and the poppy makers
When visiting Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh a few weeks before Remembrance Day, it would be easy to expect a flurry of activity with last minute poppies being assembled and the finishing touches being added to wreaths. But the poppy makers are surprisingly laid back having finished preparations for this year and already crafting…
Read MoreHonours for top Scottish visitor attractions
Excellence in the Scottish visitor attractions sector has been rewarded this week. The 2018 ASVA (Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions) awards were presented at ASVA’s Going Back to the Future conference at the Doubletree by Hilton Westerwood Hotel in Cumbernauld yesterday (Thursday). The ASVA has over 450 member visitor attractions, and its member sites attract…
Read MorePeploe’s Tulips in a Chinese Vase heads art auction
A bright, sunny work by the major Scottish Colourist, Samuel Peploe leads Bonhams 19th and 20th Century Pictures Sale in Edinburgh later this month. Taking place on Tuesday 27 November, Tulips in a Chinese Vase by Peploe (1871-1935), is estimated to reach between £220,000-£280,000 at auction. Bonhams Head of Scottish Art, Chris Brickley said: ‘Peploe…
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