Cocktail book will leave you shaken and stirred

Anyone who’s ever wanted to go drinking with James Bond would, most likely, end up the way that most of his arch-foes go. Dead. Mr Bond does have a fondness for a drink, as, over the course of the 14 books written by Ian Fleming, 007 does enjoy a cocktail or three. Shaken – Drinking…

Read More

Urquhart Castle stocks goodies made by locals

Chocolates, a children’s book and scented candles are some of the products being sold at a castle by Loch Ness – many designed by local school pupils. Young entrepreneurs from local schools and social enterprises have won the opportunity for their products to be stocked at Urquhart Castle until March 2019. The products include a…

Read More

100 pipers and drummers to mark Armistice centenary

A thoughtful Edinburgh school pupil will see an idea he came up with four years ago become a reality on Remembrance Sunday. In 2014, Merchiston Castle School pupil James Lascelles, then aged 11, wrote to the headmaster with an idea for the 2018 Remembrance Service. He shared his idea of commemorating the 100th anniversary of…

Read More

Campaign urges people not to buy from puppy farms

The Scottish Government has launched a campaign against buying illegally-bred puppies and the warnings signs to look out for. Research shows that Scots are more likely to buy an illegally-bred puppy, with only 24% of Scots buying from an approved breeder and one in four (25%) considering using an online advert or website to buy…

Read More

Crime writer Val is new Scottish Book Trust patron

Scots crime writer Val McDermid has been appointed as the new patron of the Scottish Book Trust. The national charity transforming lives through reading and writing has a long-time supporter in Val, one of the biggest names in crime writing and her novels have been translated into 40 languages, selling over 15 million copies worldwide.…

Read More

Chocolate, raspberry delice and coconut sorbet

Delicious food was always going to be the career path for the owners of the Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant in Stonehaven harbour. Eddie Abbott has been running the eaterie for the last 10 years. According to Eddie’s mum he was always destined to run a seafood restaurant: while she could never persuade his sisters to eat…

Read More

Bursary for innovation in music shortlist revealed

Scottish folk and traditional artists innovating and distinguishing themselves in their field are on the shortlist for the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation Award 2019. The prestigious fund is the largest cash prize in Scotland. Financially matched only by the Mercury Prize, the £25,000 rewards innovation and will support the winning act to progress unique ideas…

Read More

Rare malts from the Private Collection

Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled a new look for its Private Collection range. The first releases comprise an ultra-rare whisky from Inverleven Distillery and a 44-year-old single malt distilled at Glenrothes Distillery. In 1985, Gordon & MacPhail sent Cask 562, a refill bourbon barrel, to the Inverleven Distillery located in Dumbarton within the area known…

Read More

Honours for five First World War Scots creatives

Five historic creative figures who told their stories and experiences of the First World War through their poetry and art have been awarded commemorative plaques by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and Armistice Day this weekend, the plaques will be unveiled in cities…

Read More

Detached Georgian listed building has a touch of class

Ardlamont House is a handsome detached Georgian house near Tighnabruaich, in Argyll and Bute. Protected by a category B listing, it is presented for sale by Robb Residential. The property dates from approximately 1820 and is laid out over two storeys with a garden level. Following the destruction of Toward Castle in the 17th century,…

Read More