Posts by Kenny Smith
Celebrating the volunteers at book festival’s heart
A special event has been held to thank the army of volunteers who make the Wigtown Book Festival possible. Ahead of the 20th annual event, around 150 adults and children, aged from under 10 to over 80, give time throughout the year carrying out an enormous range of tasks. Most are from Dumfries and Galloway,…
Read MoreOutlander castle drew in a large crowd for event
A Scottish castle which has featured in hit TV Outlander was back in focus last weekend. Blackness Castle, near Linlithgow, had its status as a film location with Historic Environment Scotland confirmed as it played host to their first On Location event. Shaped like a ship, it stood in for a castle in Fort William…
Read MoreFair is foul and foul is fair in the Great Witch Hunt
In our open society of the 21st century, where people are allowed to practice their believes, it’s easy to forget about the Great Witch Hunt in Scotland. It’s 421 years since they took place, during which time hundreds of men and women were tried and tortured in a campaign led by fear and paranoia. From…
Read MoreEnjoy the best seat in the house at the Chef’s Table
Those looking for a behind the scenes luxury dining experience can now get the best seat in the house at The Restaurant at The Principal Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow. The five-star hotel has announced a series of luxury epicurean experiences curated by some of the most talented chefs currently working in Scotland. Chef’s Table is…
Read MoreA special Macallan with stunning photography
The Macallan has unveiled its next Masters of Photography edition whisky. The release is in collaboration with the world’s most famous photographic cooperative, Magnum Photos. Marking the seventh limited edition release, The Macallan Masters of Photography: Magnum Edition celebrates the opening of the new Macallan distillery and visitor experience. The creation of the new distillery…
Read MoreTom Kitchin creates an exclusive afternoon tea
Edinburgh-based Michelin Star chef Tom Kitchin will offer the latest addition to Gleneagles’ exclusive afternoon series. It will be a welcome return for Tom, who started his career as a trainee chef at the iconic Perthshire hotel, at the event from from 1-7 October. Inspired by the hearty and popular cuisine of Kitchin’s Scran and…
Read MoreStéphanie can no longer mask her artistic skills
Having begun her artistic career designing costumes, masks and puppets, Aberdeenshire-based Brazilian artist Stéphanie Vandem later turned her attention to painting and drawing. She discovered a love for the chiaroscuro of Caravaggio and the large compositions and drama of the Renaissance painters while studying in Florence. The struggle of humanity, portrayed in the twisted figures…
Read MoreSuccess looms for tweed designer Araminta Campbell
Young Scottish weaver and tweed designer Araminta Campbell is upholding Scottish textile traditions while creating stylish and modern designs. Finding a suitable muse for her bespoke designs wasn’t difficult for award-winning Araminta. Growing up on an estate near Aberdeen, the young Araminta was surrounded by the fabric and the glorious countryside of Royal Deeside. Graduating…
Read MoreIt’s been a magical 21 years for Harry Potter
It’s been 21 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first hit bookshelves across the country but the magic of the award-winning series is as alive as ever, and perhaps no more so than in Edinburgh. A castle on the hill, a handful of grand boarding schools, cobbled streets and tales of witches and…
Read MoreTouch of class in a detached Georgian listed building
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,…
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