Posts by Peter Ranscombe
Burns Night: more than haggis, neeps and tatties
WITH Burns Night approaching on Wednesday, Scotland is demonstrating that there’s a lot more to learn about our national bard than haggis, neeps and tatties. The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) has created themed driving routes following in the footsteps of Robert Burns and inspired by the Great Tapestry of Scotland. The 187 mile-long…
Read MoreArmy veteran launches this year’s Cateran Yomp
AN ARMY veteran, who was forced to give up military life due to injury, is pledging to plough “every penny” back into the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) by embarking on the Cateran Yomp, one of Scotland’s toughest endurance challenges. Royal Artillery veteran Lee Harris-Hamer, 31, from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, is the new ambassador for…
Read MoreMacLean brothers sell art for charity
A TRIO of Scottish world record-breaking brothers hopes to raise thousands of pounds for clean water projects in developing communities through an art exhibition in Edinburgh. Works by artist Bridget Ievers Cox were left to the MacLean brothers – the first three brothers to row across an ocean together – when she died last year.…
Read MoreWhiskies for Burns Night
Drinks blogger James Robertson recommends five whiskies to toast the Bard. ROBERT BURNS said that “There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing” and also said “Suspense is worse than disappointment”. On Wednesday, many around the world will celebrate Burn’s birthday. There is a sure thing that whisky will be on the menu, but…
Read MoreRaising a glass to this year’s whisky festivals
SCOTLAND’S whisky festival season is getting underway, with The National Whisky Festival returning to SWG3 in Glasgow tomorrow as part of Celtic Connections. The festival began in 2015 and has grown from its Glasgow base to include events in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Inverness. Gareth Croll, the festival’s coordinator, said: “After such an incredible year touring…
Read MoreEdinburgh names ’23 for 23′
SCOTLAND’S capital has revealed “23 for 23” – nearly two dozen eateries it thinks foodies should visit this year. The list – which was produced by Forever Edinburgh, the city council’s marketing wing – includes restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and street food vendors. The guide focuses on local businesses, including A Wee Taste of Edinburgh,…
Read MoreIslands share £100m investment
ORKNEY, Shetland, and the Western Isles will share £100 million of public funding once an “islands growth deal” is signed today. The deal pulls together cash from the Scottish and UK governments. Ministers hope the money will trigger a further £393 million of investment from businesses over the next ten years, creating up to 1,300…
Read MoreWaverley paddle steamer in ‘urgent’ cash appeal
THE team behind the Waverley paddle steamer has this lunchtime issued an “urgent” funding appeal to raise £180,000. The cash is needed to pay the boat’s winter dry dock costs and recommission the vessel for this season’s sailings. Waverley, which is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, carried more than 100,000 passengers last year as…
Read MoreKalopsia Collective launches ‘textiles bond’
TEXTILES maker Kalopsia Collective, a social enterprise founded in 2012 by artists and weavers, aims to raise £100,000 to expand production. The collective moved from Leith to a factory in Dumferline, where it can produce textiles in small batches. Kalopsia focuses on sustainability and reducing waste in the textiles industry. Scottish Communities Finance, a community…
Read MoreBurrell collection brings in £20m for Glasgow
THE Burrell Collection has welcomed half a million visits since reopening in March and has injected £19.9 million into Glasgow’s economy. That’s according to Glasgow Life, the organisation set up by the local council to run arts venues in the city. The economic benefit generated by the museum rises to £21.1m for Scotland as a…
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