Posts by Peter Ranscombe
Schools news round-up: Tedx, music, and more
Pay attention at the back – Peter Ranscombe shares the latest news from Scotland’s schools. PIANIST William Liu has been crowned Strathallan School’s first ever “young musician of the year” in the Perthshire institution’s senior school. His performance of Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude won him the top spot. “It gives me a lot of confidence and…
Read MoreFresh smartphone advice for hillwalkers issued
HILLWALKERS are getting fresh advice on how to use their mobile phones and global position system (GPS) handsets to navigate safely on Scotland’s mountains. The guidance has been issued by Mountaineering Scotland to help promote better and more reliable use of smart devices during hikes. The advice includes downloading maps for use offline to avoid…
Read MoreRoyal marines help farmers with mental health
FORMER royal marines and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) are launching a mental health initiative this month to help farmers. The programme involves mental health first aid training for those who regularly interact professionally with farmers or crofters, such as assessors, inspectors, and consultants. Topics included in the course – which is being…
Read MoreCircus, shinty, and music for World Gaelic Week
SCOTLAND’S second World Gaelic Week has unveiled its line-up. The programme for Seachdain na Gàidhlig, which begins on 20 February, features educational and circus workshops, as well as sports and ceildihs. There will also be an array of opportunities to learn Gaelic, both in-person and online. In Paisley, the town’s Community Circus will run a…
Read MoreHospitality news round-up: Glenapp, No 26, and more
Peter Ranscombe rounds-up the latest news from Scotland’s hospitality venues. GLENAPP Castle’s penthouse apartment, “The Endeavour”, has been named by Elite Traveler magazine as “one of the top 100 most luxurious and exclusive” places to stay on the planet. The penthouse suite at the 21-room Ayrshire castle opened in May 2021 following the conversion of…
Read MoreTartan Blanket Co makes TV dream come true
THE Tartan Blanket Co in Leith is making one weaver’s dream come true in a new BBC television show. Jess Anne Clements was one of 30 contestants on the Make it at Market programme and got the chance to bring her scraf design to life. As part of her time on the show, she was…
Read MoreNews from Scotland’s castles
CASTLES throughout Scotland are preparing for a busy few months ahead. Blair Castle, the 13th century stronghold at Blair Atholl in Perthshire, is preparing to welcome brides- and grooms-to-be. The castle is holding a wedding open day on 5 February. Emma Henderson, Atholl Estates’ events manager, said: “Our wedding open day is a fantastic opportunity…
Read MoreScotland prepares for Burns Night
Simone Waters takes a look at how Scots are getting ready to celebrate Burns Night, from classic suppers to aerial acrobatics. THERE’S more to Burns Night than haggis and whisky. Scots around the country are preparing to mark national poet Robert Burns’ birthday on 25 January in a wide variety of ways. Notching up 12…
Read MoreBook review: ‘Confessions of a Highland Art Dealer’
Confessions of a Highland Art Dealer Tony Davidson Woodwose Books SPRINKLED with anecdotes of a life in the north, art dealer Tony Davidson paints a portrait of his colourful existence with local artists. He gives the reader an equal sense of times past and a true love for the creative community that he hosted at…
Read MoreHidden in plain sight
Broadcaster Pennie Stuart shares the story behind her latest podcast and radio series, Hidden in Plain Sight, about one township’s experience of the Highland Clearances. DUNCAN MACKENZIE parks his landrover beside a rough forestry track where plantation pines part to give a view down to the fertile flatlands at the head of Lochbroom. Ullapool glints…
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