Posts by Peter Ranscombe
Wildlife news round-up: Rewilding, capercaillie, and more
Peter Ranscombe rounds-up the latest wildlife news from Scotland. A MIXED picture has emerged from Scotland’s national nature reserves (NNRs) this season, with bird flu decimating great skuas – or bonxies – and gannets at Noss on Shetland, with kittiwake and Arctic terns fairing better. Terns of all varieties – Arctic, common, little, and sandwich…
Read MoreFingal
Fingal: On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… the gift of being on board Step aboard and discover something completely different. A world-class destination with unique luxury cabins and decks for stargazing and Champagne. Choose from a delicious five course afternoon tea to an overnight stay on board in one…
Read MoreGaelic specialist celebrates winter solstice
A GAELIC specialist is helping NatureScot to mark today’s winter solstice. The Scottish Government agency, known previously as Scottish Natural Heritage, asked broadcaster, storyteller, and writer Ruairidh Maclean to compile a Gaelic compendium that “celebrates the nature, land, and heritage of Scotland in the winter”. Maclean said: “As keepers of a unique language and culture,…
Read MoreRoyal Scottish Academy gets Blackadder Houston bequest
THE Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) has received a donation worth more than ÂŁ7 million from the estate of Dame Elizabeth Blackadder. The artist, who died last year, left the money to the arts charity to create the RSA Blackadder Houston Bequest. The money will help more than 60 artists and architects in Scotland each year.…
Read MoreUnion Chain Bridge prepares to reopen
THE Union Chain Bridge, which links Scotland to England, is preparing to reopen after Hogmanay. Restoration of the 202-year-old structure, the the oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world, began in October 2020. Around 95% of the handrails are now in place and final painting work is continuing – although the surfaces need to be…
Read MoreStobo Castle
Stobo Castle: On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… the gift of relaxation When it comes to choosing the ultimate present, a voucher for a spa experience will be received with joy. Indulge your loved one this Christmas with the gift of relaxation – a Stobo Castle gift voucher. The…
Read MoreRestaurant Review: The Loveable Rogue East End
Keith McIntyre discovers the wonders of brunch at The Loveable Rogue East End restaurant in Glasgow. WHEN Joe Lazzerini and Amalia Colaluca opened the original Loveable Rogue in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, it looked like a risky proposition for everyone involved. Fast forward two years and not only has the West End…
Read MoreReview: ‘My Fair Lady’
Megan Amato reviews the musical production of My Fair Lady at the Edinburgh Playhouse theatre. A NIGHT at the theatre always brings a certain level of pomp and flair, but with a traditionally British production like My Fair Lady, the atmosphere almost lends itself to fancy hats and (faux, if preferred) fur stoles. Alas, while…
Read MoreLoch Gorm House
Loch Gorm House: On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me… the gift of the islands Loch Gorm House is a luxury five gold star B&B with spectacular sea views of Jura and across Loch Indaal. Recently refurbished, the guesthouse offers well-appointed accommodation that is close to all of the island’s…
Read MoreBridgend Hotel
Bridgend Hotel: On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… the gift of exploring At the heart of Islay, Bridgend hotel is the perfect base for exploring the magical beaches and world famous whisky distilleries. Its 11 individually decorated bedrooms are all pet friendly. The hotel’s restaurant menus showcase the finest…
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