Gin, rum, and whisky brands unveil new looks

THREE of Scotland’s gin, rum, and whisky labels have revealed fresh designs for their bottles. Isle of Raasay Distillery took inspiration from its island’s geology for its new bottle. The shape of its glass is moulded from real rocks, fossils, and Raasay juniper. Local botanist Stephen Bungard helped the distillery hand-pick juniper on the island,…

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Flavourly’s small batch originals

Drinks blogger James Robertson reviews the latest batch of craft beers from Flavourly. ONLINE Edinburgh-based specialist Flavourly has launched a range of high-end small-batch craft beer created exclusively by some of the UK’s top breweries. The “Small Batch Originals” comprise six 440ml beers from Wiper & True, Brew By Numbers, Siren Craft Brewery, Tempest Brewing,…

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Maryculter House donates £9,000 to River Dee Trust

THE River Dee Trust has received a £9,000 donation from Maryculter House. The hotel has added a discretionary £1 charge to each of its customers’ bills to help raise the cash. The money will be split between the trust’s “OneMillionTrees” project – which has been running for two and a half years and has planted…

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Aberdeen wins seven Green Flag Awards

ENVIRONMENTAL charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has presented seven Green Flag Awards to Aberdeen. Duthie Park won its tenth green flag in a row, while Garthdee Field Allotments, Hazlehead Park, Johnston Gardens, Seaton Park, Slopefield Allotments, and Victoria Park were also rewarded. Councillor Miranda Radley, convener of Aberdeen City Council’s operational delivery committee, said: “As a…

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Cabrach Games return after 87-year gap

THE Cabrach Games and picnic are returning on Sunday following a 87-year hiatus. The gathering was a staple on the Highland Games circuit between 1877 and 1935. Yet a fall in the local population between the two world wars led to the games coming to an end. The Cabrach in Moray was once home to…

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Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers at the Fringe

THE Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers – a band made up of tartan noir authors – is preparing to play four shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The super group – which consists of Mark Billingham, Chris Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone, Val McDermid, Stuart Neville, and Luca Veste – play “songs about murder and death”. Its covers…

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Marianne Dissard debut photo show in Glasgow

GLASGOW is hosting the debut solo photography exhibition by singer, author, and filmmaker Marianne Dissard. Dissard found herself living in Kent at the end of 2020 after her singing tour of Europe was cancelled. Over the next 18 months, she turned to street photography and captured life on the Isle of Thanet. She moved to…

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V&A Dundee wants to see your tartan

ROOT through your wardrobe because the Dundee branch of the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum wants to see your tartan. The museum will mount an exhibition featuring Scotland’s most famous pattern next year and it wants contributions from the public. “The People’s tartan” is billed as the story of a “unique pattern that expresses tradition,…

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Beavers bid by Glen Affric

LANDOWNERS in Glen Affric hope to reintroduce beavers to the Highlands. Four estates and government agency Forestry & Land Scotland have launched a joint consultation on the plans, coordinated by conservation charity Trees for Life. Beavers are already found at the Aigas field centre near Beauly and at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig. Reintroducing…

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Aberdeen enters Eurovision race

ABERDEEN City Council has thrown the Granite City’s hat into the ring to host next year’s Eurovision song contest. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) today announced that the UK would host the competition on behalf of Ukraine. As this year’s winner, Ukraine would normally host next year’s contest. But Russia’s ongoing invasion means the EBU…

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