Culture
Rare first edition Robert Burns’ poetry from 1786 could fetch £60,000 at auction
An exceptionally rare first edition of Robert Burns’ poetry, published in 1786 by a Kilmarnock printer who was the first to take a risk on the poet’s literary talent, is to go on sale. Considered one of the most important works of Scottish literature Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect sold for just three shillings.…
Read MoreRule Britannia: On board Britannia with former Royal Yachtsmen for annual Yotties’ Week
Morag Bootland joins former Royal Yachtsmen on Britannia for Yotties’ Week, an annual celebration of life on board the floating palace. We all know that the late Queen Elizabeth II had a soft spot for the Royal Yacht Britannia. But she’s not the only one. Each May, around 60 former Royal Yachtsmen return to…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Damian Barr: ‘James Baldwin’s voice is as urgent now as it ever was’
Damian Barr on reading for the Big Scottish Book Club, his love of Jackie Kay’s latest poetry and being inspired by James Baldwin. The first book I remember reading: The answer to this shifts – like so many memories. Beyond Peter and Jane…it would be a memory of being read to. At primary school,…
Read More‘Remarkable’ 1,000-year-old Pictish ring discovered at Scottish fort by amateur archaeologist
A ‘remarkable’ Pictish ring has been uncovered at a Moray fort previously thought to have been ‘archaeologically vandalised’ by the construction of a new town. The kite-shaped ring with a garnet or red glass centre had lain undiscovered for more than 1,000 years at the Burghead fort before it was uncovered. Although known as a…
Read MoreHow artists are breathing new life into Scotland’s ash trees under threat by deadly fungal disease
Scotland’s ash trees are under threat. A deadly fungal disease is sweeping across the nation with millions of trees set to be lost. When four diseased trees were felled on a Stirlingshire farm three years ago, it symbolised loss on an epic scale. But it was also the catalyst for a group of artists who…
Read MorePlans unveiled for Scotland’s first-ever fully digital museum
Plans have been unveiled for Scotland’s first-ever fully digital museum. The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) has released plans and concept pictures for the regeneration of the historic Leith Custom House in Edinburgh. Under the proposals, the Category A listed Georgian building would be transformed into a cultural destination in the heart of Leith. Eight…
Read MoreNew Glasgow Life Museums acquisition by John Akomfrah goes on display
Filmmaker John Akomfrah’s Mimesis: African Soldier, which reflects on the experience of soldiers from across the Commonwealth in World War 1, is going on display in Glasgow. The installation highlights the contribution of more than six million African, Caribbean and South Asian people from across former colonies who fought, served, and died in the war. …
Read MoreScotland’s Photography Collection: Celebrating 40 years
It’s a collection that began in the late 19th century but went on to become world-renowned, and is now regarded as one of the best in the UK. Formally established in 1984, the National Galleries of Scotland’s photography collection has amassed more than 55,000 artwork in its 40 year history. To celebrate the incredible collection,…
Read MoreReview, The Fifth Step: Slow Horses Jack Lowden is remarkable in this dark comedy
Jack Lowden and Sean Gilder are remarkable in this latest production from David Ireland which is sincere and serious at times but funny throughout, says Ellie Forbes. ★★★★ Appal us, then make us laugh. That’s the David Ireland way. Delivering big societal questions wrapped in dark humour, there is a shock value to his work.…
Read MoreWork by renowned Scottish pop artist Michael Forbes to go on display in Inverness
Work by the renowned Scottish pop artist Michael Forbes will go on display in Inverness next month. The artist, whose fans include Madonna and Ricky Gervais, has teamed up with city centre store Rebel Row to display works featuring Highland scenes with a twist. Bold women will be at the heart of each piece, said…
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