Culture
Ten of Scotland’s most reluctant peers
For many, the ultimate honour would be to have a title bestowed upon them. But they’re not for everyone. We highlight 10 Scots to have renounced titles or declined Earldoms, knighthoods or gongs. 1. To the manor born As Scotland’s senior nobleman, the titles bestowed on Angus Douglas-Hamilton (1938-2010), 15th Duke of Hamilton, included Keeper…
Read MoreWhy Rory Bremner has made a big impression
As befits someone who pretends to be other people for a living, Rory Bremner is conflicted about his identity. ‘I am not feeling very Scottish today,’ he declaims, brows arched. It turns out this is part of the problem. ‘I have just had my eyebrows threaded in preparation for a Noel Coward play, which opens…
Read MoreHer love of music and fireworks make the light fantastic
Serena Foyle has combined her love of music with her passion for fireworks. Few sights are as dramatic as a firework display. As the rockets soar into the sky and the Catherine wheels spin round, Serena Foyle’s eyes will be fixed on the colourful explosions but her ears are tuned to the music accompanying the…
Read MoreLooking to the past to launch new heritage trail
A large-scale archeology project has been launched in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian that will help investigate and better understand the history of a key route linking the two areas and support a new heritage trail. The community-led project will study the upper Whiteadder valley between the town of Duns in the Scottish Borders…
Read MoreScottish creativity marked at Celtic Media Festival
The Celtic Media Festival is coming to Scotland this summer. The CMF has announced a partnership with Screen Scotland for their 40th edition of the festival. Taking place in Aviemore, Scotland, from 4–6 June, the festival combines a major conference of seminars, networking events and masterclasses, with presentations of coveted prizes in an international competition…
Read MoreFling yourself into the world of arts and crafts
Visitors can can discover the creative secrets of the artists and makers when taking part in Scotland’s leading open studios weekend. This year Spring Fling artists and makers are offering visitors the chance to learn about everything from painting and illustration to textile design, printmaking and pottery. There are even workshops and master classes on…
Read MoreJoyce has gone from River City to playing the King
Scots actress Joyce Falconer, born and raised in Torry, Aberdeen, has had a wonderfully varied career. She has played Elvis in the Edinburgh festival – and sung his songs in Doric – as well as playing Roisin in the early years of BBC Scotland’s soap opera River City. She tells Scottish Field about her north…
Read MoreThe top ten riots on the streets of Scotland
Scotland’s history is peppered with tales of uprising and unrest, many of which have ended in bloodshed. These are Scottish Field’s top ten riots. 1. Battle of George Square, 1919 ‘Bloody Friday’ was the culmination of a week-long strike at the end of January opposing the new 47-hour week. Over 70,000 Glasgow workers came out…
Read MoreFunnyman Fred MacAulay on his love of laughter
Fred MacAulay has been keeping us entertained for well over 20 years, as a comedian, radio presenter and chat show host. Originally from Perth, he began as an accountant before moving into stand-up, and for 18 years, until March 2015, he presented a daily BBC Scotland radio programme MacAulay and Co. He also co-hosted McCoist…
Read MoreThe bronzed beauties hailing from the Black Isle
Farquhar Laing has sculpture in his genes and with the recent successes of his casting business it seems he may also have bronze in his blood. Sculptor and founder of Black Isle Bronze, Farquhar Laing tried his hand at several jobs before realising that the ‘hands on’ approach was the way forward for his career.…
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