Culture
The 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…
Read MoreTwo year waiting list to run Wigtown’s Open Book Airbnb as visitors from around the world flock to Scotland’s National Book Town
Since welcoming its first holidaymakers in August 2014, Wigtown’s charity-run Open Book Airbnb bookshop has become an international sensation. Over the years, nearly 450 guests have enjoyed the unusual experience of running their own bookshop in Scotland’s National Book Town, in the far west of rural Galloway. A map on the wall shows where Open…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Ali Millar: ‘I’ve tried and tried to get into Jane Austen, but I just can’t’
Ali Millar on her best books of the year, why she can’t get into Jane Austen and being inspired by Rachel Cusk. The first book I remember reading: I learnt to read very young, so I don’t remember reading specific books until I was about five. But I do remember my mother reading Jane…
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