Culture
400 address the haggis at Burns Supper in Glasgow
A total of 400 people addressed the haggis at Glasgow’s biggest Burns supper. Now in its 28th year, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland’s A Question of Burns event is still as popular as ever, raising £50,000 for the specialist charity. More than 400 guests took part in the annual quiz on all things Rabbie Burns, before…
Read More10 of the best Scottish cartoon characters
Children and grown-ups all over the world are familiar with Scots accents thanks to the power of cartoons. Some are still drawn frames in comics, newspapers and magazine, and many are animated (with varying degrees of being convincingly Scots!), and here we highlight the Scottish influence on our top ten iconic cartoon creations. 1. Groundskeeper Willie,…
Read MoreRise and tragic fall of the magnificent Hamilton Palace
Hamilton Palace was said to have been the largest non-royal residence in Britain – and 100 years ago, it stood proud. But a century later, there’s not a trace of this once-fine building, the home to the Dukes of Hamilton, the premier peer of Scotland. But how could a building, which was the principal resident…
Read MoreA double Robert Burns celebration in Ayrshire
There’s a double celebration for the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in South Ayrshire today. Not only is today the 260th birthday of Robert Burns, the museum of his birthplace has become the 100th business in Ayrshire & Arran to commit to providing visitors with local information. It has joined an impressive network of VisitScotland Information…
Read MoreWhat’s the story for hotel’s bedtime book
A Scots hotel is encouraging young guests and aspiring writers to put pen to paper this National Storytelling Week (January 26 – February 3) in a bid to be published in its new bedtime storybook. Hallmark Hotel Glasgow strives to offer its guests personalised home comforts, is asking families with children aged between 6-15 years…
Read MoreNew podcast series explores enduring appeal of Burns
A new podcast series exploring Robert Burns’ enduring legacy has been launched this week to mark Burns Night. Scottish creatives, poets and academics feature in #TaeTheBard, as leading Burns expert, Dr Pauline Mackay, chats with creatives and expert guests on Burns’ influence on different strands of Scottish culture and how this remains relevant today. With…
Read MoreNew tribute to the legacy of Rabbie Burns
A new tribute to Robert Burns has been unveiled ahead of Burns Night 2019 to celebrate his legacy and continued impact on modern Scottish culture. The mural, created by Scottish lettering artist Craig Black, showcases one of Burns’ best-known works with a modern twist and is on display at SWG3 in Glasgow throughout January. It…
Read MoreTen facts you probably never knew about Burns
From fashion designers and fizzy drinks to space travel and Sex and the City, Robert Burns has impacted on our global culture in many diverse and surprising ways. The Bard’s birthday will be celebrated around the world in song and verse at Burns Suppers, with millions tucking into a tasty haggis on January 25. Here are…
Read MoreFascinating facts you may not know about Scotland
We answer some commonly asked questions about Scotland and all things Scottish. Q Are rowan trees sacred? A The rowan has a reputation in Scottish folklore as being a protection against witchcraft and enchantment. Rowan trees were planted at the front doors and gates of homes to ward off evil, and can still be found…
Read MoreDid a Scot beat Darwin to his famous theory?
Did a little-known, interesting but eccentric Scot from Errol in Perthshire really beat Charles Darwin to the theory of natural selection? Patrick Matthew — landowner, horticulturalist, silviculturalist and land improver, entrepreneur and free-trader, Chartist, author, philosopher and proponent of Scots emigration — was a man of many parts who deserves to be acknowledged and better…
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