Culture
Thomas Telford – the colossus of roads
Scot Thomas Telford was arguably the greatest builder of roads, bridges and canals Britain has ever seen. But he could scarcely have had a more difficult start in life. Born in a little cottage beside the Meggat Water in Eskdale in the Scottish Lowlands in August 1757, his father John was a shepherd who tragically…
Read MoreThe scariest Scottish sites to visit at Halloween
Scotland is known for is ancient castles, with their accompanying ghost stories. Scotland is arguably the home of Halloween – or Samhain as it was originally known. The celebration of all things spooky originates from the ancient Celts’ celebrations and is based on their ‘Feast of Samhain’. The eve became known as All Saints’ Eve,…
Read MoreTattoo goes from Scotland to the big screen
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most famous attractions in Scotland each August – and now it is being taken to the world. Audiences in Australia, New Zealand and Canada will have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as the business announces a new deal…
Read MoreMusic Hall reopening after £9million revamp
Aberdeen’s historic and much-loved Music Hall will re-open its doors to the public on December 8. The occasion will be marked with a day of Stepping In community celebrations, featuring a special appearance from Travis frontman Fran Healy leading the Music Hall community choir in a performance of the iconic song Sing. The doors will…
Read MoreWe will remember them on the beaches
A new work by Scots poet Carol Ann Duffy written to mark the centenary of Armistice Day has been released. Acclaimed film director Danny Boyle invited Duffy to write a poem as part of Pages of the Sea, which will see thousands of people gather on beaches across the UK and the Republic of Ireland…
Read MoreBest pictures from this year’s Royal National Mòd
The 2018 Royal National Mòd was held in Dunoon this year. On Thursday, the Lorn Shield was awarded to Melvich Gaelic Choir, while Bùrach triumphed, taking home the Sheriff MacMaster Campbell Memorial Quaich, the other main award of the day. The Traditional Final competitions saw two of the week’s most coveted medals being won. In…
Read MoreScots library wins an ‘Oscar’ at public building awards
A Scottish building has taken the top honour in the UK Civic Building of the Year Awards. Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries has scooped the prestigious title at the UK ‘Oscars’ for buildings in the public sector. It was a double celebration at the SPACES ceremony when the venue won a second award for the…
Read MoreFour-day celebration of Mary Queen of Scots
A new event is all set to celebrate Mary Queen of Scots. Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh will be seen in a new light at Historic Environment Scotland’s new after-dark event Spotlight on Mary, which runs from Thursday 1–Sunday 4 November. Spotlight on Mary illuminates the castle’s dark corners, where Mary Queen of Scots’ nobles plotted…
Read MoreDisabled Access Day highlights a pressing need
Award-winning Disabled Access Day is championing Changing Places Toilets ahead of its next campaign. Run by the team behind the popular review website Euan’s Guide, Disabled Access Day is the biannual event that brings together venues and their disabled visitors in the spirit of trying something new. With less than six months to go, submissions…
Read More15 good Gaelic facts you probably never knew
Scottish Natural Heritage is marking this week’s Royal National Mòd with a celebration of the links between the Gaelic language, heritage and nature. SNH is involved in an extensive programme of projects to promote the use of Gaelic, boost interest in the language and secure its future as a unique and important part of life…
Read More