Culture
Fascinating 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…
Read MoreArt treasures were sold as palace vanished from sight
The demolition of Hamilton Palace at Hamilton in South Lanarkshire in the 1920s and the dispersal of its treasures in two sales in 1882 and 1919 was a national tragedy. It was the grandest country house in Scotland and was filled with outstanding furniture and art, thanks to Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767-1852). The…
Read MoreThe robot invasion of Edinburgh is now underway
Robots have invaded the National Museums of Scotland today. The completion of the transformation of the National Museum of Scotland’s iconic Victorian building in Edinburgh and a diverse and world-class programme of exhibitions means a fascinating world of discovery is ready. The 2019 programme includes 500 years of robotics. Developed by the Science Museum, Robots,…
Read MoreSee inside the beautiful Hamilton Mausoleum in 2019
Thousands pass by it every day, but how many people have actually been inside Hamilton’s famous mausoleum? Located beside the M74, across the motorway from Strathclyde Park, Hamilton Mausoleum is famous for its echo, which historically was the longest lasting of any building in the world. If you have always wanted to see inside the…
Read More500 shows at 56 venues for Glasgow Comedy Festival
Big laughs and big names are on their way to Scotland for the 17th Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Running from Thursday 14 – Sunday 31 March 2019, top flight stand-up lined up for the 18-day festival includes Limmy, Julian Clary, Reg D Hunter, Larry Dean, Jerry Sadowitz, Al Murray, Jasper Carrott, Elaine…
Read MoreEdinburgh hosting new Burns & Beyond event
Edinburgh’s brand-new Burns&Beyond Festival is getting set to take place. Organisers Unique Events today announced the full line-up for the Culture Trail taking place on Saturday 26 January in the centre of Edinburgh. Audiences will be led on a trail around landmark and secret venues in Edinburgh’s Old & New Towns to discover a spectacular…
Read MoreScotland gets ready for its biggest ever Chinese New Year
Scotland’s largest Chinese New Year celebration will see Edinburgh painted red for the Year of the Pig. A diverse programme of events will see cross cultural celebrations connect local audiences and businesses with Chinese visitors and performers in Edinburgh for a brand new festival. Scotland’s largest ever celebration of Chinese New Year will take place…
Read MoreScots started and ended the English Civil War
The 17th-century civil war may seem a very English affair, but that is misleading – it was started and ended by Scots. At school, you may have studied the 17th-century Civil War: the ‘Wrong but Wromantic’ Cavaliers versus the ‘Right but Repulsive’ Roundheads, as 1066 And All That memorably described it; the execution of Charles…
Read MoreAncient manuscript hails from Scotland
Until 2015, the Boethius manuscript, which dates back to 1130 AD, was thought to have been created in Durham. However, on closer study, Dr Kylie Murray has discovered the illustration and style of writing does not match that of other manuscripts written in Durham at this time, but more closely resembles the Kelso Charter. The…
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