Culture
The Good Books, Mairi Kidd: ‘I didn’t finish Terry Pratchett’s last book, I couldn’t bear the thought there would be no more’
Author and Director of The Saltire Society Mairi Kidd on the best book she’s read this year, her childhood memories of reading and the authors who inspired her. The first book I remember reading: I remember reading a Topsy and Tim book in church – I imagine the idea was to keep me quiet.…
Read MoreScottish folk band Mànran back with new music – and see when they are on tour
Celebrated Scottish folk trailblazers Mànran are back with a new single. Marking a distinct departure from the band’s signature sound, the track, Something that I Said, ventures into darker, pop-inflected territory. Written by band members Kim Carnie and Aidan Moodie it explores the emotional chaos of a relationship bound to fail — and the irresistible…
Read MoreLife with Màiri MacMillan: ‘You don’t need to speak Gaelic to enjoy the music’
Traditional Scottish singer Màiri MacMillan on growing up in Uist, the music of her childhood and why you don’t need to speak Gaelic to enjoy the music. I grew up in South Uist in the Western Isles, but I live on the Southside of Glasgow now. I don’t believe in mainland ghosts, but there…
Read MoreThe Dark Room at Perth Art Gallery: The pre-digital age of photography and the Scottish photographers that paved the way
For 150 years before digital photography became commonplace, photographic images were captured by the action of light on chemicals. The materials and processes evolved over time each having their own unique aesthetic. Now an exhibition at Perth Art Gallery will explore the pre-digital age of photography and how different processes have changed the aesthetics of…
Read MoreCharles Rennie Mackintosh writing desk returns home to the Hill House
A writing desk designed at the turn of the 20th century by Charles Rennie Mackintosh has returned to the Hill House, its original home. The elegant drawing room writing desk was commissioned by publisher Walter Blackie, the first owner of the Mackintosh-designed and built Hill House in Helensburgh. Like much of the furniture in the…
Read MoreEwan McVicar’s Pavilion Festival back in Ayr for a third year
Scottish DJ Ewan McVicar is bringing his Pavilion Festival back to Ayr this weekend, with sets from the likes of James and Annie Mac. Spanning four stages and welcoming more than 120 artists, selectors and DJs, the festival was co-founded by Ewan and STREETrave pioneer Ricky Magowan. Making its grand debut for 2025 is the…
Read MoreRare silver cutlery designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh sells for nearly £180,000 at auction
An extremely rare suite of silver cutlery designed by renowned Scottish artist and architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has sold for nearly £180,000 at auction. The soup spoon, dessert spoon, dinner fork and dessert fork formed part of a set commissioned in 1902 by the Scottish artist and embroiderer Jessie Newbury, and her husband Francis (Fra)…
Read MoreLife With Maria MacDonell: ‘Acting was always my first love’
Scottish actress Maria MacDonell on getting older, the best advice she has ever been given and working as an artist’s model at 60. I grew up in the Highlands on the Black Isle. I remember the days of the Kessock Ferry before the bridge was built. I studied hard at school, played music and…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Eliza Chan: ‘Fantasy can mean so much more than what’s on the surface’
Eliza Chan on the best book she has read this year, why she could never finish Ulysses and her writing inspirations. The first book I remember reading: Probably not the first books I read, but I remember getting a set of children’s classics for Christmas when I was in primary school and they were…
Read MoreWas This the Box That Sealed Mary, Queen of Scots’ Fate?
Was This the Box That Sealed Mary, Queen of Scots’ Fate? The silver casket behind 450 years of intrigue to go on display in Stirling for first time A rare and intricately crafted silver casket, believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, will be displayed at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. Closely…
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