Culture
The Good Books, Daniel Aubrey: ‘I started writing crime fiction because of Harlan Coben. Damn, that man can write a plot twist’
Daniel Aubrey has been shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize with his crime fiction novel, Dark Island. The first book I remember reading: It was a book called Time Rope. I must have been about eight or nine at the time, and I was absolutely hooked. It was a trilogy, I think, but…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Heather Critchlow: ‘The moment I learnt to read still seems magical’
Heather Critchlow on learning to read as a child, reading until she falls asleep and the book she recommends to everyone. The first book I remember reading: Little Bear Stories – I still remember the first two lines (It is cold. Look at the snow.) Every morning when I was learning to read, I’d…
Read MoreScottish art collection worth £1.5million to be sold at auction
A selection of world-class paintings by leading Scottish and European artists worth £1.5million is to be sold at auction. The prestigious collection of paintings, including revered works from The Glasgow Boys and The Scottish Colourists, has been amassed by Paisley Art Institute (PAI), which has been building on its 450-strong group of artworks since 1914.…
Read MoreNess of Brodgar, an artist’s legacy: Jeanne Bouza Rose creates stunning visual record of Orkney’s neolithic site
Twenty years ago one of Europe’s greatest prehistoric sites was uncovered in Orkney. Since then, every summer, archaeologists have dug at the Ness of Brodgar, revealing 5,000-year-old wonders, including incredible remains of ceramics and elegant pottery. But next month the neolithic site will be covered for the final time. Experts and volunteers will down their…
Read MoreSuccession star Brian Cox announced as Patron of Paisley Opera
By Izzy Alexander Succession star Brian Cox has been announced as the new Patron of Paisley Opera. Paisley Opera, whose motto is ‘passion not posh’, was founded in 2017 and brings its productions to the community, performing operas with special Paisley Scots translations. Its community chorus comprises around sixty people, supported by professional chorus leaders,…
Read MoreStory of Vietnam War children part of operation babylift premieres at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Fifty years ago during the Vietnam War, thousands of babies and young children were flown out of Vietnam to new homes across the western world, many of them packed in boxes. Some of these children were not orphans at all, but young children tragically separated from their families in a war zone. They crossed oceans…
Read MoreThe Ilay Glynne dial: ‘Masterpiece’ 18th century sundial made for founder of RBS acquired for the nation
It was made for the founder of the Royal Bank of Scotland, one of the most politically powerful figures in the first half of the 18th century, and used to measure local time from the Sun. But now the Ilay Glynne dial, an ornate ‘masterpiece’, has been acquired for the nation and following extensive conservation…
Read MoreThe Good Books, Helen Graham: I’ve read and loved all of Maggie O’Farrell novels, sometimes being moved to tears’
Helen Graham on being inspired by Maggie O’Farrell, her favourite books of the year, and her fascination with the world of plants and their healing properties. The first book I remember reading: I can still feel the heft of a hardback copy of Alice in Wonderland I was given when I was about six.…
Read MoreGlasgow comedian Billy Connolly to release new book this year
A new book by Billy Connolly featuring a collection of his artwork and stories will be released later this year. The Accidental Artist, published by John Murray Press, will be released on 24 October and will feature 200 of Connolly’s artworks alongside accompanying stories from the beloved comedian. Connolly’s three previous books with John Murray Press…
Read MoreSkipinnish fans can relive Edinburgh Castle concert
Skipinnish fans will have a chance to relive a special concert celebrating 25 years of the Scottish band at Edinburgh Castle. Recorded at Edinburgh Castle in front of thousands of fans, BBC ALBA is giving audiences across the country the chance to revel in the musical highlights of the momentous concert. Supported by Scottish folk…
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