Culture
The Good Books, Andrew Meehan: ‘I don’t think I go a day without thinking about Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout’
Andrew Meehan on the influence of Elizabeth Strout, the book he’s most looking forward to this year, and how love in later life is complicated. The first book I remember reading: I’ll swerve Enid Blyton to tell the story of the time one of my older brothers, Niall, now a designer, bought one of the…
Read MoreLife With Jonny & the Baptists: ‘Scotland is just a very wonderful place all round’
Musical comedy duo, Jonny & the Baptists (Jonny Donahoe and Paddy Gervers) on their love of Scotland, their new show The Happiness Index and their guilty pleasures. Where did you grow up? Jonny: I grew up in Reading, where many people have changed trains. Queen Victoria hated Reading so much she insisted her statue…
Read MoreScotland Through A Lens: A love of the Scottish Borders with Rod Hanchard-Goodwin
The Scottish Borders are often overlooked by visitors, but for Rod Hanchard-Goodwin the diversity of historic buildings and landscapes make it picture perfect. I started taking photos on a two mega pixel Canon camera 18 years ago and after winning my first photographic competition in a local gallery I caught the bug. At first, I…
Read MoreArt exhibition from David Smith and Peter Davis to open at Strathearn Gallery
Two Perspectives, a dual exhibition featuring renowned Scottish artists David Smith RSW and Peter Davis RSW is opening at Strathearn Gallery this month. The exhibition in Crieff explores Scotland’s landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes through two distinctive artistic approaches. David Smith RSW presents bold, expressive oil paintings that range from windswept coastal views and peaceful…
Read MoreThe 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…
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