Royal National Mòd to begin by torchlight

A TORCHLIGHT procession through the streets of Perth will kick off the Royal National Mòd on 14 October. Organisers expect hundreds of visitors to attend the event, which will feature around 60 torches. The Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and District Pipe Band will lead the procession, which is due to begin at 6.30pm. James…

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Alexander McCall Smith features on new album

AUTHOR Alexander McCall Smith is one of the narrators featured on the forthcoming album from string duo Sequoia. Isola, which is due to be released on 16 September, features the Scotland Street author, along with Hamish Henderson. The author features on the title track, which he helped to compose. The idea for the album came from…

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Symphonix Rock Orchestra swaps Chopin for Coldplay

AN ORCHESTRA will trade Mozart for Metallica later this month during a concert at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom. The Symphonix Rock Orchestra will make its live debut on 26 August when it switches from Rachmaninoff to Rage Against the Machine. Born from the imagination of founder and musical director Neil Thompson, Symphonix combines his love for…

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Hebrides soundtrack for hotel’s ‘wellness room’

SOUNDS recorded in the Hebrides are helping guests to relax at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh. Music producer Brian D’Souza travelled to locations including the Hebrides, Cape Verde, Lake Geneva, and Lofoten in the Article to make his recordings. He then mixed sounds from fields, the sea, and wildlife with noises from gongs,…

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First Edinburgh music map is released

VENUES, bars, record shops, and other “musical places of interest” are being featured on the first Edinburgh music map. Around 50 locations are listed on the map, including about 20 of the city’s main music venues. Featured venues include Sneaky Pete’s in the Cowgate, where local band Swim School launched the map. Summerhall, the O2…

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The Proclaimers launch Mary’s Meals walking challenge

THEY rose to fame by walking 500 miles in song, but now The Proclaimers have set a walking challenge to raise money for Mary’s Meals. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid are backing the charity’s Move for Meals campaign, which asks Scots to get sponsored to move – by walking, dancing, skipping, or swimming. Charlie said:…

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Edinburgh Tattoo welcomes overseas stars

INTERNATIONAL performers have arrived in Scotland ahead of the start of the Edinburgh Tattoo on Friday. Among this year’s stars are the New Zealand Army Band, The United States Army Field Band, The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, Top Secret Drum Corps, Banda Monumental De Mexico, and Highland Divas. The theme for…

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Review: Footloose – The King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Kenny Smith pulls on his dancing shoes to review Footloose at The King’s Theatre in Glasgow. WHEN you hear the word “Footloose”, the chances are you’re going to think of the ever-popular 80s film starring Kevin Bacon. However, there’s a new kid in town this week in Glasgow, as Joshua Hawkins sizzles in the role…

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North Coast 500 gets its own podcast

A PODCAST series has been created to promote attractions along the North Coast 500 driving route in the Highlands. Each 45-minute episode focuses on a different part of the trail. The first programme features Assynt’s Northwest Highland Geopark,  while the second outing spotlights the historic Attadale Gardens in Wester Ross, and the third introduces listeners…

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Scottish Pipe Band Championships hit high note

ORGANISERS hailed Saturday’s Scottish Pipe Band Championships at Levengrove Park in Dumbarton as the “best ever” Some 20,000 spectators flocked for the first staging of the event since the pandemic began. A total of 117 bands gathered for the championships, with pipers travelling from as far away as Australia and Texas. Field Marshal Montgomery from…

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