Artists send online D&G postcards

NEARLY 40 artists and makers have contributed small-scale works to an online exhibition entitled “A Postcard From D&G”. Pieces created for the initiative range from paintings, drawings and feltwork through to original prints and glass. Artists who have taken part in the exhibition include Heather Blanchard, Lisa Hooper, and Amanda Simmons. The online show opens…

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Bid to uncover Churchill’s untold Scots connections

THE International Churchill Society (ICS) wants to hear untold stories about Sir Winston Churchill’s connections with Scotland. The society has highlighted many of the Second World War leader’s well-known links to Scotland in the latest issue of its journal, Finest Hour. Those connections include his service in the 6th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers on…

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‘Hello Dolly!’ as museum and other sites reopen

THE National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is among the tourist attractions reopening today as Scotland’s businesses continue to bounce back from the coronavirus lockdown. The Chamber Street museum’s entrance hall and level one galleries open today, with other parts of the site opening on unspecified later dates. Two new displays have been completed to…

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Rural arts fundraising campaign launched

A FUNDRAISING campaign to help rural venues host live performances begins this morning. The “Keep Rural Arts Live” initiative aims to raise £20,000 through the Crowdfunder website. The campaign is being run by The Touring Network, which brings together artists and venues spread across Scotland. The money will subsidise lost income if venues have to…

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‘Blockchain’ helps keep oats gluten-free

SHOPPERS will soon be able to check that their oats are gluten-free thanks to six Scottish farmers and “blockchain” technology. Although oats are naturally gluten-free, many of the facilities in which they are processed handle gluten and so contamination is an issue. Six Scottish farmers have been created a gluten-free oat supply chain, so customers…

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Benedetti hits No 1 with Elgar

SCOTTISH violinist Nicola Benedetti has taken the number one slot in the official classical artist chart with her Edward Elgar record. The physical disc was launched on 7 August, following its online release back on 15 May. The album features Elgar’s vast Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61, alongside three short works for violin…

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Calls for beavers to be moved as shooting season begins

BEAVERS should be moved instead of being shot, according to an alliance of two dozen conservation charities and communities groups. The Scottish Rewilding Alliance has called on the Scottish Government to allow beavers to be shifted from areas such as Tayside and placed in other parts of the country. At present, landowners and farmers can…

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Marchmont House creates studios for artists

ARTISTS’ studios and workshops have been created at Marchmont House near Greenlaw in the Borders. An event marking the launch of the creative spaces will be held on 19 September, with talks, tours, films and catering by celebrity chef Valentine Warner. Two newly-commissioned sculptures called Sky Boat and Dancing Tree by Charlie Poulsen will also…

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Hamilton & Inches launches first hand-crafted engagement rings

EDINBURGH’S landmarks and Scotland’s countryside and coastline have inspired jeweller and silversmith Hamilton & Inches to create its first range of hand-crafted engagement rings. The engagement and wedding rings are being made by a team of jewellers in the workshops above the company’s showroom in the heart of the Scottish capital. The setting for the…

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First golden eagle chick on Highland estate for 40 years

GOLDEN eagles have bred for the first time in 40 years on charity Trees for Life’s flagship Dundreggan rewilding estate at Glenmoriston between Loch Ness and Skye. Renowned conservationist Roy Dennis set up an eagle nest – or “eyrie” – on the estate five years ago. Estate manager Doug Gilbert said: “This is a rewilding…

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