BBC Autumnwatch lands in Scotland

AUTUMNWATCH, the BBC’s flagship wildlife television series, returns to Scotland next week with live broadcasts from Tentsmuir in Fife. Presenter Michaela Strachan will be based at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve (NNR), which includes sand dunes and forests. Species spotted on the site include red squirrels, seals, otters, badgers, white-tailed eagles, and kingfishers, as well as…

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Scottish Ballet unveils first feature film

SCOTTISH BALLET has revealed its winter programme, including the company’s first feature film. The Secret Theatre will have its online premiere on 21 December at 6pm. “Seen through the eyes of a young boy as he stumbles into an empty theatre, this Christmas special will feature characters, choreography and music from Scottish Ballet’s popular festive…

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Holts holds valuation days in Scotland

HOLTS Auctioneers is holding valuation days in Scotland this week ahead of its December sale. Experts will examine guns and accessories, sporting items, and militaria. Bisley at Braidwood at Midlem near Selkirk will host a session tomorrow afternoon. Valuations will take place at Dickson’s of Dunkeld tomorrow afternoon and on Wednesday morning. Campbell’s of Beauly…

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Crerar Hotels rewards ‘local heroes’

UNSUNG heroes from the coronavirus pandemic are being given rewarding including short breaks, spa treatments, and afternoon tea by Crerar Hotels. The chain – which runs sites in Nairn, Oban, Inverurie, Isle of Mull, Inveraray, Glencoe and Royal Deeside – is looking for nominees. It’s looking for “local heroes” and essential workers, including “teachers, retail…

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When will I, will I be funded?

BROSS Bagels is launching its first crowdfunding campaign today to open a bakery in Portobello. At the moment, bagels are produced in each of the chain’s six shops in Edinburgh. Now, owner Larah Bross is converting a former bank opposite her Portobello branch into a bakery – and is giving fans the chance to become…

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Glasgow Gin brings Wellington statue to life

ONE of Glasgow’s best-loved landmarks has been brought to life through an advertising campaign for one of the city’s gin brands. Glasgow Gin is made at the city’s Illicit Spirits Distillery on behalf of Edinburgh-based Gleann Mòr, which was launched in 2013 by Derek and Karin Mair, whose brands also include Firkin Gin and Leith…

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Campaign drives interest in North East 250

INTEREST in the North East 250 driving route has shifted up a gear following an online marketing campaign. The number of times pages were viewed on the North East 250 website accelerated from fewer than 8,000 in the month before the first phase of the campaign began to nearly 120,000 during the campaign’s final month.…

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Brewers go direct as pubs close

SCOTLAND’S breweries are stepping up direct sales to consumers amid the latest coronavirus restrictions on pubs. Bars cannot currently sell alcohol indoors, with those in the Central Belt closed completely. Alva-based Harviestoun Brewery has lifted the lid on how the latest restrictions are hitting its business. Joint managing director Stu Cook said: “This is a…

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Two Scottish sites among ‘museums of the year’

A PAIR of Scottish attractions has been named among the “museums of the year” by Art Fund. Aberdeen Art Gallery and Gairloch Museum were two of the five sites that shared this year’s prize. Each museum will receive £200,000. Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokeswoman, said: “Covid-19 abruptly halted the fantastic momentum that…

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‘Smart village’ needs young people

THE world’s first “smart village” for young people is on the hunt for digital champions aged 18 to 28 from across Angus, the Borders, Lanarkshire, the Outer Hebrides, and rural Perth and Kinross. A total of 12 digital champions will work with Scotland’s Rural Youth Project to help develop a pioneering “smart village” centred on…

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