News
Lorne sausage crisps go global
SCOTLAND’S humble square sausage is poised to gain new fans around the world after a deal was signed to sell Lorne-flavoured crisps over the internet. Mackie’s immortalised the Lorne sausage in a limited-edition crisp flavour that went on sale in Scotmid’s shops earlier this month. Now, a fresh deal with online retailer British Corner Shop…
Read MoreVisitors return to Scotland’s four royal botanic gardens
DETAILS of the reopening of Scotland’s four royal botanic gardens will be unveiled on Wednesday, including how to pre-book tickets to enter the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. All four gardens – at Benmore in Argyll, Dawyck in the Borders, Edinburgh, and Logan in Galloway – will reopen on 1 July. Visitors will need to book…
Read MoreAlexander McCall Smith song raises cash for Covid research
WORDS by Alexander McCall Smith have been set to music to raise money for the University of Oxford’s research into coronavirus treatments. Hand of Hope was arranged by Piers Schmidt and Nigel Short, founder of the Tenebrae choir, members of which recorded their contributions remotely during lockdown. The lyrics were set to Gustav Holt’s tune…
Read MoreAberfeldy distillery names new manager
A JOURNEY that began with a summer job in a whisky shop in Inverness has led John MacKenzie to become the manager of Aberfeldy distillery in Perthshire. MacKenzie, 43, takes over from Carol More after serving as her second-in-command since 2013. He joined Royal Brackla distillery near Nairn in 2006 and passed his general certificate…
Read MoreScotland’s hotels get ready to welcome guests back
HOTELS throughout Scotland are preparing to welcome back guests as the coronavirus lockdown continues to ease. The Scottish Government is expected to lift restrictions so accommodation can reopen on 15 July. Crerar Hotels & Inns – which runs properties including the Golf View Hotel in Nairn, the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa in Inverary, and…
Read MoreEwing: Kids ‘don’t know chips come from potatoes’
THE Scottish Government’s rural economy secretary has praised farmers for keeping the nation fed during lockdown – but has expressed his fear that children don’t know that chips come from potatoes. Fergus Ewing, who represents Inverness and Nairn in the Scottish Parliament, made the comments to Alan Laidlaw, chief executive of the Royal Highland &…
Read MoreMorrison’s Academy to reopen to all pupils in August
ALL pupils will be welcomed back to Morrison’s Academy when the Perthshire school reopens in August. The independent school said that children attending nursery through to secondary will come back to its campus on a daily basis. Since switching to online learning on 23 March, pupils and teachers have been using the academy’s virtual learning…
Read MoreGlencairn toasts iconic glass’s 20th birthday
A WHISKY glass that’s become a firm favourite with Scotch fans will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with the official opening of its expanded factory and its first series of podcasts. Raymond Davidson, who founded Glencairn Crystal Studio, wanted a glass that would “encourage the user to fully appreciate the nose and palate of…
Read MoreScottish shows honoured at Celtic Media Festival
COMEDY show Two Doors Down and drama series Guilt were among the Scottish winners at the Celtic Media Festival’s Torc Awards. Two Doors Down was named best comedy, while Guilt scooped the best drama series title. Jockey Wilson Says won the best sports documentary category, with Nae Pasaran taking the single documentary prize and Tremble being lauded with…
Read MoreScottish Land Fund backs Borders projects
FUNDING to help communities buy land in the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway from Buccleuch Estates has been hailed as a “major milestone”. Newcastleton & District Community Trust (NDCT) has received £850,000 from the Scottish Land Fund to buy 750 acres of land on the Tarras Water & Holm Hill Estate. The Langholm Initiative has…
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