News
Leighton Library emptied ahead of refit
ALL the books have been removed from Leighton Library in Dunblane ahead of a major restoration project. Around 4,500 books are stored at Scotland’s oldest purpose-built library, which opened in 1687. The oldest book in the collection dates back to 1504, with many of the volumes coming from the private collection of Bishop Robert Leighton.…
Read MoreScotland’s National Book Awards finalists named
THE shortlist for Scotland’s National Book Awards has been unveiled by The Saltire Society. Authors will compete across six categories – fiction, non-fiction, research, history, poetry, and first book. Prizes will also be awarded in three categories for publishers, emerging publishers, and cover designs. Sarah Mason, director of the Saltire Society, said: “Scotland’s National Book…
Read MoreNational Trust for Scotland plants tree appeal
THE National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has launched an appeal to replace trees lost in storms Arwen and Corrie. The charity wants to plant 500,000 trees to replace those lost during storms last November and January. Its tree appeal will focus on replacing lost trees in Argyll, the Highlands, and the North-East. Properties affected by…
Read MoreChef joins Coll firefighters
CHEF Graham Griffiths has signed up as an on-call volunteer with Coll firefighters. Griffiths, who has worked at the Coll hotel for the past ten years, was motivated to join the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) after seeing the devastating effects of a house fire on the island last year. “I feel I am…
Read MoreHamilton & Inches launches ‘Flora’ worn by Duchess of Rothesay
JEWELLER Hamilton & Inches has launched its Flora collection, including earrings made famous by Catherine, Duchess of Rothesay. The Duchess wore the Flora drop earrings made from 18-carat yellow gold during her tour of Scotland last year. The updated collection puts a fresh take on the original design and includes bangles, pendants, and rings alongside…
Read MoreGlengarry launches £250,000 forest cabin bid
RESIDENTS in Lochaber have launched a crowdfunding scheme to raise the £250,000 they need to start Glengarry Forest Cabins. The Glengarry Community Benefit Society (GCBS) has been created to run the forest cabins, which is expected to create several jobs in the area. Profits from the cabins will be used to fund work at Glengarry…
Read MoreScottish Fiddle Orchestra eyes Usher Hall Hogmanay
THE Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will return to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 30 December for its “Hogmanay Celebration”. Gary Innes, presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s Take The Floor, will be the evening’s compere – and might bring his accordion. Blair Parham will conduct the orchestra, which has been promoting traditional Scottish music for more than 40…
Read MoreCulloden scholar Dr Christopher Duffy has died
THE death has been announced of Dr Christopher Duffy, a former chair of the 1745 Association, and researcher into the Battle of Culloden. Duffy studied history at Balliol College in Oxford, graduating with first-class honours, and went on to complete his doctorate. He taught military history at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst and at…
Read MoreUnwrap your festive issue of Scottish Field…
THE December issue of Scottish Field is out now, both in shops and online. As our minds shift towards Christmas, the latest issue of our magazine celebrates the work being undertaken by a local hero. “Given that this is our Christmas issue, I’m pleased to be able to bring the work of David Fox-Pitt to…
Read MoreScottish Book Week begins with animal vote
SCOTTISH Book Week gets underway today, with readers having until midnight to vote for their favourite animal in fiction. The chimpanzees at Edinburgh Zoo have even got in on the act, with characters including Gnasher, Paddington, and Tigger competing for the title. The winning animal will be named later this week. Marc Lambert, chief executive…
Read More