Our top 10 of some of Scotland’s strangest clubs

After the Act of Union of 1707, gentlemen’s clubs were rife. Some insisted on members wearing dirty clothes, writing their names upside down, eating only fish or even soaping their beards. Here are 10 of the more eclectic Scottish clubs. 1. The Kate Kennedy Club In 1432, St Andrews University principal Bishop Kennedy’s pretty niece…

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A beautiful guide to the British landscape

From the still waters of the Lake District to the tumultuous winds in West Highland glens, Uncommon Ground: A Word-Lover’s Guide to the British Landscape is a visual glossary that aids those helplessly striving to describe the world around them. This glossary is a monumental celebration of the unique variation of landscape on this peculiar…

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Brash McKelvie – Pick your presents carefully

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie’s anniversary present wasn’t what they expected. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved – a paragon of virtue and…

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Scottish Awards for New Music 2020 now open

New Music Scotland are pleased to announce that nominations for the fourth annual Scottish Awards for New Music are now open. The Scottish Awards for New Music celebrate Scotland’s creatively ambitious and vibrant contemporary music scene, showcasing some of the most innovative, experimental and ground-breaking work taking place in Scotland. The awards highlight the depth…

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A new account of the Scots at Waterloo

Iain Gale, an art critic,  military historian, journalist and author, draws on modern-day accounts of the Battle of Waterloo and brings to life the individual stories of those who fought. The reader is thrown head first into the chaos of the battle, truly evoking the great sense of the terror endured by the brave cavalry. Read…

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Winter warmth marks Scottish Ensemble’s 50th

Scottish Ensemble’s ‘For a Winter’s Night’ series of Concerts by Candlelight was aptly named for its Edinburgh event, with the howling gales outside driving people off the streets and into the shelter of Greyfriars Kirk. But there was nothing wintry about the warmth of sound emerging from these exceptional string players as they explored an…

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A guide to Scotland – through alternative eyes

It’s been a long time since a book has made me genuinely laugh out loud but thanks to Maciejewski, my funny bone was well and truly tickled. By compiling an alphabetical list of the best of the worst observations as told by visitors to Scotland from the 17th to 19th century, this is a read…

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Last Drop releases a rare dram from lost distillery

The Last Drop Distillers has announced the launch of their 17th release, The Dumbarton 1977 Single Grain Scotch Whisky. Since founding the company 12 years ago, The Last Drop Distillers has brought to market fewer than 8,000 bottles, and this remarkable 1977 Dumbarton Single Grain is among the finest of them. Launching this December, this…

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The Steamie returns in just a couple of weeks

Tony Roper’s play The Steamie, which Scotland has taken to its heart, is coming to The Hydro with a bigger cast, bigger sets and more songs and music than ever before. It will run from 27-31 December, The Steamie is a theatre classic; an ode to the hard-working women of the 1950s and to a…

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The latest mystery for the ladies’ detective agency

The 20th book published in the much-loved series The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a story of mystery, community and of course, friendship. Alexander McCall Smith injects the usual levels of intelligent charm and wit along with beautifully detailed descriptions of the Botswanian landscape. As ever the question of the female identity is explored as…

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