Plastic pollution and water bottles raising concerns

Plastic bottles, the damage they do to our seas, and the safety of bottled water have been regular news headlines over the past few weeks. Research has suggested the amount of discarded plastic in the ocean will treble in the next decade, to a study warning about the safety of bottled mineral water. Scottish company…

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Renovation breathes new life into famous Gretna venue

Major refurbishments on a building have given a new lease of life to Scotland’s most famous wedding venue. Gretna Hall has stood in the heart of Gretna Green village for over 300 years, and was made famous for hosting a series of high profile aristocratic marriages in the 1800s. Two years ago, on 12 August,…

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Former rugby star has made whisky his business

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions rugby player Chris Cusiter has put his love of whisky to the fore with a new life and career in California. How did you make the transition from Scottish rugby to the American whisky industry? A friend who works in whisky in California planted the seed when my…

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Spring Fling event gives artists a sense of place

More than 30 artists and makers will explore their sense of place in a special exhibition ahead of the annual Spring Fling open studios weekend. Many are inspired by the land, sea and skyscapes of Dumfries and Galloway, where the annual event takes place, or by different parts of Scotland. For others it’s the towns…

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A stitch in time will go on show from this Saturday

An exhibition held every three years in the south of Scotland is getting underway this weekend. Tomorrow (Saturday, 14 April) sees the opening day of Hanging by a Thread at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries. It’s the hotly-anticipated textiles exhibition presented every three years by guild members of the Dumfries and District Embroiderers’ Guild, the…

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Listed status for the Scottish castle that inspired Dracula

The Scottish castle thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula has been awarded listed status by Historic Environment Scotland. The listing recognises the special architectural and historic interest of New Slains Castle, from its origins in the 16th century to its significant remodelling in the 19th century. Its spectacular clifftop setting and fascinating historical connections, also contributed to the decision…

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Stunning £1.3million+ sporting estate for sale

Wester Gartchonzie is a delightful mixed sporting estate, which will offer the purchaser a rare opportunity to acquire a 600-acre estate. Presented by Galbraith, it has a desirable traditional farmhouse in an exceptionally scenic location bordering Loch Venacher in Stirlingshire. The property is for sale as a whole or in two lots. Duncan Barrie, who…

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Scotland’s top designers are set to be celebrated

A new exhibition to raise the visibility of outstanding design in Scotland is set to take place. Design Exhibition Scotland is a pioneering project driven by a desire to support and champion design excellence. It will celebrate exceptional objects for the everyday and showcase the work of over 20 contemporary designers and artists working in…

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Comedian Tom Allen makes a return to Scotland

One of the funniest comedians on television is coming to Scotland this summer. Renowned comic Tom Allen – a regular on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, will take centre stage with his new show which has been described as ‘A gold star winning performance’.…

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Scotland offers five new outdoor adventures

A new challenge is coming to Scotland for groups wanting small group adventures with multi-sport endurance challenges. Rat Race Adventure Sports are ripping up the adventure travel rulebook as, from June, they are introducing Project: Explore to the outdoor active travel market, fusing small group adventure trips with the audacious multi-sport endurance challenges the business…

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