Billy Connolly turned into National Theatre of Scotland show

THE National Theatre of Scotland has written a show about comedian Billy Connolly. The show was written by Gary McNair, who gathered stories about Connolly from people throughout Scotland. The performance, entitled Dear Billy, is billed as “A love letter to the Big Yin from the people of Scotland” and will tour our nation from 16…

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The life story of the Big Yin – in his own words

I didn’t think it possible to love this comedy stalwart any more than I already did, but then this book landed on my desk. Told through a dictaphone and transcribed by his family, this is the first time Sir Billy Connolly has shared his life story in his own words. He of course treats us…

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An amusing look at 50 of the ‘worst’ Scots

Acclaimed writer Allan Brown has amassed a hilarious collection of portraits of 50 of the most prominent offending villains and numpties. He cast a sharp over those who he considers have hindered rather than helped Scotland throughout its history. The list includes historic ambassadors such as Robert Burns to popular personalities such as Billy Connolly.…

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Searching for Scotland’s most kind people

Do you know someone who deserves the nation’s thanks? A person or group that has gone above and beyond to help others within their local community during 2021? If so, we want to hear from you as Jackie Bird returns with Scotland’s People 2021. Following on from its first outing last Christmas, BBC Scotland has…

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The incredible life of Scottish icon Stanley Baxter

This authorised biography has generated headlines because in it 95-year-old Stanley Baxter comes out as gay, yet there is so much more to this account of the actor’s life than that revelation. This jauntily-written book is a veritable treasure trove of anecdotes that shine a light on one of Scotland’s most beloved, yet most enigmatic,…

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Review: ‘Sittingsuits you, sir!’

Elis Elliot climbs inside a Sittingsuit to put the ‘sleeping bag you can wear’ through its paces. TIME spent in the great outdoors has always been instrumental in improving our physical and mental health, but that’s never been more important than it is right now. As the seasons change and we are forced to socialise…

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Meet the ex-gamekeeper who gifted Billy Connolly a banjo

Euan F Cattanach hails from a long line of retired gamekeepers. Here, though, is one gamekeeper who has a few extra strings to his bow. Working from his shed in Aberfeldy in Perthshire, he is one of a few ‘band of brothers’ making banjos. His workshop recently had no other than Billy Connolly dropping by…

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Billy Connolly discusses his life in documentary

An intimate, deeply personal and funny portrait of Scotland’s legendary comedian Billy Connolly is now available to buy. Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland is a look at the life of the Glaswegian, who has constantly reinvented himself, from musician, to comic, to TV presenter and to actor, and is available from today, 18 November In…

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