Youngsters can follow in footsteps of Outlander Sam

The former school of Scots Outlander star Sam Heughan is starting the academic year with two new large classrooms and a pair of studios for creative arts. Edinburgh Steiner School broke ground at the beginning of the year with the £0.5million project, restoring the dilapidated former stable block and hayloft built in the 1870s. This…

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Experience more Scots history at Kinneil House

Members of the public will have more access to historic Kinneil House in Bo’ness, thanks to Historic Environment Scotland. HES has increased access to Kinneil House in Bo’ness as part of its ongoing partnership with the Friends of Kinneil and Falkirk Community Trust. The partnership has contributed to a new operating model to increase public…

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The perfect pampering package at Gleneagles

There are few things I enjoy more than being pampered, eating lovely food and slowly sipping a good cuppa. Having had a rather hectic few weeks recently, there couldn’t have been a better time to receive an invitation to try out Gleneagles’ Polish & Patisserie package at the weekend – which just so happened to…

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56-year-old blended whisky set to go on sale

The Last Drop Distillers have announced the launch of their oldest blended Scotch whisky they have bottled to date. The 56 Year Old blended Scotch whisky comprises over 60% single malts and is a truly remarkable example of balance, wearing its age with grace and dignity. Launching in September, this marks The Last Drop’s 16th…

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Book is bringing the capital’s food scene to life

The vibrant food and drink scene of Edinburgh and the east coast is superbly presented in this latest ‘Get Stuck In’ regional cook book. Accompanied by stunning photography the book showcases some of the best fine dining, gastro pubs and afternoon tea options in the area, along with some of its best food producers. From…

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Reaping the rewards for tree planting scheme – 20 years on

A strong demand for wood fuel means pioneering Aberdeenshire farmers are now reaping the rewards of trees planted 20 years ago. Planted through the Grampian Forest Challenge Fund, the woods are now being thinned, with farmers pleasantly surprised by the high value of their timber. Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) says yields are consistently higher…

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The Gruffalo marks its birthday with Scots castle visit

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Gruffalo by Scots-based writer Julia Donaldson. To celebrate, the National Trust for Scotland’s Fyvie Castle is getting ready to welcome a special visitor later this month. The Gruffalo will be going for a walk at the historic Aberdeenshire castle on Saturday 24 And Sunday…

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The Scottish island where everyone smuggled whisky

Such was the scale of illicit whisky distilling in Arran during the late 18th and 19th centuries, it is suggested that every one of the island’s inhabitants was involved in smuggling the golden tipple at some point in their life. Yet, while Islay and the Highlands are associated with some of the best whiskies in…

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A gripping whodunnit – with laughs on the way

If you are looking to settle down with a gripping whodunnit – and a good measure of comedy – the latest crime novel from Angus McAllister, author of Close Quarters, is worth picking up. Set in Glasgow, Annette Somerville is a young single mother earning her living as an upmarket prostitute in a sauna parlour…

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A fascinating insight into a privileged socialist

The Burning Glass tells the fascinating story of Naomi Mitchison, a dedicated socialist and feminist who attacked life with an insatiable energy and a desire to speak out for the needs of others. Born into privilege in Edinburgh in 1897, she died aged 101 having given birth to seven children, travelled the world and campaigned…

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