Bronze sculpture overlooks Union Chain Bridge

A BRONZE sculpture of designer Captain Samuel Brown now overlooks the Union Chain Bridge. The sculpture was placed on the Northumbrian side of the bridge, which links Scotland with England, to “oversee” the final stages of the current restoration work. Brown was a Royal Navy officer who made cables for ships using iron chains. His…

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Recreating Scotland’s stained-glass windows

RESEARCHER want to commission an artist to reproduce Scotland’s stained-glass windows. Most of Scotland’s stained-glass windows in churches were destroyed during the Reformation in 1560. Craig Kennedy, from Heriot-Watt University’s Institute for Sustainable Building Design, and Michael Penman, a historian from the University of Stirling, have analysed glass fragments and historical records from Elgin Cathedral…

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The story behind the Doddie Weir Cup

SCOTLAND beat Wales on Saturday to win rugby’s Doddie Weir Cup. Ahead of the Six Nations match, the silversmiths from Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh reflected on how the trophy was created. “We were privileged enough to welcome Doddie into our workshops during the crafting of the Doddie Weir Cup, a perpetual rugby union trophy…

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Don’t miss the SSDA Annual Conference

THE South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) is the strategic destination management and marketing organisation for the South of Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. After a successful 2022 conference, the SSDA looks forward to welcoming you all back again as we host our second annual conference, taking place at Peebles Hydro…

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River Tweed fishing season begins in Kelso

ANGLER Kent Håkansson from Sweden yesterday cast the first line of the River Tweed salmon fishing season in Kelso. The River Tweed Commission (RTC) hosted its official opening of the season in the Borders for the first time more than 30 years. Peter Straker-Smith, the RTC’s chairman, said: “The Tweed provides fantastic fishing opportunities [that]…

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ScotHot celebrates its 50th year at SEC Glasgow

SCOTHOT returns for its 50th year showcasing Scotland’s finest food, drink, hospitality, retail, and tourism at the SEC Glasgow on 8 and 9 March. ScotHot23 gives visitors the opportunity to meet with suppliers, network with others to inspire and to be inspired, learn about the latest trends, and – most importantly – try the fabulous…

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Television star joins Paton & Co in Borders

FORMER television reporter Fiona Pagett has joined Borders-based estate agency Paton & Co as a partner. Pagett worked with Grampian TV and STV before becoming head of communications for Business in the Community Scotland, where she ran the organisation’s rural programme. She cut her teeth in the property industry at Purplebricks, before joining Rettie &…

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Union Chain Bridge prepares to reopen

THE Union Chain Bridge, which links Scotland to England, is preparing to reopen after Hogmanay. Restoration of the 202-year-old structure, the the oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world, began in October 2020. Around 95% of the handrails are now in place and final painting work is continuing – although the surfaces need to be…

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Bon Accord soft drinks

SINCE 1903, families across Scotland have eagerly anticipated the sight of the iconic Bon Accord bottles on their doorsteps. The Scottish, family-owned business created soft drinks that found a place in the hearts of the nation for over 90 years. Production paused in 2000, but 16 years later the business was successfully reignited by the…

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Schools news round-up: Glenalmond, Belhaven Hill, and more

Peter Ranscombe rounds-up the latest news from Scotland’s schools. GLENALMOND College in Perthshire has unveiled a countryside management course accredited by the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC). The school is the first in Scotland to offer the BTEC qualification, which could lead to jobs in farming, land management, or surveying. As well as gaining…

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