Edinburgh unveils its plans for Christmas joy

Edinburgh’s Christmas is back and set to bring festive cheer to the heart of the city. This year sees the return of the city’s much-loved Christmas ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh, in its new home on George Street. The firm favourite will include a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, skate…

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Beloved books are given a new Scottish twist

Two beloved children’s books have been translated into Scots for the first time. A Bad Beginning is the first in the bestselling 13-part A Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket while award-winning author Matt Haig’s 2015 novel, A Boy Called Christmas, has also been given a new twist by Black & White Publishing.…

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Scotland’s first female-centric bookshop is a hit

Rare Birds Books has launched Scotland’s first female-centric bookshop in the heart of Edinburgh. In a bold move that saw the globally beloved book club show resilience and innovation in a time of retail uncertainty, founder Rachel Wood welcomed over 1500 visitors into the shop over the first trading weekend. Opened last month, at 13…

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A good read that’s definitely up to par

Know someone with an enviable handicap? Add this to their list of Christmas presents. Showcasing 14 of the most beautiful links courses in Scotland including Turnberry, Carnoustie and the much-loved Old Course, a stunning collection of photos (including drone shots of each hole) feature alongside interesting historical factoids of each location. It reminds you of…

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Book shop’s fundraiser to stay open raises £48,000+

A Scottish bookshop which faced closure last week is on the brink of a bright future after the support of hundreds of people, including Scots writers Ian Rankin and Christopher Brookmyre. Pre-loved publications shop Guid Reads, on Stirling Street, Alva, in Clackmannanshire, feared the worst after its landlord announced his imminent retiral. In a panic,…

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Glorious facial treatment is the great escape

Having a facial has always been a rare treat and after months of being unable to enjoy a wee pampering session, taking the short drive to Linlithgow to visit Escape Medispa saw my excitement levels akin to that of a pre-schooler on Christmas Eve. The spa opened up in May and is easy to locate.…

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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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Nine new works ready for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Pitlochry Festival Theatre is to premiere A Night by the River Tay, nine new works from some of Scotland’s best known playwrights. Starting on Wednesday 14 July and performing on just 10 dates over five weeks, Pitlochry Festival Theatre will premiere A Night by the River Tay, a series of live performances of their hugely…

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Glen Scotia: Preview of dunnage tasting whiskies

Glen Scotia is taking its malts festival online again next week – and Peter Ranscombe has had a sneak peak at the whiskies it will serve. TODAY, Campbeltown is home to just three distilleries – J&A Mitchell & Co’s Springbank and Glengyle, and Loch Lomond Group’s Glen Scotia. Wind the clock back to the Victorian…

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New York, New York: so good, you’ll try its wine twice

Peter Ranscombe explores riesling, chardonnay, and other wine from the Empire State. THINK New York, think skyscrapers, think Broadway, think Sex and the City. But how about, “Think New York, think grapevines?” While Manhatten’s concrete jungle may not be the first place you’d look for vineyards, head inland from the city and there’s a further…

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