How the true face of Robert the Bruce was discovered

Scotland’s most legendary and romanticised king, Robert the Bruce, has become a symbol of national pride for many Scots around the world. Immortalised in countless paintings and statues, banknotes and romantic novels, television dramas and, perhaps most famously in the 1995 epic movie Braveheart and last year’s Netflix film Outlaw King, we all have an…

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The small Scots island which influenced all of Europe

At only three miles long, the tiny island of Iona, just off the west coast of the Isle of Mull, is a long-established centre for Scottish Christianity, with an influence that reached across Europe from the sixth century to this very day. In 563 AD St Columba and twelve of his followers landed in the crystal…

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Sir Walter Scott’s lasting legacy for the whole nation

No author has ever had as much influence and impact as Sir Walter Scott. With his narrative poems and his series of stories, latterly called the Waverley Novels, he did not just change what the world thought of Scotland, he radically transformed literary culture. When I wrote about his long shadow in my book Scott-Land,…

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Scottish locations given a starring role in 10 top films

If the right location is the key to a film’s success, then Scotland deserves an Oscar. The number of films which have been shot here over the decades is phenomenal, bringing in a host of tourists from overseas. Here we present 10 locations you may want to visit. 1. Rannoch Moor Trainspotting is a very…

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Three new galleries to open after £80million spend

Three new galleries at the National Museum of Scotland open to the public on Friday. These complete the 15-year, £80 million redevelopment which has created one of the world’s finest museums, presenting the wonders of nature, art and culture and the excitement of science and discovery, all under one roof. National Museums Scotland has completed…

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Contemporary new homes in a peaceful locale

A small development of seven contemporary homes set in semi-rural mature grounds bounded by woodland are currently under construction. The four and give bedroom homes, with two en suite, will be bounded at the rear by the woodland grounds of Strathallan School. For sale through Bell Ingram, the specifications are noted below and depending on…

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Four romantic Scottish locations to propose at

Scotland’s beauty and romantic locations are known the world over. Robert Burns was inspired to write poetry about it; members of the Royal family have been married in it; even members of the public have decided to pop the question at one of its darker visitor attractions. Scotland is often named the most romantic destination,…

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Variety takes to the stage with Allan Stewart

Scottish showbiz veteran Allan Stewart is back later this month for another Big Big Variety Show. Promising the best in entertainment and the biggest laughs at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, the enduring appeal of variety is captured in a line-up that includes the digitally enhanced magic of Britain’s Got Talent finalist Mandy Muden, the hilarious…

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Rapper turned writer set for book festival event

Organisers of the Edinburgh International Book Festival have announced a special event next month. On Saturday 9 March, American author Angie Thomas presenting her much-anticipated follow-up to her bestselling novel The Hate U Give. The rapper-turned-writer’s incendiary novel about state violence against African Americans, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, sold millions worldwide and…

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World Class Bartender workshops come to Scotland

The hunt is on for Scotland’s top bartender – with the aim of finding the best on the planet. Diageo Reserve’s world-renowned bartender competition, World Class, is set to return, launching with its UK-wide studios tour next month. On the hunt for the very best home-grown talent, there will be two Scottish events taking place…

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