Posts Tagged ‘Edinburgh’
When Ayrshire was at war with two families
April 2016 marked the 430th anniversary of the Massacre of Annock. Though not an unusual occurrence in the lawlessness of Scotland in the 16th century, that event, and particularly the extent and ferocity of the reprisals that followed, marked the beginning of a change in attitude towards blood feud. ‘Blood feud was the custom of…
Read MoreThe Scot who was off the strait and narrow
The temptingly wide strip of water was a terrible place to bring a ship in a gale, despite the arrival of a mystery Scot as protector. Only discovered by the British explorer George Bass a few decades before the Cataraqui went down in 1845 – still considered Australia’s worst peacetime disaster – the fact that…
Read MoreScots silver that was kept secret from the Vikings
Concealed underground for over a thousand years, this fascinating haul of elaborately decorated Scottish silverware came to light in the middle of the 20th century during an excavation on St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland. Dated back to 700-800AD, the coveted collection, known as the St Ninian’s Treasure, is the only Scottish hoard of fine metalwork of…
Read MoreA love affair that has lasted over 500 years
The origins of the Palace of Holyroodhouse lie in the religious, or monastic, setting of the Holy Rood, which is said to have been a fragment of the cross of Jesus Christ which found its way from the Holy Land to Edinburgh. There is also the tale of David I of Scotland (1124-1153) having a…
Read MoreThe late Alan Bean was the Scotsman on the moon
Artist Alan Bean was part of the second lunar landing – and in tribute to his Scots ancestry, he took a swatch of MacBean tartan with him. Sadly, in May this year, Alan passed away at the age of 88. Prior to his death, Alan was an artist, who liked to paint figures set in…
Read MoreUsing ancient skills to create a crafty coracle
Jane Wilkinson is a willow weaver with a passion for traditional craft and a love for the ancient art of coracle making. Despite studying science at Edinburgh University, Jane’s love of woodlands led to her branching out in a different direction. Now based in Alyth, near Blairgowrie, the willow weaver and artisan basket maker is…
Read MoreTimeless design and contemporary country living
A substantial and individual home, which balances timeless traditional design and quality craftsmanship, is now on the market. Presented for sale by Rettie, Osprey Lodge stands in an exceptional plot within Clathymore; an enclave of private homes, designed by the prestigious James Denholm Architectural Practice, which is nestled amidst the glorious scenery of the Strathearn Valley.…
Read MoreRoyal Botanic Gardens are all light on the night
Christmas at the Botanics opens today at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, unveiling a series of spectacular light installations inspired by the magic of Christmas. This year’s event is bigger and brighter than before, with over one million twinkling lights, offering a unique experience for visitors. A one-mile trail weaves through the Botanics, using the…
Read MoreImaginative dance production in Edinburgh
One of Britain’s leading contemporary dance company is currently presenting its first full length narrative dance work in almost 40 years in Edinburgh. Choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winner Kim Brandstrup in collaboration with filmmakers the Quay Brothers, Life is a Dream is a two-act, modern reimagining of the 17th-century play by Pedro Calderón de la…
Read MoreLast home left at much-desired development
Families seeking more space to grow with all the charm of suburban living are being urged to act now in order to secure the last five-bed home at one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after locations. CALA Homes (East) is selling The Lowther, an elegant five-bedroom showhome at its celebrated Kingfisher Park development in Balerno – following…
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