V&A Dundee generates £304 million for the Scottish economy

The V&A Dundee has generated £304 million for the Scottish economy, according to a new report. City leaders say the design museum has had a ‘considerable impact’ in its first five years, with more than 450 jobs supported in Dundee. Visitor numbers to the city have soared from 880,000 in 2017 to more than 1.25…

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Perthshire ‘carer cottage’ opens its doors

HAWTHORN Brae, a cottage in the heart of Perthshire, has opened in time for Carers’ Week, offering a spot of respite for people with life-limiting conditions and their carers. The opening has been made possible thanks to a new partnership between EMMS International – a Scottish international healthcare charity – and Voice of Carers Across…

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Happy accident leads to a new dram from Ardbeg

Ardbeg are getting ready to launch their new limited edition Ardbeg Fermutation next month. The result of a happy accident, this 13 year old dram is the delicious consequence of an unplanned experiment that resulted in the longest fermentation in Ardbeg’s history. In November 2007, The Ardbeg Distillery was about to face one of its…

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Separate the myths from the medieval truths

Chris Brown uniquely retells the captivating story of William Wallace’s life. William Wallace of Elderslie, younger son of a country knight, came to fame through his active opposition to the aggressive imperialism of England’s King Edward I. From political and social obscurity he seized control of the reins of government and became the first leader…

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Aston Martin and Bowmore work to create new whisky

Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has collaborated with Aston Martin to create a special whisky. The pair say they share a commitment to heritage, craftsmanship and innovation, to unite the worlds of whisky making and automotive design with the creation of Bowmore Masters’ Selection. Bowmore Master Whisky Blender Ron Welsh and Aston Martin executive…

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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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Aldi: Toasting reliable fizzy favourites

Peter Ranscombe salutes Aldi for the consistency of its sparkling wines. SUPERMARKET shopping is – let’s face it – boring. Don your face covering and trudge down the same aisles, week after week, month after month. Pick up the same milk, the same bread, the same giant bag of crisps that you promise yourself will…

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Swapping London life for the Hebrides

When Tamsin and her husband Rab leave London and their busy careers behind, they hope a remote island on the Scottish Hebrides will provide exactly the kind of lifestyle change they’ve been looking for. Once the romantic shine of their new adventure wears off, it becomes clear that rescuing, maintaining and building a croft as…

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A gripping read with a contemporary feel

Stay Mad, Sweetheart’s synopsis didn’t sell it to me. Exploring issues of workplace discrimination and ‘the grey areas of consent’, Kist’s book is highly addictive thanks to a plot full of suspense and fascinating protagonists who face uphill struggles with gender inequality. Laura, a skilled yet modest data scientist, decides to put her technological know-how…

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Another success from Alexander McCall Smith

It is a rarity to find each book in a long series as enjoyable as the last, and yet McCall Smith’s 21st instalment of his much adored No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency has captured the imagination once more. Grabbing the attention from the get-go in a stifling Gaborone setting, McCall Smith’s intelligent yarn is woven with…

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