Addressing single-use items and throwaway culture

Zero Waste Scotland is warning that the current focus on plastics is distracting from the real issue of ending disposable throwaway culture and urges Scots to take a stand against unwanted extra materials in their daily lives. The environmental organisation is calling on people to use the period of Climate Week, running from Monday 7…

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John Stephens-Orr – the snapper to the stars

In the 1950s and 60s, having your portrait taken by dapper snapper John Stephens-Orr bestowed real social cachet. David McNeil shares his experiences of working with the Scottish society photographer. In 1963 I was a 17-year-old trainee commercial artist with an advertising agency in Glasgow. The boss called me in one day and told me…

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John Hunter left a body of work behind him

Self-taught John Hunter was the most famous surgeon of his age – but the man who was the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde had no qualms about acquiring stolen corpses on which to perfect his skills. Everyone knows the story of Jekyll and Hyde. But few realise that the setting for the gothic tale of…

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A Scottish top ten of world records

When it comes to world-beating feats we Scots have consistently punched above our ‘small country’ weight . Here we look at some of the brilliant, brave and often bonkers records set and challenged by Scots over the years. 1. Winning the international toss As caber-tossing is one of the most iconic aspects of Scotland, it…

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This riverside home dates from the 14th century

A beautiful lodge house on the banks of the River Don in the heart of Aberdeen is now on the market. Presented by Strutt and Parker, Glenseaton Lodge, on Kettocks Mill Road in Aberdeen, dates back to the 14th century when it was originally a two-roomed miller’s cottage. John Forbes White, a patron of several…

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Ruined Scots farmstead may have been a distillery

Forestry and Land Scotland has digitally documented two ruined farmsteads near Loch Ard, in advance of harvesting – and investigated their possible use as a hidden distillery. Until recently the remains of the 18th century farmsteads of the Wee Bruach Caoruinn and the Big Bruach Caoruinn – including their large corn drying kilns – had…

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Offers over £3million for Brechin Castle

One of Scotland’s most significant and historic castles, 18th century Brechin Castle, is now for sale. Brechin Castle occupies a commanding position overlooking its surrounding designed landscape. There are about 40 acres of policies including the renowned walled garden, where, in addition to the Castle there are two gate lodges (West and New) and three…

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Massive rock ceilidh to take place in Glasgow

A jet-setting Scottish rock band that have introduced traditional ceilidh-rock music to fans in Dubai, Pakistan and Indonesia are set to return to Glasgow. Bahookie will bring their unique blend of traditional music and Top 40 hits to The Garage in Glasgow on October 26 in celebration of the launch of their new live album.…

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VisitScotland reveals first research into Chinese visitors

As China celebrates its national golden week, VisitScotland has revealed first of its kind research into what Chinese holidaymakers think of Scotland. The national tourism organisation is marking the Chinese holiday – which honours the Peoples Republic of China being established – with new data revealing that 87 per cent of Chinese visitors to Scotland…

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The Hebridean is a first-class gastropub

You can’t accuse Nico Simeone of inactivity – his Six By Nico concept is ever-expanding with restaurants in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Belfast and his original 111 eatery is constantly evolving its menu. The one slight blip in the success story was the short-lived Public House by Nico at the lower end of Great Western…

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