Artist Katie’s work explores the Blue Planet

Skye-based artist Katie Tunn is returning to Skyeworks Gallery in Portree with an exhibition of her Blue Planets paintings from 5 to 30 December. Inspired by the ocean and island life, this new body of work reflects Katie’s passion for marine conservation. The paintings are distinctive in both the colours Katie uses and the shape.…

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Lidl pops-up in Edinburgh with gin range

Peter Ranscombe heads down to the capital’s Castle Street for a preview of the German grocer’s gin range. POP-UPS have become a regular fixture on our high streets, filling empty shops with retailers for a short period of time. They can be a great way for new businesses to dip their toes into the water…

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Schools to receive copy of new Iolaire book

Schools are being presented with a book which marks the worst maritime UK disaster, as its centenary approaches. As part of the Dìleab (Legacy) project, all schools in the Western Isles will be gifted a signed copy of the new Acair publication, The Darkest Hour, which is the most comprehensive account to date of the Iolaire…

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Marking the loss of 280 men at new exhibition

An exhibition commemorating the centenary of the loss of HMY lolaire nearly a century ago is to open next week. The Iolaire was carrying hundreds of Royal Naval Reserve members who had been granted leave to visit their loved ones on Lewis, Harris and Berneray. The vessel foundered on rocks close to Stornoway harbour resulting…

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Tartan created to mark the Iolaire tragedy centenary

A special tartan to mark the centenary of one of the worst UK maritime disasters has been revealed. Harris Tweed Hebrides, based in Shawbost, is commemorating the centenary of the loss of the Iolaire with the production of a special tweed in partnership with the Iolaire Working Group. The Iolaire was carrying sailors who had…

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Top gundogs showed off their fantastic skills

It was a weekend of fast paced scurry action as the gundogs packed out the recent Scottish Game Fair. With glorious sunshine and no clouds in sight, skilled handlers and their talented pooches were ready for three days of high performance. As the Scottish Game Fair opened its gates, eager handlers and their dogs lined…

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The Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries: The Vanishing Dragon

Sherlock Holmes has undergone something of a revival over recent times. In addition to two popular films starring Robert Downey Junior as the Great Detective, two modern day Sherlock Holmes series have been created, Sherlock in the UK with Benedict Cumberbatch, and Elementary in the USA, with Johnny Lee Miller. It should therefore come as…

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Charity will benefit from Scots social media star’s creation

A social media star’s love for fashion, family and Harris Tweed fabrics has culminated in the creation of Snow Paw’s first backpack – and some of the proceeds are going to charity. Popular Scottish lifestyle, fashion and beauty blogger Kumba Dauda, known online as Kumbearxo, has been working tirelessly to create the perfect product in…

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Scots writer Maggie Ritchie shortlisted for prize

A Scots writer has been shortlisted for the prestigious Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2018. Maggie Ritchie’s literary romantic thriller Looking for Evelyn is one of six novels recognised by the prize, which celebrates the best adventure writing. Maggie said: ‘I’m so pleased that Saraband agreed to publish Looking for Evelyn, so pleased people are…

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Concern as butterfly numbers drop in survey

Two declining butterflies suffered their worst year on record in 2017 after hopes of a butterfly revival were dashed by a chilly snap in spring and a gloomy, wet summer, a study has revealed. Grayling and Grizzled Skipper recorded their lowest numbers since records began as difficult weather conditions caused problems for some of the…

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