Degrees of triumph: Gregor Townsend receives honorary degree

Scotland rugby’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, has received an Honorary Degree from Heriot-Watt University in recognition of his global impact on the sport. The former fly-half was presented with the academic title of Doctor of the University at the winter graduation. Townsend collected his scroll from Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University. ‘I…

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Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Chris Hoy and Ross Edgley triumph over tide

Long-distance swimmer and passionate environmentalist Ross Edgley teamed up with Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Kelly Holmes to take part in an epic triathlon. Taking place on the shores of Edinburgh, the athletes triumphed over the tide to raise awareness for the importance of our wild seas, covering 28.5km in 100 minutes.  In a…

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Firth of Forth marine life mapped

WHALES, dolphins, and other mammals visiting the Firth of Forth have been mapped by scientists and the public. More than 450 people reported sightings of whales, porpoises, dolphins, and seals to researchers from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh using the Forth Marine Mammals group on the Facebook social network. Exotic species such as humpback, minke, and…

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Whisky oysters project tipped to double biodiversity

REINTRODUCING oysters near Glenmorangie distillery is expected to double biodiversity in the Dornoch Firth, according to a study published last night. The distillery has been working with Heriot-Watt University and the Marine Conservation Society since 2014 to bring oysters back to the firth. The team aims to have four millions oysters in the firth by…

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Recreating Scotland’s stained-glass windows

RESEARCHER want to commission an artist to reproduce Scotland’s stained-glass windows. Most of Scotland’s stained-glass windows in churches were destroyed during the Reformation in 1560. Craig Kennedy, from Heriot-Watt University’s Institute for Sustainable Building Design, and Michael Penman, a historian from the University of Stirling, have analysed glass fragments and historical records from Elgin Cathedral…

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Great Tapestry of Scotland artist Andrew Crummy among honours

ARTIST Andrew Crummy, who led the creation of The Great Tapestry of Scotland, was among those featured in the new year’s honours list. Crummy was made a member of the order of the British empire (MBE) for his “services to art and cultural heritage” in Scotland. He follows in the footsteps of his mother, Helen,…

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Holyrood and Heriot-Watt eye old barley varieties for whisky

SCIENTISTS and distillers are investigating which aromas and flavours are produced in whisky by old varieties of barley. Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University will study at least eight varieties over the next six years. Chevallier, a variety popular during the 19th century, is among the strains being tested. The variety fell out of…

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The Week in Pictures: Fleurs de Villes, Graffiti, and more

Which images have caught the eye of Scottish Field’s team this week? Peter Ranscombe takes a light-hearted flick through photos of Fleurs de Villes, fraffiti , and more. THE Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) launched its #ArtUnlocks campaign this week to highlight how “art and artists are enhancing lives and enriching communities all over Scotland”.…

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A Week in Whisky: Going green, raising cash, and more

Peter Ranscombe shines his irreverent spotlight on another week in whisky… DISTILLERS will gather for the World Whisky Forum at Stauning whisky distillery in Denmark later this month – not for a giant party, but to discuss sustainability. The forum – which runs on 21-23 June – will discuss topics including the sustainability of cereal…

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Mastering the Dark Art of distilling in Scotland

The Dark Art Distillery has only been producing gin and open to the public since last July, but already, they’ve picked up a pair of awards. They claimed Best Newcomer 2021 from the Scottish Gin Awards, and a Gold Award for the ‘Classic G&T’ category from the People’s Choice Spirit Awards 2022, which isn’t bad…

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