Dundee: ‘Lights! Music! Space!’

A NEW show inspired by space will have its premier in Dundee this spring. The concert – called “The Science Fiction Experience” – will feature an array of visual effects, a bespoke light show, and a professional rock band. Gardyne Theatre will play host to the immersive event, produced by local writer David Darling. The…

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Spirits news from the Hebrides

THREE spirits stalwarts on the Outer Hebrides are having a busy start to the year. Angus A MacMillan and Angus E MacMillan, the father-and-son team building Benbecula distillery, have unveiled the first three bottles from MacMillan Spirits. They’ve launched: “Wheelhouse Whisky”, an eight-year-old single cask Islay single malt; “Machair Gin”, a gin that contains heather…

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Maya Rose Edwards completes Bute residency

Simone Waters speaks to sculptor Maya Rose Edwards about their residency with the Mount Stuart Trust on Bute. FOR artist Maya Rose Edwards, the Isle of Bute is not just a stunning location to visit. The dramatic landscape played host for a three-month residency offered to this emerging sculptor by the Mount Stuart Trust. “I…

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RBS hands over land for Dunard Centre

EDINBURGH’S first purpose-built concert hall for more than 100 years came a step closer today after Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) handed over land to build the Dunard Centre. The venue, which received planning permission in November 2021, will sit behind Dundas House in the New Town. Impact Scotland, the charity that’s building the concert…

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Hidden in plain sight

Broadcaster Pennie Stuart shares the story behind her latest podcast and radio series, Hidden in Plain Sight, about one township’s experience of the Highland Clearances. DUNCAN MACKENZIE parks his landrover beside a rough forestry track where plantation pines part to give a view down to the fertile flatlands at the head of Lochbroom. Ullapool glints…

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National museums unveil festive events

SCOTLAND’S four national museums are running a series of festive events. The National Museum of Rural Life at East Kilbride has hidden miniature festive scenes in displays throughout the museum. Visitors can follow Clyde’s winter trail until 8 January. In Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is running “Drawn Together at the Museum”. Artists can…

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The Commitments bring soul to the Edinburgh Playhouse

Morag Bootland just can’t get enough of that sweet soul music. WELL, if Dublin has soul then there’s no doubt that Edinburgh does too. The Commitments rolled into the Edinburgh Playhouse last night and I was literally blown away by the energy that this show exudes. The soundtrack was always going to be a winner.…

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Edinburgh’s Hogmanay unveils First Footin’ music gigs

SINGER Callum Beattie is among the performers who’s signed up for “First Footin’”, a new series of gigs unveiled as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. “First Footin’” will feature an afternoon of free live music and performances taking place across the Old Town and New Town in pubs and other venues. Beattie said: “I can’t wait…

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Scottish Fiddle Orchestra eyes Usher Hall Hogmanay

THE Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will return to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 30 December for its “Hogmanay Celebration”. Gary Innes, presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s Take The Floor, will be the evening’s compere – and might bring his accordion. Blair Parham will conduct the orchestra, which has been promoting traditional Scottish music for more than 40…

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Royal National Mòd ends with massed choir

A MASSED choir brought the Royal National Mòd to an end on Saturday in Perth. The mòd’s flag was handed over the Paisley, which will host next year’s cultural gathering. Around 2,100 people took part in 200 competitions over the nine-day festival, which was held at 14 venues in the Fair City. Contestants came from…

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