Rural gift card launched

MORE than 120 businesses have signed up to accept a new rural gift card. The Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS) gift card has been launched by Perthshire-based enterprise support firm GrowBiz. Jackie Brierton, chief executive at GrowBiz, said: “Scotland’s micro-enterprises form the backbone of our rural economy and the REDS card is designed to encourage…

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What is ‘slow fashion’ and why is it on the rise?

Patrick Birkbeck, managing director at Perthshire department store House of Bruar, examines the return of ‘slow fashion’. THE term “slow fashion” is generally seen as a recent invention, but the movement has been around for longer than we think. Many people are familiar with the term “fast fashion” and all of its negative connotations. In…

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Perth curry maker expands team of chefs

DEMAND for restauranteur Praveen Kumar’s frozen curries has soared during the pandemic. The Perthshire-based entrepreneur launched Praveen Kumar Authentic Indian Cuisine in April 2019 and has expanded his workforce to 18 people to cope with the demand. His curries are being delivered throughout the UK and two of his dishes – kodi koora and butter…

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Glenalmond supports rural charity

GLENALMOND College in Perthshire has become the first school to join the supporters’ scheme run by the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI). David Leggat, the RSABI’s vice-chairman, visited the school with Donald, a Highland bull, to mark the occasion. Grace Noble, Donald’s owner, spoke with pupils and staff about her experiences as a farmer…

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Independent schools of the year named

TWO Scottish institutions have won prizes at the 2020 Independent Schools of the Year Awards. Strathallan School in Perthshire was crowned as the independent school of the year for international student experience, while George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh was named as the independent pre-prep school of the year. Mark Lauder, Strathallan’s headmaster, said: “We are…

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Perthshire Adventure launches website

SEVEN adventure tourism businesses in Perthshire have launched a website to attract more visitors to the area. The companies formed the Perthshire Adventure initiative two years ago and have been working together to promote their region. Now, they’ve received backing from business support firm GrowBiz Scotland to reach a wider audience. Sarah Turner, the initiative’s…

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Dundee cleaner wants to ‘clean up’ industry’s image

A CLEANER from Dundee is on a mission to “clean up” her industry’s reputation. Kelly Fairweather, owner and founder of At Your Service, has been appointed as associate director of the Domestic Cleaning Business Network (DCBN), a trade association formed late last year to provide advice and resources to domestic cleaning companies across the UK.…

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Directory supports rural and island businesses

SHOPPERS can now support even more rural and island businesses following the launch of the Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS). Joe Sykes, founder of Perthshire-based Joelato Gelato, is one of the businesses that has signed up to be listed in the directory. He said: “Scotland’s rural businesses have faced incredible pressures over the past few…

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Mains of Taymouth puts luxury timber lodges on sale

MAINS of Taymouth, the five-star country estate and golf course at Kenmore in Perthshire, has begun marketing phase two of Balloch Park, its residential, holiday and buy-to-let development. Twenty luxury timber lodges have gone on sale, with prices starting at £179,900. The lodges are flanked by Drummond Hill on one side and the River Tay…

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Strathallan pupils jump with joy

ONE in three grades achieved by pupils at Strathallan in Perthshire in their Highers was an A, the independent school has revealed. All the students who passed their computing, economics, music, and modern languages Highers gained As or Bs. Headmaster Mark Lauder said: “I am absolutely delighted by these outstanding results, which represent a tremendous…

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