Book review – 25 Years of the Ayrshire Road Run

What’s the story? Back in 1993, the Ayrshire Road Run was created as an adjunct to the established annual vintage rally organised by the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club (AVT&MC). The idea was to promote the rally by running entered commercial vehicles around the major towns in Ayrshire. Over the following years the Road…

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Congratulations – Songwriter to the Stars

In this engrossing autobiography, Bill Martin, one of the most successful and prolific songwriters of the last few decades, tells not only the story of his Glasgow upbringing, but also some fascinating anecdotes from his long career in the music industry. Bill wrote several number one hits in the 1960s and 70s and received numerous recognitions…

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Book review – The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram

David M Guss has written the barely believable story of Alastair Cram, a Scottish prisoner of war who attempted a record 21 prison escapes during the Second World War. And it is as gripping as it is inspiring. Described by his widow Isobel as a private and reserved man, Cram wrote about his experiences in…

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NHS in the focus for Mark Thomas at Fringe Festival

Comedian Mark Thomas marks the 70th birthday of the NHS with his new show at this year’s Festival Fringe. Mark is 54, the NHS is 70, and the UK national average life expectancy is 84. If Mark makes it to 84, the NHS will be 100. What will they both look like? Check Up: Our…

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Mixing real words with fictional politicians

When an ambitious politician jumps on a populist bandwagon and a previously apathetic citizen takes her message to heart – what could possibly go wrong? Former government advisor, the Edinburgh playwright Andy Moseley, is bringing his new play A Beginner’s Guide to Populism to the Fringe. A Beginner’s Guide to Populism has just completed a…

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Album is like a ceilidh in your living room

This could be one of my shortest reviews yet. I love this album. That’s it! OK, I’d better say a bit more. Osgarra, meaning audible, distinct or even emphatic, is an accurate description of this mighty debut by a band whose West Coast musical heritage is showcased by refreshing the traditional with stylish contemporary musicianship. The recorded words…

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Scottish fiddler Sarah-Jane is a fine Solo performer

A Scottish fiddler who is now based in Norway has released a new album. Sarah-Jane Summers’ Solo features the versatile, free-thinking, impassioned performer with her unique style blending the lyricism of traditional music with the emotive rawness of improvisation. A tradition-bearer of the old Highland style of fiddling, she was taught by the late, great…

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Book review – Minister of Money

  The name of Henry Duncan is one you may recognise. He was a parish minister who played a role in the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843, but most importantly, was the founder of the worldwide savings bank movement. He opened his first branch in Dumfriesshire in 1810 to encourage the poor…

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Book review – All The Galaxies

Philip Miller’s novel takes place in a step into tomorrow, with militarised police and a failed second Scottish Independence referendum. It features a boy wakened in the afterlife by his spirit guide, with interesting religious themes running alongside the narrative, with the Devil growing in power in the Glasgow, whilst the city’s fictional newspaper is…

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