East Haugh House launches Valentine’s Day dine at home box

A RESTAURANT near Pitlochry has launched the first dine at home experience in its 32-year history. East Haugh House’s “Valentine’s Dinner Box for Two” contains a three-course meal, designed with some elements to be prepared and cooked by customers, following instructions contained in the box. Available for mainland Scotland delivery by courier, as well as…

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Stanza poetry festival approaches

STANZA, Scotland’s international poetry festival, is just a few weeks away, with excitement building for the launch of the first ever hybrid event. The past 12 months have been incredibly challenging for the cultural sector, so to be hosting a festival in this climate in any form is a bonus. Stanza 2021 will, of course,…

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Urgent plea to save Scotland’s rainforests

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for cash to help them save Scotland’s Atlantic oak woodlands. The sites, which stretch along the length of the west coast, are known as “Scotland’s rainforests” thanks to their high rainfall. The forests – which include birch and hazel, as well as oak – are home to specialist specials of plants, insects,…

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Edinburgh’s book festival flits to new home

THE Edinburgh International Book Festival is moving from its traditional home in Charlotte Square Gardens to the University of Edinburgh’s College of Art. This year’s festival will take place from Saturday 14 August to Monday 30 August at the college. The festival plans to use both indoor and outdoor spaces at the Lauriston Place site.…

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Burns could bring tourists to Dumfries & Galloway

DUMFRIES & Galloway wants to cash-in on its connections to national bard Robert Burns. Burns-related tourism currently generates ÂŁ21 million a year for the region – a fraction of the estimated ÂŁ121m it earns for neighbouring Ayrshire. Now, a study commissioned Dumfries & Galloway Council has laid out a four-year plan to grow Burns tourism,…

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Footpath funding to increase access

SOME of Scotland’s best-loved paths are being revamped with fresh funding to remove barriers and improve access for all. NatureScot, the Scottish Goverment agency known previously as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), is funding almost ÂŁ111,000 of improvements to the path network. The cash covers many of Scotland’s long-distance walks, such as the West Highland Way.…

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Bonnie Bairn fair heads online

A SCOTTISH pregnancy and family fair is moving online. More than 100 exhibitors are due to take part in Bonnie Bairn on 6 and 7 March. Visitors will be able to choose local products and services during the virtual event. Event founder Deby Rainnie said: “While we appreciate that a virtual event cannot replace the…

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Could the missing lynx return?

A YEAR-LONG survey has been launched to find out if the public wants lynx to be introduced to the Highlands. Supporters say the big cats would help to control roe deer numbers, while opponents worry about their effect on sheep kept near woodland, the species’ favoured habitat. The consultation has been launched by three charities:…

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Artists hook up with promoters at Celtic Connections

MORE than 100 international promoters, agents, and record label executives are gathering online for the 21st annual “Showcase Scotland” exposition. The trade show runs alongside the Celtic Connections music festival. Artists usually generate around ÂŁ3 million in gig bookings and album sales on the back of the industry event. Megan Henderson, who plays fiddle in…

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Former RSPB boss lands at seabird centre

THE Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick has named Stuart Housden as the next chair of its board of trustees. Housden is a former director of fellow bird charity RSPB Scotland. He succeeds David Windmill, who has served as chair at the seabird centre for the past eight years. Susan Davies, the centre’s chief executive,…

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