‘Frank – get the book!’

COMEDIAN Janey Godley is among presenter Damian Barr’s guests in the first episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, which returns to the BBC Scotland channel on Sunday. Godley, who has become an internet sensation during the pandemic thanks to her satirical voiceovers of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s daily briefings, will discuss her memoir, Handstands in…

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Students learn from composer Errollyn Wallen

MUSICIAN Errollyn Wallen has been appointed as the visiting professor of composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow. Her role includes one-to-one teaching, as well as leading seminars and workshops. Born in Belize, Wallen gave up her training at the Dance Theater of Harlem in New York to study composition at the…

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Cauliflower power as snacking shifts online

SNACKING Scots have been credited with saving an Ayrshire-based business. Tracey Hogarth, owner of Nudie Snacks, saw her sales drop by 95% when lockdown began as the offices that bought her snack boxes sent their workers home. Hogarth switched to selling her snacks – which include cauliflower crisps, roasted split peas, and chocolate orange protein…

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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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Zoom calls inspire Loch Lomond’s lockdown beer

A BEER inspired by lockdown Zoom calls has been created by Loch Lomond Brewery. “Zoom Time” is a New England-style India pale ale (IPA). Fiona MacEachern, Loch Lomond Brewery’s managing director, said: “Zoom Time is very much a nod to the ‘new normal’ of socialising virtually; catching up with friends for a beer being no…

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If you go down to the woods tonight…

HOPETOUN House’s “Wondrous Woods” lighting trail opened last night. The stately home near South Queensferry will host the light show until 15 November. The Earl of Hopetoun said: “It is thrilling for me to see the grounds come to life after dark with all the creative lighting and effects that are planned. “This is the…

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Brewers go direct as pubs close

SCOTLAND’S breweries are stepping up direct sales to consumers amid the latest coronavirus restrictions on pubs. Bars cannot currently sell alcohol indoors, with those in the Central Belt closed completely. Alva-based Harviestoun Brewery has lifted the lid on how the latest restrictions are hitting its business. Joint managing director Stu Cook said: “This is a…

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‘Smart village’ needs young people

THE world’s first “smart village” for young people is on the hunt for digital champions aged 18 to 28 from across Angus, the Borders, Lanarkshire, the Outer Hebrides, and rural Perth and Kinross. A total of 12 digital champions will work with Scotland’s Rural Youth Project to help develop a pioneering “smart village” centred on…

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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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