Posts Tagged ‘Scotland’
Maid of the Loch re-opens after ÂŁ1m restoration
Maid of the Loch, the iconic paddle steamer berthed in Loch Lomond, has taken significant steps forward by re-opening today following a ÂŁ1.1m restoration project. The historic ship, launched on 5 March 1953 with 19th century engineering and using 20th century design, now comes with essential 21st century marine safety standards following vital structural work…
Read MoreAddressing single-use items and throwaway culture
Zero Waste Scotland is warning that the current focus on plastics is distracting from the real issue of ending disposable throwaway culture and urges Scots to take a stand against unwanted extra materials in their daily lives. The environmental organisation is calling on people to use the period of Climate Week, running from Monday 7…
Read MoreAirds takes Scottish luxury title in Good Hotel Guide
Airds Hotel and Restaurant in Port Appin has been named Scottish Luxury Hotel of the Year in The Good Hotel Guide 2020, published today. Out of 830 listings in Britain’s leading independent UK hotels guide Airds, on the west coast, is the only Scottish hotel of the 10 elite properties selected for a CĂ©sar Award.…
Read MoreBringing a mum closer to her newborn baby
The second episode of a new Scottish series bringing the every day events at a maternity hospital will be shown this week. Technology brings a mum together with her premature son in this second episode of Tiny Lives, filmed in the neonatal unit at University Hospital Wishaw. Unable to cuddle nine-weeks-early Blake because she lost…
Read MoreAn outsider’s look at Scotland’s capital
Chiang Yee offers an insightful and refreshing view on the capital in The Silent Traveller in Edinburgh. Refusing to let the unpredictable Scottish weather hinder his expeditions, Chiang Yee always finds beauty in the dreariest of rainstorms. He employs the technique of defamiliarisation, opening his readers’ eyes to alternative perspectives of the city through astute…
Read MoreDame Evelyn Glennie shares her love of music
Dame Evelyn Glennie, multi-percussionist who has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12, believes listening and music is a whole body experience. I was brought up on a farm in Aberdeenshire. I went to Ellon Academy and a tiny country primary school called Cairnorrie. It only had about 37 to 42 pupils. In such…
Read MoreRobert the Bruce’s spider link to historic hotel
A historical hotel reputed to be sited near where Robert the Bruce was inspired by a spider is on the market. Dunvalanree, a hotel on the stunning West Highland beach where Robert the Bruce landed while fleeing the English following an early setback, is being offered for sale. Located in the tiny Kintyre hamlet of…
Read MoreThe ideal book for the fisherman in your life
Reflections on the Loch is a wonderful hardback book, to warm the heart of any trout angler, and a perfect Christmas present. The widely-travelled Orcadian writes with passion, knowledge and experience, and is highly informative yet never dull. Not afraid to tackle issues, he is also very specific, giving tips on how to fish specific…
Read MoreThere’s more to the cuckoo than its famous call
Towards the end of April every year, I, like millions of other country people, have my ears cocked listening out for spring’s first cuckoo. It is one of nature’s finest sounds and never fails to send a frisson of excitement through me. But in recent years it has become more difficult to witness that celebrated…
Read MoreJohn Stephens-Orr – the snapper to the stars
In the 1950s and 60s, having your portrait taken by dapper snapper John Stephens-Orr bestowed real social cachet. David McNeil shares his experiences of working with the Scottish society photographer. In 1963 I was a 17-year-old trainee commercial artist with an advertising agency in Glasgow. The boss called me in one day and told me…
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