Ambitious and expansive new work by Amie Siegel to debut

The National Galleries of Scotland have commissioned and acquired a major new artwork by the internationally renowned artist Amie Siegel. Bloodlines (2022) is the first of the American artist’s works to enter Scotland’s national collection and will debut at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) from March 12. Bloodlines is an expansive…

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Scottish composer pays tribute to Islay in new work

A new orchestral work, written by Perth-based composer Helen MacKinnon and performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, has opened a new album of contemporary orchestral music, released worldwide this week. The Rinns of Islay presents a musical journey around the Inner Hebridean island, which was home to the composer’s grandparents and generations before. Inspired…

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Last chance to see Turner in January

Time’s running out to see an exhibition of the work of JMW Turner at the National Galleries of Scotland. The Galleries has presented a display of Turner’s work every January for more than a century, and is on now until Monday 31 January 2022. This year’s exhibition showcases all of the 38 watercolours by Turner…

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Veganuary: Spar’s own-label wines turn vegan

As ‘Veganuary’ continues, Peter Ranscombe recommends wines from Spar’s own-label range, which has turned vegan. WHY isn’t all wine vegan? It’s a good question, and one I get asked a lot at wine tastings. Don’t worry – winemakers aren’t sneaking slithers of steak into their vats or grating gorgonzola into their barrels. The main culprits…

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Bringing the 6th century chaos around Iona to life

Island-Pilgrim is the third volume in the epic series The Chronicles of Iona. It brings to life the vivid world of 6th-century Scotland and Ireland, a world engrossed in bloody feuds and bitter factions. But with missions of peace and hopes of stability, the book follows the progressive struggle to shed the chaos of the…

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Burns Supper in a box available across the UK

Burns fans throughout the UK are in for a treat this month as haggis, neeps and tatties meals will be available outwith Scotland for the first time. A new Burns Box, created by ready meal brand McIntosh of Strathmore, will be available exclusively in Aldi supermarkets across England and Wales for a limited period, as…

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Tickets now on sale for StAnza poetry festival

The wait is finally over as tickets for this year’s StAnza festival go on sale. With the full programme now online, the box office is open for the much-anticipated event which takes place in March from its festival hub in St Andrews, Fife. The seven-day, hybrid festival, combining the best of live and online performances,…

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A fascinating study of the red deer in Scotland

This beautiful book by wildlife photographer Neil McIntyre, Chasing the Deer, aims to raise awareness of the challenges facing red deer in Scotland today as well as showcasing the magnificent animal in all seasons and life-cycle stages. Born into a family of deer stalkers, McIntyre has observed this iconic Scottish species for more than three…

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Try this haggis-spiced crème brule recipe at home

Fancy something different for Burns Night? We’ve got a haggis-spiced crème brulee recipe for you! This was created with Atholl Brose ice cream by Scott Davies, Head Chef at The Three Chimneys on Skye. Scott said: ‘For me, the true spices of haggis are coriander seeds, mace, nutmeg and black pepper. These flavours naturally work…

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Feragaia offers an alcohol-free way of toasting the Bard

A Scottish alcohol-free spirit is offering the chance to toast the Bard without booze on Burns Night. With a nod to the national bard, Feragaia pays homage to Scotland’s artistic imprint on the world. Distilled in the Scottish lowlands, this spirit brings together 14 land and sea botanicals encapsulating a profound and unique experience –…

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