Posts Tagged ‘scottish’
The love story that produced beautiful Paxton House
Unusually for Scotland, Paxton House, situated on the banks of the meandering River Tweed in Berwickshire, has its origins in a love story. It began when Patrick Home met and fell in love with Prussian heiress Sophie de Brandt whilst at Leipzig University in 1750, and continued when, being affable and charming, he eased his…
Read MoreThe ancient art making a comeback in Scotland
The ancient craft of hedgelaying has been practiced in Scotland since Celtic times, but the method largely fell out of use after World War II when mechanisation took over the farming scene. But despite this, the craft is now enjoying something of a revival in the Borders. Graeme Walker, a Kelso native based in Newton…
Read MoreRoman sculpture found in a Scottish river
Recovered in 1997 from the mouth of the River Almond in Cramond, near Edinburgh, the Cramond Lioness is a sculpture dating back to Roman times. It portrays a male prisoner being killed by a lioness. It was Robert Graham, a local ferryman, who uncovered the sculpture from the mud of the river. It remains unknown…
Read MoreTen fascinating facts about the Clan MacMillan
Scottish clans have fascinating histories, dating back hundreds and hundreds of years. Here, we reveal ten important facts every aspiring member of Clan MacMillan should know. 1. The chiefs of Clan MacMillan descended from an ancient royal house as well as from orders of the ancient church. On the island of Iona, King Alexander I…
Read MoreThe story of the Scots storytellers – the Shennachies
The likes of CSI and Silent Witness playing out on small screens across the country may portray an unashamedly 21st-century take on telling a tale of what has gone before, but it would be wrong to think age-old tradition and custom no longer have a voice in an increasingly digital society. Historically, a Scottish clan…
Read MoreLest We Forget our war heroes and the poppy makers
When visiting Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh a few weeks before Remembrance Day, it would be easy to expect a flurry of activity with last minute poppies being assembled and the finishing touches being added to wreaths. But the poppy makers are surprisingly laid back having finished preparations for this year and already crafting…
Read MorePeploe’s Tulips in a Chinese Vase heads art auction
A bright, sunny work by the major Scottish Colourist, Samuel Peploe leads Bonhams 19th and 20th Century Pictures Sale in Edinburgh later this month. Taking place on Tuesday 27 November, Tulips in a Chinese Vase by Peploe (1871-1935), is estimated to reach between £220,000-£280,000 at auction. Bonhams Head of Scottish Art, Chris Brickley said: ‘Peploe…
Read MoreSeafood and lamb help crown surf ‘n’ turf champion
The head chef from an Aberdeenshire restaurant has triumphed in the Scotch Lamb PGI Surf ‘n’ Turf Chef of the Year competition. Ross Cochrane, from The Rothesay Rooms in Ballater, was crowned the winner of the competition after impressing judges with a dish he created by combining Scottish seafood and Scotch Lamb PGI. The 33-year-old beat…
Read MoreOld Curiosity Gin will be in the pink this Christmas
Luxury gin brand Old Curiosity will be in the pink this Christmas with its first, colour-changing festive gin. Rather than the classic Christmas reds, this year the innovative Edinburgh distillery’s unique new tipple transforms from a festive blush to a vibrant pink when mixed with tonic water. The bespoke bottling gets its magical, colour-changing properties…
Read MoreEdinburgh Gin toasted by a galaxy of stars
Edinburgh Gin has celebrated its debut as the Official Spirit of the 2018 British Academy Scotland Awards. The star-studded event – considered the most prestigious date in the film and television calendar – is a celebration of Scottish talent and outstanding creative contribution. The red carpet was host to a show-stopping guest list of Hollywood…
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