Review: The Makings of a Murderer

Lish Walker listens to the Scottish detective who caught serial killer Peter Tobin in The Makings of a Murderer. THE stories behind some of Britain’s most notorious serial killers were explored at Pitlochry Festival Theatre last Sunday by Scottish former Detective Superintendent David Swindle. The stage is set simply, like an old-school detective’s office, which…

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Scottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture

THE Scottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture has been presented to Steph McKenna from Lochaber. McKenna divides her time between local charity Lochaber Hope and local business Off Beat Bikes. Last summer, she worked as a seasonal ranger with the John Muir Trust and ran a junior ranger scheme. “We live in such…

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Edinburgh Science Festival launches line-up

THE line-up for the Edinburgh Science Festival has been announced. Thirty-one venues will host events on 1-16 April. “Edinburgh Science Festival continues its commitment to championing the achievements of women in science and science communication, and strive for a balance representation of gender in its programming,” said the festival’s organisers. “With 60% of artists and…

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Walter Scott Prize longlist unveiled

THE longlist for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has been published Twelve novels are in the running for the £25,000 prize, which celebrates books published in the UK, Ireland, and the Commonwealth. James Robertson won last year’s prize with News of the Dead. Katie Grant, chair of the judges, said: “This year’s submissions…

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East coast eyes 50% cruise boost

THE number of cruise ships visiting Dundee, Fife, and Leith is due to soar by 50% this year. Capital Cruising, the tourism arm of harbour operator Forth Ports, said 150 ships are due to dock at its east coast moorings this year, up from 100 last year. The ships will dock at Dundee, Leith, and…

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Don’t miss the SSDA Annual Conference

THE South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) is the strategic destination management and marketing organisation for the South of Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. After a successful 2022 conference, the SSDA looks forward to welcoming you all back again as we host our second annual conference, taking place at Peebles Hydro…

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Stirling opens ‘pay what you can’ winter shop

A SHOP inviting customers to “pay what you can” for coats and other winter warmers has opened in Stirling. The Thistles shopping centre has opened the store in partnership with local charity Transition Stirling. The shop sells coats, rain jackets, jumpers, accessories, and boots for adults and children. Gary Turnbull, Thistles’ centre director, said: “These…

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Outdoor breaks return on Mach a Seo

PRESENTER Ramsay MacMahon returned to the gogglebox last night with a sixth series of Mach a Seo, the BBC Alba show that features weekend breaks in Scotland. Locations starring in the new series include: the Angus coast; Ayrshire; Comrie and Crieff; Eigg; Eriskay; and Ullapool and the Coigach peninsula. “The new six-part series of Mach…

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Jackie Bird helps pupils with time travel

TELEVISION presenter Jackie Bird helped pupils travel back in time at one of the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS’s) properties. Bird, who is president of the NTS, joined children from St Vincent’s Primary School when they visited Pollok House to take part in a trial of “Timesliders”, the trust’s new education programme. She helped pupils…

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Dundee: ‘Lights! Music! Space!’

A NEW show inspired by space will have its premier in Dundee this spring. The concert – called “The Science Fiction Experience” – will feature an array of visual effects, a bespoke light show, and a professional rock band. Gardyne Theatre will play host to the immersive event, produced by local writer David Darling. The…

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