The Scottish history of Game of Thrones

Setting out to show that Game of Thrones is rooted in Scottish history, David C Weinczok draws parallels between the history of this country and that of Westeros. This book helps a fantastical world become even more of a reality. It shows how Moat Cailin is inspired by Stirling Castle, and The Wall by Hadrian’s…

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The dog whisperer who saves canine lives

Abbie Withers has worked with dogs for 35 years, in film and TV, and now as a behavioural consultant, saving dogs which might otherwise be put to sleep How did you first get started working with dogs? I worked as a vet nurse in the UK and in South Africa and met another nurse who…

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Two exhibitions coming to the Open Eye Gallery

Edinburgh’s Open Eye Gallery is staging two exhibitions next month. The first is Impressions: Two Centuries of Printmaking, a wide-ranging exhibition featuring examples from some of the most prominent British printmakers in the last two centuries. In association with John Anderson, this show will include works by Robert Austin, Sandra Blow, Sir Muirhead Bone, Gerald…

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Darkness and Aerolite Lyndsay join whisky world

A specialised whisky company is looking to reach a wider pool of drinkers, with continuous liquid releases rather than small batch and single cask expressions for the first time in the company’s history Atom Brands has launched two whisky brands with their rebrand of Darkness, formerly only limited edition releases, and the introduction of The…

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Marine painter Rob Andrew’s work is all at sea

When it comes down to it, there are very few places that rival the love and inspiration of home. Such a phenomenon is shared by marine painter Rob Andrew who, after working in Czechoslovakia and South Africa, returned to the north east of Scotland to pursue and develop his passion for painting. Drawing on a…

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Islay edition is new malt from Angels’ Nectar

Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern have launched their new Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Islay Edition. This is a successor to their successful Rich Peat Edition blended malt. Bottled at 47% and at natural colour the Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Islay Edition is dominated by a gentle island peat smoke, which on…

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French Connection inspires new exhibition

An exhibition of new work inspired by this summer spent in the Burgundy region of France is set to go on show. Lex McFadyen’s latest solo show, French Connection, runs from 5-26 October. The Scottish artist returns to the Glasgow Gallery with an exhibition of work created in his studio in the medieval village of…

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Scotland’s island population is on the rise

The population of Scotland’s islands is on the increase, according to research institutes, community groups and public sector organisations. They have issued a joint statement which says there is credible evidence of ‘green shoots’ of population turnaround, which as yet does not show up in official statistics. The Islands Revival Declaration, developed by social scientists…

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Take flight for a fantastic day out this Saturday

Motorbike stunt shows, trail bike jumps and stunts, vintage vehicles, kites and birds of prey displays are set to entertain visitors this weekend. They’re all part of the National Museum of Flight’s Wheels and Wings Show at the East Lothian attraction this Saturday, 21 September. Three-times motorcycle trials world champion Steve Colley will perform a…

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Blacksmith plants psychedelic weeds on BLiSS trail

A 12ft bunch of colourful metal flowers have sprouted beside the A84 in Stirlingshire. They have been crafted by Kev Paxton of ArtFe Blacksmiths – created in collaboration with Glasgow graffiti artist EJEK, for Loch Earn Tourism Information’s (LETi) award winning BLiSS art trail, linking Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans in central Scotland. The…

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