Posts Tagged ‘Sir Walter Scott’
Five reasons why Sir Walter Scott still matters today
This year marks 250 years since the birth of Sir Walter Scott. Born in Edinburgh in 1771, Sir Walter Scott is regarded as one of the most influential Scots in history. As a child he was sent to the countryside to help him recover from a bout of polio, and it was during his time…
Read MoreSir Walter Scott’s love of angling is revealed
While on a tour of Sir Walter Scott’s glorious home Abbotsford, author Keith Harwood stumbled on the first hint of the writer’s life beyond poetry and literature, finding upon his hand-painted wallpaper the figure of an angler. In this book Harwood explores Scott’s love of fishing, detailing beautifully how he first caught the angling bug,…
Read MoreCastles, museums and distilleries continue to reopen
MORE of Scotland’s historic landmarks have announced dates for reopening as the coronavirus lockdown continues to ease. Blackness Castle will reopen on Monday, followed by Inchcolm Abbey, Huntly Castle and Melrose Abbey on Wednesday, and Elgin Cathedral and Caerlaverock Castle on Friday. Doune Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and Linlithgow Palace will then reopen on 26 August,…
Read MoreSix book shortlist for the Walter Scott Prize
The judges of the £25,000 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction announced its eleventh shortlist today. The six-book shortlist is: The Narrow Land by Christine Dwyer Hickey (Atlantic); The Parisian by Isabella Hammad (Jonathan Cape); To Calais, In Ordinary Time by James Meek (Canongate); Shadowplay by Joseph O’Connor (Harvill Secker); The Redeemed by Tim Pears…
Read MoreTime to put an end to the tartan terrors
Unless we call a halt to the riot of garish new designs threatening our national dress – such as the luminous Incredible Hulk tartan – we risk losing the collective pride in our plaid. Tartan has been rooted in Scotland’s heritage for centuries. The history of the fabric goes back to the checked and striped…
Read MoreExplore Scotland’s inspirational literary locations
Sir Walter Scott, JM Barrie, Irvine Welsh and JK Rowling are among a few of the greatest writers influenced by Scotland’s beautiful landscapes. The mysterious closes of Edinburgh, the untouched wilderness of Dumfries & Galloway and the romantic Shetland coastlines have all painted literature for generations. From page to place, come to Scotland and discover the locations where the stories of famous characters Peter Pan,…
Read More10 great Scottish writers and their renowned work
There are numerous renowned writers all over the world, and we can get lost in a sea of novels, poems and other great works that have made their great marks in the literary world. Here in this blog article I have highlighted 10 great Scottish writers who have graced literature. In this article, I have…
Read MoreRefurbished property offers a ready-made home
A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional two storey, stone built Victorian property in a quiet position within a much sought-after Scottish market town has arisen. Presented by Rettie and Co, and located in Melrose, The property on Tweedmount Road has been fully renovated to an exceptional standard including new windows, wiring heating, and floor…
Read MoreThe Scottish master of the spy game
Before being brutally hacked to death aged 36, Alexander Burnes – one of the greatest spies Scotland has ever produced – lived an extraordinary life. ‘The Great Game’ – even now, nearly two centuries after Britain and Russia jostled for influence at the roof of the world, these three words are perfumed with an almost…
Read MoreOur top 10 of some of Scotland’s strangest clubs
After the Act of Union of 1707, gentlemen’s clubs were rife. Some insisted on members wearing dirty clothes, writing their names upside down, eating only fish or even soaping their beards. Here are 10 of the more eclectic Scottish clubs. 1. The Kate Kennedy Club In 1432, St Andrews University principal Bishop Kennedy’s pretty niece…
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