Posts by Ellie Forbes
Producer’s Corner: RyeLaw, InchDairnie Distillery
When Fife based distiller InchDairnie launched RyeLaw, the world’s first malted rye whisky, a few eyebrows were raised. Inspired by the quintessentially American Rye whisky, InchDairnie dared to revive the grain’s use in Scotch. But working with rye is notoriously difficult. It can clog up and block traditional equipment, and unlike in America where they…
Read MoreHamish Martin: ‘Ground Elder is a staple food source in our family – and it has fabulous benefits for wildlife’
This month gardening columnist Hamish Martin explains why seeing the shoots of Ground Elder unfurl is a spring delight, as he explores the many uses of this versatile plant. The first signs of ground elder appearing in early March, may put a chill in some gardeners hearts but for this gardener, it’s a quiet internal rejoicing that…
Read MoreRare autographed letter to Queen Elizabeth I from possible love interest sells for £33k
An extremely rare autographed letter to Queen Elizabeth I from her lifelong friend and possible love interest, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, has been sold for nearly £33,000. The manuscript contains an enigmatic reference to an unspecified great matter of state, said to bear directly on the Queen’s life and likely relating to England’s policy…
Read MoreTreasures gifted to Orcadian naval officer Captain James Moodie returned to Orkney after 300 years
Centuries-old weapons owned by Orcadian naval officer Captain James Moodie have been gifted to the people of Orkney by his family. Three stunning Ottoman weapons – a scimitar (sword/sabre) and scabbard, a mace, and a dagger and sheath – all date from the 1600s and were a diplomatic gift to Captain Moodie, of Melsetter in…
Read MoreReview: Extra Ordinary, X_O, Glasgow
It’s hard to keep up with the rate at which trendy new restaurants are popping up in Glasgow. Last year saw the opening of the already much loved Sebbs – found below their already well-respected Margo – as well as what has been touted as the city’s next Michelin-starred eatery, Gary Townsend’s new restaurant, Elements…
Read MoreAntiques expert Jeremy Cooper donates collection with links to Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin to Glasgow School of Art
Author, curator and antiques expert Jeremy Cooper has donated a significant part of his collection of rare 1990’s British art ephemera to The Glasgow School of Art. The personally curated collection has more than 2000 rare objects in it, some linked to many of Britain’s leading contemporary artists including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. It…
Read MoreSkipinnish oak represents UK in European Tree of the Year contest
A spectacular oak tree hidden for decades within a conifer plantation and named after Scottish band Skipinnish is representing the UK in the European Tree of the Year contest. The Skipinnish Oak in Lochaber was named UK Tree of the Year in October after winning a public vote organised by the Woodland Trust. Hidden in…
Read MoreIn a Nutshell: Paul Green, The Three Chimneys
Paul Green, head chef at The Three Chimneys on Skye on his love of fine dining, and why not tasting food is the biggest sin a chef can commit. What’s the closest thing you have to a signature dish: I currently have it on the menu at The Three Chimneys, it features local langoustines…
Read MoreGregor MacGregor: Scotland’s most infamous conman who pulled off history’s most audacious scam
He was Scotland’s most infamous con artist who pulled off one of history’s most audacious scams. And now a new play about the life of Gregor MacGregor, the Scot who swindled the public into believing in a country that never existed, is coming to Scotland. MacGregor was an officer in the British Army from 1803…
Read MoreLetter written by Mary Queen of Scots hours before execution to go on display
A letter written by Mary, Queen of Scots six hours before her execution in 1587 is going on display in Perth. The letter was penned by the doomed monarch at Fortheringhay Castle for her brother-in-law, Henri III of Franceleft, and left instructions for the care of the staff after her execution. The letter has been…
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