Posts by Kenny Smith
Dresdeners found the turmoil of the Russian soul
The penultimate concert in the Sunday Classics series at the Usher Hall (May 27) was an all Russian affair, delivered with controlled passion by the polished Dresden Philharmonic under Berliner Michael Sanderling. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony might not have received the 45-minute ovation that greeted its first performance in 1937, but the deft Dresdeners gave a…
Read MoreBringing new life to lost classics in the 21st century
Classic written works are being given new lease of life in the 21st century thanks to a Scots publisher. Kate Macdonald, who is originally from Aberdeen but recently moved to Bath, is behind Handheld Press, and has handpicked stories from the past and the present. Kate’s company has three different lists. Handheld Classics are reprints of…
Read MoreHotel’s five star makeover reveals new penthouse
Glasgow’s only five-star hotel has revealed a stunning new addition to the city after a multi-million pound refurbishment. The Principal Blythswood Square Hotel has now taken the wraps off a luxurious two-bedroom penthouse, which can be yours for upwards of £2500 per night. The spectacular Principal Penthouse stretches over 1,850 sq. ft. It comes with…
Read MoreAttinlea is a property that will definitely impress
Attinlea is a magical Highland retreat in a truly outstanding location with breathtaking views over the local countryside to the Cairngorm mountains. Presented to the market by Strutt and Parker, This highly desirable property is a clever culmination of architecture, flair and imagination all of which combined has created a magnificent home. Attinlea is a…
Read MoreHelping horses is the perfect job for happy Helene
Helene Mauchlen has her dream job as the British Horse Society’s manager for Scotland. ‘It brings together my liking of people and stories with my lifelong commitment to helping horses,’ she admits. Helene’s enthusiasm and tenacity have certainly paid off: since she took up the BHS Scotland reins 19 years ago, its membership and influence…
Read MoreCatriona has neigh problems in getting horses healthy
Scottish equestrian physiotherapist Catriona Goulding talks about her life in the welfare of horses. I had a farm and horse upbringing and as a child I noticed that animals responded well to being massaged. My own horse loved being tickled, which made me wonder about being a physiotherapist for horses. As an animal physio I…
Read MoreA helping hand at animal rehab centre
Eileen Gillen has been based at Belware Farm, in Aboyne, home to World Horse Welfare (formerly the International League for the Protection of Horses) since 1990. Eileen, a former qualified instructor, arrived at the farm after applying for the role of manager. She laughs: ‘I thought I’d give it three years and I’m now nearly…
Read MoreMeet the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s mascot
The well-known saying ‘good things come in small packages’ has never been more true than when describing the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s pony mascot, Cruachan IV. At just 11hh, what the nine-year-old Shetland pony lacks in height, he more than makes up for in personality, regularly grabbing headlines for his cheeky behaviour. The tradition of…
Read MoreDonkey sanctuary provides a welcoming home
As an animal lover, Rosemary Dale set up a donkey sanctuary and now dedicates her life to ensuring her four-legged friends have happy homes. Over the last 15 years she has dedicated herself entirely to running the Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary. The sanctuary was founded in 2003 as a haven for unwanted and abandoned donkeys…
Read MoreShow jumper Alex Barr is back in the saddle
Not one to let a riding accident dampen his spirits, top show jumper Alex Barr is still intent on fulfilling his equestrian ambitions. Back in 2012, a nasty fall left Alex, one of the country’s top show jumpers, in bed with two fractured vertebrae and a lot to think about. He says: ‘I was riding…
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