Posts by Kenny Smith
Every small market town needs a no-nonsense eaterie
I’ve always had something of a soft spot for Biggar, a town I used to drive through a couple of times most weeks en route from Thornhill to Edinburgh. It was the sort of place where you could always get a decent bacon sandwich, a pie at Gibson’s the bakers, something vaguely healthy at the…
Read MoreGet ready for a fantastic weekend of creativity
Painters, jewellery makers, potters and woodworkers across Dumfries and Galloway are preparing to throw open their doors to the public. Spring Fling, Scotland’s premier open studios visual art and craft weekend takes place from this Saturday, 26 May to Monday 28 May, with 86 specially selected artists and makers taking part. It’s a chance to…
Read MoreThe best wit in Scotland compiled in a new book
Scotland is known for its unique sense of humour and wit. So this coming Father’s Day, why not treat you dad to a hilarious collection of Scotland’s finest banter all for a worthy cause? Author Aubrey Malone has released a book compiled of Scottish hilarity entitled Scottish Wit which is available ahead of father’s day…
Read MoreHotel rises from the ashes after £1.4million refurb
Last August, Edinburgh boutique hotel Nira Caledonia suffered major damage when a fire broke out as workmen carried out roof repairs. In the nine months since then, a massive refurbishment – costing £1.4 million – involving expert restoration has taken place. Located in the exclusive Stockbridge area of the capital, the hotel promises to offer…
Read MoreFife golf clubs celebrate their very proud history
A group of historic golf clubs will celebrate a number of important milestones this summer. During a spectacular summer of golf, which coincides with The Open and the Seniors Open returning to Scotland, links courses in Fife with history have a run of notable anniversaries as well as confirming encouraging year-on-year booking figures. The group…
Read MoreA weekend of celebrations on Loch Lomond
The UK’s last paddle steamship is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its maiden voyage this weekend. Loch Lomond’s historic Maid of the Loch left its Balloch base at 11.25am on 25 May 1953, a week before the coronation of the Queen. This journey took its 1000 passengers to Balmaha, Rowardennan, Tarbet, Inversnaid and Ardlui. For…
Read MoreMichelin star restaurant is chasing a top prize
Edinburgh’s only Michelin star restaurant with rooms has been nominated for a top prize in Food and Travel Magazine 2018 Reader Awards. 21212, on Royal Terrace, has been chosen out of thousands from a public nomination process to progress to the shortlist in the Hotel of the Year: Gourmet Bolthole category. The nomination comes the…
Read MoreBeware of fire risks if you’re in the great outdoors
Scottish Natural Heritage is warning visitors to the countryside who are having a barbecue to be careful of the risk of fire. People should be particularly careful with campfires, cigarette disposal, and throw-away barbecues, says SNH. There is currently a fire danger warning in place in the north east, south east and central Scotland, with…
Read MoreBeautiful views over Loch Tay from Perthshire home
A generously proportioned, detached cottage in an enchanting position with views over Loch Tay is now on the market. Presented for sale by Rettie & Co, Law Na Croy, in Lawers, Aberfeldy, sits in an elevated position in a charming rural location, accessed via a private drive. The clients live a short distance away and…
Read MoreBook review: The Way of Whisky by Dave Broom
What’s the story? An art long ago imported from Scotland, Japanese whisky is nonetheless the expression of a particular culture and a profoundly different approach to life and creation. In The Way of Whisky, Dave Broom leads us through the past, present and future of whisky in the land of the rising sun. The book…
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