News
Stone of Destiny: Fragment kept by SNP ‘genuine beyond reasonable doubt’
A fragment of rock which was kept at SNP headquarters for years and was described as a missing part of the Stone of Destiny is genuine, experts have concluded. The chip had been held in storage by the SNP after being gifted to former First Minister Alex Salmond in 2008 by the son of one…
Read MoreIn a nutshell, Chef Gary Townsend: ‘I’d be a Scientist if I wasn’t a chef. I am fascinated with how things work’
Gary Townsend has had an illustrious career spanning 20 years working in some of the UK’s top kitchens. Townsend recently announced that he will be opening his own fine dining restaurant, Elements in Bearsden, Glasgow. What’s the closest thing you have to a signature dish: I love Scottish seafood and langoustines always feature on…
Read MoreFollow in the footsteps of Inspector Rebus: Filming locations around Edinburgh used in new BBC show
Inspector Rebus returns to our screens this month. And with much of the filming having taken place in Edinburgh, we take a look at some of the locations used in the show around the city. VisitScotland guide to follow in the detective’s footsteps. Grassmarket and Victoria Street The historic Grassmarket area of Edinburgh makes for the perfect filming…
Read MoreReview: The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh
I’ve always struggled to correctly identify the streets that flow North from Princes Street over George Street in the capital, so I’m marching in what I hope is the right direction to locate the newly opened The Spanish Butcher. I’m reassured when I see the horizontal yellow and red stripes of the Spanish flag wafting…
Read MoreScottish coastal estate with incredible views to Orkney Isles and its own private island on sale
A Scottish coastal estate with incredible views to the Orkney Isles and its own private island has gone on the market for £1.5milion. Rispond Lodge Estate in Sutherland comes with a B-listed principal house, holiday cottages, sheltered harbour, moorland, and beaches. Set on the shores of Loch Eriboll, the historic estate has beautiful views to…
Read MoreStrathallan shooting academy’s Molly Hall hopes to be top shot: ‘The Olympics is every athletes dream’
When Molly Hall is not studying for her A Level exams she is at the shooting range practising her clay pigeon shooting. It’s a male dominated sport, says 18-year-old Molly, but she is helping to break the mould, honing her gun skills at Strathallan School’s Shooting Academy, the only facility of its kind in Scotland.…
Read MoreHistoric 19th century castle overlooking the River Tweed hits the market
A historic 19th century castle overlooking the River Tweed has gone on sale for £1.1 million. Castle Hills House, in Berwick Upon Tweed, has an interesting history. It was originally a single tower which was extended in the 1820’s as a Dower House for the Askew family, who owned the nearby Pallinsburn Estate. In 1945,…
Read MoreIn a nutshell, Chef Coalin Finn: ‘Family dinner was always at the table, where we laughed and shared stories’
Coalin Finn is the Executive Chef at Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews. At the Old Course, Coalin is committed to celebrating local Scottish cuisine. Describe your style of cuisine in ten words: Delicious, intentional, understandable, seasonal, approachable, beautiful , luxurious, classic based with modern techniques. Best and/or most memorable meal…
Read MoreReview: Cherry Blossom Tuesday at Tattu Edinburgh
I’m not sure what alchemy was involved in the scheduling of Tattu restaurant’s Cherry Blossom dinner for the first warm day of the year in Edinburgh, but I’m certainly not going to question it. This was my first visit to the modern Chinese restaurant tucked away on West Register Street, and sitting below the thousands…
Read MoreIn a nutshell, Chef Tom Tsappis: ‘I’d love to cook for Tom Cruise’
Chef Tom Tsappis and his wife Matilda moved from London to Killiecrankie in 2021 to realise their dream of opening their own restaurant. Killiecrankie House in Pitlochry was named restaurant of the year at the Scottish Excellence Awards 2024. What’s the closest thing you have to a signature dish: Dripping Fried Porridge. A piece…
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