Scotland
Susan Calman show searches for Scots’ happiness
Susan Calman is on a quest to investigate the weird and wonderful ways we are discovering unexpected hits of happiness in these uncertain times, in a brand new four part series for BBC Scotland. Each week Susan Calman’s Happy Space will seek out and celebrate the many ways, however odd, we are all seeking out…
Read MoreScotland’s wildlife celebrated in a family book
100 Great Wildlife Experiences: What To See And Where is a family-friendly book, and author James D. Fair delivers exactly what he promises. Counting down 100 of the UK’s majestic fauna and flora, he takes his readers on a nationwide wildlife tour, recommending the best places to spot lapwings, willow warblers, pine martens and more…
Read MoreClan Macpherson bids a sad farewell to Sir William, 94
Tributes have been paid to Sir William Alan Macpherson of Cluny, the head of Clan Macpherson, who died on Sunday. Sir William, who was 94, was the 27th hereditary chief of the Clan Macpherson of Cluny (Cluny-Macpherson), and marked 50 years as Chief on June 18 2019. He was a Judge of the High Court…
Read MoreEden Mill turn back the clock for Distiller’s Choice
A leading Scottish gin distiller has returned to its roots for its newest release. Oak Old Tom Gin is the first limited edition release from Eden Mill’s exclusive new ultra-premium gin collection, Distiller’s Choice. Personally curated and hand-crafted by Eden Mill’s expert senior distilling team, Distiller’s Choice is a collection of contemporary gin expressions which…
Read MoreCelebrating 90 years of Scottish hostelling
Hostelling Scotland celebrated its 90th birthday on Scotland. Previously known as the Scottish Youth Hostels Association, to mark this major milestone the self-funded charity is introducing all babies born in the month of February 2021 to the world of hostelling by offering them a free lifetime membership (worth £150). Since 1931, the organisation’s mission has…
Read MoreA thrilling crime novel packed with suspense
Set in the familiar backdrop of bonnie Scotland, Douglas-Home has ingeniously tapped into the country’s intrinsic qualities to create a crime novel full of suspense. The journalist turned author juxtaposes the hustle of Edinburgh city centre with the eerily quiet hills of the Highlands, cleverly setting the perfect scene for crimes to be committed, and…
Read MoreCovid costs Scotch whisky exports £1.1 billion in lost sales
Global exports of Scotch whisky fell by more than £1.1bn during 2020, according to figures released today by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The export figures are the lowest they have been in a decade, as the combined impact of Covid-19 and the 25% tariff in the United States hit distillers hard. In 2020, the…
Read MoreSurviving in a storm on a Scottish island
Could a posse of shooting writers survive being unexpectedly stranded on remote Taransay during a hurricane with no food or shelter for three days? I unwittingly took part in a hunting trip with a surprising twist. Not to overstate matters, but it changed my life. I had signed up to go red stag stalking on…
Read MoreThe perfect guide to discovering drams
For amateurs like me who are desperate to learn more about the water of life, this is a must-read. Ludlow’s whisky knowledge is clearly extensive, but by peppering his book with humour, helpful infographics and jargon-busting explanations, even I could follow the 20 at-home tastings, feeling I’d picked up a tip or two. The addition…
Read MoreIslay distillery releases old and rare expression
Ardbeg has released the oldest and most prestigious expression yet to join its permanent range of whiskies. Ardbeg 25 Years Old is a single malt which the distillery say offers whisky lovers the opportunity to experience Ardbeg at its most intricate, balanced and beguiling. The spirit was distilled during the 1990s, at a time when…
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