In Search of Sir Walter Scott in new TV documentary

To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Sir Walter Scott, author Damian Barr goes in search of the legacy and lasting influence of one of Scotland’s great historical figures, novelists and poets. His travels for a new BBC Scotland show range from the huge Scott monument on Prince’s Street Edinburgh, to Smailholm Tower…

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Rosé for the bank holiday

Rosé wine will brighten up your bank holiday, even if the weather doesn’t play ball, writes Peter Ranscombe. AFTER this week’s thunder storms brought an end to July’s glorious heatwave, who knows what the weather will do over the bank holiday weekend? Come rain or shine, rosé will still be the order of the day…

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Questions for humanity’s future through verse

Born in Ireland in 1970 and currently teaching at Aberdeen University, David Wheatley is a well-known Irish poet. His work has appeared in multiple anthologies including The Penguin Book of Irish Poetry. With many prizes and awards under his name, The President of Planet Earth is no exception to his successful streak. Wheatley brings us…

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A thriller taking a look at the Scottish oil industry

If you are interested in the pursuit of equality in the workplace but also have a mind for dark thrillers, political corruption, and corporate cover ups, this is the golden nugget. Black Blood follows the story of Danni, a corporate lawyer completing her traineeship before circumstances circling around an abusive partner force her out of…

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Social Bite hits the road with launch of new foodie pop-up

Social Bite Food, part of the Social Bite charity, has launched a new foodie pop-up just in time for a summer of outdoor events and festivals. The repurposed horse box has been given a makeover by Social Bite Food to become a coffee cart, taken out on the road across Scotland, delivering good food for…

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A short story collection from beautiful Speyside

Set in beautiful Speyside, Speyside Memories contains a collection of short stories based on the author’s experiences of living in the area. The eleven stories begin with Matheson reminiscing over his childhood living on a small farm during wartime. The retired surgeon, who worked as a consultative surgeon in Aberdeen, then delves into his love…

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The noble Scottish family who had it all – and lost it

The debut book by television producer Simon Welfare depicts the fascinating lives of John and Ishbel Gordon, the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen. The couple aimed to change the world with their passion for philanthropic endeavours and social reform. However, they ended up losing their fortune after years of generosity. As the couple were the…

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Go underground to taste the history of Scotch whisky

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland and whisky brand The Glenlivet – two organisations with a long history – have joined forces for a special online event on 1 July. Inspired by the stories of illicit whisky production in Scotland’s past, the first ever meeting of the Underground Whisky Club will give connoisseurs a…

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Bloody Scotland reveals shortlist for debut novel award

The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival has revealed that three of the books on this year’s McIlvanney Prize longlist have made the shortlist for this year’s Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. The 2021 shortlist is: The Silent Daughter by Emma Christie (Wellbeck) – from Aberdeen / Portobello No Harm Done by…

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Obituary: Alasdair Houston MBE

It is bad luck to have both your family businesses virtually destroyed by two separate pandemics; but it is a major feat of resilience to come back stronger, while keeping your sense of humour firmly intact throughout. Alasdair Houston, from Gretna Green, lived his life with a determined, honest, and competitive energy that built two…

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