New plan to boost glamping in Loch Lomond national park

A major drive is underway in Scotland’s first National Park to capitalise on the growth in the popularity of glamping. The prolonged spell of good summer weather has contributed to a bumper tourist season in and around the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, but it has highlighted a shortage of certain types of…

Read More

Scottish clans sharing heritage with young people

Scottish clans are encouraging youngsters to participate, engage and learn about Scottish history and heritage, as well as local traditions and culture. The Clans, the name being derived from the Gaelic word ‘clann’ and meaning children, are joining the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 with an exciting programme of activities at their…

Read More

TV chef is Toast in brand new Fringe production

One of Edinburgh’s top chefs is taking his culinary creations to the stage after being chosen to take a starring role in Nigel’s Slater’s Toast at the Traverse Theatre. Owner of Cater Edinburgh, Barry Bryson, 42, will be making his Fringe debut as part of the play which takes its name from the award-winning autobiography…

Read More

The secrets of global crime with McMafia writer

The writer of hit BBC series McMafia is coming to Edinburgh to lift the lid on global organised crime and its corrupt political networks. Based on his best-selling book, McMafia, and the BBC TV drama it inspired, author and award-winning journalist Misha Glenny takes his audience on a tour through the dark depths of world…

Read More

Book review – 25 Years of the Ayrshire Road Run

What’s the story? Back in 1993, the Ayrshire Road Run was created as an adjunct to the established annual vintage rally organised by the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club (AVT&MC). The idea was to promote the rally by running entered commercial vehicles around the major towns in Ayrshire. Over the following years the Road…

Read More

Book review – Scotland’s Independent Coach Operators

What’s the story? As with everything, the coach industry has changed beyond all recognition over the last few decades. In this beautifully illustrated book, packed full of photos from the past few decades, author David Devoy has created an interesting history of the independent coach operating business in Scotland. It may sound like a dry…

Read More

Inspiration to Peter Pan author is for sale

A Scottish countryside home which inspired Peter Pan author J M Barrie to pen some of his best works has landed on the market. Presented for sale by Bell Ingram , The Manse is situated on the edge of Glenprosen village near Kirriemuir, Angus, where the author was born and spent his early life. Occupying…

Read More

Book review – The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram

David M Guss has written the barely believable story of Alastair Cram, a Scottish prisoner of war who attempted a record 21 prison escapes during the Second World War. And it is as gripping as it is inspiring. Described by his widow Isobel as a private and reserved man, Cram wrote about his experiences in…

Read More

A rare opportunity to own a castle steeped in history

An exceptional B-listed castle overlooking the white sands of Mull’s Calgary Bay has come to the market. Calgary Castle, which gave its name to the Canadian city of the same name, is for sale through Strutt & Parker. Dating to the mid-1700s and extended in the early 19th century by Alan MacAskill – a merchant…

Read More

Three authors in the running for the Kelpies Prize

A haunted lighthouse, a lost wizard and Bonnie Prince Charlie all feature in this year’s prize for new Scottish fiction for children. They are all in contention after the Kelpies Prize 2018 Shortlist was revealed. Independent Edinburgh publisher Floris Books recently announced the shortlist. The Kelpies Prize, which is now being awarded for the 13th time,…

Read More