Listed status for the Scottish castle that inspired Dracula

The Scottish castle thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula has been awarded listed status by Historic Environment Scotland. The listing recognises the special architectural and historic interest of New Slains Castle, from its origins in the 16th century to its significant remodelling in the 19th century. Its spectacular clifftop setting and fascinating historical connections, also contributed to the decision…

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Book review: The Aberdeen Line by Peter H. King

What’s The Story? Captain Peter H. King — with more than 60 years experience in the merchant shipping industry explores the history of one of the world’s long forgotten shipping lines. Founded in 1825 by the 21-year-old George Thompson Jnr, the Aberdeen Shipping Company developed over 100 years to become one of the most highly…

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Learn from the people who style the world’s A-listers

The creatives who style A-list celebrities are set to descend on Scotland’s capital next month. The style seekers of Edinburgh are set to enjoy an A-list experience unlike any other, as part of the 2018 Life & Style weekender. VIP beauty and fashion experts with clients including Victoria Beckham, Madonna and Meghan Markle descend on…

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Learn about Muriel Spark from one of her closest friends

The centenary of Dame Muriel Spark later this month with a special talk given by the world-famous Scottish author’s close friend and journalist, Alan Taylor. Hosted by Aberdeen City Libraries, the event, entitled A Friendship with Muriel Spark, charts Alan’s friendship with Dame Muriel from the time he first interviewed her at home in Tuscany…

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Five top tips to get your garden styled up for spring

The recent cold snap may have us all feeling as though the depths of winter are here to stay. But the start of the warmer season is just around the corner – hopefully – as spring has officially arrived. With the launch of its brand-new season collection, Dobbies is celebrating the official start to spring…

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Sherlock Holmes tartan launch is a huge success

Fashion was an elementary part of the official launch of the Sherlock Holmes tartan. Scottish Field revealed last week that the Great Detective had become the first literary character to have his own tartan approved by the Scottish Register of Tartans. Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was born in Edinburgh and…

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Honest Alastair returns a ‘lost’ library book to Stornoway

Most of us have encountered a fine when borrowing books from our local libraries and returning them late. But the honesty of Alastair McIntosh has to be commended. When the Alastair ordered a second hand book on eBay recently, he was thrilled to get a first edition with the dust cover still intact. However, he…

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A study in tartan as Sherlock Holmes is in fashion

Sherlock Holmes has become the first literary character to have his own tartan approved by the Scottish Register of Tartans. The Great Detective was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was born in Edinburgh and gained his medical degree from Edinburgh University. And it is a Conan Doyle descendant who has highlighted these Scottish…

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Musical compositions in one new volume

A major collection of James Scott Skinner’s musical compositions has been compiled by fiddler Alastair Hardie. The author of The Caledonian Companion has collected 33 famous tunes for violin, arranged in sets, composed or played by The Strathspey King, James Scott Skinner (1843-1927) as he performed in Scotland, England and America and also found in…

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Scottish castle named takes top UK venue prize

A Scottish castle has been crowned the winner of the the Best Wedding Venue at the prestigious UK Heritage Awards 2018. Myres Castle, in Fife, received the honour at an exclusive ceremony celebrating the best heritage experiences and places to stay in the UK, hosted at Goldsmith’s Hall in London. Myres Castle is a family…

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