Posts Tagged ‘ayrshire’
Scottish castle visited by Robert Burns in line for £2 million restoration after being sold to new owner
A historic Scottish castle visited by Robert Burns could be in line for a major restoration after being sold to a new owner. Baltersan Castle is thought to have inspired architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was visited by poets Robert Burns and John Keats, and a restoration plan was even pitched to the multi-millionaire investors on…
Read MoreRobert Burns links to freemasonry explored in new project
The University of Glasgow’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies has appointed a dedicated scholar for a groundbreaking project examining the poet’s links to Freemasonry. The celebrated Scottish poet was not only a prolific writer but also a dedicated Freemason throughout his adult life, serving as Senior Warden of Lodge St Andrew, Dumfries, until his death…
Read MoreBaroque fiddle thought to have been played by Robert Burns to be played at special concerts
An 18th Century baroque fiddle thought to have been played by Robert Burns is to be used again for two special concerts. The Gregg fiddle was owned by the poet’s dance teacher 250 years ago and will be played at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and Carnegie Hall in New York next year. The ancient,…
Read MoreA wellness weekend in southwest Scotland
There’s something about being by water that makes my heart sing. As we rolled up to Trump Turnberry, which has enjoyed vast views of the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig for well over 100 years, I couldn’t help but breathe a little deeper. Fresh sea air blew strongly, sending a Saltire flag high above…
Read MoreOn the market: 17th century mansion owned by Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson
An 18-bedroom mansion said to be owned by Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson is on the market for £1.95million. A-listed Bargany House in Ayrshire is an impressive 17th-century country pile which was the first unfortified mansion house to be built in Scotland. It boasts a study, cinema, games room, billiard room and gymnasium and seven ensuite…
Read MoreStunning 16th century country house with indoor pool on market for less than £1m
A stunning 16th century country house is on the market for less than £1million – and comes with an indoor swimming pool. Dating from 1746, House of Craigie, is an impressive B-listed house in South Ayrshire, with views over to the islands of Arran, Ailsa Craig, Jura and as far as Ireland on a clear…
Read MoreKing confers Dunfermline’s city status
KING Charles III will visit Dunfermline today to confer city status on Scotland’s ancient capital. The ceremony will take place at Dunfermline City Chambers as part of the celebrations of the Queen’s platinum jubilee. The King and Queen Camilla will then visit the nearby Dunfermline Abbey, which is marking its 950th anniversary. Today’s visit to…
Read MoreBoo bags biggest fags haul in Scotland
SNIFFER dog Boo has set a record for the most illegal cigarettes seized by a trading standards team in Scotland. East Ayrshire Council teamed up with the police to raid three premises in Kilmarnock. Boo sniffed out 447,000 cigarettes, worth an estimated £134,000. Training for Boo, a three-year-old Labrador-German Wirehaired Pointer cross, was funded by…
Read MoreJuliet Robertson is top young soloist
PIANIST Juliet Robertson has won the inaugural “Scottish Young Musicians’ solo performer of the year” title. Juliet, 14, from Stirlingshire, won the competition in Glasgow yesterday by playing Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy. She received £1,000 to spend on furthering her musical career and the “Maid of Morven” trophy, which was made by the…
Read MoreDunfermline named as Scotland’s 8th city
DUNFERMLINE, once the capital of Scotland, is to become our nation’s eighth city. The Fife town was granted the honour this morning as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee. It will be presented with its letters patent to mark its new status later in the year. Jim Leishman, provost of Fife,…
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