An alternative look at Highland land reform

Prominent land reformer Jim Hunter has produced a compelling account of the modern-day Highlands. Here, there is a battle between environmentalists’ attempts to conserve the nature and landscapes, and the Highlanders themselves trying to preserve their way of life and their culture. This thought-provoking read considers both viewpoints: the Highlanders feel they have a better…

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An immersive history on the creation of Scotland

‘The story of a “crucible of nations” is not of any single people, much less a modern nation-state. It’s about shared heritage and interaction, without ignoring these different voices.’ On one of Edinburgh’s many, many dreich days, there is nowhere better to be than rambling through the extensive collections on display at the National Museum…

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Time running out to enter Cardrona Club competition

Today’s the final day to enter the Cardrona Distilleryinaugural cocktail competition – Cardrona Club – and a trip to New Zealand awaits for finalists. Bartenders are invited to create a signature cocktail with the Cardrona Distillery product of their choice, highlighting the unique nature of the spirit. Cardrona’s spirits include the Reid Single Malt Vodka,…

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Neu Treasures at the National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland and Neu! Reekie! have commissioned 12 artists to respond to 12 collection items which will be displayed in the new Treasures exhibition space which habe opened to the public. Treasures of the National Library of Scotland is a new permanent thematic display, featuring objects from the extensive collection at the…

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Myths and legends from Scotland put in focus

One of my favourite features of mythology and folk tales is the ability to pinpoint the land that they originate from by examining the geography, history and local customs to be found in each piece. Angus, an underrated region of Scotland in my very humble opinion, is put on display through tales of wolves and…

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A true celebration of Scottish mountaineering

Subtitled ‘A Celebration of Scottish Mountaineering’, The Great Mountain Crags of Scotland is a huge guide to the greatest crags in Scotland revolves around some stunning photography. This, along with the first-hand experiences of some of Scotland’s greatest mountaineers and detailed descriptions of the places and possible routes to take, make this excellent book a…

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Glamis Castle marks 650th anniversary with a gin

Glamis Castle has launched a limited-edition handcrafted small batch gin as part of its 650th anniversary celebrations. To celebrate the launch of the Glamis Castle 650th Anniversary Small Batch Gin, the Castle decided to honour The Queen Mother and her ancestral connection to Glamis Castle by creating a Gin Dubonnet cocktail using the 650th anniversary…

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An insight into changing Scotland in the 1700s

Scotland’s greatest historical controversialist brings us an engaging and very readable examination of the exemplary yet volatile political, economic and cultural landscape of 18th century Scotland. Among the many subjects the ever-provocative Michael Fry examines is the gradual, and often painful, evolution of a feudal land that shook up every facet of society, detailing how…

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Meet the Scots artist living with a brain tumour

Diagnosed with a brain tumour at 32, Scottish artist Gordon Shaw creates comic books to communicate his experience of cancer. His uplifting story is told in this new feature length documentary, which is being given its TV debut on the BBC Scotland channel after its premiere at the BFI Flare festival. Through his comic art,…

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Edinburgh’s festivals ready for anniverary year

Ahead of the opening of the first festival of their 75th anniversary year, the Edinburgh Festivals have issued a ‘declaration of intent’. 2022 is the 75th anniversary of Edinburgh’s birth as a world leading festival city. Formed in the shadow of a worldwide cataclysm, the first festivals sought to use culture as a healing balm…

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