Scotland gets ready for the coronation

COMMUNITIES throughout Scotland are preparing for King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday. Glasgow’s lord provost, Jacqueline McLaren, will this morning become the first person to sign the Dear Green Place’s “Book of Congratulations” to mark the coronation. She will sign the book in the foyer of the City Chambers, before it’s opened to the public…

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Book festivals unveil details

BOOK lovers have received details of three major events over the summer. The Borders Book Festival announced details of its programme today. Authors speaking at the festival – which runs on 15-18 June at Melrose’s Harmony Garden – include Sebastian Barry, Robert Harris, and Douglas Stuart. Celebrities appearing at the event include former Prime Minister…

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Stanley Tucci praises St Andrews film festival

ACTOR Stanley Tucci presented his directorial debut at the Sands international film festival in St Andrews. The American star showed Big Night, which he directed in 1996. “I’m excited that people still like the film, and it holds up – because films, sometimes, they don’t,” he said. “I’m excited to hear what their reactions are…

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Highland Book Prize shortleet unveiled

FOUR authors have made it onto the shortleet for the Highland Book Prize. A longlist of 12 was whittled down to Companion Piece by Ali Smith, Confessions of a Highland Art Dealer by Tony Davidson, Crann-Fìge by Duncan Gillies, and WAH! Things I Never Told My Mother by Cynthia Rogerson. The winner of the competition…

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Read the runner-up in the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition

Allan Gaw was the runner-up in the Glencairn Glass Short Story Competition with The Last Tram to Gorbals Cross. Once you’ve read his story then check-out the winning entry – The Dummy Railway by Francis Crawford in the May issue of Scottish Field magazine. GLASGOW, 1928: A bluebottle thuds against the pane. Reeling on the…

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Shortleet for 2023 Walter Scott Prize unveiled

SEVEN books have been named on the shortleet for this year’s Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. The titles competing for the £25,000 prize are: These Days by Lucy Caldwell (Faber) The Geometer Lobachevsky by Adrian Duncan (Tuskar Rock Press) Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris (Hutchinson Heinemann) The Chosen by Elizabeth Lowry (Riverrun) The…

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Author’s 5k project hits 10 year mark

AUTHOR Mike Dales’ challenge to walk, run, cycle, kayak, or ski five kilometres every day will reach its 10th anniversary tomorrow. The Bridge of Earn-based writer has published a book encouraging others to follow in his foosteps. “There are many people out there wanting to take more exercise, but every time they try to do…

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Edinburgh Playhouse

THE new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Edinburgh Playhouse this month. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka. The tour will come to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Wednesday…

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Mother’s Day: business as usual on farm

MUMS throughout Scotland might be putting their feet up on Mother’s Day – but not farmer Shona Duncan. Shona and her daughters – Rebecca, 24, and Sally, 22 – will be out on Sunday looking after their livestock and their glamping pods at Duncan Family Farms near Loch Lomond. “Mother’s Day is typically more chaotic…

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