Shortlist for Scotland’s National Book Awards announced

The shortlist for Scotland’s National Book Awards has been announced, featuring books on climate change, the importance of male friendships and King James VI. The Saltire Society awards recognise work across six literary categories, from fiction to research, history and poetry. The winners each receive a cash prize of £2,000 and go on to be considered…

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The path less trodden: An unforgettable stay at Farlam Hall

Ellie Forbes crosses the border for a staycation to remember at Farlam Hall.  If you are travelling down the M6 for a staycation it could be assumed you’re headed for the Lake District or Northumberland. But I recently stopped just short of these ever popular tourist traps, in an overlooked part of Cumbria, nestled just…

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Da Vinci of Denfield Avenue: How artist William McLaren used a council flat wall to brush up on his skills

An incredible Renaissance style mural by artist William McLaren was discovered in an unassuming council flat in Fife. McLaren was an illustrator, painter and artist who worked for magazines such as Radio Times and The Listener, and The Sphere, a weekly newspaper.  His commissions also included murals for the magnificent Hopetoun House in West Lothian.…

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William Shakespeare’s first folio to go on display

A 400-year-old collection of some of William Shakespeare’s first works including Macbeth is to go on display. The National Library in Edinburgh will display the works as part of the Treasures of the National Library of Scotland exhibition at George IV Bridge. Originally published seven years after Shakespeare’s death in 1616, the folio includes 36 plays –…

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Finalists for the McIlvanney Prize revealed

Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival has revealed the finalists for the McIlvanney Prize 2023. Judges for the McIlvanney Prize 2023 – BBC Scotland presenter, Bryan Burnett, former editor of The Sunday Times Scotland, Jason Allardyce and Category Manager for Waterstones, Angie Crawford – are unanimous in their praise for all four books: Callum McSorley…

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