A historical novel that’s so intense it feels real

Rosemary Goring’s powerful sequel to her critically acclaimed debut After Flodden is set in the tumultuous borderlands of Scotland and England. Dacre’s War is a story of personal and political vengeance at the heart of the power struggle. It has been a decade since the battle at Flodden and the unrest is rife in the…

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10 scary things that went bump in the night

The darker nights have arrived, and when we hear something go bump in the night, we can’t help but wonder what it was. Here we round up 10 of Scotland’s scariest ghost stories. 1. The ghost in the bath Blythswood Square in Glasgow was the place to live in the 1800s, but when Captain Smythe…

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A handy guide to Scotland’s monsters and creatures

From unicorns and dragons to the Ghillie Dhu and Morag of Morhobhar, The Book of Beasties: A Scottish Bestiary of Old is a beautifully illustrated gift book certain to inspire innocently belief-filled questions from children. Posing as the long-lost sketchbook of The Great Clan Chief seems inauthentic but despite this the book maintains a certain…

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Scots raising awareness of the world’s toughest cancer

A group of dedicated Scots are getting ready to mark World Pancreatic Cancer Day tomorrow (Thursday). This is a global movement driven by the need to raise awareness of the symptoms and risks of the world’s toughest cancer, and the urgency for earlier diagnosis to improve patient outcomes. In nearly every country, pancreatic cancer is…

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Beautiful sea views that it will be difficult to beat

A family home for all seasons with stunning sea views has hit the property market. The McLean family must have one of the best views in Scotland. Torridon, their lovingly-restored five-bedroomed villa, enjoys an uninterrupted panorama over Oban Bay to the Isle of Mull, with 13th century Duart Castle in sight. Mary explained: ‘It couldn’t…

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Enjoy a cloudy lemonade with a spirited difference

Many of us enjoy a chilled cloudy lemonade to help us relax. A Scottish distiller has now put a different slant to it, as a new crossbreed juniper-led gin, macerated in Sicilian lemon peel, has joined the LoneWolf pack. Craft beer expert BrewDog has cut its teeth with the BrewDog Distilling Co,. launching a series…

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Experience Commando Country in person

The chance to experience Commando Country and study the history and evolution of the Commando in Scotland is now on offer. Commando Country is an exclusive event that visits the key Commando Training Areas of WWII between the 7 and 10 of November 2019. It will be accommodated at Arisaig House, a four star country…

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New York Tartan Day to welcome parade members

Tartan Day has become one of the biggest celebrations in New York – and the 2020 celebration of all things Scottish is set to be just as big. April 6 has been officially – by Presidential Proclamation – designated as National Tartan Day in the United States. A day for recognising Scottish and Scottish-American contributions…

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10 fantastic places to visit on… Skye

The Isle of Skye has a romantic mysticism about it, being covered in fog, with stunning imagery. Skye has a history that it is rightly proud of, but it boasts a number of attractions – natural, historical and new – that make it worth a visit. Here’s our round-up. DUNTULM CASTLE Perched on a cliff…

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A 3000 mile trek to honour his Scots great-grandfather

Forget walking 500 miles, Duncan Mackintosh, great-grandson of one of Aboyne Highland Games’ founding fathers, will travel 3000 miles to make the journey from his homeland in America to north-east Scotland to attend the event. As part of the Aboyne Highland Games’ 150th anniversary celebrations two years ago, William Mackintosh was identified as one of…

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