Dogs will be everywhere at country fair

Dog owners and lovers will be spoiled for choice with an array of events to enjoy at Galloway Country Fair this summer. Whether visitors are looking to gain dog discipline tips from renowned trainer John Halstead, kit out their furry friend in stylish handmade collars or simply enjoy the array of canine entertainment – Drumlanrig…

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Sparkling wine special part three: Bobby’s bubbles

In the final article in his special sparkling wine trio, Peter Ranscombe follows in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson by tasting wines from Schramsberg in California. AUTHOR Robert Louis Stevenson is famous throughout the world for his novels, including classics such as Kidnapped and Treasure Island. Yet few of his readers know about the…

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A taste of Spain married up with delicious beers

An award-winning Glasgow restaurant is to host a Gastronmic Galician beer pairing night. The Spanish Butcher, Glasgow’s award-winning restaurant located in Merchant City, is set to host the event next Wednesday, 18 July. Curated by the Spanish Butcher’s head chef Dion Scott in partnership with Estrella Galicia, the evening, named Little Galicia, will celebrate the…

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Ramon Bilbao goes back to the future in Rioja

Peter Ranscombe straps himself into his DeLorean to watch Spain’s flagship wine region take a step back in time. WITH its massive turbine hall and colossal central chimney, there’s no forgetting that the Tate Modern art gallery was once the Bankside power station, burning through piles of coal to provide electricity for London’s homes and…

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See the very best of Scotland this summer from your tent

Summer has most definitely arrived in Scotland, and what better way is there to make the most of the sun by camping in the great outdoors? The warm, dry weather is the perfect opportunity to dust off the camping gear and set off on an adventure in Scotland. What better way is there to unwind…

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A tasty little bite of France that’s très bien

La Garrigue is a French restauraunt in Edinburgh that’s worth a visit. However, if you’re looking for classic Gallic gastronomy, then this charming restaurant behind Waverley Station may not be for you. This establishment was the lovechild of chef-patron Jean Michel Gauffre and remains unashamedly dedicated to the food of the Languedoc region. Try the stuffed…

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Countryside Alliance hits back at claims over lead

The Countryside Alliance has hit back at  claims which attacked the use of lead ammunition. The Lead Ammunition Group says that the numbers of common pochard, a duck species at risk of global extinction, have fallen substantially over the past 30 years, and this decline can be partly attributed to the fact that they eat…

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Hat’s off to Larry

Peter Ranscombe meets the man hailed as the godfather of New Zealand pinot noir, Larry McKenna. IT’S all change at Escarpment Wines in New Zealand – the company has been sold to Australian peer Torbreck, winemaker Huw Kinch is leaving to go and work at the Pyramid Valley winery and a district marketing body has…

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A beautiful Regency home with spacious grounds

An elegant Regency architectural gem set within glorious grounds is now on the property market. Knight Frank  present the Barwhinnock Estate, in Twynholm, an outstanding home with five reception areas, seven bedrooms, and five bathrooms (four ensuite). Barwhinnock is approached through a wide entrance flanked by handsome gate piers. The drive passes the Gate Lodge…

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