South Africa’s old vines: in the ground and in the glass

Protecting old vines in South Africa not only reaps benefits during water shortages but also pays dividends for drinkers, as Peter Ranscombe reports. AS SOON as you land at Cape Town airport, it’s impossible not to be struck by how much the recent water shortages have hit the city, with posters inside the terminal warning…

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Book festival hears that death should be celebrated

Scots should be celebrating death and those who give their bodies to medical science, according to a leading crime writer. Professor Dame Sue Black was speaking this weekend at a packed event at the Wigtown Book Festival the forensic anthropologist discussed a range of subjects – from her Scottish upbringing through to the gratitude we…

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Tartan created to mark the Iolaire tragedy centenary

A special tartan to mark the centenary of one of the worst UK maritime disasters has been revealed. Harris Tweed Hebrides, based in Shawbost, is commemorating the centenary of the loss of the Iolaire with the production of a special tweed in partnership with the Iolaire Working Group. The Iolaire was carrying sailors who had…

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Scottish fashion fundraiser needs a final push

A Scottish clothing brand is closing in on its target to bring some fashion style to the nation’s streets. Sarah Clyde is the founder of le tee Paris, and has launched a Kickstarter campaign to create her new range of ponchos, to be made in the Hawick, and needs £8000. At present, £5500 has been…

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Second Stranraer Oyster Festival a phenomenal success

The second Stranraer Oyster Festival has been hailed a ‘phenomenal success’ by organisers after visitors flocked to the town. Half a tonne of oysters were consumed over the weekend, ticketed events were sold out across the festival programme, thousands of seafood street-food meals were served and traders reported widespread sell outs and record trading days.…

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It’s not a tall tale – storytelling centre is on the way

A first glimpse inside the newly restored Moat Brae House, where Peter Pan began, has revealed the extent of the work undertaken to save a Scottish architectural gem. The B listed Georgian house, dating from 1823, was designed by Walter Newall and was regarded as being such a fine building it was often referred to…

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Hebridean meeting to boost world’s rural enterprises

Delegates from all over the world are gathering in the Outer Hebrides this week. Around 50 people are attending the Social Enterprise Rural Symposium 2018. The event is part of the Social Enterprise World Forum 2018, which was held in Edinburgh last week, and will take place at An Lanntair today (Monday) and Talla na…

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A not so Glorious 12th as shoots are cancelled

Hoteliers in Scotland have reported a downturn in business due to the widespread cancellations of shoot programmes. Approximately 70% of grouse shooting days have been cancelled this season because of the extreme weather conditions across most of Scotland earlier this year. Hotels, pubs and other businesses in rural areas are reliant on the trade generated…

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Each dram has a drop from the South Pole

A dram with a difference has been launched, containing malt whisky which has been to the South Pole. Each bottle of the Ardgowan Distillery’s Ardgowan Expedition, a 20-year-old premium blended malt Scotch whisky, contains whisky which has travelled to the South Pole and back, carried by explorer Robert Swan OBE and his son Barney on…

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Scottish fashion brand launches fundraiser

A Scottish clothing brand is appealing for help to raise £8000 to help bring some series fashion style to Scotland. Edinburgh-based Sarah Clyde is the founder of le tee Paris, and has launched a Kickstarter campaign to create her new range of ponchos, to be made in the Hawick. le tee Paris  was launched in…

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