International music comes with a big Finnish

The largest gathering of the international music community in Scotland is set to begin today (Thursday 30 January). Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections will run until Sunday 2 February and will welcome 200 music industry professionals from 23 nations for five days of world-class music and entertainment. The hundreds of delegates have access to an incredible…

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Dundee designer to fly Scottish flag on Netflix

A Dundee born contemporary womenswear designer Dr Hayley Scanlan is set to hit our screens in the much talked about Next in Fashion TV show. Dr Scanlan, who studied textiles at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, features in the show which debuts on Netflix tonight (Wednesday 29 January). Next in Fashion brings…

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These New World wines will rock with your new wave haggis dishes

Whether you’re serving your haggis with neeps and tatties or nachos and pizza, Peter Ranscombe has some ideas for vinous accompaniments. ARTICLE one of Scotland’s constitution clearly states that all haggis must be consumed alongside neeps and tatties, while sipping on a dram of Scotch and wearing a kilt or tartan skirt – right? Wrong!…

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Scots breakfast isn’t the healthiest in the world

Scots like their food, but our breakfast diet sadly isn’t in Europe’s top 10 most health. We’re more than half way through January and the Christmas leftovers are long-gone, those final calorific chocolates, cheese and mince-pies have been eaten or thrown away. It is well and truly time to improve our diet, and where better…

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Limited edition Black Bottle 10-year-old revealed

The makers of blended Scotch whisky Black Bottle have today announced a re-awakening of an old favourite in their new 10-year-old variant – the first release from the brand in over 20 years.   Matured in American Oak casks, this rich blend with a slightly smoky heart pays homage to its 1998 predecessor (and namesake), with blenders carefully choosing elements old and new to masterfully evolve the popular variant. Keeping with…

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Postcards from the edge – the life of George Robertson

An idyllic childhood on Islay gave George Robertson the best start in life – and keeps him coming back to his island refuge. Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen is one of the 16 Knights of the Thistle, Scotland’s oldest and highest order of chivalry whose members are personally chosen by the Queen. A…

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Six of the best budget beating festive bottles

Peter Ranscombe picks wines to toast Christmas and Hogmanay without breaking the bank. CHRISTMAS is expensive enough without feeling the pressure to spend a fortune on bottles that – let’s face it – may be quickly forgotten in amongst the feasting and family and friends. If you’re going to sit down and enjoy a bottle…

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Fizz Feast hits new heights

Missed this month’s Fizz Feast in Edinburgh? Peter Ranscombe selects six sensational sparklers from the festival. ONE of the most exciting aspects of Fizz Feast, the celebration of sparkling wine and artisan food, is the sheer variety of bubbles on show. Organiser Diana Thompson, who has been running the fair for the past four years,…

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Scotland’s in demand with Christmas visitors

Scotland is one of the European countries most people want to visit for Christmas. insurance4carhire, analysed Google search data to reveal that Tallinn, Estonia is Europe’s most sought-after Christmas city, followed by Vienna, Strasbourg and Krakow – suggesting they’re popular choices for a festive trip. The car hire excess insurance provider combined a list of…

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New Scots cola with a hint of heather is launched

A new Scottish cola drink has been launched in time for St Andrew’s Day and the festive season. Glaswegians Chris Ewing and Niall Holmes of the Caledonian Cola Company are launching a new premium craft drink, Alba Cola, designed for people looking for a new cola drinking experience and a contemporary change from the big…

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