Whisky news round-up: Deacon Blue, festivals, and more

Peter Ranscombe sticks his tongue in his cheek to round-up the latest news from the world of whisky. THE National Whisky Festival of Scotland returns to Edinburgh tomorrow. The festival is back at Summerhall, the arts centre in the former Royal Dick Vet School near the Meadows. Gareth Croll, the festival’s co-ordinator, said: “It’s such…

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Tayport Distillery

TAYPORT Distillery is a family business, born out of love for fine food and drink and a mission to use the best locally sourced ingredients for great tasting spirits. Kecia McDougall was inspired on a holiday to France, where she watched farmers use fruit at the end of growing season to produce eau de vie.…

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Firefighting with Scotland’s first female gamekeeping lecturer

Sophie Clark, Scotland’s first female gamekeeping lecturer, shares the story of why she’s also a retained firefighter. I GREW up in the small harbour village of Kinlochbervie in the north west of Sutherland. It was and still is an idyllic place to live and the community is very close-knit. I’ve always known I wouldn’t want…

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All I want for Christmas…

I think I’m quite easy to buy for, but I’m sure my family would tell you otherwise, writes Morag Bootland. I’m massively into outdoor adventures, but I also like nothing better than a coorie night in by the fire with my family and dog. For those that know me, they’d tell you that I’m not…

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Glasgow artist Alberta Whittle closes Venice Biennale show

THE show by Glasgow artist Alberta Whittle at the Venice Biennale has drawn to a close after attracting an “unprecedented” 35,000 visitors. Whittle is due to unveil a major exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland on 1 April. Her Venice film, Lagareh – The Last Born, is preparing to tour Scotland, with screenings in…

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Tilda Swinton gets film archive award

NAIRN’S favourite actress, Tilda Swinton, has received the International Federation of Film Archives’ (FIAF’s) annual award. The actress – famous for starring in films including Michael Clayton, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Marvel’s Doctor Strange – was presented with the prize last night at the National Library of…

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The Commitments bring soul to the Edinburgh Playhouse

Morag Bootland just can’t get enough of that sweet soul music. WELL, if Dublin has soul then there’s no doubt that Edinburgh does too. The Commitments rolled into the Edinburgh Playhouse last night and I was literally blown away by the energy that this show exudes. The soundtrack was always going to be a winner.…

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Scottish Opera names 60th emerging artist

SCOTTISH Opera is marking its 60th anniversary by appointing its 60th emerging artist. The opera company’s emerging artists perform on stage, as well as working in-house with staff and visiting coaches to develop their skills. The programme began in 2009 and has since expanded to include behind-the-scenes roles in addition to opera singers. This year’s…

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REVIEW: “The Book of Mormon”, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Kenny Smith enjoys The Book of Mormon at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. THE Book of Mormon is one of those shows you’ll see advertised on the Tube in London, and hear people rave about. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind adult cartoon smash South Park, and Frozen composer Robert Lopez, this…

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Bugsy Malone the musical opens in Edinburgh

ACCLAIMED production Bugsy Malone, based on the iconic 1976 prohibition era film, opened at The Edinburgh Playhouse last night. After a successful run of shows at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal, audiences in the Scottish capital are now being given the chance to see the world-famous musical and its cast of young performers on stage. This is…

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