The story of the bridge between Scotland and England

A special online talk is being held next week to discuss the Welsh connection between the bridge linking Scotland and England. Engineering expert Stephen K. Jones will give an online talk about the Union Chain Bridge on Tuesday 23 February, focussing on its iron work and the innovative foundries in Wales that supplied it. This…

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Famous clock restored by Johnnie Walker

One of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks was restored in time for Valentine’s Day by Johnnie Walker. The beautiful cantilever clock is located on the corner of Princes Street and Hope Street at the heart of the city, making it the ideal rendezvous point for couples meeting before an evening out. It is known locally as the…

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Footpath funding to increase access

SOME of Scotland’s best-loved paths are being revamped with fresh funding to remove barriers and improve access for all. NatureScot, the Scottish Goverment agency known previously as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), is funding almost £111,000 of improvements to the path network. The cash covers many of Scotland’s long-distance walks, such as the West Highland Way.…

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Historic farm gets new lease of life

A TECHNOLOGY entrepreneur has unveiled plans to turn a historic farm in East Lothian into a museum. George Mackintosh bought Papple Steading in 2017 before adding the farmhouse and adjoining Papple and Papana Woods. Papple Steading was part of the Whittingehame Estate – owned by Arthur Balfour, who served as prime minister between 1902 and…

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Theatre company creates ‘Clanagrams’

THE Walking Theatre Company (TWTC), a social enterprise based in Argyll, is spreading cheer around the globe with innovative video messages from Scotland’s past. Sadie Dixon-Spain, TWTC’s creative director, has invented the “Clanagram“, a personalised video greeting. TWTC’s team of professional actors brings to life a selection of Scotland’s great names – recipients can become…

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Visitors flock to nature reserves and urban green spaces

MORE than one million visitors have flocked to Scotland’s national nature reserves this year, while use of urban green spaces is also up, according to NatureScot. The agency, formerly Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), said around 650,000 people normally visit the country’s 43 national nature reserves each year. That figure swelled during the intitial spring lockdown,…

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Pyramid relic unearthed in Aberdeen

ONE of only three artefacts ever removed from the Great Pyramid of Giza has been unearthed in a cigar box at the University of Aberdeen. Curatorial assistant Abeer Eladany, who is from Egypt, discovered the 5,000-year-old piece of cedar while reviewing items in the university’s Asia collection. “Once I looked into the numbers in our…

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Scots among Stonehenge ‘heritage heroes’

TELEVISION presenter Sir Tony Robinson will today unveil a display at Stonehenge to celebrate eight “unsung champions of heritage”. Two Scots are among the heritage workers and volunteers from throughout the UK whose contributions are being celebrated. Luke Strachan is chief executive of Wild Things, an environmental charity based at Findhorn in Moray, while Jade…

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Peebles Hydro Hotel welcomes Pure Spa

SPA operator Pure has taken over the facilities at Peebles Hydro Hotel. An extra treatment room is being added and the beds and equipment in the spa are being upgraded. The hotel, which is accepting spa booking from 1 December, also has a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Stephen Leckie, chairman and chief…

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Biggest beaver survey begins next week

SCOTLAND’S largest survey of beavers will begin next week. NatureScot, the government agency previously known as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), will work with the University of Essex to conduct surveys in Tayside, the Forth valley and Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park during the autumn and winter. Roo Campbell, NatureScot project lead, said: “From sightings…

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