Step back in time to find out if your ancestors were criminals

The annual Scottish Association of Family History Societies Conference and Family History Fair is taking place in Fife this year. Each year, the Scottish Association of Family History Societies invites one of their member societies to host their annual conference, so this year, the Fife Family History Society will be running it. This year’s event…

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International ticket rush for Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Dram lovers from all over the world will be descending on Scotland this May, as the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival celebrates soaring sales. A total of 116 events sold out in first 24 hours with ticket sale value increasing by over £30,000. Almost 5000 tickets valued at £154,000 were bought within 24 hours of…

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Book review – The Tweed Dales: Journeys and Excavations

What’s the story? In an interesting hybrid of historical writing, folklore and travel writing, Elspeth Turner and Donald Smith attempt to take their reader on both a literary and physical journey through the Scottish Borders. The atmosphere of each of the six journeys they discuss is evoked through stories, myths and true past events all…

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Popular Scottish tourist attraction closing for £5.2million refit

A popular Scottish castle is closing to the public this weekend, to enable a multi-million pound restoration and modernisation project to get underway. Kilmarnock’s Dean Castle will shut on January 28. East Ayrshire Council, supported by East Ayrshire Leisure, received £1.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the cost of the works, which are expected…

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Edwardian class in a stunning home with impressive views

A fine, late-Edwardian house with elegant period features and ties to local heritage is now available. Dechmont House, in Deans, Livingston, presides over approximately one acre of established garden grounds, and offers flexible and well-proportioned accommodation with splendid, southerly views to the Pentland Hills. Brought to the market by Rettie, Dechmont House is a handsome…

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Renowned painter presents a special Christmas gift to his home town

A Scottish town hall has been given a cracker of a Christmas present courtesy of one of its most talented sons. Renowned artist and Kirkintilloch native Dick Stevenson has kindly donated a stunning painting of Kirkintilloch Town Hall circa 1960. The painting features people of all ages streaming into the iconic building, warm light spilling out…

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