Grandfather’s notes make for a fascinating history

Historical discoveries are amazing things, especially if there’s a family connection. While canvassing for the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, MSP Neil Findlay made a discovery. Visiting the home that used to be his grandparents’, he was shown a plywood panel where John Jock Findlay, his grandfather, had written his life’s tale. Fascinated, Neil transcribed…

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New Scotch whisky brand unveiled by Loch Lomond Group 

The Loch Lomond Group has revealed a new single grain Scotch whisky: Spearhead.  The new expression showcases pioneering craftsmanship and whisky-making techniques which create a lighter spirit, aiming to encourage more drinkers to enter the world of whisky. The whisky is bold and has a sweeter style, similar to a bourbon, and is crafted at…

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On the buses for a fascinating time in transport

We see buses on our streets every day, but there’s a fascinating story about the industry as we know it today. On 26 October 1986 Britain’s bus services were deregulated. This applied to all services operated in England, Scotland and Wales (but not in Northern Ireland or London). In the run-up to deregulation the Scottish…

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Military treasures are preserved at Stirling Castle

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum at Stirling Castle has offered a sneak peak of its multi-million-pound renovation ahead of reopening to the public this week. The museum embarked on a lengthy transformation project in September 2018 to ensure its historic military legacy was preserved for future generations. Now, for the first time in almost…

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Scots jewellery firm to strengthen its UK presence

Family-run Scots jewellers Laings has unveiled its vision for the future, with ambitious new plans to strengthen its presence across the United Kingdom. After celebrating 180 years of trading in 2020, Laings is now looking ahead to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches with extensive expansion plans set…

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A look at Scotland’s oldest mountain refuge

As most Scots will know, Corrour Bothy is a staple in the Cairngorms landscape. Known as the oldest and most famous bothy in Scotland, Storer explores the history of this mountain refuge. This is a surprisingly fascinating and humorous book considering it is centered around such a small bolthole. This is mainly due to the…

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A dram that’s been 527 years in the making

The first Scotch whisky from Lindores Abbey Distillery to be made available for purchase by the general public will be released on 2 July, a mere 527 years after distillation was first recorded at Lindores Abbey, Fife, in 1494. While 1,494 bottles of the inaugural Lindores Abbey release were dispatched for the ‘1494’ Society members…

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New walking tour app helps Glasgow get back on its feet

From the latest graffiti murals to historic female icons that shaped Glasgow, visitors will be able to explore the Dear Green Place with the help of the new Glasgow Walking Tours app. Launched this week, the self-guided walking tours are a fun way to explore our city and stay active. Developed to support the city’s…

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New bid to get families into Scotland’s castles

Mackie’s of Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland have announced a partnership to get families exploring Aberdeenshire this summer. Fun-seeking families are invited to come and celebrate the first weekend of the summer holidays (26-27 June) by exploring trails around National Trust for Scotland properties in Aberdeenshire. Visitors can reconnect with the places they…

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A fascinating read – whether you like a dram or not

Don’t worry – The Language of Whisky is not a book which takes an oaky sip of Scotland’s finest and turns it into a seven-verse poem. No, this is about the extraordinary journey of whisky: from the Scottish Highlands to New York and Tasmania. This surprising book also takes us to the origins of our…

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