Posts Tagged ‘Lewis’
Historic Lewis chessmen redisplayed to allow visitors to see their backs for the first time
The historic Lewis chessmen have been redisplayed in a case which allows visitors to see their backs for the first time. Made from walrus ivory and sperm whale teeth, the pieces range from the wide-eyed ‘Berserker’ who gnaws frantically on his shield, to a Queen who rests her chin in her hand, a rather fed-up…
Read MoreScottish Portrait Awards winners named
THE winners of the Scottish Portrait Awards have been unveiled. Sam Dalby from Moffat won the Scottish Portrait Award in Fine Art and £5,000 for his painting “Meeting Daniel”, a posthumous portrait of the artist’s mother, meeting her grandson, Daniel, for the first time. Gordon Mitchell, director of the Scottish Portrait Awards and chair of…
Read MoreWhy do authors use pen names?
THE reasons why writers use pen names is the theme for a new exhibition at the National Library of Scotland. “Pen Names” opens at the library on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh on Friday. The exhibition draws on material from the library’s archive to cover a range of writers using pseudonyms from the 1800s to…
Read MorePupil shortlisted for UK Young Drummer of the Year
Strathallan student Lewis Dewar has been shortlisted to the Top 40 for the UK Young Drummer of the Year competition. The 17-year-old from Fife said he was speechless when he found out he had made the Top 40 in such a prestigious competition. Young Drummer of the Year 2022, which has celebrated rising talent for…
Read MoreThe Lord who planned to transform the islands
Lord of the Isles tells the rather unknown story of Lord Leverhulme. In 1918-19, he purchased Harris and Lewis with an ambitious vision to transform the islands into a thriving centre of industry and commerce. With gregarious energy he planned great harbours, factories and travel links, but his plans to abolish the crofting system were…
Read MoreA fascinating insight into the history of Lewis
Lewis: The Story of an Island is a delve into the history of a great island in the Hebrides. This book explores the history of Lewis and its people as well as the mythologies, maps, architecture and of course the Gaelic language. Despite personal roots on the island, I have sadly never had the chance…
Read MoreA fascinating look at the castles of Lewis and beyond
Peter Cunningham casts an eye over the pivotal moments, people and places that moulded the island’s history in The Castles of the Lews. He uses the castles of the Island of Lewis as a focal point, including Stornoway, Seaforth and Lews Castle. With wonderful illustrations and images to accompany his analysis, those with an intimate…
Read MoreA fascinating tale based on true-life events
In a Veil of Mist is based on the true life but little-known event of Operation Cauldron. In 1952, during the Cold War, germ warfare experiments were taking place on a ship off the coast of the Isle of Lewis. The book delves into the lives of two locals who begin to suspect something is…
Read MoreWorking with an architect to get the best design possible
Every time I begin a new architectural project – whether it’s designing a new house, renovating a farmhouse, or rethinking a traditional shooting lodge – I go back to the basics of what a great building should be. A building is for now and for the future. It should uplift our spirits and create good…
Read More‘Hello Dolly!’ as museum and other sites reopen
THE National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is among the tourist attractions reopening today as Scotland’s businesses continue to bounce back from the coronavirus lockdown. The Chamber Street museum’s entrance hall and level one galleries open today, with other parts of the site opening on unspecified later dates. Two new displays have been completed to…
Read More