Posts Tagged ‘London’
Birds of a feather inspired a modern book
The artwork of an overlooked 19th century ornithologist inspired, and now graces, a modern book on raptors. It is said that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, it was indeed the half a dozen beautiful early Victorian illustrations of birds of prey perching on the lettering of the book’s title that…
Read MoreThe Scottish master of the spy game
Before being brutally hacked to death aged 36, Alexander Burnes – one of the greatest spies Scotland has ever produced – lived an extraordinary life. ‘The Great Game’ – even now, nearly two centuries after Britain and Russia jostled for influence at the roof of the world, these three words are perfumed with an almost…
Read MoreOur top 10 of some of Scotland’s strangest clubs
After the Act of Union of 1707, gentlemen’s clubs were rife. Some insisted on members wearing dirty clothes, writing their names upside down, eating only fish or even soaping their beards. Here are 10 of the more eclectic Scottish clubs. 1. The Kate Kennedy Club In 1432, St Andrews University principal Bishop Kennedy’s pretty niece…
Read MoreWINNERS OF SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Kilts swinging, fiddles blazing and the skirl of the pipes booming loudly – there’s nothing that sets the heart alight quite like an evening of traditional Scottish music. Celebrating the best trad talent in the country was the annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, and in between some exceptional toe-tapping performances, the 2019 winners…
Read MoreThe average whisky drinker isn’t who you’d expect
The profile of the modern-day whisky drinker has been revealed and – despite what you might think – it’s not an older person from Scotland. UK-wide research from YouGov reveals our palates are refined enough to appreciate Scotland’s national spirit earlier than you might expect, with 84% of UK whisky drinkers stating that they started…
Read MoreWalking the walk and going the extra mile for charity
Norman Yarrow defied Parkinson’s Disease to talk the 212 miles of the coast-to-coast Southern Upland Way. In doing so, the Gullane man raised £320,000 for charity, and won the charity Cure Parkinsons Fundraiser of the Year award for ‘going that extra mile’ in fundraising. What made you decide to do your fundraising walk? I was…
Read MoreCoco Chanel and her love of Scotland
Coco Chanel, the grande dame of French fashion, fell in love with fishing in the wilds of Sutherland is an impossibly glamorous tale. The ‘Rt Hon W Churchill’ might be one of the most eye-catching names to feature in the game book at Lochmore Lodge but, while the future Prime Minister was no doubt thrilled…
Read MoreOlympian Ian Stark is Scotland’s main eventer
In a long and distinguished career in the saddle, Ian Stark won medals at three Olympic Games and enjoyed a host of other sporting triumphs. And it all began in the Borders, where he had his first pony ride at the age of 10. I grew up in Galashiels in the Borders, the youngest of…
Read MoreA charming home offering flexible living
A charming, well-appointed home offering flexible accommodation, with a separate cottage, has been made available on the property market. Presented by Rettie and Co, New St David’s is set in an attractive garden with an open outlook over rural Perthshire. New St David’s enthuses charm with its sympathetic balance between traditional design with a classical…
Read MoreA history of money in Scotland’s capital
In truth, I’ve never previously considered the history behind money; my main focus tends to be on how to make more of the stuff. With this in mind I was surprised by how quickly I was drawn into the story of Edinburgh’s journey of wealth. Bookended by the two biggest financial catastrophes of our time…
Read More