The Scottish tin shed that feeds a million each day

Its HQ is a tin shack in Argyll, yet from here Mary’s Meals feeds a million children a day in the world’s poorest countries.  Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow explains how Mary’s Meals came to be. How did you get involved in charity work overseas? In 1992 my brother and I decided to try to help the people…

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An indoor pool at impressive Victorian home

Beechwood is an impressive house in a private setting in a most desirable Scottish town. Presented for sale by Savills, this property in Melrose was originally built in the 1870s as a Victorian house, the current property has been extended in recent years to include a stunning conservatory and indoor pool. The stone building with…

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Danger and excitement with Darke matter

Action-packed and thrilling, Darke Mission follows JJ Drake, a former MI5 spy, lone parent and now apparently head-down worker in the finance sector.  Caladon’s contemporary scenes are set in several places – London, Scotland and North Korea. With the British government at the brink of bankruptcy, the ex-spy is forced to lead an audacious heist…

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Macallan Distillery chasing another prestigious prize

The Macallan distillery and visitor experience is in the running for another major architectural award. It is one of six candidates for the Stirling Prize, which is bestowed by the Royal Institute of British Architects, recognising excellence in architecture on any scale. The £140 million project at the Easter Elchies estate was designed by London…

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Dame Evelyn Glennie shares her love of music

Dame Evelyn Glennie, multi-percussionist who has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12, believes listening and music is a whole body experience. I was brought up on a farm in Aberdeenshire. I went to Ellon Academy and a tiny country primary school called Cairnorrie. It only had about 37 to 42 pupils. In such…

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John Hunter left a body of work behind him

Self-taught John Hunter was the most famous surgeon of his age – but the man who was the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde had no qualms about acquiring stolen corpses on which to perfect his skills. Everyone knows the story of Jekyll and Hyde. But few realise that the setting for the gothic tale of…

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A Scottish top ten of world records

When it comes to world-beating feats we Scots have consistently punched above our ‘small country’ weight . Here we look at some of the brilliant, brave and often bonkers records set and challenged by Scots over the years. 1. Winning the international toss As caber-tossing is one of the most iconic aspects of Scotland, it…

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The mystery and hunt for the fabled Blue Horse

Dark and atmospheric, this much-anticipated novel set in the art world tells the story of George Newhouse who is a newly appointed art curator at the Public Gallery in Edinburgh. His obsessive search for a missing Dutch masterpiece, the titular Blue Horse, leads him from Edinburgh to London, Venice and New York. The painting’s provenance…

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Offers over £3million for Brechin Castle

One of Scotland’s most significant and historic castles, 18th century Brechin Castle, is now for sale. Brechin Castle occupies a commanding position overlooking its surrounding designed landscape. There are about 40 acres of policies including the renowned walled garden, where, in addition to the Castle there are two gate lodges (West and New) and three…

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Bake Off’s Sandi is heading to Scotland

Organisers of the Edinburgh International Book Festival announced an event with national treasure Sandi Toksvig. Sandi will launch her new memoir Between the Stops in conversation with Scottish journalist Ruth Wishart at the Assembly Rooms on George Street on Sunday 3 November. Much like its beloved author, Toksvig’s Between the Stops wittily defies convention. A…

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