Rare bottle of Port Ellen whisky in charity auction

A rare bottle of Port Ellen whisky is being auctioned for two great charities. Fred Laing, chairman of independent Scotch Whisky blender and bottler Douglas Laing, and Greg Dillon, founder of GreatDrams.com, competed on the squash court in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund and Ollie’s Army, a charity aiming to battle Batten’s disease. The meeting…

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Keep your eyes on the skies for a flying boot

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s… a giant flying Wellington boot! This month, the Original Wellington Boot, Hunter’s icon, is being celebrated in the form of a giant hot air balloon: the world’s first ever flying Wellington boot. The Original Flying Boot will tour the globe appearing at festivals, sporting events,…

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Plockton Hotel brings home award from London

A Scottish hotel was delighted when it picked up a prestigious prize in London. The Plockton Hotel, in Wester Ross, has been named as the Regional Pub of the Year (North West Scotland) 2018 at this year’s National Pub and Bar Awards. The ceremony took place at the prestigious London headquarters of BAFTA in Piccadilly.…

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This is what we love about living in the country

Spectacular views, wildlife or peace and quiet? Archie Hume of A Hume Outfitters uses data to analyse what we really love about the countryside. At this time of year, when I’m after a bit of thinking time I’ll wander out to the garden. Our small slice of Kelso lopes lazily down to the Tweed, where…

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Women’s charity event raised £17,000 for good cause

A spellbinding afternoon led to a group of ladies from across Glasgow raising an incredible £17,000 for a worthy cause. The sum was raised at the 12th annual Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland’s (SBH Scotland) Ladies Who Give an F* lunch. The Ladies Who Given An F* event was created as part of honorary patron Gordon…

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Scots writer Maggie Ritchie shortlisted for prize

A Scots writer has been shortlisted for the prestigious Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2018. Maggie Ritchie’s literary romantic thriller Looking for Evelyn is one of six novels recognised by the prize, which celebrates the best adventure writing. Maggie said: ‘I’m so pleased that Saraband agreed to publish Looking for Evelyn, so pleased people are…

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Clay pigeon event will boost care charity

A clay pigeon shooting competition being held this summer is set to benefit a worthy charity. On Saturday, 12 May, the first PATCH Summer Series competition was launched at the Bisley at Braidwood clay pigeon shooting ground at Midlem, in the Borders. This new partnership venture between the charity PATCH (Palliation and the Caring Hospital)…

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Finding delights among Kayra’s Turkish wines

Peter Ranscombe travels to Turkey to explore modern examples from an ancient wine-producing country. WALKING the streets of Istanbul, the shadow that Atatürk still casts over Turkey is inescapable. Portraits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – who led the struggle for independence and became the “father of the republic” – hang from the walls of hotels,…

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Young Scots musician offered an incredible chance

A young Scots musician has the chance to have their work performed at a major festival this year. An organisation that promotes traditional arts across Scotland has teamed up with Thorntons Investments to provide a great opportunity for a young musician to compose new music to be performed at this year’s Blas Festival which celebrates…

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A magnificent gesture to boost a great charity

The generosity of Scottish rural businesses is helping children across the country. At last week’s Scottish Rural Awards, there was a whisky raffle, which saw a bottle of Tomintoul up for grabs at each table, with one lucky winner receiving the prize. As a result, the amazing total of £3081.50, was raised at the event,…

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