New Highland Clearances podcast and radio series

A NEW podcast and radio series is shining a light on an untold story from the Highland Clearances. Local resident Duncan Mackenzie, Ullapool Book Festival honorary president Chris Dolan, and Ullapool Museum have worked together on Hidden in Plain Sight. The eight-part docu-drama stars a cast of voices including actor David Hayman and broadcaster Mark…

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Edinburgh’s Christmas revealed in numbers

ORGANISERS have highlighted the popularity of Edinburgh’s Christmas by unveiling the numbers behind the celebrations. More than 2.4 million visits were made to Princes Street Gardens and George Street during the five and a half weeks of festivities. The capital’s big wheel lifted more than 140,000 people up into the skies above Princes Street, while…

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Equi’s opens bigger ice cream factory

ICE cream maker Equi’s marked its centenary by flitting from Hamilton to its new factory in Rutherglen. The £1.7 million facility was opened in time for Christmas. Managing director David Equi said: “When my grandfather, Pietro, immigrated to Scotland from Tuscany in Italy he started the small independent café that we know today as Equi’s…

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Dundee clothes makers celebrate success

THE fourth group of clothes makers to train on the Kindred Clothing (Garment Production) course are celebrating their success. Run by Dundee-based charity Front Lounge, the course – which has received the thumbs up from the Scottish Qualifications Authority – was started by a group of young mums in 2019. Following the latest 12-week course,…

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Bon Accord soft drinks

SINCE 1903, families across Scotland have eagerly anticipated the sight of the iconic Bon Accord bottles on their doorsteps. The Scottish, family-owned business created soft drinks that found a place in the hearts of the nation for over 90 years. Production paused in 2000, but 16 years later the business was successfully reignited by the…

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Scottish Opera names 60th emerging artist

SCOTTISH Opera is marking its 60th anniversary by appointing its 60th emerging artist. The opera company’s emerging artists perform on stage, as well as working in-house with staff and visiting coaches to develop their skills. The programme began in 2009 and has since expanded to include behind-the-scenes roles in addition to opera singers. This year’s…

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REVIEW: “The Book of Mormon”, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Kenny Smith enjoys The Book of Mormon at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. THE Book of Mormon is one of those shows you’ll see advertised on the Tube in London, and hear people rave about. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind adult cartoon smash South Park, and Frozen composer Robert Lopez, this…

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Bugsy Malone the musical opens in Edinburgh

ACCLAIMED production Bugsy Malone, based on the iconic 1976 prohibition era film, opened at The Edinburgh Playhouse last night. After a successful run of shows at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal, audiences in the Scottish capital are now being given the chance to see the world-famous musical and its cast of young performers on stage. This is…

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REVIEW: “Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)”

Kenny Smith sort of reviews Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) in Glasgow. I NEVER could nor would claim to be an expert on the works of Jane Austen. To the best of my knowledge, I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice, although I do recall seeing short excerpts in television adaptations, but I do know the…

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Lights! Camera! Winton!

WINTON Castle in East Lothian has hosted its first film shoot. Heehaw, an Edinburgh-based production company, spent two weeks filming at the castle. The as-yet untitled film is due to be released next year. It wasn’t Heehaw’s first visit to the castle though – its team enjoyed its second post-lockdown staff party there over the…

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