Scottish castle visited by Robert Burns in line for £2 million restoration after being sold to new owner

A historic Scottish castle visited by Robert Burns could be in line for a major restoration after being sold to a new owner. Baltersan Castle is thought to have inspired architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was visited by poets Robert Burns and John Keats, and a restoration plan was even pitched to the multi-millionaire investors on…

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Robert Burns links to freemasonry explored in new project

The University of Glasgow’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies has appointed a dedicated scholar for a groundbreaking project examining the poet’s links to Freemasonry. The celebrated Scottish poet was not only a prolific writer but also a dedicated Freemason throughout his adult life, serving as Senior Warden of Lodge St Andrew, Dumfries, until his death…

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Former walled garden with links to Robert Burns and Winston Churchill to be brought back to life as distillery

A former walled garden within an historic estate with links to Robert Burns and Winston Churchill could soon be brought back to life as a private distillery. Sustainable food and drink experts Organic Architects have submitted a planning application to Stirling Council for a new whisky distillery at Auchenbowie near Bannockburn. The proposed development will…

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Cumnock Tryst: Music programme returns for October

Cumnock’s annual music festival is set to return next month. Sir James MacMillan CBE founded The Cumnock Tryst, a four-day music festival each October, nearly ten years ago. Taking place from 5 October until 8 October, hundreds of local groups are set to perform. The Musical Celebration of the Coalfields will involve ten local community…

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William Shakespeare’s first folio to go on display

A 400-year-old collection of some of William Shakespeare’s first works including Macbeth is to go on display. The National Library in Edinburgh will display the works as part of the Treasures of the National Library of Scotland exhibition at George IV Bridge. Originally published seven years after Shakespeare’s death in 1616, the folio includes 36 plays –…

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