The Helix hits ‘gold’ standard

THE HELIX park in Falkirk has received “gold” accreditation from the Green Tourism organisation after passing its sustainability tests. The park, which is home to The Kelpies sculptures, received a score of 80%. The “gold” award marks an upgrade from The Helix’s previous “bronze” ranking. Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesman for economic development and…

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Pop-up opera goes on summer tour

SCOTTISH OPERA is going back out on tour this summer, taking its pop-up opera around Scotland. The tour begins on 27 May at the Dumfries &Galloway Arts Festival, with 30-minute opera samples. Pop-up opera shows will also be staged in Linlithgow, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow, the Isle of Lewis, Strathpeffer, Dornoch, Dundee, and Aberdeenshire. The singers…

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Islanders ‘badly let down’ by ‘ferry fiasco riddled with failures’

SCOTLAND’S islanders have been “badly let down” by “a ferry fiasco riddled with failures in governance, transparency, accountability, communication and record-keeping”. That’s the conclusion of the Scottish Parliament’s public audit committee in its report into the construction of Glen Sannox and the as-yet-unnamed “Hull 802”. The committee has called on the Auditor General for Scotland…

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Author’s 5k project hits 10 year mark

AUTHOR Mike Dales’ challenge to walk, run, cycle, kayak, or ski five kilometres every day will reach its 10th anniversary tomorrow. The Bridge of Earn-based writer has published a book encouraging others to follow in his foosteps. “There are many people out there wanting to take more exercise, but every time they try to do…

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‘Flock to the Show’ hits the road

MORE than 35 sheep sculptures will travel through Scotland in April and May as part of the “Flock to the Show” public art trail. The sculptures were commissioned by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) – the body that organises the Royal Highland Show – in order to promote the Golden Shears…

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Charts project names team to help Argyll islands

THE Culture, Heritage & Arts (Charts) Assembly has appointed a team to support Argyll & Bute’s 23 inhabited islands. Caitlin McNeill, who lives and works on her home island of Colonsay, is Charts’ new islands culture officer, and is working with some of the organisation’s 100-plus members to showcase their work. She is working with…

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Edinburgh Playhouse

THE new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Edinburgh Playhouse this month. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka. The tour will come to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Wednesday…

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Helping it Happen Awards open for 2023

TWO categories have been added to this year’s Helping it Happen Awards. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the membership body that organises the competition, said the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland aims to celebrate “those who have spent their lives working in and for Scotland’s countryside”. The Rural Rising Star Award is designed…

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BBC Scotland ‘Introducing’ shortlist unveiled

BBC Scotland Introducing revealed the eight finalists tonight for this year’s competition. The contest shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical talent from throughout our nation. This year’s shortlist was unveiled this evening on BBC iPlayer: Aiitee; VLURE; Russell Stewart; Terra Kin; The Big Day; LOVE SICK; Chef; and The Queen of Harps. Tonight’s programme on…

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The story behind the Cuttitta Cup

JEWELLER Hamilton & Inches has shared the story behind rugby’s Cuttitta Cup, for which Scotland and Italy will compete tomorrow at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. The company was commissioned in 2021 to make the trophy, which celebrates the contribution made to the sport by Massimo Cuttitta, who captained Italy and coached Scotland’s scrum. The cup was…

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