Edinburgh’s Hogmanay unveils First Footin’ music gigs

SINGER Callum Beattie is among the performers who’s signed up for “First Footin’”, a new series of gigs unveiled as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. “First Footin’” will feature an afternoon of free live music and performances taking place across the Old Town and New Town in pubs and other venues. Beattie said: “I can’t wait…

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‘Castle of Light’ trail opens in Edinburgh

EDINBURGH’S “Castle of Light” trail was switched on over the weekend by a couple chosen through a public vote. Maurice and Julia Maguire, who own Majestic Wedding Cars Edinburgh, were joined by Rex, the castle’s lion rampant mascot, to switch on the castle’s illuminations. The light trail tells the story of Edinburgh Castle, stretching back…

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Hamilton & Inches launches ‘Flora’ worn by Duchess of Rothesay

JEWELLER Hamilton & Inches has launched its Flora collection, including earrings made famous by Catherine, Duchess of Rothesay. The Duchess wore the Flora drop earrings made from 18-carat yellow gold during her tour of Scotland last year. The updated collection puts a fresh take on the original design and includes bangles, pendants, and rings alongside…

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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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Glengarry launches £250,000 forest cabin bid

RESIDENTS in Lochaber have launched a crowdfunding scheme to raise the £250,000 they need to start Glengarry Forest Cabins. The Glengarry Community Benefit Society (GCBS) has been created to run the forest cabins, which is expected to create several jobs in the area. Profits from the cabins will be used to fund work at Glengarry…

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Scottish Fiddle Orchestra eyes Usher Hall Hogmanay

THE Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will return to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 30 December for its “Hogmanay Celebration”. Gary Innes, presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s Take The Floor, will be the evening’s compere – and might bring his accordion. Blair Parham will conduct the orchestra, which has been promoting traditional Scottish music for more than 40…

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Culloden scholar Dr Christopher Duffy has died

THE death has been announced of Dr Christopher Duffy, a former chair of the 1745 Association, and researcher into the Battle of Culloden. Duffy studied history at Balliol College in Oxford, graduating with first-class honours, and went on to complete his doctorate. He taught military history at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst and at…

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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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Scottish Book Week begins with animal vote

SCOTTISH Book Week gets underway today, with readers having until midnight to vote for their favourite animal in fiction. The chimpanzees at Edinburgh Zoo have even got in on the act, with characters including Gnasher, Paddington, and Tigger competing for the title. The winning animal will be named later this week. Marc Lambert, chief executive…

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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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