How the true face of Robert the Bruce was discovered

Scotland’s most legendary and romanticised king, Robert the Bruce, has become a symbol of national pride for many Scots around the world. Immortalised in countless paintings and statues, banknotes and romantic novels, television dramas and, perhaps most famously in the 1995 epic movie Braveheart and last year’s Netflix film Outlaw King, we all have an…

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The story of the leopards of Aberdeen

The leopard – a heraldic symbol that has been noted in Aberdeen’s history for centuries. Pride of place on the Granite City’s coat of arms, two of these exotic creatures prop up the Bon Accord shield. Of course, many who walk the streets of the north east feel great pride at Aberdeen City and Shire’s…

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House for an Art Lover is Mackintosh gem

A House for an Art Lover was designed in 1901 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the famous Glaswegian architect, for a competition in a German interior design magazine. The rules for designing a modern Art Lover’s House were somewhat complex, with the exact room sizes, external finishes and the position of staircases to be detailed. There…

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Forgotten Scots airfield is remembered

A forgotten Scottish airfield has had its contribution to defending Britain’s skies in World War I commemorated. In April 2018, the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust contacted East Lammermuir Community Council offering to donate a commemorative plaque to remember Skateraw airfield, on the east coast of Scotland, which opened in January 1917 as a third…

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His sculptures have won acclaim the world over

Andrew Kay is a sculptor whose work has won international acclaim. Inspired by nature, his work can be seen throughout the world, and has a host of well-known clients who have purchased his distinctive work. From his studio set in the wild hills of his native county of Cumbria, Andrew creates sculpture that attracts widespread…

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Roman sculpture found in a Scottish river

Recovered in 1997 from the mouth of the River Almond in Cramond, near Edinburgh, the Cramond Lioness is a sculpture dating back to Roman times. It portrays a male prisoner being killed by a lioness. It was Robert Graham, a local ferryman, who uncovered the sculpture from the mud of the river. It remains unknown…

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Honours for five First World War Scots creatives

Five historic creative figures who told their stories and experiences of the First World War through their poetry and art have been awarded commemorative plaques by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and Armistice Day this weekend, the plaques will be unveiled in cities…

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Chinese and Japanese art in Scottish auction

Bonhams in Edinburgh is holdings an Asian Art sale next week. It will take place on Thursday, 15 November, at 22 Queen Street, starting at 11am. The auction will feature Japanese and Chinese Art including: bronzes, jades, snuff bottles, porcelain, textiles, lacquer, paintings and furniture. Among the many fascinating objects on view will be Ming Dynasty…

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Brave Scotswomen join the Hall of Heroes

Busts of two notable Scottish women have been unveiled by the National Wallace Monument as the first female figures to be introduced to the Stirling landmark’s Hall of Heroes in 2019. Maggie Keswick Jencks and Mary Slessor spearhead the ‘Scotland’s Heroines’ project, which aims to recognise the achievements of Scottish women and their contributions to…

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House of Bruar showcases the work of Bryn Parry

The House of Bruar Gallery to exhibit work from celebrated cartoonist and sculptor Bryn Parry for the first time. As one of the UK’s best known country cartoonists, Bryn Parry has always been able to depict rural life in a way that brings a smile to everyone’s face. The ‘Infamous Grouse’, newly arrived at The…

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