Keeping it in the family for graduation day

A woman who was instrumental in establishing the University of the Highlands and Islands saw her granddaughter graduate with a first class honours degree from Orkney College UHI. Former councillor, Dr Val MacIver OBE, from Evanton, chaired the Highland Council steering group set up to examine the case for creating a university in 1991 and…

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A celebration of coffee is coming to Edinburgh

Whether you’re a fan of the espresso, short macchiato, long macchiato, ristretto, Americano or café latte, there will be a coffee for you at a Scottish festival taking place soon. If you are a coffee connoisseur, a casual coffee drinker or crazy about caffeine or chocolate, you are sure to get a buzz at Edinburgh…

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Distillery launches its own school of gin

Isle of Skye Distillers has announced the launch of its brand-new gin school. The Portree-based distillery, producers of Misty Isle Gin and Tommy’s Gin, opens its doors to visitors today, Monday 27 August. The first experience of its kind on the island, Isle of Skye Distillers’ Gin School features six mini stills, accommodating groups of…

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Students will be saying cheers for the beers

Scottish student union bars will be toasting a new deal with a brewery chain. Brewer Molson Coors is this week celebrating a milestone for its Scottish business, with the announcement of a new four year solus beer and cider supply deal with the student union purchasing consortium, Northern Services. In an unprecedented decision by the…

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Burns centenary book located at charity sale

A chance find at a charity book sale has been found to be a literary gem. Cassie Kennedy was attending the sale and knew she had stumbled upon something special when she uncovered a copy of The National Burns. After a bit of online research, she came to realise that the book is indeed historically…

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A passion for fashion is coming to Glasgow in August

Fashion designers from across the globe will arrive in Glasgow next to showcase their collections at Scotland Pakistan Fashion Week. The event, which will showcase the likes of designers Shamaeel Ansari, Shazia Emaan and Umar Sayeed Couture will be attended by media and industry figures from around the world including Pakistani actress an fashion model,…

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From touring festivals to an established fun feast

This Persian-inspired street food restaurant evolved from a mobile kitchen touring festivals and markets. Ransacked Black Oven’s new home seems to be attracting a good mix of diners, from students to tourists. The food is tasty and in the main healthy, with good vegan, veggie and gluten-free options. The filling chicken shawarma salad came with tasty…

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One team of 30 women created a brand new beer

An all-female brewers’ collaboration has released a new craft beer limited edition: Rhubarb: A User’s Guide. In an industry first, the new beverage was available at last weekend’s Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival. Led by brewing expert Jenn Merrick, female brewers, including current brewers, students and lecturers at Heriot-Watt University created this unique kettle sour in…

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Book review: RHS Genealogy for Gardeners

  What’s the story? We’re finally starting to see signs of summer, and the gardens are in full bloom at last! If you’re a budding gardener, or just want to learn more about the beautiful greenery around you, Dr Ross Bayton and Simon Maughan will guide you through everything there is to know about plants.…

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Why taxi drivers were the ice cream of the crop

Scottish taxi drivers were put through their paces when provided with an unconventional twist on their age-old exam. Cabbies are famed for passing the notoriously difficult ‘Knowledge’ test, but they were given a variation on this by a Scottish ice cream brand. Mackie’s of Scotland has tested Aberdeen cabbies with its very own version of…

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