Sommelier Sandor certainly knows his grapes

Working in the wine industry is a never-ending learning curve for the sommelier at Hotel du Vin, Hungarian wine guru Sandor Molnar. ‘When you’re studying wine there is always something to learn,’ he says. Studying for exams, blind tastings and trying to find the best pairings for the Hotel du Vin in Edinburgh‘s chef’s offerings…

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Try these marshmallow toadstools at home

An ever-changing menu at Dornoch’s Links House means chef Jon-Paul Saint is always kept on his toes. In October 2014, Saint took the reins at Links House kitchen. Since then he has implemented greater flexibility, changing the menu daily, with the restaurant receiving rave reviews. ‘I’ve really enjoyed putting my own spin on things,’ he…

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Castle opens its gardens to the public this Sunday

A Scottish castle is opening its garden to the public this weekend. On Sunday, 16 September, Kilbryde Castle in Stirlingshire will open its gardens on behalf of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, from 2-5pm. The Kilbryde Castle gardens cover some 12 acres and are situated above the Ardoch Burn and below the castle. The gardens are split…

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The helping hands who assist injured animals

Fiona Thorburn, senior animal rescue officer for the Scottish SPCA, is on hand to rescue Edinburgh’s wildlife when they are injured or in peril. Helping injured deer, badgers and foxes is all in a day’s work for Fiona, and the four other SSPCA animal rescue officers who work in and around the capital. But it’s…

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There will be lots to see with Doors Open Day 2018

As the summer days and nights begin to fade, here’s hoping that September isn’t a complete wash out when it comes to weather. However, if the rain does happen to strike as you’re out and about enjoying your weekend, you could duck into any number of iconic local buildings across Scotland for some shelter and…

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A fun September lies ahead at Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate’s team of Countryside Rangers are getting ready to host a range of activities every Sunday in September. Families and youngsters are invited to a variety of workshops including egg experiments, survival bracelet making, bird box building, fire lighting and cave art at the Dumfriesshire Estate next month. Starting on Sunday…

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A very busy weekend is in store for Aberdeen

This weekend a Scottish city will be enjoying two days of sporting achievement, celebration and music. Saturday and Sunday, (25 and 26 August, promise to be memorable with Celebrate Aberdeen and the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run return to the city. On Saturday 25 August, Celebrate Aberdeen will feature the Union Street mile run organised by…

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A lost symbol from Scotland’s past is revealed

This summer’s warm weather has revealed a forgotten Pictish symbol in the north of Scotland. The rare Pictish symbol stone has been discovered on the banks of the River Don in Dyce, Aberdeen. The river’s low water level, resulting from the recent sustained spell of warm and dry weather, led to the unearthing of the…

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TV programme will bring deer stalking to the nation

For many people across Britain, a life on the Scottish hills as a deerstalker is as alien to them as pearlfishing in India or pony trekking in the Andes. This traditional Scottish was of life will come to the forefront this Sunday evening, when the BBC airs The Deer Stalker. For 40 years, Alex MacDonald…

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Death threats and abuse for country sports enthusiasts

Nearly two-thirds of country sports enthusiasts have received online bullying or harassment, according to a new Countryside Alliance survey. Extreme examples include poeple being threatened with death, had their addresses, pictures and car registration plates shared online, and had bad business reviews. As a result, the Alliance has become increasingly concerned over the last couple…

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