Opening Scotland’s gardens to the general public

Discover two remarkable gardens under the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme  this Sunday – and help a great cause. Braevallich Farm, by Loch Awe, Argyll, is opening this Sunday for charity under Scotland’s Garden Scheme. The scheme benefits over 250 charities each year, many are small, local and close to the hearts of the garden owners. The…

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Nothing to grouse about when saving rare species

Exemplary countryside management at the Glenlivet Estate means declining species, such as the black grouse, are thriving. As dawn crept into my room in Tomintoul, a blackbird proclaimed it was time to rise even if the ice lacing the window indicated that winter still had a grip. Tomintoul is the highest village in the Highlands…

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Actor Brian Cox on Dundee – the city of survival

Despite the blight of youthful poverty and the gutting of his home city by corrupt politicians, actor Brian Cox says that his beloved Dundee’s defining qualities – its warmth, humour and resilience – are behind its phoenix-like rise from the ashes. In 2019, Dundee is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, especially…

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Extermination to germination for the jay

The naturalist Henry Williamson described the distinctive shrill call of the jay as like the sound of tearing linen. But this bird has a large repertoire of vocalisations and is one of the best mimics in the avian world, particularly adept at mimicking sheep, lambs and horses. Some become specialists; I once followed the sounds…

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Fringe debut for Scots stunt cyclist Danny MacAskill

Scots stunt cyclist Danny MacAskill is this month marking the 10th anniversary of the launch of his breakthrough video, April 2009, which has had over 38 million views on YouTube. It features mind-blowing stunts filmed at iconic locations across Edinburgh, and was viewed by hundreds of thousands of people overnight. The world-renowned street trials rider…

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Delightful details are perfect for luxury seclusion

With beautiful timber features throughout, Pitlowie Cottage’s location in the heart of ‘Big Tree Country’ could not be more apt. Presented for sale by Bell Ingram, this truly unique property enjoys a secluded setting near Pitroddie at the foot of the Sidlaw Hills midway between Perth and Dundee. Comprising four public areas, five bedrooms (two…

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There’s nothing fishy about these sushi and wine pairings

Peter Ranscombe joins importer Inverarity Morton’s masterclass with Nippon Kitchen to find out how to pair wine to sushi. THEY say it’s good to try new things and for me those new things over the past few months have focussed on sushi. I’ll always be grateful to Jim Cowie from The Captain’s Galley restaurant in…

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Leading fashion light to give talk in Edinburgh

A leading figure in high street fashion retail comes to Smart Works Edinburgh next month to share her remarkable career story. As former brand director of Topshop and then CEO of Whistles, Jane Shepherdson CBE has been lauded as the inspirational figure who took fashion from the catwalks and made it accessible for the everyday…

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Joyce has gone from River City to playing the King

Scots actress Joyce Falconer, born and raised in Torry, Aberdeen, has had a wonderfully varied career. She has played Elvis in the Edinburgh festival – and sung his songs in Doric – as well as playing Roisin in the early years of BBC Scotland’s soap opera River City.  She tells Scottish Field about her north…

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Gardening centre’s roots are in the community

The days are getting longer, the birds are sounding happier and at last we are seeing signs that Mother Nature is awakening from her drawn out winter slumber. As many of us consider planting a bulb or two and tending to the patchy lawn in the front garden, Ben Reid Garden Centre is busy preparing…

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