Posts Tagged ‘University of Aberdeen’
Scotland’s oldest cello made in 18th century to be played again
The oldest surviving Scottish cello has been brought to life and will be played again. The instrument made by Aberdeen luthier Robert Duncan in 1756 was donated to the he University of Aberdeen as part of a bequest by former student and later professor of Philosophy James Beattie. Born in Laurencekirk, Beattie won a scholarship…
Read MoreThe great egg caper that could save the rare capercaillie from dying out
Researchers made fake nests and filled them with chicken eggs as part of a trial designed to help save the capercaillie, one of the UK’s rarest birds. The capercaillie is a ground-nesting bird that, with just over 500 left in the wild, is in danger of extinction in the UK. One contributor to its decline…
Read MoreAirBnB for outdoor equipment could be the future for adventure sports
A former soldier has created an AirBnB for outdoor equipment and said it could revolutionise the adventure sports industry. The brainchild of Bruce Leishman, and his childhood best friend Ewan Black, KitUp gives people the chance to hire outdoor equipment from surfing and skiing to biking and camping. Bruce, 32, hopes the idea will help…
Read MorePowis Gateway plaque marks slavery legacy
ABERDEEN City Council and the University of Aberdeen have erected a plaque at the Powis Gateway in Old Aberdeen. The sign is part of the council’s commemorative plaques scheme to highlight the legacy of slavery in the North-East. The gateway, now owned by the university, was built by the Leslie family, which received compensation when…
Read MorePyramid relic unearthed in Aberdeen
ONE of only three artefacts ever removed from the Great Pyramid of Giza has been unearthed in a cigar box at the University of Aberdeen. Curatorial assistant Abeer Eladany, who is from Egypt, discovered the 5,000-year-old piece of cedar while reviewing items in the university’s Asia collection. “Once I looked into the numbers in our…
Read MoreLearn traditional skills of gardening in Scotland
Those interested in creating and maintaining a Scottish garden will be interested in a course taking place late next month. Gardening in Scotland: Principles and Practice of Establishment & Maintenance is being held at the National Trust for Scotland’s magnificent Pitmedden Garden, in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. The hands-on course is being run by The Scottish Traditional…
Read MoreA chance to see the face of an ancient Egyptian
Egyptology and mummies have fascinated Scots, young and old, for decades. Whether they’re interested in the archaeological factors that led to their discovery, or just have a passing interest through the scares of horror films, they have always held a fascination. The University of Aberdeen Museums and Special Collections are currently holding a special display…
Read MoreAberdeen’s hidden genius was hailed by Einstein
James Clerk Maxwell is one of the most influential scientists of all time, but few realise he spent some of his most formative years in Scotland. Maxwell, whose work led to the development of television, mobile phones, radio and infrared telescopes, was chair of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College from 1856 to 1860, where…
Read MoreScotland aims to turn the plastic tide on its beaches
Scotland has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK but sadly they are not immune from the blight of litter. In the north-east of the country, communities from Fraserburgh to East Haven are being challenged to take action as part of an ambitious new project called Turning the Plastic Tide. The East Grampian Coastal…
Read MoreA 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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