Burn your boats at Up Helly Aa

Held each January to celebrate Shetland’s rich Viking heritage, the fiery Up Helly Aa festival is a truly remarkable sight. Originating in the 1880s, Up Helly Aa is a community fire festival which takes place in Lerwick, on the last Tuesday in January. It is believed that the name, Up Helly Aa is derived from…

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Last year’s sell-out gin botanical bouquets return

Edinburgh Gin’s botanical bouquets are back in bloom for Valentine’s Day and three multi-sensory arrangements are available. After last year’s Valentine’s Gin bouquet sold out in under 24 hours, the Scottish distiller has once again partnered with MUD Urban Flowers to introduce two new striking arrangements – Classic and Rhubarb and Ginger. Each of three…

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Brash McKelvie – The lost treasures of the woodshed

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie found some old friends during a look in the woodshed. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved – a…

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Impulsive Scots spend big – and don’t save enough

Scots are the biggest impulsive purchasers – more likely to spend big on a whim. We are likely to spend on pay day and struggle the rest of the month and regret it, they also don’t save enough with 60% saying they have too much month at the end of their money. Bó, which is…

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This gripping novel will hook you until the end

Psychologist Dr Angie Lawrence, director of the new Hazelnut Assessment Centre for difficult adolescents in Orkney, is known for her odd yet effective methods. As her husband becomes increasingly worried about these methods, Angie’s tragic past starts to come to light. This is a gripping novel that will keep your attention. The Crazy Psychologist, by…

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A mystery for a very young lady detective

Precious and the Zebra Necklace is the fourth of McCall Smith’s series of African adventures. It features Precious Ramotswe; the girl who grew up to be one of the most famous detectives in the world, as the first female private investigator in Botswana. With delightful illustrations from Iain McIntosh, this book will be thoroughly enjoyed by younger…

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An exciting tale set in medieval Europe

Neil Oliver, historian and charismatic presenter of BBC’s Coast, tells the exciting and fictional tale of a young Scot who sets off on a great journey across medieval Europe to fulfil a death-bed promise. Older children and teenagers will love the rich narrative and scintillating story-line inspired by real historical characters. Master of Shadows, by…

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A fascinating guide to Scotland’s railways

Scotland contains some of the most beautiful railways in the world – indeed the West Highland Line is consistently voted as such. Michael Cobb’s atlas seeks to explore the relationships between railways and their landscapes, the villages and towns they dissect and the quiet countryside they disrupt. Cobb was clearly incredibly passionate about maps and…

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Santa will be swimming with the fishes

A popular tourist attraction in the north east is gearing up for its Christmas event. Santa Claus will be visiting the Macduff Marine Aquarium in Aberdeenshire for his annual dive in the kelp tank to feed the fish. Visitors to the aquarium can come and join in with the festive fun. There will be a…

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Six months to save The Steading

In the January issue of Scottish Field we featured The Steading, a unique and inspiring house in the Scottish Borders created by the late artist Tim Stead. Unfortunately The Tim Stead Trust only has around six months to save The Steading – before the house will have to go on the market and risks having…

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