Contents
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Dominic Roskrow argues that there’s nothing like a good dose of nature to get the emotions stirring
Regular readers of Scotland Magazine will have noticed a pattern emerging in recent months. For some time now the two most important words when deciding what should go in to the magazine have been ‘tr...
By Dominic Roskrow in the section
From the Editor
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Ihave just returned from Germany where on two successive nights I witnessed 550 Berliners giving a standing ovation to three kilted Scotsmen who had been singing a cross-section of those wonderful and...
By Roddy Martine in the section
Roddy Martine's World
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The National Trust for Scotland has launched a major appeal to raise funds for the development of a new Culloden Battlefield Memorial Centre.
The current centre is outdated and is no longer able to c...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
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In brief...
The legend of Greyfriars Bobby, the devoted little terrier who stayed by his master’s grave in an Edinburgh churchyard for 14 years, has been commemorated by an official soft toy. The lit...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
p8
Original sketches by the iconic engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel for a bridge over the River Dee at Balmoral are to go on public display for the first time at Balmoral Castle over the forthcoming summ...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
p9
Improved paths and a new viewing platform are being created at Skara Brae on Orkney to help protect the Neolithic village from the trampling feet of thousands of annual visitors.
In the past decade m...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
p9
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has revealed plans for its £58million redevelopment project at Edinburgh Zoo.
The project is expected to take 20 years to complete, but will transform ...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
p9
Scotland is experiencing a new fast growing tourism trend as storm watchers flock to the country’s best vantage points to take in some of the world’s best natural spectacles.
And the Banffshire Coast...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
p10
Aproject has been launched to boost wildlife conservation and tourism to the Trossachs National Park.
The new Trossachs Bird of Prey trail links two viewing projects at Argaty Red Kites and at the Os...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
p10
Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh has unveiled two new galleries which will guarantee its place as the ‘mustsee’ experience of the summer.
The exhibits, FutureDome and Earthscape Scotland represent a co...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
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Work has begun on a major project to restore a much loved building in Thurso to its former glory and to turn it into a high quality facility for the local community and visitors alike.
The £3.5m proj...
By Sally Toms in the section
In the news
p14
Photographer Andy Hall looks at the favourite place of singer and songwriter Gerry Rafferty
When I’m on my photographic travels, there are several tracks I love listening to and I always associate them with roads. One of these is the seventies classic, Baker Street, by Gerry Rafferty. This i...
By Andy Hall in the section
Scenic Scotland
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This issue Charles Douglas visits Newbattle Abbey, in Midlothian
Some years ago, I visited the late 12th Marquess of Lothian at Ferniehirst Castle, his home at Jedburgh, close to the Scottish border.
On the walls of this ancient family keep, which he and his wife ...
By Charles Douglas in the section
Historic Houses
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The first in a new series of island features. Written and photographed by John Hannavy
Across the ‘Atlantic Bridge’ over Clachan Sound to Seil Island, 10 minutes in what was probably the only traffic jam the island had ever experienced as water mains were replaced, and a short journey o...
By John Hannavy in the section
Scottish Islands
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James Irvine Robertson on a prophet with a pretty good track record
The Brahan Seer is the best known of the Highland prophets, those folk who often considered themselves cursed by having the power of foretelling the future.
This is strange because one would have exp...
By James Irvine Robertson in the section
Scottish History
p22
A look how this unusual maritime pasture is becoming a haven for flora and fauna
The machair is a unique and fertile pasture that lines the west coast of Scotland, particularly along the broken chain of the Outer Hebrides. It is one of the most unusual and spectacular visual habit...
By in the section
Scottish Wildlife
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In a new series of cycle rides for Scotland Magazine Paul Kirkwood will go mountain biking in the Borders, pedal around lochs in Perthshire and cycle to the smithy where the bicycle was born. He starts in the capital
You don’t need me to tell you about the appeal of the centre of Edinburgh. But what about the suburbs? Running through them to the southwest and out into the countryside is a cycle route along a canal...
By Paul Kirkwood in the section
Scottish Cycling
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Scotland has become a major centre for great beer. Adrian Tierney-Jones looks at what is on offer
It’s a May afternoon in the Bow Bar in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket area. There’s a low hum of conversation as a handful of drinkers grab a pint before the end-of-work rush.
Despite its traditional pubby ...
By Adrian Tierney-Jones in the section
Scottish Beer
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Glasgow has long been a city worth seeing. But now, says Rob Allanson, it’s making use of its past and focusing its appeal on the Clyde
There is no real excuse to go to Scotland, visit Edinburgh and not slip out to the west and visit the jewel of the Clyde.
Glasgow, for many, is considered Scotland’s premier city to visit and take a ...
By Rob Allanson in the section
Regional Focus
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One of the most impressive houses in Scotland can be found on the remote Isle of Rum. Marieke Smegen pays it a visit
Imagine an extravagant 19th century house, built by 300 people, during a period of three years. The house is built to impress - and only the most privileged people are allowed to visit. This describes...
By Marieke Smegen in the section
Best of Scotland
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Ben Nevis and the surrounding area are the perfect stopping point on your journey up the West coast. Hannah Adcock reports
Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Britain at 4,409 feet, rises majestically above the Fort William area in the west of Scotland. Famous for its changeable weather, ‘The Ben’ magically attracts clouds eve...
By Hannah Adcock in the section
Best of Scotland
p48
Sue Lawrence preserves an old tradition
Making jam is not difficult. All it requires is fruit in prime condition, sugar and a bit of time spent in the kitchen.
It also helps to understand what makes jam or jelly set: pectin, a natural subs...
By Sue Lawrence in the section
Scottish Food
p52
Natasha Reed investigates the best luxury spas Scotland has to offer
For a total treat that relaxes mind, body and soul, a stay in a luxury spa has to be the only way to go.
Scotland is an ideal country for a pampering stay because of the idyllic setting of many of it...
By Natasha Reed in the section
Scotland Spas
p56
In the latest in our series James Irvine Robertson looks at Clan Drummond
Most clans have two origins; one in history and one in legend. The latter says that the Drummond family was founded by Maurice, grandson of the King of Hungary, who captained the ship whose passengers...
By James Irvine Robertson in the section
Scottish Clans
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Shinty is a hard uncompromising sport but great to watch. As the new season gets under way, Alex Mead gives it some stick
It might not have the worldwide fame of golf or the Olympic gold-medal winning capability of curling, but shinty is truly one of the most Scottish sports you’ll ever find.
Going back to Gaelic Scotla...
By Alex Mead in the section
Scotland Sport
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In the second part of our series looking at where you can find out more about great historical figures, Mark Nicholls sets off on the trail of Sir William Wallace
For many Scots, William Wallace is forever regarded as the true national hero.
Portrayed in the Hollywood-blockbuster Braveheart, a role that took his name to a wider audience and even triggered resu...
By Mark Nicholls in the section
Scottish Legends
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In the latest of our series Ian Mitchell visits visits St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney
Sailing into Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, one building dominates the skyline, soaring above the medieval town centre, with its close, narrow streets and steeply–pitched roofs: St Magnus Cathedral....
By Ian Mitchell in the section
Scottish Islands
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Scotland is adapting rapidly in to one of the best outdoor and dangerous sport destinations in the world. It’s right up there with the best for mountain biking, for instance. Lewis Eckett took a crash course
Think of the best mountain biking sites in the world. Where would you go? Maybe you’d visit the Moab desert in Utah, Whistler in British Columbia or even the fabled North Shore, Vancouver. Think Europ...
By Lewis Eckett in the section
Scotland Sport
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Sally Toms rounds up the best of the latest exhibitions and events
Drambuie sale breaks records
The sale of the famous Drambuie Collection of Scottish Art has made a staggering £3.75 million – the biggest single sale for a United Kingdom regional auction house. The...
By Sally Toms in the section
Scottish Antiques