Scotland Correspondent Issue 26

In the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots Comparing movie magic with the real deal Tough enough for the ultimate Highland race? p1

Romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day Literary clues to lost revolutionary play Celebrating steam king James Watt

p2

p3

inside this issue 10 Reel

life Scotland

Setting the travel agenda for movie fans.

p4

28 Royal

tragedy

The dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

36 It’s

back better than ever

Skyline adventure race weekend returns with fresh challenges.

46 Watt

wonders

Year of celebrations to mark the life and work of James Watt.

70 Martian

cool

Space drill to uncover

secrets of the Antarctic.

54 Something

for the weekend?

A run down of some of the most romantic retreats to celebrate Valentine’s Day. p5

74 Antique

hunting with

Roo Irvine

Reflections on the art of collecting mirrors.

84 Natural

attraction

Spark of romance raises hopes for endangered species.

p6

88 Rebel

writer’s secrets revealed?

Newly discoevered story could unlock secret of lost play by James Connolly.

Specialities of the month 96 On

the menu

What’s hot and new on Scotland’s food and drink scene.

Date 4 Your Diary

106 Anniversary

112

What’s worth celebrating and commemorating this month.

What’s on in Scotland and beyond this February.

vaults

Cover Photo

Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Portencross Castle.

p7

Contacts: Advertising:

ads@scotlandcorrespondent.com

Editorial:

news@scotlandcorrespondent.com Tel: +44 (0)1436 678158

General Enquiries:

info@scotlandcorrespondent.com

Scotland Correspondent is an independent magazine published by Flag Media Limited.

The monthly digital title provides an international audience of readers with comprehensive coverage of modern day Scotland, its people, achievements, culture, history and customs.

Every issue covers a variety of topics of interest to thousands of people every month, many of them visitors to Scotland or part of the great Scottish diaspora.

The digital edition incorporates audio, video and text in a single platform designed for use on Apple, Android and Windows devices. The magazine is free to subscribe to and download.

For more information on how to get a copy, subscribe or enquire about advertising please contact the relevant departments.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any claim made by advertisements in Scotland Correspondent magazine or on the Scotland Correspondent website. All information should be checked with the advertisers.

The content of the magazine does not necessarily represent the views of the publishers or imply any endorsement. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior agreement in writing from Flag Media Limited.

p8

p9

View to a thrill

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich at Dornie

p10

by Scott Aitken

T

he real stars of some of the greatest blockbuster movies set in Scotland are looking forward to welcoming a flood of visitors this year.

Award-winning films such as Outlaw King, Trainspotting, Outlander, and both the James Bond, and Harry Potter franchises all have one thing in common. They were all filmed in Scotland.

But it’s not just the actors that had the starring roles. Scotland’s mountains, castles, lochs and glens deserve special mention for their supporting performances and they are just as breath-taking off-screen as they are on.

p11

Film-makers are shining a spotlight on Scotland with the recently released Outlaw King being the biggest film to be shot entirely in Scotland, according to the boundaries of Scotland in the 13th century in which it is set.

During the last few years, Outlander, T2 Trainspotting and The Avengers franchise have called upon Scotland for its backdrops, as has the recently released Mary Queen of Scots movie.

Mary, Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, which is out in cinemas across the UK now, focuses on the challenging relationship between Mary and her

distant cousin Queen Elizabeth I. The film is a look into Britain’s rich history and Mary’s time in Scotland.

With filming having taken place at several locations across the country, Scotland’s stunning landscapes and magnificent castles are set to shine once more.

As Scottish landscapes dazzle on the big screen, here are some of the top picks of other breath-taking locations that have featured in recent TV and film highlights.

The recently released Netflix film, Outlaw King, follows one of Scotland’s most important historical figures, Robert the Bruce and his first

Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Portencross Castle overlooking the Firth Of Clyde near West Kilbride

p12

victory against the English army as well as capturing his romance and marriage to Elizabeth de Burgh.

Directed by Scottish native, David Mackenzie, the film was shot entirely in what was 13th century Scotland and is the biggest movie to be made on Scottish turf to date.

Some of the locations used which can be visited by film fans include Portencross Castle. This 14th century castle located on the north Ayrshire coast dates back to the Bronze Age. It is said to have royal links to the old kings of Scotland who would lay here before being transported over to the island of Iona for burial.

p13

Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Sea kayakers pass a sea angler at Seacliff beach with a view beyond to Tantallon Castle, near North Berwick

In Outlaw King the castle and its surroundings serve as the backdrop for northern England and various other scenes throughout the film.

In 1307 Robert the Bruce claimed his first major victory over the English in the Battle of Loudon Hill where he defeated King Edward I. In Outlaw King this battle was filmed at Mugdock Country Park, not far from Glasgow. Visitors can view the remains of the 14th century Mugdock Castle and Craigend Castle and even admire the local animal life.

Further east Seacliff Beach is a hidden gem of East Lothian, near North Berwick. Believed to be the smallest harbour in the UK, Seacliff Beach is completely unspoilt.

Above the beach lies the ruins of Tantallon Castle, once home to and a stronghold of the Douglas family.

In Outlaw King the castle stands in for Kildrummy Castle where Robert the Bruce’s wife and daughter sought

p14

Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland A single standing stone near Ardfern on the west side of Loch Craignish

Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland A Highland cow In a field at Mugdock Country Park, north of Glasgow

p15

refuge after his defeat against the English at the battle of Methven.

Move forward a few hundred years to the Jacobite period and the TV series has done a lot to promote Scotland as a set-jetting destination.

This TV series is the arguably the biggest introduction to Scotland on the small screen. The story of travelling back in time to the 17th century brought Scotland’s rich history to life to many new audiences.

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Drumlanrig Castle

p16

As a result of the show, and the books by Diana Gabaldon, people from across the globe continue to visit Scotland to see the places where the two main protagonists met and travelled.

Many of the filming locations are well known but with so many stately homes, castles, landscapes and historical sites across Scotland portrayed, it would be a shame to miss out on these less well known locations such as Drumlanrig Castle.

p17

This magnificent 17th century Renaissance castle is located in Dumfries and Galloway and boasts 40 acres of gardens. The interiors and exterior became Bellhurst Manor in the second series of the show with one bedroom being slept in by Bonnie Prince Charlie on his way to Culloden.

Visitors can explore the collections of silver, French furniture and art or

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Drumlanrig Castle and country estate

p18

if they prefer the outdoor life then Drummond Gardens is the place to visit.

These gardens featured in the second season of Outlander as the ornate gardens of the Palace of Versailles. The Drummond Castle gardens, designed in an Italian parterre style, are located near Crieff in Perthshire. If lucky, visitors might catch a glimpse of the peacocks that wander the gardens.

p19

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Dysart on the south-east coast between Kirkcaldy and West Wemyss in Fife

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Dysart

p20

Over in Fife the picturesque harbour of Dysart and the Harbourmaster’s House in Fife were transformed to portray the port of Le Havre in the second series of Outlander.

The harbour dates back to the 15th Century and was popular for trade, exporting salt and earning Dysart the nickname ‘Salt Burgh’.

More up-to-date period movies include the James Bond franchise.

James Bond and Scotland are no stranger to each other; the movie series has long been associated with Scotland through James Bond’s Scottish roots.

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Dysart clocktower and Town Hall

p21

The 2012 Bond film, ‘Skyfall’, sees the main part of the action take place amids some spectacular scenery at 007’s family home in Glencoe.

Skyfall was the fourth film to feature Scotland as its backdrop with many other locations playing a starring role before Daniel Craig.

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland River Etive in Glen Etive, Glencoe

p22

p23

Top locations featured in the films include Eileen Donan Castle.

The picturesque castle has an unforgettable cameo in the movie, The World is Not Enough, where it serves as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.

The castle is one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland, sitting on its own island where three sea-lochs meet.

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Eilean Donan Castle

p24

Alternatively Loch Craignis, the sea loch located near Oban in Argyll, featured in the Sean Connery classic, From Russia With Love.

Rather than being chased across the water in Turkey, James Bond was pursued across Loch Craignish by the Spectre agents. The loch has many walking routes which offer great views across the loch and the

surrounding islands that are within it.

And then there is Glen Etive and Glencoe which served as locations for some of the most spectacular scenes in recent James Bond movies.

Those looking to seek out the Skyfall location where ‘M’ and Bond stand by his Aston Martin admiring the

view, can follow the driving route along River Etive. Glen Etive was also used as a location in the Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

Set-jetting where film fans flock to see some of the locations used in their favourite movies, is a growing trend and looks set to be even bigger this year.

Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Loch Craignish from The Craignish Cruises Corryvreckan And Wildlife Trip, Argyll

p25

p26

Photo by Guy Phillips

p27

Something about Mary

by Helen Lloyd

S

he was a Queen who only reigned for six years.

Yet more than four centuries after her death, Mary Queen of Scots continues to polarise opinion and to hold a fascination for the general public.

Now a project led by the University of Glasgow brings together some 40 international academics and curators to help understand how her legend has impacted on Scottish society and culture in the intervening years.

For more than 400 years, Mary’s legend has been depicted in popular culture and immortalised in music, books, plays, art and on coins and medals.

And since 1895, the extraordinary life and death of the sixteenth-century queen continues to be told and retold on the big screen.

The latest film, Mary Queen of Scots, which recently opened in the UK, centres on the royal rivalry between Mary, played by Saoirse Ronan, and her cousin Elizabeth I, played by Margot Robbie.

However, even the big screen can’t capture the reality that was Mary’s

p28

Photo: Newberry Library, Chicago (NBY438114) Queen Mary’s bedroom at Holyrood Palace

life as history has shown she endured more tragedy, romance and drama than any Hollywood film script writer could imagine.

Mary was born in December 1542 in Linlithgow Palace just a week before the death of her father James V of Scotland. At the age of just sixyears-old she was taken to France in 1548 to be the bride of the Dauphin, the young French price, in order to secure a Catholic alliance against England. During this time Scotland

was ruled by a series of regents, including Mary’s own mother Marie de Guise.

In December 1560, Mary’s husband, who was by then King Francis II die while still in his teens and only a year after succeeding to the French throne.

Her husband’s death resulted in Mary’s return to Scotland in 1561 to exercise direct rule as Queen of Scots and in 1565 she married her

Mary, Queen of Scots

p29

Execution of Mary Queen of Scots by Alexandre Denis Abel de Pujol 1785-1861

cousin, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.

The short lived marriage produced an heir when Mary gave birth to the future James VI of Scotland (King James I of England) on 19 June 1566, at Edinburgh Castle. Months later Lord Darnley was murdered at Kirk O’Field in February 1567.

In April 1567 Mary was abducted by James Hepburn, fourth earl Bothwell and they are married the following month. The union resulted in Mary being forced to abdicate the throne in July 1567 in favour of her oneyear-old son James VI of Scotland.

Following an unsuccessful attempt to regain the throne in 1568 Mary fled to England to seek the protection of her cousin Elizabeth I but was instead taken prisoner and held in captivity for 18 years before being executed at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587, aged just 44.

Dr Steven Reid, a Scottish Historian based at the University of Glasgow’s

p30

College of Arts, and Anne DulauBeveridge, a curator at The Hunterian have recently been awarded funding for a two-year research network project on Mary from the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

“Our project will look at what is it about Mary’s life and her story that gives it such appeal and endurance – why does she remain such a source of fascination and debate? Why do historians, authors and artists continue to re-imagine her? To date, there have only been a handful of works exploring Mary’s posthumous reputation,” said Dr Reid.

“This project will undertake a detailed and holistic assessment of Mary’s reputation and depiction in popular culture, from the end of her personal reign in Scotland through to the present.

“It will focus on objects held in Scottish archives and national collections. Through this corpus, it aims to explore and understand how

Mary has been remembered and what the changing representations of Mary tell us about evolving attitudes to gender, monarch and religion as well as Scotland’s own perceptions of its history.”

Already the University of Glasgow team have found hundreds of objects about Mary in its own Archives, Special Collections and Hunterian collections.

This includes a rare medal commemorating the marriage of Mary to Lord Darnley in 1565 and a Mary Queen of Scots Thirty-Shilling Piece from 1555. Mary’s coinages were the first to feature portraits of a female monarch.

Another key piece in the University’s Archives is a letter of gift, dated 13 July 1563, from Mary, offering muchneeded financial support in the form of land grants and endowments to the University. The installation of a Scottish Protestant parliament in 1560 and the disintegration

Photo by Kim Traynor CC BY-SA 3.0 Borthwick Castle, Midlothian from which Mary escaped dressed as man by climbing through a window.

p31

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Craigmillar Castle was a frequent place of sanctuary and a retreat for Mary

of Catholicism jeopardised the University’s very existence, and Mary’s grant played an important role in keeping the University solvent through this difficult period in its history.

One of the key Queen Mary pieces in The Hunterian’s collection is a romanticised painting by Gavin Hamilton (1723-1798) called The Abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots.

This painting inspired the University of Glasgow to look more in-depth at Mary’s posthumous reputation.

“This project grew from a simple idea to explore the making and meaning of the depiction of Mary Queen of Scots by Gavin Hamilton,” said Ms Dulau-Beveridge.

“The painting was commissioned

by James Boswell, the 18th century author and biographer. And in fact Boswell and Hamilton corresponded for more than 10 years to decide on which sources should be used to help with the depiction of Mary on canvas.

p32

Photo by Bubobubo2 CC BY-SA 3.0 Linlithgow Palace courtyard where Mary was born

“I think both were aware of the importance the painting would acquire in later years, as it was the first history painting depicting the life of Mary.”

She added: “It soon became apparent that this commission was

only one sign of a renewal of interest in the life of the Queen in 18th century Britain. This included The Hunterian’s own founder Dr William Hunter who gathered key texts about Mary.

“This led to discussions with

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Stirling Castle where Mary was crowned and which she visited frequently

colleagues across the University and the result was to take this further and look at Mary’s reputation and depiction in popular culture.

“Already this project has borne fruit to show that the University owns one of the most significant collections of Mary Queen of Scots materials in Scotland. We are now looking forward to seeing what other interesting facts and finds that this new research, generously supported

by The Royal Society of Edinburgh, will uncover.”

The areas that the project will look at over the next two years include the noticeable absence of Mary from Jacobite memorialisation; the collection and consultation of Mary memorabilia by famous intellectuals including William Hunter, Sir Walter Scott, and George Washington; the explosion in 18th and 19th century engravings of Mary, featuring wildly varying portraits; the industry of Mary Queen of Scots rings produced in the 1820s; and the Victorian mania

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Linlithgow Palace and St Michael’s Parish Church by Linlithgow Loch

Photo by Maciej Lewandowski CC BY-SA 2.0 Huntingtower Castle where Mary visited for a short time with her husband Lord Darnley

p33

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Blackness Castle which held out for Mary for five years after she fled to England in 1568

in the 19th century for formal staged photographs of young women as Mary and her attendants. A collection of which are housed in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

From this project, a dedicated exhibition on the memorialisation of Mary will be hosted at The Hunterian in 2022.

Meanwhile, to coincide with the latest film’s release, Scotland’s national tourism organisation, VisitScotland, has created an online interactive map [ www.visitscotland. com/maryqueenofscots ] featuring historical and on-screen locations linked to Mary.

On the trail of Mary Queen of Scots highlights 19 historical sites linked to Mary Queen of Scots and six filming locations, including nearby Blackness Castle, which saw its courtyard double as the entrance to Holyrood Palace in the Hollywood production.

p34

Photo by Oliver Bonjoch CC BY-SA 3.0 Royal Palace of Holyrood, Edinburgh where Mary lived between 1561-1567

“Mary, Queen of Scots is a Scottish icon and an important part of Scotland’s history and culture.

Linlithgow played a starring role in her life and we hope this latest big-screen interpretation of the

16th century monarch will further inspire visitors to explore the real historic locations that formed part of her fascinating story,” said Neil Christison, Regional Director, VisitScotland.

p35

Come and have a go - if you’re tough enough?

Photo by No Limits Photography Salomon Mamores VK on route to summit

p36

by Paul Watson

I

t’s back! Entries are now open for the UK’s biggest and most gruelling mountain running festival.

Dedicated athletes from around the world are being invited to join one of the toughest tests in the world - four mountain races in one weekend amid the spectacular scenery and rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands.

Taking part over the weekend of 20-22 September the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline®, Salomon Mamores VK, Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra and Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace, which is part of the Golden Trail World Series.

p37

Places are expected to sell out quickly for the races on a first-comefirst-served basis. “The Salomon Skyline Scotland races attract runners from across the world and they sell out quickly,� said Shane Ohly, director of organiser, Ourea Events.

Photo by No Limits Photography Salomon Mamores VK nearing the summit

p38

The annual Salomon Skyline Scotland offers three days of worldacclaimed races based in and around Kinlochleven sponsored and supported by Salomon, Suunto, Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, Petzl, Ortlieb, Event Scotland and The Highland Council.

p39

Photo by No Limits Photography Kilian Jornet winner of last year’s Salomon Glen Coe Skyline

Last year, more than 2000 athletes from almost 60 countries raced at the event, including top mountain running names Kilian Jornet, Stian Angermund-Vik, Hillary Gerardi, Jasmin Paris, Tove Alexandersson and Jonathon Albon.

Both the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra and Salomon Mamores VK will be run on Friday September 20 while the Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace is scheduled for Saturday September 21 and the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® on Sunday September 22.

Competitors can look forward to racing on the same world-class courses as those used for the Skyrunning World Championships and Skyrunner® World Series editions in previous years.

The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® is the flagship event combining mountain running and alpinism in a test of speed, endurance and skill on an uncompromising, world-class course.

p40

Photo by No Limits Photography Tove Alexandersson reaches the finish line of last year’s Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace

Photo by No Limits Photography Runners start the Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace

The route features long sections of scrambling and traverses in high and remote mountainous terrain.

It also takes in two of the UK’s legendary ridges, the Aonach Eagach and Curved Ridge on the famous mountain, Buachaille Etive Mor. Last year, top mountain runner Kilian Jornet, of Spain, delighted spectators by winning the race for the second year in a row.

“Scotland’s terrain is world-class and offers a unique place for mountain running,” said an exhilarated Kilian shortly after his win.

American Hillary Gerardi, who was the female winner, said: “Racing in the Scottish mountains is so much fun. It’s technical, muddy and the views are amazing.”

The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® operates a separate vetted entry system with places going to those with the right experience in extreme and technical mountain terrain.

Photo by No Limits Photography Male runners descending into a glen during last year’s Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra

However, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy as runners have the opportunity to take part in three more top mountain races at the festival, including the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra - a very challenging event with a 4000m ascent over 52km.

The route includes one of Scotland’s famous ridges, the Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête, which leads to the summit of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

On the same day, runners will race the Salomon Mamores VK, with a climb of 1000m over less than

p41

Photo by No Limits Photography Spectacular views of the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra

p42

5km. The winner of the time-trial style event is the person to have run the fastest to the summit of the mountain, Na Gruagaichean.

Mamores mountain range. Runners face 2500m of ascent over 29km with ridge scrambling and mountain conditions.

The next day, it’s the Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace, which follows a classic ridge link-up set within the

Wrapping up the festival weekend of running will be the Salomon Glen Coe SkylineÂŽ.

p43

p44

p45

Full steam ahead for James Watt celebrations Professor Colin McInnes, the University of Glasgow’s James Watt Chair, Professor of Engineering Science, and Professor Asen Asenov, the University’s James Watt Chair in Electrical Engineering, celebrate the anniversary of James Watt’s birth at the Hunterian Museum and the University of Glasgow

p46

by Helen Lloyd

A

year of celebrations are being planned to honour the life and work of a Scottish scientist and innovator who transformed the modern world.

It is 283 years since the birth in Greenock on 19 January 1736 of James Watt who played a vital role in kickstarting the industrial revolution with his development of an improved steam engine - work he undertook during his time as mathematical instrument maker at the University of Glasgow. Â

p47

It was while repairing the University’s model Newcomen steam engine in 1763 that he realised he could cut down on the engine’s inefficiency by adding a separate steam condenser to avoid loss of heat and conserve fuel. Those improvements were widely adopted by the mining and manufacturing industries and incorporated into new types of ships and trains.

This year marks both the 250th anniversary of Watt’s patent for the separate condenser and the 200th anniversary of his death.

p48

p49

Photo by Frankie Roberto CC BY 3.0 The inside of James Watt’s garret workshop, preserved in the Science Museum, London

To commemorate the occasions the University of Glasgow is planning a wide range of activity to commemorate Watt’s contribution to the creation of the modern world.

Over the next 12 months there will be a multimedia public exhibition about Watt’s time at the University and the contributions of the University’s James Watt Chairs in Engineering.

There will also be a series of public education and engagement events at the Glasgow Science Festival between 6 and 16 June, and a Wattthemed e-competition for school students as part of the Glasgow Science Festival named ‘Creating Engineers Challenge 2019’ An international symposium for engineering researchers, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society of Edinburg, will also be held along with the hosting of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society of Edinburgh Annual Joint Lecture and a gala dinner.

p50

In 1921, the University established two James Watt Chairs to continue Watt’s legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering.

Professor Asen Asenov is the University’s current James Watt Chair in Electrical Engineering.

“We’re pleased and proud to be celebrating the University of Glasgow’s links with James Watt in a year which marks important anniversaries in his life story,” he said.

“The University has always taken seriously its association with Watt and worked hard to keep his spirit alive on campus, particularly through the role of the James Watt Chairs.

Previous holders of that role include Professor John Lamb, who pioneered semiconductor research which helped underpin modern electrical and electronics engineering, and Professor Chris Wilkinson, who pioneered nanotechnology fabrication at the University.

“Today, the spirit of Watt is very

much alive at the University, and it’s a privilege to be working here during a very exciting time for science and engineering, which some are calling the fourth industrial revolution.”

Professor Colin McInnes is the University’s James Watt Chair, Professor of Engineering Science.

Prof McInnes.

He added: “James Watt’s legacy is clearly visible across the University of Glasgow, not least at our James Watt Nanofabrication Centre, where we help develop the technologies of the future through the creation of electronic devices at the very limits of physics.

“While Watt is best-known for his improvements to the steam engine, he was a restless inventor who developed new devices including a portable document duplicator and a mechanical three-dimensional sculpture copier.

“Today, our School of Engineering is similarly adventurous, with research underway on projects from down

Photo by Dave Souza CC BY-SA 2.5 The original James Watt Memorial College building in Greenock Scotland, forerunner of the James Watt College

p51

at the quantum level all the way to space exploration. I’m proud to be a James Watt Chair and I’m thrilled that 2019 will be a celebration of Watt’s contributions to the world.”

In addition to the University’s plans for James Watt celebrations this year, there are also further events planned across the UK by organisations including Heriot-Watt University, the University of Birmingham and Historic Environment Scotland.

p52

p53

Living the dream

The Seashell, Argyll

p54

by Helen Lloyd

I

t’s the time year when thoughts turn to romance and there can be few places in the world more romantic than Scotland.

And, according to one of the country’s leading experts in short stay accommodation, more people are falling in love with the place as an ideal getaway destination for romantic weekends.

Last year the number of couples booking a cottage or castle for Valentine’s weekend increased by 13 per cent compared to 2017 and this year looks like being even busier.

p55

“Scotland’s stunning scenery offers an unrivalled level of romantic charm and tranquillity,” said Jemima Kirkwood, social media manager of Cottages & Castles who pointed out the vast array of stunning properties

Customs House, Golspie, Sutherland

p56

available in beautiful locations, from remote private beachfronts to romantic castle towers.

“Early February is a fantastic time of the year to enjoy a short getaway

with many Highland and Perthshire locations enjoying some stunning snow-capped mountain backdrops, so it’s no surprise that Valentine’s is proving more popular with couples and bookings for this year are

continuing the trend.”

“From cosy cottages for two to grand castle apartments offering the ultimate in private luxury, couples wishing to escape to spend some

quality time together won’t be disappointed at the options available in some truly outstanding Scottish locations.”

Among some of the most romantic

p57

properties built just for two available this Valentine’s weekend include The Beach Bothy at Durness in the Highlands. This is a fabulous little beachside cottage in a truly stunning location on the magnificent white sandy beach of Durness.

Beach Bothy

p58

Inside the delight continues with exceptionally high standards and an open plan living area with Anta furnishings providing a sumptuous and cosy cottage for two. This is a perfect place for solitude, for romance or for those who love the best of scenery and surroundings.

p59

Over in Moray Issueburn Tower is ideal for nature lovers seeking a romantic, rustic retreat. Issueburn is a quirky, modern replica of a traditional tower house, which was completed in 2018. The owners have split the property into two, self-contained sections. Located in the countryside near farmland, Issueburn boasts fantastic views along Strathisla between the Balloch and the Knock.

Issueburn Tower, near Keith, Moray

p60

p61

Even more quirky and environmentally friendly The Seashell at Acharacle, Argyll couldn’t be in a more romantic setting. Inspired by the natural curves of a seashell, this breath-taking eco-friendly holiday cottage sits on the side of a hill on the west coast of Scotland and overlooks Loch Sunart, one of Britain’s last great wildernesses.

Set among the stunning scenery on The Ardnamurchan peninsula, The Seashell is a very special luxury haven created exclusively for couples looking for the ultimate dream escape.

Inside the Seashell

p62

p63

The Clubhouse, Farr, Inverness

Inside The Clubhouse

p64

Jordanstone House, Blairgowrie

For those seeking a romantic retreat with easy access to the capital of the Highlands The Clubhouse at Farr, Inverness is perfect for a joint getaway for two couples.

The purpose-built self-catering holiday home is a compact little cottage that sleeps four.

This cosy little love nest is an absolute delight with a featured woodburning stove in the open plan living area and stylishly decorated bedrooms each with luxuriously cosy beds and pillows.

The cottage has wonderful countryside views that can be appreciated from the decked area at the front of the property which has a hand-built authentic, wooden picnic bench ideal for alfresco dining.

However, you don’t have to be a couple seeking a romantic retreat to enjoy the beauty of Scotland as there are plenty of properties perfect for families and groups of friends to enjoy.

Indeed, Scotland remains a top choice for ‘staycationers’ from across the UK. Last year there was a 7 per cent increase in the number of large houses being booked during 2018 compared to the previous year.

Three of the most popular large houses for 2018 were Jordanstone House, an exceptional country house in Blairgowrie; Drumblair House, a grade C listed house in Aberdeenshire; and Kilfinan House, an elegant Scottish country house with stunning views towards Loch Fyne in Argyll.

According to the latest figures from Cottages & Castles of those people booking places to stay through them in 2018 some 55 per cent were from within Scotland, about 40 per cent were from the rest of the UK and overseas visitors accounted for 5 per cent of bookings.

The number of people looking for ‘pet friendly’ places was up 15 per cent while those seeking ‘luxury’ accommodation doubled compared

to 2017. Other search terms showing a considerable growth in interest were ‘last-minute’ up 66 per cent; ‘New Year’ up 34 per cent and ‘North Coast 500’ up 48 per cent.

“There’s no doubt about it that the effects of Brexit and the subsequent fall in the value of the pound against the Euro and the US Dollar, has resulted in more holiday makers shunning foreign trips and choosing a staycation,” said Jemima.

“Our large holiday houses proved to be very successful last year as many groups and families chose to holiday at home. Luxury is still high on peoples’ wish list, along with pet friendly.”

A recent study by Trip Advisor Experiences, unveiling the UK’s most popular visitor attractions for 2018, saw three of Scotland’s top landmarks making the cut, with Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, home to the mythical Loch Ness Monster, coming in in third position and Edinburgh Castle and Stirling

p65

Drumblair House, Huntly, Aberdeenshire

Castle in fifth and ninth position respectively.

“Scotland has so many outstanding places offering the ideal holiday destination for the whole family and large groups, with an abundance of outdoor attractions on your doorstep.

From the magnificent white sandy beaches and turquoise seas of the Isle of Harris, to the hustle and bustle of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, there really is something for everyone in Scotland,” said Jemima.

“January is a popular time of the year for those planning their next holiday and proved to be one of the most popular periods in 2018 with bookings being up 9 per cent on January 2017 figures. Notably 37 per cent of all 2018 bookings were made in the first quarter of the year.”

The way people are searching for and booking holidays has undergone a step change. Cottages & Castles has witnessed an increase in

p66

mobile traffic to their website with 66 per cent website views coming via mobile devices and a subsequent increase in 2018 bookings being made through such methods, up 13 per cent on 2017 figures.

According to the company Scotland’s top five holiday destinations for 2018 were Loch Ness in the Highlands, Loch Lomond, Oban in Argyll, the Isle of Arran and Skye.

Some of the properties new to Cottages & Castles’ portfolio for 2019 include Customs House at Littleferry, Sutherland.

This fantastic little cottage for couples or small families sleeps four and is ideally located to explore Sutherland. Set just metres away from the sea near the pier in Littleferry, the cottage sits in an elevated position with panoramic views of the water.

Loch Fleet is a fabulous spot for

wildlife watchers, where various sea birds and seals are frequently seen from the cottage windows. Mountain biking, fishing and golf are just some of the numerous activities on the doorstep.

At Nethybridge in the Highlands The Grey House sleeps 19 and is perfect for a large family of friends reunion.

Set amid woodland in the heart of Nethybridge, the house is a traditional home built over 100 years ago that is large enough to cater for 19 guests across 9 bedrooms, and has plenty of social spaces for everyone to gather in.

The large garden extends out into woodland, where there is a garden pond and croquet can be played on the back lawn. The house is located within easy reach of Aviemore and the Cairngorms with Inverness only an hour’s drive away.

p67

p68

p69

Scottish made Martian drill to unlock Antarctic climate secrets

Photo by Andrew Mandemaker CC BY-SA 2.5 Mt Herschel, Antarctica

p70

A

drill originally developed to break through Martian rocks is set to be deployed to Antarctica, on a mission which could help understand the history of Earth’s changing climate. Â

p71

A team of University of Glasgow engineers are heading to a British Antarctic Survey (BAS) research station named Skytrain Ice Rise with a sophisticated drill they originally developed for use on future unmanned Martian rover missions.

Current drill technology requires considerable downward force in order to drive the drill bit through rock, a considerable challenge in lower-gravity environments such as the surface of Mars.

The Glasgow engineers’ drill overcame that issue, which allowed the whole system to be made much smaller. That, in turn, made it ideal for sending down the long, narrow boreholes drilled by ice-cutting systems in Antarctica, where it aims to collect a sample of rock from the very bottom of the ice sheet.

The team has worked with BAS on several occasions to test their space drill systems in the cold, dry, and rocky Antarctic, one of just a handful of places on Earth whose landscape is similar to that which might be found on Mars.

On this visit, their aim is to test the effectiveness of their drill technology for a new, more terrestrial purpose.

Samples of bedrock, from several hundred metres under the ice, will be recovered and shipped back to the UK for analysis.

Scientists will use the rock to measure the build-up of radioactive isotopes, the accumulation of which is governed by exposure to sunlight.

The isotopes’ relative abundance can be used as a kind of ‘rock clock’, allowing researchers to determine how long ago the rock was covered by ice sheet, and therefore when – and how often – the ice has receded in the past.

“We’re hoping to get a sample of bedrock out from underneath the Antarctic ice sheet and return it to the UK for analysis. When we do that we’ll be able to determine how long it’s been since that rock last saw the sun and that information will

p72

Photo by NASA (PD) The surface of Mars as seen by the Viking Rover

Photo by NASA (PD) View of Riiser-Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica

allow us to recreate the advance and withdrawal of the ice sheets, which gives us much greater information about the coming and going of ice ages,” said Dr Patrick Harkness of the University of Glasgow leads the team of engineers which developed

the drill.

“That could allow us to validate our climate models with much greater confidence and make better decisions about environmental matters here on Earth.”

p73

Antique hunting with Roo Irvine

Past and present reflections

W

hat do you see when you look in a mirror?

Have you ever stopped for a moment and taken the time to look beyond your own reflection and marvel at the history captured in these ancient miracles?

Every home has a mirror of some kind, from antique gilt-framed or beveled Art Deco to modern Ikea.

They can be found in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms and hallways. Even outdoors there are mirrors in vehicles and most women carry at least one in a compact. But when did it all begin?

The silvered glass mirrors most of us take for granted only originated in Germany some 200 years ago even though we’ve been looking at our reflections for thousands of years.

The ability to see ourselves as others do has existed ever since man first wandered past a still pond or puddle and peered into it to see himself looking back. Initially this may have been considered magic but humans quickly learned to harness the power.

p74

As far as we can tell the first man-made mirrors were created in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, sometime around 6000 BC and were made of polished black volcanic stone.

The Egyptians developed the process further and made mirrors from copper, bronze and silver which were flattened into thin sheets, highly polished, decorated and often adorned with a handle.

The Romans and Greeks improved on the concept with the use of glass about 2,000 years ago, although most glass mirrors then were only a few inches wide and metal was still the preferred material. However, as techniques improved so did our love for glass.

The word mirror derives from the French ‘mirour’ and the Latin ‘mirari’, meaning ‘to admire’. Most mirrors were fittingly adorned with images of the gods such as Eros, the god of desire, and Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. Seneca of

Photo: Dayton Art Institute WM Pearl CC0 1.0 American convex mirror of the early 19th century

Photo Simon Speed CC0 1.0 A 300 year old Dressing-Up mirror

p75

Photo by Ashwin Kumar CC BY-SA 2.0 Mirror room, City Palace, Udaipur

Greece proclaimed: “For a single one of these mirrors of chiseled silver or gold, inlaid with gems, women are capable of spending an amount

p76

equal to the dowry the state once offered to poor general’s daughters!”

Development of glass mirrors was

given a boost when the deadly toxin mercury was used around 500AD to create more reflective ornaments.

It would take another 1,000 years

before a safer and more efficient way to make mirrors was discovered.

In the 14th century rare and beautiful

rock crystal was used until the Venetians perfected the glass mirror.

They cleverly created a special reflective mixture incorporating gold

and bronze to make the subject appear more beautiful.

Their unique production skills

p77

attracted an incredible demand which made mirrors prohibitively expensive for all but the richest of people. The cost of a single Venetian mirror was said to be comparable to the cost of one large naval ship.

Throughout history mirrors have meant so much to various cultures.

In medieval Japan they were believed to ward off evil spirits. Over the centuries they have been used for witchcraft, communication and even as a weapon of war - blinding enemies during battle by reflecting sunlight into their eyes.

In the home of the richest people mirrors became status symbols.

One excellent example of such is the Hall of Mirrors in the palace of Versailles in France. At 73 metres long it is adorned with 357 mirrors and on special occasions was lit with 20,000 candles to transform it into a breathtaking corridor of light.

Even though most of us don’t have homes nearly as decadently decorated as Versailles there are still many styles and ages of mirrors worth collecting.

Certain varieties of mirrors do very well in antique shops and auctions across the country, especially those with a touch of Arts and Crafts, Art Deco or Art Nouveau style. As for heavy Victorian Mirrors, age is your best friend. The older and more ornate the better.

When thinking about buying an antique an older mirror with original gilded frames or ornate carvings will usually command higher prices.

Don’t worry if the frame has a few minor imperfections as that’s to be expected over time and may even add to its attractiveness. Most genuine old mirror frames tend to be made from durable woods such as mahogany, oak or walnut.

You can often gauge the true age of a mirror by looking behind it. If the mirror has a wood rather than a paper backing it’s probably older, especially if the nails and screws used to construct it show signs of

p78

Photo Thomas Quine CC BY 2.0 Antique mirror cabinet

Photo by Daderot CC0 1.0 Looking Glass from England circa 1750-1770

p79

Photo: Tangopaso (PD) Golden mirror from France

age. Some older mirrors also have a maker’s mark or name which can be used to estimate a date of manufacture.

The glass itself can also be very telling. If the mirror, especially if it is a large one, is made in two or three sections that’s a good sign as most of those made in the 17th and 18th centuries were designed like that.

Over time the reflective silver mercury on the back of a genuine old mirror will probably show some signs of cloudy spots on the glass from corrosion due to oxidisation. Another tip is the older a mirror is the more the colour of the glass will appear yellow or grey.

Little imperfections will not devalue an object too much. On the contrary they are often evidence of authenticity and can add character to a piece.

I’m always fascinated to stand in front of a mirror and imagine how many faces have peered into it, the unspoken thoughts it has shared and the images of history it has seen.

Photo by Pe-Jo CC BY-SA 3.0

p80

A mirror is so much more than a reflection of our outward appearance.

It is a window on the soul, a portal to our most intimate thoughts and dreams, a trusted confident and familiar friend. That’s something you can never put a value on.

Photo Daderot CC0 1.0 Spanish gilded pine mirror circa mid 1700s

p81

p82

p83

Love bears

Photo by RZSS Babu and Rotana

p84

S

pring may not yet have sprung but romance is definitely in the air for one special Edinburgh couple.

A rare Malayan sun bear rescued from the illegal pet trade has found love at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo.  Rotana was originally found in a tiny cage in a private home in Cambodia and was rehomed by the zoo in 2010

p85

along with his brother Somnang as part of the charity’s work with Free the Bears.

The bears were matched with potential partners in December as part of a conservation breeding programme, with Somnang leaving for Burgers Zoo in the Netherlands.

Rotana stayed in Edinburgh and was joined by Babu, a four-year-old female from the Czech Republic.

The pair recently took their first steps outdoors together and hopes are high for their future.

“It is wonderful to see Rotana and Babu getting on so well,” said Alison MacLean, team leader for carnivores at Edinburgh Zoo.

“Sun bear numbers are rapidly declining in the wild due to deforestation and poaching, so our new couple have an important role to play in the European conservation breeding programme.”

p86

Malayan sun bears are one of the world’s rarest species of bear, with numbers continuing to decline across Asia. The wild population is

under serious threat due to the rapid destruction of their habitat, which is logged for hard timber products, and the illegal wildlife trade.

p87

Discovery of lost play by rebel leader A

recently discovered short story could shed new light on a lost play written by revolutionary socialist James Connolly.

Academics at the University of Glasgow found the story called The Agitator’s Wife last year during the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Irish rebel leader who was born in Scotland in 1868.

Edinburgh-born Connolly, a gifted radical thinker, is renowned for his journalism and political theory.

However, he is less celebrated for his creative writing which these Glasgow academics believe takes on a new significance with the discovery of this short story.

Connolly was the earliest Irish republican to link the struggle for independence not just to class equality but also to gender equality.

He was one of the contributors to and signatories of the Irish Proclamation of Independence at the Easter Rising of 1916, which from the first line positioned Irish men and women as equals.

p88

British soldiers marching rebel prisoners away after the surrender (PD)

The anonymous short story, believed by the academics to be written by Connolly, was discovered in a journal archived in Warwick University Library.

The Agitator’s Wife is centred around a dockworkers’ strike. The struggles of Scottish dockers against the Shipping Federation on the Leith waterfront from the late 1880s onwards was hugely influential in shaping Connolly’s political development.

It tells the story of dockers’ leader Tom Arnold, driven to exhaustion by the pressures of leading a strike in the face of police provocation and brutality. At home his child is at death’s door and this sense of despair drives him to contemplate suicide.

Tom’s wife Mary steps into his shoes and leads the weary strikers when they are about to give up the fight. A local doctor who is highly respected in his community is reluctant to back

James Connolly (PD)

p89

Photo by Sitomon CC BY-SA 2.0 The spot at Kilmainham Gaol where most of the leaders were executed

the strike. However, Mary Arnold persuades him to write a letter in the newspaper publicly supporting the raising of funds for the starving wives and children of the strikers. This action helps to turn the tide and Mary Arnold, the Agitator’s Wife, saves the day for the strikers and their families.

Writing in the Irish Studies Review about their discovery, Glasgow academics Professor Willy Maley, Dr Maria-Daniella Dick and Kirsty Lusk, said: “No script has ever been found, and there is no specific record of performance” but The Agitator’s Wife was “first alluded to in his (Connolly’s) daughter Nora’s 1935 memoir entitled Portrait of a Rebel Father”, as part of “a conversation between her father and mother – Lillie (née Reynolds) when they lived in America.”

“We believe we may have unearthed, if not the play itself, then at least a version of the missing play. An anonymously published short story in the February 1894 issue of an

p90

obscure and short-lived Christian Socialist journal, The Labour Prophet, bears the title “The Agitator’s Wife”.

the world as a revolutionary socialist, a trade union leader and a political theorist.

“This is of course a short story and not a play, but in every other sense it fits the bill for Connolly’s missing piece of writing. It was written in the appropriate period, it has the same title, it is rich in dialogue and it reminds us strongly of Connolly’s other writing in its politics, its themes and in its socialist feminist viewpoint, which was rare for that time.

He was one of the rebel leaders of the 1916 Irish Easter Rising and one of the seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation of Independence.

“In terms of characters, dialogues and narrative, The Agitator’s Wife certainly has the potential to be adapted for the stage. Perhaps Connolly wrote the story, saw this potential and then developed it in this way. More work obviously needs to be done to confirm whether the story is in fact the basis of Connolly’s lost script, but circumstantial, textual and contextual evidence strongly suggests that it may be.”

Connolly is revered in many parts of

He was court-martialled and executed by firing squad on 12 May 1916. He was shot while seat on a wooden box due to the serious wounds he had sustained in the fighting.

Both the Easter Rising and the War of Independence that followed transformed the political landscape in Ireland.

In Dublin, one of the city’s main railway stations, Connolly Station is named for him. Also, in the Irish capital there is a statue of Connolly outside Liberty Hall and others in New York and Chicago, a measure of his international influence.

Photo by Sebb PD Statue of James Connolly in Dublin city centre

p91

Irish Citizen Army Group at Liberty Hall, Dublin 1914 (PD)

“For Connolly, his idea of a workers’ republic had at its heart the equal rights of all men and women. In fact, his contribution can be seen in the Proclamation of Independence read in front of the Dublin’s GPO Building at the start of the 1916 Easter Rising. From the first line of the Proclamation, Irish men and women were regarded as equals with religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities guaranteed to all citizens,” said Professor Willy Maley, Professor of Renaissance Studies, University of Glasgow.

“It is no surprise then that at the heart of The Agitator’s Wife is a partnership of equals between Tom and Mary Arnold – where when needed they could reverse roles.

Putting this into context, this was written at a time when women couldn’t even vote never mind be seen as equals.

“There were two “lost” plays attributed to Connolly in his daughter Nora’s memoir – The Agitator’s Wife

p92

Sackville Street, Dublin after the 1916 Easter Rising (PD)

and Under Which Flag. Under Which Flag, the better known of the two lost plays, was performed at Liberty Hall in Dublin a few days before the Rising and was rediscovered in 1969. However, The Agitator’s Wife appears to have never been publicly performed.

“The discovery of the short story with the same name as The Agitator’s Wife, does raise the possibility in our minds that the “play” Connolly’s daughter Nora heard her mother speak of and recounted in her memoir was in fact a short story, and that Nora Connolly may have just

Photo Nat Lib of Ireland (PD) The shell of the G.P.O. on Sackville Street, later O’Connell Street, Dublin in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising

simply misheard or misinterpreted.”

Professor Maley added: “We hope this discovery will contribute to the discussions around the writings of James Connolly and his political

impact and historical significance.

“However what is obvious now from the short story is the fact it lends itself easily to being adapted to the

stage. We hope that this is something we can work on in partnership with a theatre company in order to bring it to a wider audience.”

p93

p94

p95

On the menu this month

S

cotland has lots to offer on the food and drinks front with an array of world-class products exported around

the globe brining in almost £6 billion to the country’s economy in 2017 – up 8.4 per cent on the past year.

Constantly updating and evolving

new and traditional products continue to Scotland’s food and drink reputation.

Exploration of taste Raasay distillery visitor centre

A

ttendees at The National Whisky Festival in Glasgow were among the first in the world to preview the Isle of Raasay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

of the first bottles of Isle of Raasay Single Malt in Scotch whisky history.

Pre-orders for the first Raasay Single Malt will be available on general release from 14th February.

Festival-goers were given an exclusive opportunity to reserve one

At an exclusive ‘Whisky Masterclass’, Raasay’s Head Distiller Iain

p96

Robertson showcased the newmake spirit alongside cask samples from Raasay and conducted tastings of five different drams from specially selected rye, virgin oak and Bordeaux casks. The event was a taste exploration of the blending, balance and finish that will

p97

characterise the first Isle of Raasay Distillery Scotch Whisky due to be released in 2020.

Visitors to the Raasay Distillery stand were also be able to sample Raasay While We Wait’s 2018 Release – a peaty yet fruity whisky that was created to represent the flavour profile of the future Raasay Single Malt. This is the fourth expression of the independent bottling launched in 2018 to mark one year since production began at Raasay Distillery and to kick-start the two-year countdown to the first bottling of Raasay whisky.

Isle of Raasay Distillery opened in September 2017 and became the first “legal” distillery on the beautiful Hebridean island. Co-founded by Scottish entrepreneurs Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day, Raasay Distillery is designed to produce a contemporary Scottish island malt and catapult Raasay into the global market as Scotland’s newest whisky producing island.

p98

O

rkney Distilling’s ArkhAngell ‘Storm Strength’ gin has won a prestigious UK Gold Medal at the World Gin Awards, The 57-per-cent spirit took home the prize in the Navy Gin category of the event, judged by a panel of leading

Gold medal win for Orkney gin journalists, specialist drinks retailers and industry experts in London.

The World Gin Awards select, reward and promote the world’s best gins to consumers and trade across the globe.

Distilled in Orkney, Arkh-Angell is

hailed as Orkney Distilling’s tribute to island seafarers, with the company using a locally grown variety of Norse angelica, called Archangelica, as a key ingredient.

Last year Arkh-Angell scooped a Silver Medal at the Scottish Gin Awards, adding to the bronze won

p99

by Orkney Distilling’s signature Kirkjuvagr Gin at the 2017 event.

“This is tremendous news for all the team at Orkney Distilling and a perfect way to get the 2019 season at our Kirkwall visitor centre and distillery underway,” said Stephen Kemp, managing director of Orkney Distilling Limited.

“We’re proud of all our gins, but we’re particularly thrilled to see ArkhAngell continuing to make a major impact on the UK gin scene, and now taking home another top award for the islands.”

Chinese visitors welcome

A

s Edinburgh gets ‘China Ready’ landmark venue, The Hub, has launched its translated menu in Mandarin for Chinese guests.

The new translated menu comes after a new direct air route between Scotland and China was launched in June 2018, linking Edinburgh Airport with Beijing. The menu also follows announcements that Edinburgh is set to stage its first Chinese New Year this month, in a way to promote the Scottish capital as one of “Europe’s premiere China-friendly destinations”.

p100

The translated menu aims to ensure an accommodating and accessible welcome for Chinese visitors. All of The Hub’s menus, including the drinks menu and the children’s menu, have been translated into Mandarin.

“The friendly faces in our Cafe Hub come from all over world, so we especially love welcoming visitors throughout the year who travelled across the globe to be in Edinburgh. By translating our menu into Mandarin, it makes it easier for our Chinese guests to order at our Cafe Hub and feel more at home,” said Anna Kincaid, The Hub’s Café

Manager.

“Guests from outside of Scotland are always keen to try our Hubmade food and our Scottish favourites from the menu, whether it’s a dish of our traditional haggis with neeps and tatties, or selecting a tipple from our extensive whisky menu. We’re hoping this is the first translated menu of many!”

The Hub is an internationally recognised venue in Edinburgh, and is home to the Edinburgh International Festival.

Whisky honour for

Scottish Samurai A

whisky made too honour Aberdeenshire-born Thomas Blake Glover, the Scot who played a major role in modernising Japan, has been rereleased.

Glover, whose story was told in Scotland Correspondent helped cofound both Mitsubishi and the Kirin Group brewery. he also played a part in re-establishing the Emperor and earned the nickname the Scottish Samurai.

Now The Glover, a special blended whisky named in his honour which was first launched in 2015 at ÂŁ1,000 a bottle and sold out within 24 hours, has been given another release.

Rosebank revived

I

an Macleod Distillers has been granted planning permission to start work on a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk.

Rosebank, which is one of the most respected and sought-after Lowland single malt whiskies in the world, ceased production in 1993 when former owner UDV (now Diageo), mothballed the site and its maltings

were converted into a restaurant.

After 25 years of lying dormant extensive work to revitalise the Distillery is now expected to begin soon and open to visitors around Autumn 2020.

Situated on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, the revived Rosebank Distillery hopes to attract around 50,000 visitors a year to Falkirk and

will offer a wide range of distillery tours, with some featuring the very last drams of Rosebank distilled prior to the distillery’s 1993 closure.

Plans include a new circa 1,000-square metre contemporary and energy-efficient distillery with a production capacity of up to one million litres of alcohol per year.

p101

The Devil’s in the detail

A

North-East distillery has launched an exciting new venture with the creation of the UK’s first single cask cask-strength rum.

heritage. Deeside Distillery has also released an aged golden rum, coffee rum liqueur and a Virgin American

Oak single cask, cask-strength small batch which will have no more than 75 bottles.

Devil’s Point, developed by Deeside Distillery, is the first rum to be aged in a variation of experimental casks, creating products with as much character and authenticity of a Caribbean rum as possible while still being aligned to Scotch Whisky production.

The procedure used by the Banchory-based Distillery includes using higher temperatures to ferment the product in order to mimic the warmer climes paired with the use of dunder and dunder pits, a traditional and sometimes fabled flavour source used in the fermentation and distillation of the wash of Jamaican rum. This gives this new spirit a much higher ester count which create a whole array of different flavours and complexities that make the products unique.

The Devil’s Point rums are being released as a crossover of spirit flavours with a sherry cask finish to keep in line with Scotland’s whisky

p102

Blue is the colour

A

rran based Island Cheese Company has been named among the winners at the 31st annual World Cheese Awards in Bergen, Norway.

The Island Cheese Company, part of the Taste of Arran group was awarded a coveted Best Scottish Cheese award for its Arran Blue - for

the 2nd year in a row! This multiaward winning farmhouse cheese is made at Bellevue Creamery, Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran using pasteurised cow’s milk from the island’s dairy herd and vegetarian rennet. Similar in style to the French ‘Bleu d’ Auvergne’, this is a young, mild and creamy cheese.

Dram dreams come true

A

long held dream to distil fine single malt whisky in the East Neuk of Fife has become a reality for the founders of Kingsbarns Distillery, as they toast the launch of their first flagship expression: Kingsbarns ‘Dream to Dram’.

Named to mark the Wemyss Family’s vision to bring malt whisky distilling

to their Fife home, the new release is truly local, having been slowly crafted with barley harvested exclusively from the golden fields of East Fife.

The result is a beautifully light, clean yet complex Lowland style malt whisky which perfectly captures the essence of this quiet and enchanting corner of Scotland.

Dream to Dram is packaged in gentle shades of blue, gold and brown to symbolise the natural elements of the East Neuk, with a pigeon motif representing the historic ‘doocot’ (Scots for dovecot) that sits at the heart of the distillery – a restored farm steading dating back to the 1800s.

p103

p104

p105

This month in history

S

cotland has much to celebrate and commemorate from the births and deaths of worthy persons to notable events in history. Here’s a brief guide to some of the events and dates worth remembering this February.

Births

1782 February 2 - Birth of James Chalmers in Arbroath whose claim to fame is that he devised the adhesive postage stamp.

1918 February 1 - Author Muriel Spark born https://bit.ly/2FTrqSw

Deaths 664 February 22 - St Boisel died. He was a monk and the second prior of Melrose Abbey after whom the village of St Boswells in the Scottish Borders was named.

1723 February 5 - John Knox Witherspoon, a life-long republican, Presbyterian Minister, President of the College of New Jersey - which later became Princeton University, signatory to the Declaration of Independence and a founding father of the United States of America, was born in Gifford, East Lothian.

p106

1846 February 5 - John Boyd Dunlop who patented the first practical pneumatic tyre was born in Dreghorn, Ayrshire. A veterinary by profession he made his first rubber tyre for his son’s tricycle before going on to make them born bicycle racers and eventually his idea was used for motor vehicles.

858 February 13 - Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Dalriada and the Picts who is also credited with being the the first King of Scots, although that honour wasn’t used until after his death at Forteviot.

1306 February 10 - The anniversary of possibly the most important political assignation in Scottish

1437 February 20 - King James I murdered in Perth in a failed coup by a group led by Sir Robert Graham and his uncle Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl..

1452 February 22 - King James II killed William Douglas at Stirling Castle. history. Red Comyn was murdered

by Robert the Bruce before the alter of Greyfriar’s Kirk, Dumfries.

1587 February 8 - Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringay Castle on the orders of England’s Queen Elizabeth.

1688 February 17 - Scottish Minister James Renwick became the last of the Covenanter martyrs to be executed. After failing to swear fealty to the King he was hanged in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket and is head and hands cut from his body and displayed on the city gates.

1846 February 12 - Rev Henry Duncan, founder of the world-wide savings bank movement, died near Ruthwell. The minister and social reformer from Dumfriesshire opened the world’s first commercial savings bank in 1810. It would eventually form part of the Trustee Savings Bank

1371 February 22 - David II, the last of the Bruce line died at Edinburgh Castle after 41 years on the throne during which time he kept at bay several English attempts to annexe his kingdom and left the Scottish monarchy stronger than when he ascended the throne.

1806 February 20 - American Revolutionary leader Lachlan McIntosh died in Georgia aged 80. The war hero and political activist was born in Baddendoch before moving with his family to Georgia in 1736. By 1770 McIntosh was a leader in the independence movement and rose to become a commander in the Continental Army.

1881 February 5 - Philosopher, writer, satirist, historian, mathematician and one of the most important social commentators of his time Thomas Carlyle died in London.

p107

1495 February 10 - A bull from Pope Alexander VI confirmed the foundation of Aberdeen University.

Ben Brooksbank CC BY-SA 2.0

1950 February 26 - World renowned Scottish entertainer Sir Harry Lauder died..

1940 February 11 - Politician, one time Governor General of Canada and author of several literary classics, including The 39 Steps, John Buchan died in Canada.

1545 February 27 - Scottish forces led by the Earl of Douglas defeated an English army twice their size at the Battle of Ancrum Moor.

1987 February 2 - Glasgow-born author Alistair MacLean, whose books included “The Guns of Navarone”, “Ice Station Zebra” and “Where Eagles Dare” died in Munich, Germany.

Notable events

Photo Ronnie Leask CC BY-SA 2.0

1303 February 23 - Battle of Roslin in which a Scots army of 8,000, led by Sir Simon Fraser, Sinclair of Rosslyn and the Red Comyn, surprised an English army of 30,000 led by Sir John Seagrave and defeated them.

1945 February 21 - Athlete and missionary Eric Liddell, whose name was immortalised in the Oscarwinning movie Chariots of Fire for his victory in the 400 metres at the of 1924 Olympics, died in a Japanese internment camp in China.

p108

1412 February 25 - Bishop Henry Wardlaw established St Andrews as a “university” although it was not officially inaugurated until 4 February 1414.

1472 February 20 - Orkney and Shetland became part of Scotland after being annexed from Norway.

1603 February 7 - The Battle at Glenfruin took place near Loch Lomond at which the outnumbered MacGregors slaughtered the Colquhouns. It was bitter sweet victory for there MacGregors as it resulted in the banning of the MacGregor name and the clan being declared outlaws.

1645 February 2 - The Battle of Inverlochy, in which a force of Royalist Highlanders and Irish troops destroyed the forces of Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll as they were camped under the walls of Inverlochy Castle, killing 1,300.

1692 February 13 - Massacre of 38 of the Clan Macdonald by government order at Glencoe, a date that continues to live in infamy more than three centuries later.

Flying Scotsman photo David Ingham CC BY-SA 2.0

1923 February 24 -The world famous steam train Flying Scotsman went into service with the North Eastern Railway (LNER) between London and Edinburgh.

Photo by Sylvia Stanley CC BY-SA 3.0

1708 February 1 - Fife-born sailor Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s story of Robinson Crusoe was rescued after four years marooned on the island of Juan Fernandez, 400 miles off the coast of Chile.

1818 February 4 - The crown, sceptre and sword of Scotland, known collectively as the Honours of Scotland, went on public display for the first time in Edinburgh Castle.

1716 February 4 - The Old Pretender, Prince James Francis Stuart, gave up his dream of taking back the British throne when he left Scotland after just three weeks and brought to an end the Jacobite rebellion of 1715.

1931 February 13 - Scottish Youth Hostel Association was formed.

1935 February 26 - Brechin-born Robert Watson Watt demonstrated radar for the first time.

1746 February 16 - An attempt to capture Prince Charles Edward Stewart at Moy Hall failed when a handful of Jacobites surprised and routed the government forces.

1941 February 4 - The cargo vessel SS “Politician” carrying a valuable shipment of whisky ran aground on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides - a tre event which inspired the book Whisky Galore by Compton MacKenzie.

1876 February 14 - Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone.

1794 February 10 - The birth of one of the most celebrated regiments in British army history - the Gordon Highlanders when the 4th Duke of Gordon was authorised to raise a regiment under his name.

1919 February 1 - Thousands of armed troops and six tanks were ordered onto the streets of Glasgow to quell more than 20,000 strikers campaigning for better working conditions.

Rockall Andy Strangeway CC BY-SA 2.0

1972 February 10 - The uninhabited island of Rockall, 290 miles out in the Atlantic from the Western Isles, was formally incorporated as part of Scotland.

p109

p110

p111

Date 4 ur diary

Scotland

Until 2 February Rebus: Long Shadows Theatre Royal Glasgow, Glasgow City Centre Ian Rankin is bringing his beloved creation to the stage for the very first time, don’t miss Rebus: Long Shadows at the Theatre Royal Glasgow! https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royalglasgow Until 3 February Celtic Connections Glasgow Celtic Connections is the largest winter music festival of its kind and the UK’s premier celebration of celtic music.

Some 2,100 artists and 300 events in 20 venues. https://www.celticconnections.com/Pages/default.aspx Until 4 February Big Burns Supper Festival Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG1 2RS Big Burns Supper Festival runs for 11 days at the end of January in the vibrant capital of South Scotland, Dumfries. The festival takes place in venues, bars, art galleries, museums and includes an 800 capacity Spiegeltent which includes a heady roster of international names taking place. http://bigburnssupper.com 1 February - 2 March FebruaryFest The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, PH49 4HX Good beer, hearty food, great craic, live music and even whisky tasting. Clachaig’s FebruaryFest has grown over the last two decades from humble beginnings to being as much a part of Glencoe in winter as is the sight of the Buachaille covered in a snowy crown as you emerge from the wilderness of Rannoch Moor on the A82. https://www.glencoescotland.com/whatson/ februaryfest-2019/ 2 February - 28 April In the Footsteps of John Muir Stirling Castle Exploring the landscape that inspired John Muir, a leading Scottish American environmental conservationist and known in America as the “Father of the National Parks”, this photography exhibition traces Muir’s travels from his childhood in Dunbar to the American National Parks he helped to establish. Presented by the American Scottish Foundation, the works of Scottish photographer Ken Paterson shares the beauty of both Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate

p112

If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com about. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=af0f5103-f83f-44f0-822aa99700f5fbb5 7-10 February Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show SECC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW The perfect place to start your next adventure is at Scotland’s largest caravan, motorhome and holiday home show in Glasgow. http://www.caravanshowscotland.com 7 - 12 February Crime and Punishment in Medieval Scotland Edinburgh Castle Gilbert Savage was an Englishman and a prisoner of the Scots who was given the choice to kill or be killed. He is now the Executioner. He recounts the nature of crime and punishment during the turbulent times in Medieval Scotland. All manner of crimes demanded horrendous punishments, but the bloodiest punishment was reserved for the most serious of crimes: treason! (Included in admission price) https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=cb3b6108-02cc-4703-bcb2a602007e502c 8-21 February Hebridean Dark Skies Festival Isle of Lewis United Kingdom The Hebridean Dark Skies Festival is an exciting and ambitious new programme of events at An Lanntair and across Lewis. It will include stargazing events, talks and workshops by leading scientists, film screenings, live music, theatre, family events, and much more. http://lanntair.com/darkskies/ 9 February Rome’s North-western Frontier: The Antonine Wall Holyrood Park The Antonine Wall is Scotland’s Roman World Heritage Site. It runs from the Firth of Clyde in the west to the Firth of Forth in the east. Find out more about this fascinating site and the lives of the Roman soldiers who lived in Scotland nearly 1,900 years ago. This event is free to attend but booking is essential. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=c7c6c7d3-0374-409c-be5aa99000d4ecb5 10 February Winter Wildlife Wander Linlithgow Palace Join a Ranger on a walk round the loch whilst keeping a look out for the wildlife. Booking is essential.

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=ecdde905-16f7-480f-995fa7cf00ebb59b 16 February Dougie MacLean in Concert Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Fife Dougie MacLean, originally famed for writing the song ‘Caledonia’, has built an international reputation as songwriter, composer and extraordinary performer on his own terms. He’s played all over the world and for one night only he’s in Dunfermline. www.dougiemaclean.com 17 February Snowdrop in to Dryburgh Dryburgh Abbey Join the Rangers to learn more about the beautiful snowdrops, heritage trees and wildlife of this special site. There will be a Ranger led walk at 12 noon. Included in normal admission price. No need to book. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=74a4d3d9-7cea-42fb-b0eba9b4010be51c 20 February - 3 March Glasgow Film Festival Glasgow Glasgow Film Festival is one of the leading UK film festivals regularly featuring new local and international film from all genres; mainstream crowd-pleasers to groundbreaking art-house experimentation; the return of well-loved classics alongside rare cult gems; with filmmaker guest appearances, interactive workshops and discussion panels to complete the mix! https://glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-film-festival 20-24 February Fort William Mountain Festival Fort William, PH33 6WR The Fort William Mountain Festival is a celebration of all things adventurous and outdoors. By bringing together athletes, speakers, films, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts from a whole variety of backgrounds, the festival aims to encourage others to get out and explore the wilderness around them. https://www.mountainfestival.co.uk 22 February Rob Roy MacGregor Edinburgh Castle Often remembered by some as a hero and by others as a rogue. Come hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation. This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=f67fa99f-b477-433b-9755a60100d8f0a5

23 February Pollen grains and people: Reconstructing past environments Holyrood Park Researchers from University of Stirling share their results of new investigations into the archaeology of Holyrood Park. This event is free to attend but booking is essential. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=911cfb0f-c2ba-4723-bd90a99000de0ee3 25-28 February The Road to Bannockburn Edinburgh Castle Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of the Castle in 1314. Learn about the medieval weapons and tactics of a Scottish foot soldier. Included in admission price. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on/event/?eventId=4aff61ae-a2b3-4cca-b4c3a7d600ec8cef 28 February - 3 March Braemar Mountain Festival Braemar The Festival is a celebration of the mountains in winter and includes workshops on ski touring and telemarking, winter skills and avalanche awareness, low level walking, navigation and fell running. New for 2019 are snow shoeing and guided mountain walks. www.braemarmountainfestival.com 28 February - 6 March Inverness Music Festival Eden Court Theatre, Inverness A competitive music festival open to all ages and abilities. http://www.invernessmusicfestival.org

England

23 February Dougie MacLean in Concert Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven, Cumbria Dougie MacLean, originally famed for writing the song ‘Caledonia’, has built an international reputation as songwriter, composer and extraordinary performer on his own terms. He’s played all over the world and for one night only he’s in Whitehaven. www.dougiemaclean.com

Australia

1 February SAHC Macquarie’s (257th) Birthday Dinner Cello’s Restaurant, Castlereagh Hotel, 169 Castlereagh St, Sydney, NSW Major General Lachlan Macquarie, CB (31 January

p113

1762 – 1 July 1824) was a colonial administrator from Scotland. Macquarie served as the fifth and last autocratic Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821, and had a leading role in the social, economic and architectural development of the colony. He is considered by historians to have had a crucial influence on the transition of New South Wales from a penal colony to a free settlement and therefore to have played a major role in the shaping of Australian society in the early nineteenth century. http://www.scottishaustralianheritagecouncil.com.au 2 February Port Adelaide Caledonian Society Robert Burns Supper 189 Semaphore Road, Exeter,, Adelaide, South Australia 5019 Come and join us and celebrate all that is Robbie Burns.

BYO shared basket supper. https://d.facebook.com/portadelaidescots/ 17 February Richmond Highland Gathering Richmond Village Green, Richmond, TAS Come and join us for a day of all things Scottish including Highland dancing competitions, Scottish Country dancing displays, Pipe Band displays and competitions, and Scottish stalls and much more!.

We are excited to also have the Clarence City Concert Band and Rakish Paddy to entertain us during the day. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1423737587761455/?active_tab=about

Canada

10 February The Great Canadian Kilt Skate Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink at PotashCorp Plaza 945 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H6 The Great Canadian Kilt Skate is indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural heritage. https://www.kiltskate.com 10 February The Great Canadian Kilt Skate Calgary Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary AB The Great Canadian Kilt Skate is indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural heritage. https://www.kiltskate.com 21 February WhiskyFête 2019 e Club Mont-Royal 1175, rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal QC H3A 1H9 Join us for an evening of unique and rare whiskies in aid of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital.

Throughout the evening you will also enjoy fine food

p114

prepared by Chef Jean-Michel Baudenon to enhance your whisky tasting experience. The Mount Royal Club is proud to be associated with Normand Laprise, chef owner of Toque! who has provided guidance in design of its new 5-star kitchen and who shares the same fresh market suppliers. www.whiskyfete.org The Great Canadian Kilt Skate Maxville & District Sports Complex, 25 Fair St, Maxville, ON K0C 1T0 The Great Canadian Kilt Skate is indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural heritage. https://www.kiltskate.com

New Zealand

9 February Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo Paeroa What started out as a small Pipe Bands Competition has grown over the years, and today is a fully-fledged Highland Games, one of only seven such Scottish gatherings in New Zealand, and the only one in New Zealand to hold an Evening Tattoo. www.paeroahighlandgames.co.nz 9 February Pipes In The Park 2019 Waitangi Park, 107 Cable St. Wellington The countdown is on for Pipes In The Park 2019! We are looking forward to welcoming back Clan Davidson and Clan MacKenzie who will be joined by Clan Campbell and the Wellington Scottish Interest Group. So come along to Waitangi Park on Saturday 9 February to see if you might have a wee Scottish connection. www.facebook.com/pipesintheparkWGTN

USA

2 February Tartan Kilt Skate NYC Bank of America Winter Village, Bryant Park 6th Avenue at W 42nd Street, Manhattan.

The Great Canadian Kilt Skate is indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural heritage. https://www.kiltskate.com/new-york-city-2019/ 2 February Leominster Burns Night Supper DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453 Join in the festivities to celebrate the life and works of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns. Cocktail Hour followed by a Roast Beef Dinner. Address the Haggis, Toast to the Lassies & the Response. Live Entertainment from Charlie Zahm and Dancing.

https://squareup.com/store/class-act-imports-burnsnight 2 February Robert Burns Celebration St Methodios Center, Contoocook, NH www.nescottishartscentre.com 8 February Saint Andrew’s Society of San Francisco Robert Burns Supper The City Club of San Francisco 155 Sansome St, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104 Join us for the Annual Commemoration of the Anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns, with a Traditional Burns Night Supper! www.saintandrewssocietysf.org 16 February ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXVI The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, California 90802

Experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment and cuisine, paying homage to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy.

ScotsFestival honors nearly fifty Scottish clans & vendors throughout the weekend with professional and amateur competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing, and the brand new North American Professional Highland athletics. https://www.facebook.com/events/1289153294558482/ 23 February How the Scots Made Missouri 50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105-1676, United States The Scottish St. Andrew Society of Greater St. Louis’ mission is to preserve and promote Scottish culture in the St. Louis region through educational programs, cultural events, philanthropic deeds, and partnering with local cultural organizations. We are dedicated to sharing traditions with the community by passing on our knowledge to whoever loves learning about Scotland. https://www.facebook.com/StAndrewSTL/?rc=p

p115

p116

p117

p118

p119

p120