Scotland correspondent issue 3

Boom time for Scottish sailing

Celebrating Knoydart and its people

Clanadonia on marching to their own beat

Toasting the spirits of Scotland

Time out to enjoy the beauty of Eriska

Edinburgh’s urban chic cuisine p1

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inside this issue 8 Anchors Away

Harbour nights and fun packed days.

Photo by Stewart Cunningham

18 Scotland’s

forgotten Saint

48 Tribal beat

Celebrating St. Kessog

Clanadonia and drumming up a storm

24 Seeing the light

54 Keeping the

The horror movie transforming film funding

28 Cool beauty

82 Meet & Eat

Edinburgh’s new urban chic restaurant

108 A dram good

time

A festival celebrating whisky and gin

faith

Knoydart’s unchainging attraction

Basking in the boom of cold water tourism

118 It’s a date 96 Exclusively

yours

The delights of Eriska, a luxury retreat for one or more

A round-up of what’s on this month

Cover Photo

Photograph by Stewart Cunningham.

67 Pick & Mix

Combining the best of Jamaican and Scottish music culture

38 Flight plan

Take-off for new routes between Edinburgh and U.S.A.

74 Entrepreneurial

Scotland

The scientists transforming the hunt for fakes

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Scotland Correspondent is an independent magazine celebrating the heritage, history, innovation and entrepreneurship of Scots everywhere.

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East or west s Scotland is the best

Photo by Gerry McCann

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sailing in

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cotland is on the crest of a multi-million pound economic wave as sailing looks to become an even bigger earner for the country’s tourism industry.

A trio of public bodies, dedicated to cultivating tourism have recently joined forces to establish Scotland as a top world-wide destination for sailing.

A £140,000 financial package has been promised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), VisitScotland, and Scottish Development International (SDI) to support Sail Scotland in a bid to ‘awaken the giant’ that is marine tourism.

Scotland, which has previously been named ‘World’s Best Cruising

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Forth Rail Bridge - Photo by Scottish Viewpoint

Loch Erboll - Photo by Alan Hendry

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Ground’ in the prestigious Sailing Today Awards, has been enjoying something of a boom in sailing in recent times.The activity is now regarded as second only to golf as a tourist attraction and money spinner.

The country’s prestige as a sailing destination has grown steadily partly due to events such as The Tarbert Scottish Series which is second only to the Cowes week regatta in the eyes of many of Britain’s sailing community.

“Scotland, and particularly the Highlands and Islands, is gaining international recognition as a world class sailing destination. Growing numbers of people come here to enjoy some of the finest sailing in the world. This brings very valuable revenue, particularly to many coastal and island communities,” said Chris Taylor, HIE’s Head of Tourism.

“The opportunity to grow this sector further and create an additional 700 jobs for Scotland is vitally important not only to Highlands and Islands but the rest of Scotland and our support to Sail Scotland reflects this.”

Hundreds of millions of pounds a year flow into the Clyde estuary alone as a result of sailing, especially as it can be three times less expensive to moor a boat in Scotland.

Over the last few years an increasing number of boat owners have been attracted to Scotland from across the UK because of the quality of the sailing and the economic savings to be had.

On the south coast of England a boat owner may have to shell up to £1,000 a metre to moor their vessels compared to around £350 per metre or less north of the border. Cheaper flights from an increasing number of destinations around the UK to Scottish airports has also helped encouraged the boom.

As one of the largest areas of sheltered deep water in the British Isles the Firth of Clyde has been a popular destination for sailors and

Photo by Gerry McCann

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Photo by Marc Turner Pfm Pictures

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boating enthusiasts for more than 100 years.

The area was a proving ground for many pioneers of cruising holidays and excursions as they followed in the wake of the Viking invaders who regularly sailed these waters.

An abundance of spectacular sea lochs emanating from the Clyde estuary penetrate deep into the Highlands while exciting coastal waters entice travellers to many of Scotland’s beautiful islands.

The East Coast has just as much to offer especially with the construction of a number of new marina facilities in historic fishing harbours stretching from the borders at Berwick to Wick in the far north.

Throughout Scotland a large number

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Photo by Gerry McCann

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of marinas have invested huge amounts of money enlarging their number of berths and improving facilities to cater for demand. It’s estimated that non-Scottish sailors already contribute more than £39 million.

Across Scotland there are currently 15,700 berths available for sailors, up from 12,600 in 2009. With berth occupancy at 95 per cent, a further 3000 berths could potentially be added over the next few years to continue the growth of the sailing industry. And while the focus remains on the west coast where the majority of the sector’s activities take place, key developments on the east coast will be vital to attract a European market.

Official figures reveal Scotland’s sailing tourism already supports 2,700 jobs across the country’s four main sailing areas – the Clyde, West, North and East coasts - and is worth more than £130 million to the national economy, having grown 28

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per cent between 2010 and 2016.

The Sailing Tourism in Scotland report, produced by the Crown Estate, HIE and Scottish Canals, identified the potential for this to grow to £167 million over the next seven years.

As part of the latest project to promote marine tourism investment will go into a dedicated social media campaign, ‘Legendary Sailing’, and providing Scotland with a greater profile at international boat shows in Holland, Stockholm and Paris.

Alan Rankin, Project Manager of the Marine Tourism Strategy Development Group, said: “Scottish sailing waters are world-renowned and the additional resource to undertake targeted promotional activity will showcase the sailing riches Scotland has to offer.”

Photo by Gerry McCann

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T Celebrating

St. Kessog blessing Scots at Bannockburn

his month marks an important but often forgotten date in the history of Scotland.

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Scotland’s neglected saint

March 10 is the feast day of St Kessog, the nation’s ‘first’ Patron Saint. It was to him that Robert the Bruce is supposed to have prayed for guidance on the eve of the Battle of Bannockburn.

Born in Ireland around 460 Kessog was the son of the King of Cashel in the royal family of Munster. One day, while playing with the sons of visiting chiefs all the children drowned in an accident except Kessog.

The grief, anger and search for someone to blame among the visiting families caused a major falling-out but, after a night of praying, Kessog is said to have brought all the children back to life and averted a possible war.

As a result Kessog was sent to a monastery to be educated, possibly

by St Patrick, and he later became a missionary in Scotland, taking up residence on the island of Inchtavannochin in Loch Lomond

The Bruce at Bannockburn

around AD 510.

It was a move that has since enabled Luss to claim the title of one of the longest continuous Christian communities in Scotland and one of the world’s leading pilgrimage sites.

Although probably better known as the location for the fictional village of Glendarroch on STV’s Take The High Road, which ran from 1990-2003, the tiny village is part of a network of pilgrimage sites around the world, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the birthplace of St Francis of Assisi in Italy.

More than 750,000 tourists visit each year, although the vast majority remain unaware of the village’s historical importance.

Those who do venture into Luss Parish Church, which was built in 1875 on the site of an ancient place of worship established by Saint Kessog himself, can find out more

Luss - Photo by Gyula Peter

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about his life. The church has several artefacts, including a figure of the saint carved in stone, a stone head of Kessog dating from the 6th century and a font which is over 1,000 years old.

When Kessog, a nickname meaning Little Spear, arrived in Luss some 50 years before Columba left Ireland for Iona, the village was yet to earn its new name which derives from the latin for light Lux. The druids who ran the show in the 6th century regarded Clachan Dubh, the ‘Dark Village’, as an important site so Kessog’s’ Christian takeover was a particular irritant which ultimately led to his murder on March 10 and subsequent burial in Luss.

A cairn in the name of Kessog was erected at the site of his martyrdom in Bandry which became a lighting rod for pilgrims, some 500 years before Scotland adopted St Andrew as Patron Saint. The cairn was later demolished in the 18th century and its stones used to make a military road running along the side of the loch.

Kessog’s legacy continued long after his murder and he was held in fond affection by none other than Robert the Bruce.

Travelling throughout Scotland it is still possible to pick out the trail Kessog blazed on his missionary journeys. His name crops up in communities as widespread as Auchterarder, Comrie, Callander, Glen Finglas, Strathearn and Inverness where the Kessock Bridge replaced the former Kessog’s ferry.

Several months after the victory The Bruce visited Luss to give thanks to Kessog. He granted the village a three mile gyrth, or Sanctuary, in honour of God and the Blessed Kessog, thereby starting a trend which led to the village becoming the place of pilgrimage it remains today.

At the Battle of Bannockburn King Robert said to his men that he was committing them to battle in the ‘name of the Blessed Kessog of Luss’.

Luss - Phorto by Ian Freeman

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Exploring the paranormal with creative spirit

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ovelist, playwright, film maker and entrepreneur Mark MacNicol is on a mission. His dream is to breath new life into Scotland’s film industry while scaring his audience half-to-death in the process.

Compared to many other movie investments it is relatively low risk as, by combining SEIS with film industry tax credits, investors are guaranteed a minimum of 70 per cent of their investment back regardless of the film making a profit or not.

His latest project, a supernatural horror movie called Dreaded Light, is the first of its kind in Scotland to be funded by ordinary members of the public taking advantage of a government tax break to boost creative industries.

“It is an unusual way of raising funds for a movie,” admitted Mark who has previously written two novels, several stage plays and two movie scripts currently in the hands of film producers.

The movie is about a recently widowed father struggling to cope with his grief and two teenage daughters, the youngest of which has developed a fear of daylight and the eldest who died when she was a baby.

Since starting the project Mark has been approached by several fledgling film projects asking how to follow his unique funding model.

The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) was established by HMRC to stimulate investment in struggling business sectors and Mark believes it is ideally suited to give people an opportunity to support the Scottish film industry, hopefully make a profit, and have some fun too.

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“To my knowledge we are the first Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) project in Scotland at the moment.”

Already, with pre-production due to start later this year, Mark, 45, has secured almost half of his £150,000 target and is confident that filming will begin soon in and around Pollock in Glasgow, where he grew up, and in Manchester.

Despite a relatively small budget, compared to Hollywood blockbusters, the supernatural horror genre is one of the most popular among film fans. Paranormal Activity, which had a production budget of less than £10,000 went on to gross almost £71 million in the US alone.

Although Mark is not promising the same level of success he is

optimistic that anything is possible.

“I’m having lots of conversations with lots of people, some of them are high-end worth and some are not, and some are not the kind of people who would usually think about putting their money into movies. But, the SEIS initiative has given them the confidence to take the opportunity to invest in film.

“A lot of film makers, like me, have had to learn to find other ways to finance their projects. There is undeniably a lot of talent in Scotland but the amount of inward investment here compared to some other small countries, like Denmark and Sweden, is pretty embarrassing.

“The amount of money spent by overseas producers coming into Scotland, with the likes of Outlander, has risen dramatically, but for homegrown productions there is not enough funding from places like CreativeScotland to cope with the level of demand,” explained Mark.

Despite the growth in overseas productions filming in Scotland there are still many home-grown projects which fail to get off the ground due to a lack of funding.

“There are not enough opportunities in Scotland for actors, writers,

Mark MacNicol - Photo by Paul Boyle

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Mark MacNicol - Photo by Paul Boyle

directors, crew, heads of department and such like. That’s why we are losing so much talent to London, Los Angeles or Berlin,” said Mark.

meetings and had numerous private readings with mediums - has been left convinced that the human spirit continues after death.

“My dream is that someday those people will start coming back and we will have an industry that can sustain all the talent we have. I don’t imagine my feature film is going to make much of an impact but it is a start. If there were another 10 people like me making SEIS feature films then there would be more opportunities. If I can succeed and demonstrate to other film makers that this model works then others will do the same.”

“I set out to do research on the subject so I could do a good job with the film but there is no doubt that my own spiritual journey has been impacted by my experiences along the way,” said Mark.

As part of his research for the project Mark - who went on a number of ghost haunts with paranormal Investigators, attended spiritualist

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“One of things that was interesting for me is the vast amount of people who have an opinion on life after death but have not done any of their own research. They seem to have no curiosity and very little interest in the fate of their own spirit. Most people have an opinion on an afterlife, it’s a controversial subject and it does provoke pretty strong reactions.

“I wasn’t really a fan of ghosts or spiritualism before getting involved in this project but I am now 100 per cent convinced that I have had evidence that the spirit continues after physical death.

“That evidence came from individuals, who couldn’t have known anything about me, but were able to provide personal details about my life and pass specific messages to me from deceased relatives and friends about things they could not possibly have known.

“My hope is that after watching this film some people will be curious enough to go and do some of their own investigation and make up their own minds.”

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Some like it hot, but plenty of others don’t

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hink of an island holiday, far from the rat race with time to relax in beautiful natural surroundings, and the chances are most people would conjure up a tropical sandy isle bathed in warm waters of the Caribbean or Pacific.

But, added to the coveted destinations of Barbados, Seychelles and Maldives can now be added Scotland’s cold water islands. As a counterbalance to sun-soaked exotic locations of equatorial regions they are as every bit as interesting and inviting.

While most tour operators, travel writers, and hence consumers, tend to promote warm water islands in the Pacific, the Med or the Caribbean as the ultimate island experiences cold water island tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years.

The wonderful range and diversity of cold water islands offers remarkable, invigorating and rich holiday

Photos by Visit Arran

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business tourism opportunities.

Many island communities, especially in the Northern Hemisphere are exhibiting enormous ingenuity and innovation in creating novel events, amazing experiences and investing heavily in hotel and other product development.

As a result, tourism planners, experts and tour operators from all over northern Europe are now regularly working together to discuss how to maximise the tourism potential of their island communities.

According to Alastair Dobson, a Director of VisitArran - a popular island holiday destination off the coast of Ayrshire, many ‘cold water islands’ face common tourism opportunities and challenges. As a result there is real potential for collaboration, sharing knowledge and developing a common research agenda.

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“Island tourism tends to focus on warm water location: The Mediterranean, The Caribbean, The Pacific Ocean. Cold water island tourism is vitally important to the economy for the island communities but, importantly, cold water islands offer tourists a wonderful opportunity to get close to nature and to experience authentic island life….. and for northern European markets these experiences are much closer to home,” said Mr Dobson.

The Isle of Arran in the south west of Scotland is just 55 minutes by ferry from Ardrossan and less than two hours from Glasgow yet is almost another world away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Britain.

A popular destination for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the west of Scotland, Arran enjoys its own peculiar microclimate which encourages palm trees to grow on

its shores and at least three other species of trees unknown anywhere else in the world.

Measuring just 20 miles by 10 miles, the island is often described as Scotland in miniature due to its spectacular and varied landscapes brimming with natural and manmade history.

Abundant with red deer, otters, common seals, red squirrels, golden eagles and over 250 other species of birds the island is surrounded by waters warmed by the Gulf Stream teaming with basking sharks, porpoises, minke whales and other sea life.

The Island repeatedly ranks highly on holiday makers’ lists of places to see, whether they be visiting from abroad or from the mainland of Scotland. Arran was identified as one of Scotland’s top five holiday

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destinations for 2016. It is an ideal location for a romantic getaway for couples, a family adventure holiday or a relaxing break from everyday pressures.

But, there is so much more to Arran than that. Throughout the island there are a range of activities to satisfy every visitor from energetic hill walking and quad biking to more sedate activities such as golf or just gently strolling miles of sandy beaches.

Every year there are a host of events on the island including the Arran Mountain Festival (19-22 May), the Arran Folk Festival (9-11 June), Arran Show (2 August) and Brodick Highland Games (5 August).

Arran’s heritage dates back as far back as 7000BC, as evidenced by

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the Machrie Moor stone circles, some of which are more than 5 meters high.

Once part of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada during the Bronze and Iron Ages the former Gaelic speaking community has gone through a successive of rulers over the ages from the Irish, Vikings and Celts to the English and the Stewart and MacDonald Clans.

The land is steeped in legend and history bitter feuds, battles and complex politics. There are plenty of museums, castles, stately homes and heritage sites to satisfy the most ardent history buff.

During the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries many islanders were forced off the land and went to the USA, Canada, Australia

and New Zealand in search of a fresh start. Many of their descendants now make the return trip in search of their roots.

For adrenaline junkies there are numerous opportunities on Arran for an action packed adventure.

Canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, motion biking, gorge scrambling, power boating, windsurfing, sailing and even paragliding are all on offer.

For the more sedate, or family orientated visitor with younger children, there is also a wide range of things to do, whatever the weather.

There are a number of play centres, indoor swimming pools, spas and sports venues catering for badminton, squash, basketball or indoor tennis.

Outdoors, Arran has some of

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appetite and again the island doesn’t disappoint.

There are are numerous first-class restaurants, bars and eateries throughout the island offering a range of mouth-watering dishes made from world renowned local produce.

Scotland’s most long sandy beaches - ideal for sandcastles.

The island is also a golfer’s paradise with no less than seven courses with stunning scenery on every fairway.

With so much to do on Arran it’s no surprise that most visitors build up an

endless but we ensure that your day always comes to a comfortable and happy end in one of our wonderful holiday lets.”

For holiday home rental specialists Cottages & Castles Arran has long been one of the most popular destinations in the country.

Arran hosted the first two international Cold Water Island Tourism Conferences, in 2015 and 2016, bringing together experts for across the globe. This year the conference will be held on Fanoe, off the western coast of Denmark, between April 3-5.

“Arran is unquestionably an area of outstanding natural beauty and a popular holiday hot spot. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained, with stunning beaches, pubs, restaurants, golf courses and much more,” said Sue Bourne, Manager of Cottages & Castles.

“We need to create networks of interest, we need to exchange information, ideas and knowledge and, most importantly, we need to raise awareness of the wonderful tourism opportunities that exist on these islands,” said joint organiser Lars Olsen from Fanoe Island.

“Visitors can relax on a beach, visit a castle, indulge in some spa treatments or try a range of the more adventurous activities on offer; cycle the forest trails, go sea kayaking or climb Goatfell. The choices are

This year the overall theme of the conference will focus on outdoor attractions which make the most of the wildlife, marine and adventure tourism activities available on cold water islands.

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Photo by Guy Phillips

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New air routes increase links between Scotland and the USA

Photo by Jørgen Syversen

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ransatlantic travel between Scotland and the USA just got easier - and cheaper.

Low-cost airline Norwegian is launching a series of groundbreaking new transatlantic flights, offering direct low-cost travel between the Scottish capital USA east coast for the first time from just ÂŁ69 ($86).

From this summer, Norwegian will offer more year-round direct flights to and from the USA from Edinburgh than any other carrier.

A total of 14 new direct flights on three never before seen routes, using the brand new Boeing 737 MAX, will connect Edinburgh every week with the greater New York, Boston and New England areas at unmatched fares.

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Norwegian celebrating their transatlantic flights

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The year-round flights will serve smaller US airports, which offer good access into Boston, New York and New England but carry significantly lower landing charges, allowing Norwegian to offer some truly affordable fares that will allow as many people as possible to fly.

Scotland’s national tourism organisation says the 14 weekly flights will make Scotland an even more appealing destination for potential visitors from the US. “Scotland is more connected than ever before through transport and digital channels, giving it a louder voice within key markets. The United States is our biggest international market, and last summer we saw a 36 per cent increase in visitors from across the Atlantic,” said Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland.

“It is not only exciting to see Norwegian add direct flights between three new destinations

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Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos

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in the US and Edinburgh but the announcement of low-cost fares on these transatlantic routes at a time when the exchange rate is already low makes Scotland a very appealing destination. It will undoubtedly generate a great deal of interest among US travellers.”

From 15 June, the new direct flights will connect Edinburgh with Stewart International, New York daily; Providence, Rhode Island four days a week and Bradley International, New England three days a week.

“Norwegian is shaking up transatlantic travel with groundbreaking fares and never before seen routes,” said Bjorn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian.

“The cost of transatlantic travel has been too high for too long so by connecting Scotland with smaller US airports, we can offer some truly affordable fares, allowing as many people as possible to fly. These new transatlantic routes build on the success of our long-haul flights from London into major US cities as we’re now able to offer passengers an even greater choice of affordable travel to the USA.” Norwegian is creating more than 130 crew and pilot jobs in Scotland as it prepares for continued growth at Edinburgh Airport in 2017. Norwegian is also expanding its summer programme from Edinburgh on select routes to Scandinavia and Spain, including Copenhagen, Oslo and Barcelona.

Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive Gordon Dewar said: “These new low-cost direct services between Scotland’s capital city and the east coast of America are a real gamechanger – making travel between these two parts of the world easier than ever before and opening up possibilities to more business and leisure passengers than ever before.

“Basing planes in Scotland will also create jobs and is a real vote of confidence in the Scottish aviation market. I have no doubt this is

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the first step in a successful new relationship between Edinburgh Airport and Norwegian, and we look forward to helping them build on that partnership in the future.”

Norwegian will use Boeing’s latest 737 MAX aircraft to service the new transatlantic routes. These stateof-the-art aircraft offers a longer range and greater seat capacity than existing single-aisle aircraft.

Passengers will be able to travel in a fresh and modern single-class

economy cabin with hot and cold food options available to purchase onboard.

The airline, which is Europe’s third largest low-cost carrier carrying 30 million yearly passengers to more than 140 global destinations, Norwegian has been voted the Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline for two consecutive years at the renowned SkyTrax Awards, and the Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline for four consecutive years.

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Outland Clanadonia s

Gavin Broon, Tu Bardh Wilson, Jamie Cook, Sam Kilpatrick Photos by Stewart Cunningham

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der musicians show it’s cool to be tribal N

ot since the days of the Bay City Rollers has tartan played such a major role in the defining image of a Scottish band.

However, despite being clad from head to toe in their own distinctive, custom-made plaid, that’s about the only thing the wild-looking men of Clanadonia have in common with the angel-faced boy band of the 1970s.

In place of the sickly sweet love songs of pop Clanadonia are world leaders in the exportation of Scottish tribal music, a raw and exciting beat bashed out in a cacophony of drums accompanied by the skirl of the bagpipes. Hardly the traditional impression of Scotland as conveyed by marching pipe and drum bands.

They take a less conventional and more rebellious approach to their music, which is infused with passion, culture and a sense of history.

Members of the band have been involved in creating ‘tribal music’

for more than 20 years in various guises, finally coming together as Clanadonia around 2006.

Their mission is to present an altogether more vibrant and outlandish image of Scottish music which appeals to something raw and basic buried deep within the psyche of their growing legion of global fans.

“A lot of people class us as traditional but we’re really tribal,” said Tu Bardh Wilson, leader of the group.

“We play all our own music, which is more up tempo and an in your face kind of music. If we do perform a traditional tune we adapt it to our own style and play it our way.

“Once the drums kick into action we really get going. When we played the Royal Highland show we were asked to shut down for a bit because we were drowning out six pipe bands.”

Often to be found busking in the

streets of Glasgow or Edinburgh their popularity has soared in recent times, especially after some of the music from their “Keep It Tribal” album was used on the soundtrack of the internationally acclaimed Outlander television series.

Since the show launched on the Starz TV network in the US it has been shown to a multi-million audience around the world.

Broadcasters from more than 80 territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, China, Brazil, Uruguay, Denmark and Ireland, have bought the rights to the series. It was finally broadcast in Britain in 2015 but only via the Internet on Amazon Prime and it is now one of the most popular downloaded shows in the UK. “Outlander has had a big impact for us. When we played to a gathering of fans in Crieff we got a great welcome off them, especially as one of the Clanadonia tracks was used in the first series of the show.

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“Whenever we have been out performing in the streets we have had fans of the show coming and wanting selfies taken with us. We even had Hollywood star Gerald Butler approach us when we were playing in the middle of Buchanan Street in Glasgow for a photo.”

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However Outlander is not the band’s first brush with television and movie fame. At least two members of the group were involved with the close combat stunt crew responsible for some of the most spectacular scenes in Braveheart, Gladiator, King Arthur, The New World and The Clan.

Some of them also appear in the upcoming Scottish feature film The Fairy Flag and their music appears on the soundtrack of the movie.

Clanadonia is undoubtedly Scotland’s most famous tribal band and most probably the hardest working.

Playing to audiences of various sizes, from select groups at private parties to stadiums filled with tens of thousands of people, the group is increasingly in demand internationally.

“In the last few years we’ve been to

so many countries it’s sometimes difficult to keep track. We’ve played in the US, Singapore, Dubai, South Korea and all over Europe,” said Tu Bardh.

“We’ve played on the main stage at T in the Park, at Murryfield and

Hampden stadiums and even at the opening of the Commonwealth Games - and that was incredible.

Wherever we went for weeks afterwards we had people from all over the world coming up to us and saying how they had enjoyed our music.”

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The views from

The drovers,and some local children, are seen here on Loch Hourn.

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m Knoydart

Photo essay: Gerry McCann

F

OR almost 25 years photographer Gerry McCann has been documenting the lives of the residents of one of Scotland’s most romantically situated communities.

Sandwiched between Lochs Nevis and Hourn, otherwise known as Heaven and Hell, in what is traditionally known as na GarbhChrìochan, or “the Rough Bounds”, because of its harsh terrain Knoydart is possibly Scotland’s last great wilderness.

Accessible by boat, or by a 16mile walk through rough country, the community of around 100 permanent residents boasts the most remote pub in Britain, The Old Forge, along with a number of B&Bs and bunkhouses catering for a steady stream of visitors.

“I first went to Knoydart in 1991 for The European newspaper and

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A herd of highland cattle are driven from the roadend at Kinloch Hourn to Inverie in traditional drover style.

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instantly fell in love with the place and the people,” said Gerry, one of Scotland’s leading photojournalists.

“It has become something of an ongoing project, going back at frequent intervals and documenting what has changes, and what hasn’t changed, over the last quarter of a century.”

Although based near Inverness he has covered major events in Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Romania, Nepal, Gaza, West Bank, The Philippines, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Spain.

Over the years his powerful and

thought-provoking images have appeared in major publications including The Herald, Scotland On Sunday, The Times, The European, The Independent on Sunday, Japan Today, The Economist, The Observer, Der Spiegel, The Globe and Mail, and The Guardian.

McCann’s images have also appeared in books and in educational publications while his exhibition “The Best Years...?” toured Scotland to critical acclaim in 1993 and 1994.

“I first went to to photograph deer stalking and that was the start of my love affair with the whole area. Back

in 1991 the place felt even more remote than it is today.

“I’ve been going back frequently for years now and the Knoydartians have all been really welcoming and generous with their time. They have let me into the lives to document all the major events within the community. I’ve been given unfettered access to everything from the Knoydart Games to local weddings.

“What started off as just another job for a newspaper has turned into something a lot bigger and much more personal. It has become something of a labour of love really.”

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After the wedding ceremony the couple returned to Inverie and went with guests, pipers, and a pony and trap to the Big House for the first party

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Wedding of Jackie and Ian Robertson. Jackie tends her make-up with a guest Sua Li in a Mallaig hotel

The wedding ceremony was in the house of the local registrar in Mallaig and the couple returned to Inverie on board the Mallaig lifeboat.

The evening finished off in the marquee with a traditional Highland ceilidh.

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Knoydart Wedding

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Knoydart Games foresters’ treeclimbing competitions.

Games kick off with a parade by the itinerant musicians known as the Soor Grapes.

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Women’s tug o war Knoydart Games

Horizontal bungie jumping. Here Rab Sutherland aims at the prize can of beer

Tossing the caber at Knoydart Games

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Deer Stalking on Knoydart

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Mixing cultures with a cocktail of Burns and Jamaican reggae

by Andrew Headspeath

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amaican world roots reggae singer Brina compares music to food. Hailing from sunny Jamaica, the singer smiles fondly in a Glasgow cafe as she describes her work on the album Jamaica Sings Robert Burns. It is a mouth-watering dish of the Bard’s most influential poems

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seasoned with a dash of calypso and a sprinkle of reggae.

“My influences are like a big soup,” she says passionately. “Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff. You’re going to get a taste of what it’s like; a dose of Jamaica, coming straight from mento-style, dancehall, roots-reggae.

Some of Burns’s Scottish melodies have been adapted by the artists.”

Jamaica Sings Robert Burns is an album that explores the Bard’s work and the connections it fosters between the two countries. Bridging this gap is producer, and Brina’s husband, Kieran Murray. The Glaswegian describes the work as a collaboration between Jamaican performers, including the legendary Ken Boothe.

“At first they’re going to realise ‘oh I know this poem’,” Brina says.

“And then they’re going to hear the music they’ve been listening to for many years done in a different way, accentuated by different instruments and a different voice - where else will you hear bagpipes against a reggae beat?”

Brina adds her own distinctive style to the album. On it, she performs four interpretations of famous Burns poems like A Red, Red Rose and The Highland Widow’s Lament in a manner she describes as “expressive and all-embracing.”

“When I step in front of an audience, I beckon them to feel enlightened and empowered,” she says. “I perform what I call World Roots Reggae, bringing together different elements and styles to refresh and uplift people.”

She has toured the world on the success of her first album, Under One Sun. Performing at major music festivals in Spain and Belgium, and opening for her musical heroes Jimmy Cliff and the Congos, the singer has been on a mission to spread a positive message of oneness and love.

“I’ve discovered that the man Robert

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Burns is not just a poet,” said Brina, who suggests that while most Scots may be familiar with Burns’s work his connection to Jamaica is less well known.

“You read his poems and they come about every so often throughout the year like at Burns Night. But they are poems that are applicable to every aspect of society and life, and share deep links with Jamaican history.”

Scots commonly sailed to Jamaica in the 18th century to oversee slave plantations, courtesy of the union with England. Burns was offered a job there, but declined after his first book of poetry, the Kilmarnock Edition, was published to widespread acclaim.

To this day the country maintains strong Scottish links. Jamaica contains the highest number of Scottish surnames in the Commonwealth. Even the national flag, with its distinctive gold, green and black cross, is modelled after the

saltire.

The album seeks to explore what would have happened if the Bard had taken that ship to Jamaica, how his songs and poems might have been interpreted by Jamaicans.

“It’s hard to judge the 18th century through a 21st century prism for a start,” said Brina.

“But I think he would’ve got there pretty horrified. He was a radical and I think he would’ve wanted change to happen.”

Burns’s anti-slavery sentiments show in poems such as ‘A Man’s A Man For A That’ and ‘The Slave’s Lament’, which Brina believes allows Scottish and Jamaican culture to better connect.

“There are things in comparison to Burns’s material that you can see coming out of the common music in Jamaica,” she explained.

“A lot of musicians sing about equality. The struggle of the common person on the street everyday, whether it’s lack of jobs, lack of love, lack of good governance. I would say that the struggle and the right for man to exist in an equal society.

“Most Scottish people speak up when they see things going awry and most Jamaicans would do the same.”

Having lived in Stirling for almost five years, Brina is no stranger to Scottish culture.

The resolve to overcome struggles, along with a sense of community, are factors that Brina has found common among both Scots and Jamaicans.

“Scottish folk are down to earth, like the Jamaicans and share their characteristic friendliness,” she said.

“I see Scotland as a nation that’s welcoming of other nationalities.

I’ve been welcomed here. Some of the history’s good, some of it’s bad,

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but music is the one thing that’s the universal language that brings people closer together.”

Reflecting this, the language heard on Jamaica Sings Robert Burns is a melting pot of English, Scots and Patwa, Jamaica’s popular language.

Patwa is a creole, derived from English and Scots words overheard from plantation overseers by the African slaves. These words were

spotted, then mixed into their own various mother tongues. Slaves were often taken from different tribes, with different dialects, and so Patwa was born to find a common voice.

“There are Scots influences in Patwa.” Brina says. “For example, here in Scotland you say ‘aye’ for yes. In Jamaica we also say ‘aye’ for yes, but it’s pronounced in a different way in the back of the throat.”

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Finding fakes and testing cakes

A Mantis Shrimp - Photo by Jens Petersen

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S

cientist have harnessed the power of the shrimp to fight fraud, solve murders, check teeth, combat terrorism and test the quality of jaffa cakes.

Experts from Glasgow-based Gilden Photonics have built a range of equipment which uses the same techniques as the mantis shrimp to identify fake from reality.

The aggressive sea creature, which lives mostly in the warmer waters of Australiasia, is the only life form on earth known to have hyperspectral vision which enables it to recognise different types of coral, prey and predators, all of which may appear the same colour.

Unlike the human eye, which is limited to visible light, hyperspectral imaging can detect and measure ultraviolet and infra-red.

Using similar techniques to the mantis shrimp, Gilden Photonics has developed a way of using hyperspectral imaging to collect and process information from across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Although hyperspectral imaging has been around for a few years its true potential has remained largely untapped until recently. The Global Hyperspectral Imaging Market is now expected to reach a value of ÂŁ57.39

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Hyperspectral image of sugar end potato strips showing invisible defects

million by 2019, from an estimated value of £32.57 million in 2014 Gilden created sensors to look at objects using a vast portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Certain objects leave unique ‘fingerprints’ across the electromagnetic spectrum. These fingerprints are known as spectral signatures and aid the identification of the materials that make up a scanned object.

Hyperspectral is used across a

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variety of industries ranging from crime fighting, medicine and food manufacturing to agricultural, defence and even astronomy. It is used in dentistry to detect tooth decay without drilling or x-rays, testing the quality of food and drink, in agriculture to search out weeds and pests, for national security and for crime fighting by using it to detect invisible blood splatters or identify fake bank notes and products.

It has been used to identify

improvised and unexploded explosive devises, by farmers on unmanned aerial drones to identify crop problems and even to test the quality and consistency of jaffa cakes.

The technology has already caused a stink among racketeers and organised gangs making millions of pounds a year from the sale of counterfeit perfume.

Every year customs officials and

Photo by Alexander Vasenin

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Selection of fake perfumes seized by trading standards

police seize hundreds of thousands of bottles of fake scent which often contain ingredients more likely to make the wearer sick than attractive.

The technology devised by Gilden has been used to test batches of perfume just by shinning light through the contents and measuring the spectral ‘fingerprint’ of the ingredients, dramatically cutting down on the length of time it takes to investigate a cargo of suspected fake perfume Just by comparing the spectral image of a counterfeit bottle of perfume with a genuine one the pioneering system can tell in a matter of seconds if something is a fake.

The UK fragrance market is valued at around £1.61 billion with fakes accounting for as much as 20 per cent of that which is used to fund serious organised crime to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds a year.

Some fake fragrance is produced in Britain but many illegitimate versions of famous perfumes originate in Turkey, the Middle East and China.

UK Customs regularly seize quantities of fakes being shipped in from abroad, from places such as Thailand and Dubai, some of which

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contain all manner of unsavoury ingredients, including anti-freeze, urine and harmful bacteria.

buy those types of medicines over the internet,” said the MHRA’s head of enforcement, Alastair Jeffrey.

The same hyper-spectral technology used to detect fake perfume can also identify counterfeit alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs in seconds.

Mr Jeffrey said criminal gangs were moving into the field because, compared with illegal narcotics, sentencing was low.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to at least ten per cent of medicines globally are counterfeit with as much as a third being fake in some developing countries.

Prescription drugs used by millions of people every day in the UK are targeted by criminal gangs looking for quick and easy money. Drugs such as Lipitor, which helps to reduce cholesterol, Prozac for depression, Valium to treat anxiety and Viagra for impotence problems are among the most commonly counterfeited.

The trade of counterfeit goods is a multi-billion pound industry and one of the fastest growing economic crimes worldwide. According to the World Customs Organisation, 7 per cent of the total world trade is counterfeit.

Recently a consignment of dangerous counterfeit and unlicensed medicines worth nearly £16m were seized in a record haul by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Slimming pills, drugs for erectile dysfunction and cancer medicines were taken in a series of raids and nearly 1,400 websites were closed down as part of the operation.

“It’s amazing to me that people will

While gangs can expect to earn a 200 per cent return on an investment to make heroin they can recoup more than 2,000 per cent on fake prescription drugs with less risk of being caught.

“It’s two years, it’s not a police priority, you can use the internet as a facilitator, the risk is low and the profits are very high,” he said, adding that there are “some indications” that terrorist groups are now involved in “pharmaceutical crime” in the Middle East.

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Tasty testament industrial past p82

t to Edinburgh’s E

dinburgh is awash with good quality places to eat to suit all tastes and budgets. From fine dining in award winning silver service restaurants, serving al la caret cuisine, to fast food outlets of varying degrees of sophistication providing sustenance in a wrapper rather than a plate.

But, sometimes what is called for is a place to eat that offers something simple, stylish, fun, friendly and tasty.

If that’s the case then Foundry 39 on Queensferry Street in the heart of the city in full view of Edinburgh Castle is the place to go.

After a long day in the office,

shopping on Princess Street or walking the historic city streets this relatively new restaurant, which opened just a few months ago, is a welcome addition to the capital’s culinary smorgasbord.

Foundry 39 offers a great mix of tasty comfort food, deliciously imaginative

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dishes and variety of cocktails, beers and wines served with a good dollop of urban chic amid a homage to Edinburgh’s industrial past.

Exposed original features, brushed metalwork panels and dark wood flooring create an urban-cool vibe and moody atmosphere that’s ideal for relaxed get togethers.

Chocolate leather booths and tan banquettes offer the perfect spot for group gatherings while soft fabric and plush leather high chairs are ideal for intimate catch-ups.

Pull up front-row seats at the

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bar and enjoy the theatre of your experimental cocktail being created.

Don’t miss the authentic touches of rusting cogs and caged copper metalwork throughout.

Brushed zinc panels on the outer walls and distressed signage offer an authentic feel to the building, while plants throughout the bar bring a little of the outside world in.

A creative’s paradise intended to provide a unique and cool hideaway from the outside world the venue prides itself on a heady array of cocktails, mixed and muddled by some of the city’s most charismatic bartenders. Along with a food menu of familiar favourites the avant-garde all-day bar and restaurant makes an ideal meeting place for friends, family, work colleagues or even the lone wayfarer in search of comfort and company.

Escape to the dark wood bar and dive straight into signature cocktails that use only the most premium

Smoked Cherry Manhattan

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Purple Rain Cocktail

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ingredients to serve up a precisionmade drink to suit any occasion.

Theatre and flavour come together with show-stopping tipples including a smoked rhubarb & rosemary daiquiri, a smoked heather sour, and the far eastern orchard made with lemongrass infused Absolut vodka, and all time favourite purple rain served in a dimpled copper mug.

A range of craft beers from Innis & Gunn and the cool Camden Brewery are also available for beer afficionados.

After an aperitif or two there’s plenty on the menu to cater for long lounging lunches through to latenight dining and everyone’s favourite weekend brunch. The menu at

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Foundry 39 is packed with modern dishes, exciting tastes and enticing ingredients.

First things first, breakfast. Think a packed Scottish breakfast with plenty of haggis, eggs any style, stacks upon stacks of pancakes and a dizzying mix of Bloody Marys,

plus healthier options of trendy sliced avocado and poached eggs on toasted sourdough, with sautéed mushrooms and roasted vine tomatoes.

Or, if you fancy something a little more adventurous? Opt for dishes such as Turkish eggs with whipped

yoghurt, spiced chorizo butter and sourdough; or salt beef bubble and squeak with a fried egg. Kick-start the day with an ethically-sourced artisan coffee alongside your choice of breakfast. Flat white, cappuccino or latte.

With an all-day dining menu,

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Reuben Burger

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there’s plenty of time to taste-test the expansive food offering. Swap between juicy beef burgers, piled high with add-ons such as mapleglazed bacon, black pudding and homemade sauerkraut served on seeded cream-enriched brioche buns, and handmade sourdough pizzas with toppings that run from the classic to the unconventional.

Sharing plates of tomato and Parmesan doughballs, nachos with all the trimmings and caramel & chilli chicken wings are ideal for after-work nibbling, while seasonal salads offer a lighter choice throughout the day.

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 If you have room, or would rather skip straight to the dessert, there is a mouth-watering array of puddings, the salted ricotta and Nutella pizza bites and Berry & Raspberry Ripple Sundae are ones not to miss.

Foundry 39 is undoubtedly a great place for a night out or a lunch-time get-together with family and friends.

Its stay-a-while vibe, expertly crafted cocktails and great food is fast making it an Edinburgh favourite.

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Escape to Eriska, a luxury island retreat

The bridge to Eriska Hotel

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C

rossing a rickety old singletrack bridge and driving up the impressive gravel driveway to the imposing Eriska Hotel & Spa it’s easy to imagine stepping back in time to a golden age of opulence.

Despite being only a few hours from the hustle and bustle of London by plane or Caledonian Sleeper train the exclusive island might just as well be another world away from the stress and strains of modern life.

There are few places as beautiful and romantic to unplug from today’s busy digital-orientated lives as the 350 acre private island of Eriska estate.

A mixture of luxury and wild untamed beauty await await visitors as rolling manicured lawns and colourful flower beds sweep down to seaweed strewn beaches and lapping waves.

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Sailing at Eriska

The island is home to an array of wildlife, including red deer, otters, seals, numerous species of birds, including golden eagles which pop in occasionally, and even badgers which are regularly tempted down to the terrace for treats from the hotel staff.

Built in 1884 by the Stewarts of Appin, and designed by acclaimed architect Hippolyte Blanc, the main hotel caters for up to just 49 guests at a time. It used to be a family home until 1973 and still has all feel of a private baronial-style mansion with log fires and wood panels.

No wonder the island retreat has found favour with a number of famous guests, including Dame Judi Dench and Judy Murray.

Located just 12 miles north of the west coast seaside town of Oban on the mouth of Loch Creran it is the perfect place to ‘switch off’. Hotel guests are even given the option to

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hand in their phone and iPad when they check in and retreat to a simpler life.

However, if the thought of enduring digital amputation from your smartphone or laptop is too much to contemplate the hotel does have free wifi for guests and all the technical mod-cons of 21st century for those who want them.

For a chance to escape the rate-race a digital detox break at the Isle of Eriska starts from £410 per person, for a two night break, including a spa treatment, dinner, bed and breakfast.

If guests wish to have a foodie detox too, Eriska’s chefs are happy to chat through healthy and nutritious food options.

Guests can switch off and relax with an indulgent spa treatment, get some fresh air with a walk on the beach, or unwind with a glass of wine by the fire and dine in the acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant.

For those who want to stay active there’s a golf course, a gym with stunning island views, bracing walks and hikes, and sailing trips available from the island’s jetty.

If guests want to step away from their digital life, but indulge in fabulous cuisine, Head Chef Paul Leonard has recently been awarded a Michelin star.

The island and surrounding waters are the kitchen larder and the ingredients used in the restaurant are predominantly locally or island sourced. There’s a smokehouse on the island, a small holding with pigs and quail, and the chefs catch fish in the local waters.

As well as the Michelin starred restaurant, there is the relaxed Deck restaurant which overlooks the stunning lochs and peaceful surroundings of the hotel.

Specialist seaweed treatments, by

Eriska House

Deck restaurant

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spa brand Ishga, can be enjoyed in the Stables Spa - the spa has warm, cosy treatment rooms, many with tubs for two, views over the sea, and plenty of peace and quiet. The spa rooms are designed to reflect different parts of the island; some are darker in colour to represent the woodland and some are sea inspired to represent the untouched coastline.

In addition to the main hotel Eriska also has a number of self-contained lodges, each with its own kitchen, luxury bathroom and a hot tub on the decking with views across the sea.

Eriska is unique in that in addition to the luxury of the hotel and leisure facilities part of the estate is also a an area of Special Scientific Interest.

Nestling on the eastern side of one

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Hot Tub at the Hilltop reserve

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Island of Eriska

of the world’s most celebrated rift valleys, and born of the cataclysmic upheavals of more than 600 million years ago, the formation of Eriska is largely of schist and slate with the lower ground to the west as a raised beach from the Island.

A partly submerged Crannog, or fortified dwelling, situated some 200m into the channel to the east of the bridge dates from the Bronze Age around 200 BC and marks the earliest recorded human settlement of the Island.

Part of the charm of Eriska is the ability it offers visitors to explore the estate and enjoy the island as if it were their own. From the formal ground to the western seaboard to the rugged hill side, the whole estate has a charm and is genuinely interesting and exciting to explore through the many paths and trails in search of peace and tranquility.

The whole island, which can be hired exclusively for up to 49 guests from

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around £20,000 for 2 nights bed and breakfast., was recently acquired

by Creation Gem, a family-owned company based in Hong Kong.

the estate. The one-bedroom lodges come with their own private hot tub and outdoor decking and views across the sea.

“My family and I are offering a bridge of friendship from beautiful Shanghai to stunning Scotland. We are honoured to continue as the custodians of such an iconic property and aim to protect and nurture the island, securing a bright future for Eriska for years to come,” said new owner Wayne Rong.

“The Isle of Eriska is synonymous with quality and an intimate guest experience that will be wholly preserved moving forward. A change of ownership doesn’t mean a change in ethos and guests new and old can still expect the roaring fires, luxury, comfort and excellent service from the committed island team, along with a memorable dining experience,” said Gordon Cartwright, General Manager of Eriska, since April 2016.

Already this year seven of the hotels 25 bedrooms have been fully renovated along with the creation of a stylish new piano lounge and drawing room.

Significant investment is also underway on the rest of the main house and island, complete with the construction of four new Hilltop Reserves. The new self-catering lodges have been designed to mirror the existing two Hilltop Reserves, located on the hillside overlooking

Gordon’s wealth of industry experience gained over the last 30 years include Senior Hotel and Restaurant Inspector with AA Hotel Services, management and chef director roles with Relais & Chateaux including The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, as well as Sharrow Bay and Roux Restaurants.

Kerrera room

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Venison Carpaccio with Forest Gatherings

Mud Rasul room

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Otter on the beach

“Eriska is about providing an island getaway that is totally unique, not just in location but because the experienced team deliver on

the small details that make all the difference. As General Manager I’m committed to preserving the legacy that has made Eriska an icon of

hospitality for over four decades,� he added.

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SlĂ inte mhath and anybody fancy a whisky or gin?

Photos by Gordon & MacPhail

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d chin chin,

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oes whisky make you frisky or gin make you sin? Now’s your chance to find out first hand at a five day long festival in Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

For centuries Scotland has been synonymous with whisky, also known as the water of life, but now there is a new home-grown contender for the palates of connoisseur spirit drinkers – Scottish gin.

In the last few years there has been a massive upsurge in production north of the border of the tipple often regarded as England’s national drink, even though it originates from Holland. It is estimated that more than 70 per cent of all the gin produced in the UK is now made in Scotland.

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Indeed, bulk exports of gin from the UK to more than 139 other countries is now estimated to be worth £474 million a year, making the drink £28 million a year more valuable to the UK economy than current beef exports of £446 million.

Since the late 1980’s, when Bombay Sapphire first hit the market there has been a steady increase in interest for high quality craft-made gin which Scotland’s expert distillers have been quick to recognise and latch on to.

The reason for this unlikely marriage is that many of the techniques used in the making of gin and grain whisky are basically very similar, albeit with different proportions of base cereal ingredients used in the process.

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In addition to traditional distilleries cashing in on the boom there are also a number of new ones springing up across the UK - at least 56 at the

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last count - while numerous bars and clubs have sprung up specialising in gin. More than 41million bottles were sold in the UK last year alone, that a

12 per cent rise on 2015.

There have also been a huge increase in festivals and tasting

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sessions as new converts flock to appreciate the wide range of gins available. A 5-day event celebrating Scottish whisky and gin, between April 18-22, with masterclasses, exhibition, talks, music and food throughout Inverness and the Highlands is already promising to be one of the hottest such events this year.

Various venues across Inverness are to hold events which will include

music, food pairings, tours and other attractions as part of major celebration of whisky and gin.

Organised by musician and broadcaster Bruce MacGregor the event builds on the very successful Inverness Whisky Festival. “We decided to expand the festival to include gin for two main reasons.

Firstly there are so many distillers producing gin and whisky, which is

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worth celebrating, and secondly we wanted to open up the demographic.

The traditional whisky audience is predominantly male while gin seems to appeal more to women so we thought a marriage between the two would work well,” said Bruce.

“Gin is experiencing a resurgence at the moment, particularly among women and those who want to try something that’s been handcrafted

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and cared for. Our decision to incorporate gin into the festival not only sets us apart from other events in the country, it will undoubtedly broaden our appeal among women and younger people.”

“This year’s festival promises to be a lot of fun. There is plenty for everyone to enjoy even without the drink.” said Bruce.

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Date 4 ur diary

Scotland

3 February - 16 March Fife Jazz Festival Abbey Street, St Andrews, KY16 9LA There are 15 concerts, ranging right across the Jazz and Blues spectrum, and beyond. http://www.fifejazzfestival.com 25 February – 8 March Inverness Music Festival Inverness More than 1000 entrants will take part in the Inverness Music Festival hoping to win awards in instrumental, speech and vocal in Gaelic disciplines. http://www.invernessmusicfestival.org/Festival/ 4 March Annual Inverness Fiddlers’ Rally Bishops Road, Inverness, Inverness, IV3 5SA Over 100 musicians on stage for this spectacular Scottish event. http://www.invernessfiddlers.org 6-16 March Ayrshire Music Festival Ayr, KA7 1EH An annual musical extravaganza which boldly aims to represent the range of performing arts locally. http://www.ayrshiremusicfestival.org.uk 9–19 March Aye Write Book Festival Glasgow Celebrating the rich variety of Glaswegian writing and also brings the best of Scottish and international writers to the city. http://www.ayewrite.com 9–26 March Glasgow International Comedy Festival Glasgow Featuring top comedians. Check official site for the full programme. http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com 9-12 March Aviemore Adventure Festival Aviemore, PH22 1PN Popular annual festival celebrating the best of outdoor sports & adventure culture held in Aviemore. http://www.aviemoreadventure.org 10-12 March Scottish Cycling, Running & Outdoor Pursuits Show

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If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW From off-road to on-track this spectacular event provides all the latest news and innovation for cyclists, runners, outdoor enthusiasts and much more -all under one roof. http://www.scottishcyclingrunningoutdoorpursuitsshow. co.uk 10-12 March Galloway Antiques Fair Perth, PH2 6BD The ever-popular Galloway Antiques Fair will be making a welcome return to Scone Palace to be held in the State Dining Room, Drawing Room, Library, Long gallery and Annex rooms. http://gallowayfairs.co.uk/scone-palace 11-12 March Scottish Motorcycle Show Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB Scotland’s biggest and best motorcycle show returns to Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre this March with all the latest models, major manufacturers, and breathtaking live action. http://www.scottishmotorcycleshow.com 11 March The Deerstalker Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW Probably the hardest off-road-Tweed-clad-pipe-lit-plusfour-and-headtorch-wearing run that exists. Race across rivers, through forests and over a mountain or two in the pitch dark of a chilly March night. http://ratrace.com/mightydeerstalker 17-19 March Niel Gow Festival Tay Terrace, Dunkeld, PH8 0AQ The Annual Niel Gow Festival was established in 2004 to celebrate the life and music of Perthshire’s fiddle legend. http://www.niel-gow.co.uk 17-19 March Fibre Fest Sutherland Road, Dornoch, IV25 3HQ Annual Festival of everything to do with wool, yarn, fabric, textiles, spinning, felting, knitting, sewing.

There’s even classes in spinning, felting, knitting and tweed handbag making. http://www.fibrefest.org.uk 19 March Scottish Coppice Festival at the Scottish Crannog Centre

By Aberfeldy, PH15 2HY Celebrating the launch of a new Scottish Coppice Forum.

Come and learn about the traditional centuries-old skills of our ancestors. http://www.crannog.co.uk

22-26 March Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 10 Hope Street, Bo’Ness, EH51 0AA Scotland’s only festival dedicated to silent cinema, for world- class music, red carpet glamour, and rarely-seen silent era films. http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/ hippodrome/silent-cinema/ 24-26 March The Scottish Golf Show SECC, Glasgow Stands from over 100 top exhibitors, putting areas, lessons from professional golfers and trick-shot demonstrations. http://www.thescottishgolfshow.co.uk 31 March - 5 April Edinburgh International Harp Festival 294 Colinton, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU Some of the harping world’s greatest and most innovative players will be attending this year to stimulate and inspire a new generation of players. http://harpfestival.co.uk

Australia

19 March 60th Geelong Highland Gathering Corio, VIC Australia This year’s gathering marks 160 years since the first Geelong Highland Gathering was held on New Years day 1858 and it will be the 60th anniversary of the modern era, which began in 1958.

Everything you’d expect at a gathering from pipe bands and dancers to Highland games and a massed clan march. www.geelonghighlandgathering.org.au.

26 March 51st Ringwood Highland Games East Ringwood Sports Ground, Ringwood, VIC Australia Melbourne’s only Highland Games and a great family day out. Lots of traditional events, Celtic products from interstate and local, Clan Tents and even some haggis and whisky tasting. www.ringwoodhighlandgames.org.

Canada

4 March Winnipeg Scottish Festival Winnipeg, MB Canada Celebrating Scottish Heritage in Manitoba for over 20 years this year’s event at Canad Inns Polo Park promises to be a real spectacular with pipers, drummers, dancers, heavy events athletes, and enthusiasts coming from all over Western Canada www.winnipegscottishfestival.com.

New Zealand

10-11 March 2017 NZ Pipe Band Championships Nelson, New Zealand Bringing together pipe bands from across NZ to compete at the national championships. www.nzpipebands.org.nz

USA

4 March Southeast Florida Highland Games Plantation Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane Plantation, FL United States Celebrating Scottish culture since 1983 this annual showcase regular attracts thousands of visitors. Come and enjoy a fun-filled family day of Scottish culture, music and events. www.sassf.org.

4-5 March 53rd Phoenix Scottish Games Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ United States Lots of highland dancing, pipe bands, heavy athletics, country dancing, historical re-enactments, vintage British car exhibitions and representatives of over 50 Clans www.arizonascots.com.

4 March Panama City Scottish Festival Frank Brown Park, Panama City, FL United States Florida’s annual Scottish festival and Highland games, presented by The Celtic Heritage Alliance. This year it’s the 25th anniversary of the games and promises to be the most diverse and exciting yet. www.pcscotfestival.com 18 March Southeast Alabama Highland Games https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSD6Qd1ntBk The Houston County Farm Center, 1701 E Cottonwood Rd, Dothan, AL. Last year the Twisted Kilt Society hosted the first annual Southeast Alabama Highland Games and Scottish Heritage Festival. It was an event to behold, with over 1,000 in attendance, and this year looks set to be even better. www.wiregrasshighlandgames.com.

25 March Caledonian Club of Florida West 31st Annual Thistle Ball Palm Aire Country Club, Sarasota, FL United States A highlight of the year for this Scottish social club and a chance to wear your finest Scottish attire and dance the night away. www.caledonianclub.org

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