Scotland Correspondent Issue 38

Declaration of Arbroath celebrations New drive to promote SW Scotland Roo Irvine reveals Jacobite secrets

Exploring the work of Alasdair Gray Putting Highland beauty to music Recording the legacy of Burns p1

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Index - Inside this issue

inside this issue 10 Exploring

Scotland’s SW 18 Celebrating

independence

26 Antique

hunting with Roo Irvine p4

and a’ that

36 Rewriting

history

44 Fine

and Dandy 60 Cone

of comedy

65 Remembering

Alasdair Gray 55 Music

of the Highlands p5

Index - Inside this issue

49 Burns

Index - Inside this issue

inside this issue

75 An

actor’s life for me‌.

by Scott Kyle

91 Pie p6

82 Hollywood

champ wedding named glamour

city cocktails 142 Our 112 Prize

catch

guide on where to stay

Date 4 Your Diary 148

118 Return

of Enduro

124 Mountain

film festival

1 Cover

106 Gintelligence with Fiona Holland

136 Intrepid

Photo

Photo by Tom Parnell CC BY-SA 4.0 Arbroath Abbey

women p7

Index - Inside this issue

95 Granite

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Travel - Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west

Photo by Damian Shields / Visit South West Scotland Drumlanrig

Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west

by Scott Aitken

T

here is a popular belief that all good things come in threes and as if to prove the legend correct Scotland has a spectacular new driving route - the South West Coastal 300.

Following in the tracks of the highly successful North Coast 500 and North East 250 it’s time the south of the country started showcasing its often overlooked attractions in this quiet corner of Scotland.

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Photo by Damian Shields / Visit South West Scotland View of Solway Firth from Criffle

Travel - Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west Photo by Damian Shields / Visit South West Scotland Greenan Beach

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Travel - Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west

Stretching in a circular loop from Lockerbie through Dumfries & Galloway region and parts of Ayrshire the route takes in the most southerly point in Scotland at Mull of Galloway, the highest village in Scotland of Wanlockhead in the Lowther Hills, and many of the lands so closely associated with the world’s most well-known poet Robert Burns.

Photo by Damian Shields / Visit South West Scotland Dumfries House

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From the romantic ruin of Sweetheart Abbey, built in 1273, and the remains of St Ninian’s priory, claimed to be the birthplace of Christianity in

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Travel - Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west

The route features a number of fantastic coastal views, several popular seaside towns, dramatic moorlands, beautiful forests, picturesque villages and more history than you can shake a stick at.

Travel - Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west

Scotland, to the historic majesty of Culzean Castle and Drumlanrig House the route is a time traveller’s dream.

Now, a new international campaign aims to make visitors fall in love with the region by

Palnackie

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There is no doubt that wildlife abounds in this area of Scotland

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Travel - Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west

highlighting aspects of the route which offer particular appeal to the key target markets: stunning scenery, a connection with nature and adventure sports.

Travel - Drive to showcase Scotland’s south west

and there is plenty offer even the most adventurous types, from offroad cycling and horse riding to sailing and walking.

The SWC300 was designed

Mennock

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by Motorcycle Scotland and VSWS adapted it to take in more attractions in the area.

“The South West of Scotland is a special place, it has so much

to offer, especially to lovers of the great outdoors and that is a message we are working hard to get out there,” said Ian McAndrew, Chairman of Visit South West Scotland.

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History - Celebrating the right to independence

Photo Crown copyright, National Records of Scotland Declaration of Arbroath

Celebrating the right to independence

F

or the first time in 15 years one of Scotland’s most historic documents, the Declaration of Arbroath, is to go on display this year as part of the 700th anniversary of its signing.

The iconic scroll which asserted Scotland’s independence and right to self-determination is considered the most eloquent statement of the case for a nation’s claim to freedom produced anywhere in medieval Europe.

The document, which has

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been credited with laying the foundation of America’s own Declaration of Independence - as recognised by US Senate Resolution 155 of 10 November 1997 - will go on show at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh from 27 March to 26 April 2020.

The exhibition is part of a variety of events being organised

by National Records of Scotland (NRS) and National Museums Scotland to mark the septcentenary.

The NRS programme will

examine the Declaration, the context of its creation and its significance today, featuring talks by academics, historians and an artist, including Head of Medieval and Early Morning Records Alan Borthwick and the writer and historian Fiona Watson.

National Museums Scotland will present a discussion with historians and archivists chaired by curator Dr Alice Blackwell of National Museums Scotland. A panel including Fiona Watson, Professor Dauvit Brown from the University of Glasgow and Alan Borthwick will explore the origins,

History - Celebrating the right to independence Photo Crown copyright, National Records of Scotland Graeme Dey with the Declaration of Arbroath

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History - Celebrating the right to independence

influence and legacy of the Declaration.

There will also be a drop-in event with family craft activities at the museum, as well as a chance

to meet NRS conservators to discover how medieval documents are repaired, treated and cared for.

“I welcome these events as part

Photo Crown copyright, National Records of Scotland

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of an exciting anniversary year in which we will celebrate this amazing document with the people of Scotland, and with visitors from around the world,” said Graeme Dey, Scotland’s

whole, but particularly to the town of Arbroath itself.

understanding of the document’s significance.”

“The Declaration of Arbroath is a unique historical record and is of huge importance to Scotland as a

“I’ve been pleased to discover how many people of Scots descent worldwide have a great

The Declaration of Arbroath was written as a diplomatic letter to Pope John XXII in 1320 asking

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History - Celebrating the right to independence

Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.

History - Celebrating the right to independence

Photo by Kenny Lam / Visit Scotland The tower of the Abbey Church of Dunfermline, which contains Robert the Bruce’s tomb

for Scotland to be recognised as an independent kingdom. It is one of the earliest expressions of the concept of freedom and Scottish identity, coming some six years after King Robert The Bruce defeated an invading English army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Compiled in the name of 39 of Scotland’s earls and barons, it was a demonstration of a show of unity in support of King Robert the Bruce with a request to the Pontiff to recognise him as the country’s lawful king.

Photo by cc Georgemiller381 A portrait of Robert the Bruce from 1800, painting purchased at The National Portrait Gallery of Edinburgh, miniature.

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The most famous quote from the letter, “As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself”, is said to have influenced the passage in the USA’s own

Declaration of Independence from London rule in 1776 which reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with

Photo by Tom Parnell CC BY-SA 4.0

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History - Celebrating the right to independence

Photo by Kim Traynor CC BY-SA 3.0 Declaration of Arbroath translation

History - Celebrating the right to independence

certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.�

Paul Lowe, Chief Executive of NRS, said: “National Records of Scotland have the great honour of being the custodians of the Declaration of Arbroath and preserving it for future generations. We are delighted to make this iconic document

available once more for public view, working closely with our colleagues in the National Museum of Scotland.

Photo by Tom Parnell CC BY-SA 4.0 Arbroath Abbey - view along nave

Photo by Karen Vernon / 1320 and all that / CC BY-SA 2.0 Declaration of Arbroath statue

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Photo by Kenny Lam/ VisitScotland Robert the Bruce Statue at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

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History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine

Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine

Photo Metropolitan Museum of Art CC0 1.0 Wineglass with a Jacobite rose

I

Strange relics of secret Jacobite loyalty

n the world of antiques and antiquities fewer materials have a history as rich as glass. Although it dates back more than 6,000 years it is but a moment in comparison to fossils and gemstones from 4 billion years ago.

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However, within its seemingly short span of existence a complex and fascinating history has been cemented. From decadent and vibrant Venetian glass to relatively plain English crystal each development has its own distinctive attributes.

In terms of Scottish glass, Caithness, Monart and Strathearn quickly spring to mind as favourites among collectors but the one that truly beats at the heart of Scottish history is Jacobean glass. Perhaps the most beautiful, artistic and

History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine Photo Simon Speed CC0 1.0 Three glasses engraved with Jacobite imagery, from the reign of William and Mary, on display in The Higgins museum and gallery, Bedford.

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History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine Photo Metropolitan Museum of Art CC0 1.0 Jacobite Amen glass

Metropolitan Museum of Art CC0 1.0 Wineglass with Jacobite butterfly

delicate glass ever made in these islands. However, be warned, it is a sector of the antique world that is rife with reproductions and fakes due the ever increasing demand caused by the rarity, sentimentality and value of the real thing.

Georgian glass in itself is highly collectible but Jacobean glass would be the pinnacle of any collection, if you are lucky enough to find any pieces not already in the hands of a private collector.

The Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745 fuelled the creation of Jacobean glass, especially drinking vessels designed and engraved to show loyalty to James Francis Edward Stuart and his dashing son, Charles Edward Stuart, aka Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Photo CC0 1.0 Prince Charles Edward Stuart

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Jacobean glass was produced at a time when drinking glasses were becoming lighter and more delicate due to the Excise Tax

History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine

The Old Pretender King James Stuart

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History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine Photo Metropolitan Museum of Art CC0 1.0 Base of a Jacobite Amen glass

of 1746 which imposed tariffs on glass by weight. This ties in with the incredible elegance of the pieces but what really sets them apart is the characteristic engraving.

Symbolism has been used since the beginning of time to pledge allegiance to various causes and passions. Jacobean glass is a perfect example of coded meaning and one of the rare occasions in history when just owning or drinking from such a vessel could lead to imprisonment or even execution.

As James II was exiled to France

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toasts were held by raising a glass above a bowl or glass of water to signify loyalty to the ‘King over the water’, rather than the Hanoverian ‘usurper’ in London. Often the glass itself was delicately engraved using small copper wheels by expert wheelengravers who used symbols and motifs derived from nature to

secretly portray support for the Jacobean cause.

The most commonly found motif

History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine

represents Bonnie Prince Charlie.

A rosebud to the left signifies his younger brother, Prince Henry Benedict Stuart. is that of the white heraldic rose with six petals representing the exiled King James. If a rosebud is to the right of the rose it also

Other symbols used to represent the Stuart’s claim to the throne were the Thistle, the Prince of Wales feathers, and the acorn and oak leaf.

A glass with a sunflower etched on it was a symbol of loyalty to King James as the head of a sunflower follows the sun.

Similarly a butterfly indicated hope for the Stuarts’ rebirth and return from exile while a simple bundle of sticks represented strength in numbers. These are all motifs that we see regularly on antique furniture, art and tapestries. But, within the confines of Jacobean glass these are not merely naturalistic shapes borne out of decorative impulses.

To be found with a glass engraved with these elements was an act of treason and could

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History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine

have deadly consequences for the owner. Although far more subtle and easier hidden than other larger items it was still a massive risk to harbour any of these glasses within the privacy of a home.

After the battle of Culloden in 1746, when great efforts were made to stamp out Highland culture and traditions, allegiance had to be be shown in the most subtle of ways. Mottos, such as ‘Redeat’ (may he return) and ‘Audentior ibo’ (I shall go more boldly) were often engraved into the glass as sometimes was the handsome face of Bonnie Prince Charlie itself.

The rarest and most sought-after Jacobean pieces are the ‘Amen glasses’. Less than 40 of these are known to still be in existence one sold for £43,000 at auction in Shropshire in 2012.

Amen glasses were passed around in secret societies and were engraved with a crown and at least one verse from the Jacobite anthem, concluding with the word ‘Amen’. Rare examples have three or four verses engraved and analysis has shown these were done by the same hand - a very risky job in itself.

There is no denying the exquisite beauty and immense skill involved in these works of art many of which are believed to have been the work of Scottish line-engraver Sir Robert Strange from Edinburgh. He joined the Jacobite army in 1745 but was forced to flee to France with his wife Isabella Lumisden following the defeat at Culloden. After several years in exile he managed to return in 1750 and is believed to have eventually settled in England, where he carved out a successful career as an artist but never forgot his Jacobite sympathies.

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History - Antique hunting... with Roo Irvine Photo Metropolitan Museum of Art CC0 1.0 Wineglass with Jacobite emblems

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Photo by Guy Phillips

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History - Rewriting history of Hitler Hitler in World War I

Rewriting history of Hitler

by Paul Watson

I

n the wake of the 50th anniversary of the death of Adolf Hitler’s former personal adjutant a leading Scots historian has called for his place in the history books to be reconsidered.

Professor Thomas Weber, from the University of Aberdeen has uncovered a wealth of evidence which reveals Fritz Wiedemann, a one-time friend of the Nazi dictator, had tried to blow the

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whistle on the Nazis and to pass key information to the Allies.

According to Professor Weber the newly discovered papers detail the extent of efforts by Wiedemann, who had been a near-paternal figure for Hitler in World War One and the man who backed his nomination for the Iron Cross, to inform both Britain and America of opportunities for the tyrant’s removal at the beginning of the war.

“His case is a cautionary tale

as to what happens when the democracies of the world let down people from around the world who turn to them,” said Prof. Weber.

Wiedemann died on January 17, 1970, as a farmer having faced charges as a Nazi after the war which were subsequently dropped.

But Professor Weber argues that his place in the history books should be very different.

He says that it is important for

History - Rewriting history of Hitler Photo German Federal Archive CC BY-SA 3.0 DE Adolf Hitler

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History - Rewriting history of Hitler Wiedemann’s efforts to persuade the Allies of the need for Hitler’s removal - and that opportunities to achieve this were repeatedly shot down - to be more widely known.

Wiedemann was the Fűhrer’s personal adjutant from 1934 to 1939 accompanying him on state visits, facilitating meetings and dealing with Hitler’s correspondence. But in 1939 they fell out and Wiedemann was sent as German Consul General to San Francisco. In California, Professor Weber says, Wiedemann immediately set about seeking to engage with both British and American intelligence services but that these efforts were rebuffed.

“Wiedemann had come to realise what Hitler’s true goals were but US authorities were nervous about his arrival, suspecting that a former top aide to Hitler on a third-rate diplomatic posting

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Photo: University of Aberdeen Professor Thomas Weber

History - Rewriting history of Hitler quite extraordinary lengths to act against Hitler but was dismissed at every level.”

Professor Weber uncovered details of Wiedemann’s secret mission in intelligence files and in the private papers of a former British intelligence officer, of the family of an American journalist, and of Wiedemann’s descendants. They reveal how Wiedemann unsuccessfully tried to persuade first the British and then the Americans to facilitate Hitler’s removal from power in 1940. Weber has also demonstrated that Wiedemann played a role in helping Jews to escape from the Nazi regime.

could only mean that Wiedemann was on a secret mission to set up and run a Japanese-American spying ring out of San Francisco,”

he said.

“This view tainted their dealings with Wiedemann who went to

The notes in the files Dr Weber uncovered say Wiedemann was convinced that Hitler ‘has a split personality. He is always kind to children and dogs, but can be the most cruel man in the world’ and he ‘believes himself to be a superior Napoleon and is

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History - Rewriting history of Hitler

convinced that he can conquer the world’.

He told British intelligence that the true level of popular support for Hitler was much lower than generally believed because the authors of internal reports would regularly and deliberately inflate the level of support amongst Germans for Hitler in an attempt to write only what Hitler wanted to hear.

Following Hitler’s first major defeat in the Battle of Britain, Wiedemann stated he was ‘like a sleepwalker who bumped into a wall and woke up and did not know what to do next’. Wiedemann therefore advised the intelligence officer that ‘now was the time to strike back at Germany hard’.

Hitler, according to Wiedemann, was even more ignorant about America, believing that ‘the United States will come into the war but does not believe it will make any difference’, as Hitler viewed the United States ‘as a country of gangsters, without any military importance whatever’ and as a country on the ‘verge of social revolution’.

Wiedemann repeatedly urged the British and Americans to take swift action against Hitler, as it would make ‘all the difference if Hitler was done away with’.

The intelligence files also mention a number of Wiedemann’s associates in Germany who also were prepared to act against Hitler in 1940 including Hjalmar Schacht, Hitler’s former economics minister. He also urged the British that Hitler should be replaced by a government led by the former German Crown Prince.

Professor Weber added: “Wiedemann offered his services to the Americans and the British,

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Photo from University of Aberdeen Fritz Wiedemann

and he offered to give a tell-all interview to the media but his offers to unmask and bring down Hitler were shot down every single time, by the White House, State Department, and by British authorities.

“As a result, Hitler did not only continue to be Germany’s leader until 1945, furthermore, to the present day, people are more likely inadvertently to believe the stories Hitler invented about himself than those of his failed whistleblower.

“Wiedemann and many others did claim after 1945 that they had been prepared to act early on in the war, and not only once Hitler’s war effort turned sour, but their post-war claims have been dismissed as apologetic attempts to save their skins.

“On the anniversary of Wiedemann’s death, it is

important that we reappraise his role and the place he deserves in our history books. Wiedemann helped to facilitate Hitler’s tyrannical rule for half a decade.

However, he eventually concluded that Hitler’s actions were out of sync with his moral compass and turned decisively against Germany’s dictator. He is thus a role model for inspiring regime loyalists in tyrannical states around the world to listen to their conscience and to trigger regime change.

“The message to the world of the actions of Wiedemann is that it is never too late to do the right thing. The world can learn from them how to be an upstander and not a bystander in the face of injustice. Yet equally, the lesson is that their turning against tyranny might well be of no consequence unless the democracies of the world support them.”

History - Rewriting history of Hitler Photo from University of Aberdeen Fritz Wiedemann

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History - Collected memories

Collected memories

Photo from National Library of Scotland Early Dandy annuals

by Helen Lloyd

A

n international search has been launched to find missing examples of an important part of popular literary culture enjoyed by generations of Scottish children.

The National Library of Scotland

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has recently filled a crucial gap in its collection of The Dandy weekly comics following its acquisition of the first-ever copy.

The Dandy Comic was first published in December 1937, costing two pennies for 28 pages.

It was an instant success and sold more than 480,000 copies.

“In many ways, it was the first modern British comic, and should be of great interest to anyone researching popular literature.

Today, it is estimated there are only around 20 copies of the first edition known to be in existence.

Which makes this copy one of the rarest items in the Library’s collections,” said Ian Scott,

History - Collected memories Photo from National Library of Scotland First copy of The Dandy from December 1937

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History - Collected memories General Collections Curator.

“We were pleased to add this rare first edition to our holdings – ensuring its preservation for future generations. We’re actively filling the gaps in our holdings of British comics and annuals. They tell us so much about the social mores of the time.”

However, significant gaps of The Dandy in the national collections remain, particularly from 1937 – when the first Dandy was published – up until the 1970s.

“We appeal to anyone who may have pre-1970 editions of The Dandy – or indeed its sister publication, Beano – to consider adding them to the national collections,” said Mr Scott.

The first edition of The Dandy Comic was published on 4 December 1937. It was edited by then 25-year-old Albert Barnes, who remained as editor until he

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retired 45 years later in 1982. He had a large chin, which led many to speculate that his was the inspiration for Desperate Dan’s jawline.

which are perennially popular Christmas gifts. Anyone can view these, and early editions of the comics, at the Library’s Reading Rooms.

As well as the character Desperate Dan, which was illustrated by Dudley D Watkins, The Dandy featured Korky the Cat and Keyhole Kate. It was the first time most readers had ever seen dialogue contained in speech bubbles – up until then, dialogue was mostly found in the text below the illustrations in British comics.

Dundee-based publishers, D.C. Thomson were known for the ‘Big Five’ text-based adventure stories for boys: Adventure, The Rover, The Wizard, The Skipper and The Hotspur which were launched in the 1920s and early 1930s. It was decided to branch out into humour comics, with The Dandy Comic planned to be the first in a second suite of titles, followed

by Beano in 1938, and The Magic Comic in 1939.

Watkins’ illustrative work on The Dandy, Beano, Oor Wullie and The Broons was deemed of such importance to public morale that he was excused war service, but still served as a Reserve Police Constable in Fife during the Second World War. The Library holds complete sets of The Dandy and Beano annuals,

The Magic Comic was put on hold in 1941 due to paper shortages during the Second World War. Its editor, Bill Powrie, had enlisted and was killed on active service aged 26.

The Magic was relaunched in the 60s as a nursery title. The

History - Collected memories Photo from National Library of Scotland Desperate Dan annual

Dandy and Beano were reduced to bi-weekly frequencies during the War, and reverted to weekly in

1949.

It is believed The Topper and The

Beezer were the two other titles suggested for the ‘Big Five’, but the grouping never materialised.

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Mapping the world of Burns Suppers

by Scott Aitken

H

e is Scotland’s national bard and international icon whose life and legacy is commemorated every year on 25 January with haggis, whisky and poetry.

Ever since the first memorial supper was held by close friends of Robert Burns to mourn his passing the tradition they started in 1801 has morphed into a worldwide annual event celebrating Scotland’s distinctive heritage and culture.

It is estimated that over nine and a half million people around the world take part in a Burns Supper every year.

Now, academics at the University of Glasgow plan to pull together a worldwide map of contemporary Burns Supper activity. For the first time ever they will create a digital resource of events, past and present, with detailed information on format, food and drink products used, speeches, toasts, and all elements of the performance by men, women and children throughout the various diverse communities involved.

Through the generosity of Frank and Susan Shaw of Atlanta, the research project, which starts this year and will run until 2022 is being carried out by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies (CRBS), which has the world’s largest concentration of Burns experts.

Professor Gerard Carruthers, Co-Director of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies based at the University’s College of Arts, will be leading The History of the Burns Supper project.

“Robert Burns is a writer whose life and work have given rise to

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History & heritage - Mapping the world of Burns Suppers

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Burns Cottage

History & heritage - Mapping the world of Burns Suppers

one of the great world cultural phenomena – the Burns Supper.

It is a testimony to the bard’s enduring appeal not only within Scotland but around the world.

And at the centre of the supper of course is his great body of work from poetry to song which speaks so strongly to people,” he said.

“On 21 July 1801, close friends of Burns held the first

Photo by Martin Shields Professor Gerard, Co-Director of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow, at the National Trust for Scotland’s Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, Ayrshire

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“We feel it is fitting to launch this research project during Burns Season 2020 and we will produce our findings across

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History & heritage - Mapping the world of Burns Suppers

Burns supper to mark the fifth anniversary of the bard’s death.

They would never have guessed nearly 220 years on that this would have grown into such a worldwide phenomenon.

History & heritage - Mapping the world of Burns Suppers

Photo by Martin Shields Professor Gerard

2021-22, as we mark the 220th anniversary of the first Burns Supper.

“By the end of the project we aim to have a one-stop shop for everything you want to know about the Burns Supper, past and present.”

Bill Nolan, Secretary of the Irvine Burns Club, one of the oldest continually existing Burns Clubs in the world and Immediate Past President of the World Burns Federation, said: “Burns Suppers are a very special part of Scotland’s social fabric that we have exported successfully to the rest of the world. I can’t think of any other writer or poet who is remembered annually in this way and that’s why Robert Burns is uniquely Scotland’s international icon.

“It’s a myth that there’s any formal protocol that has to be followed other than the basic one that every Burns Supper has to be fun and that’s easily assessed

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by asking one question ‘Would Robert Burns have enjoyed this event?’ To which the answer should always be a resounding ‘Yes - and he’s coming back next year’” The History of the Burns Supper project will build on the pioneering work of Dr Clark McGinn, an advisor on the project who did his PhD with the CRBS. “Within a few years of the first dinner, Burns Suppers were being held across Scotland, but in England, India, America, and Jamaica too; with Canada, Australia and New Zealand following. This spontaneous, global growth was because the Burns Supper was the kind of party Burns himself would have enjoyed, so what better way to showcase and celebrate his life, poems and songs?” said Dr McGinn.

The first Burns Supper was celebrated in Burns Cottage, Alloway on the 21 July 1801

commemorating the date of the bard’s passing rather than his birth, and those friends met again, as did the founders of Greenock Burns Club holding Burns Suppers on 29 January 1802, getting the poet’s date of birthday wrong by four days.

The research will collate and track the elements of the Burns Suppers from those first dinners, such as the Grace, the Immortal Memory and other kinds of poems, songs and speeches performed to understand the patterns of growth over the last 200 years.

Poems and songs about Burns used over the 200 years at these occasions will be gathered. Burns Suppers will be detailed through the 19th century, across the British Empire, by missionaries, soldiers, reformers and others, across America, Asia, Australia and Europe and right up to the present day.

History & heritage - Mapping the world of Burns Suppers

Robert Burns

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Arts - Natural beauty put to music

Natural beauty put to music

Paul Anderson

S

tepping out and walking miles of Scotland’s drove roads provided the inspiration for a soundtrack that captures the

spirit of one of the last natural wildernesses in the UK. Scots fiddle supremo Paul Anderson revealed a new string

to his bow when he penned a classical symphony that encapsulates the majesty of the landscape of the Cairngorms.

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Arts - Natural beauty put to music

Not only does The Cairngorms National Park have more highlevel mountain ground than anywhere else in Britain or Ireland, it also contains the largest Caledonian forest, some of the UK’s purest rivers and is home to a quarter of the UK’s threatened species.

Little surprise that exploring this unique setting, and following the

paths of Highland drover roads, known as Heilan Ways, resulted in a composition that has been lauded by music critics for its cinematic qualities.

Now, the Heilan Symphony is to be performed in front of audiences at its first major stage show at Aberdeen’s Music Hall on April 11.

Paul Anderson’s Heilan Ways Symphony winds its way to the Aberdeen Music Hall on April 11

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“I’ve always thought that, with an orchestra of almost 50 musicians, it would lend itself to being performed on a big stage, and that’s the thought behind this concert at The Music Hall in

Aberdeen.”

The accomplished musician, who is one of the finest exponents of Scots fiddle music and was a finalist in the Scots Trad Music Awards musician of the year, rose to a new challenge in composing the piece, his first experience of writing for a full symphony orchestra.

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Arts - Natural beauty put to music

“It has been performed only a few times in community halls in the Cairngorms region, so this will open it up to a far wider audience,” said Paul.

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Arts - Natural beauty put to music

Six months in the making, Paul set out of a journey of his own, exploring many ancient drover routes running through the spectacular landscape that sparked his creative energy.

Scottish droving was on a huge scale, fuelled by a growing demand for Scotch beef following the Act of Union in 1707. By 1770, Falkirk had become one of the biggest cattle markets in Britain and cattle from all over Scotland were walked along drove routes to be sold there.

The arrival of the railways in the 1840s was transformative and spelled the end of this tradition but many of the drove routes have survived.

“I read about and researched the drove roads and did about a week’s worth of walking which gave me a deeper understanding of the Heilan Ways,” said Paul.

“Coming up with the music was a challenge, but it was well received, and it’s something that I would love the opportunity to do again.

“It is a classical symphony that is very Scottish in style, and that features leads from all sections of the orchestra – woodwind, brass and strings.”

Piano accompanist, teacher and conductor Robin Versteeg described the experience of joining Paul for the Strathspey performances Heilan Symphony as “a joy”.

“The work juxtaposes folk and classical traditions in a direct and powerful way, incorporating original but authentically

traditional-sounding tunes within a classical symphony orchestra canvas,” he said.

“Paul Anderson is that rare thing, a fiddler of stylistic knowledge and facility, but one versed in both classical and folk techniques with a notably focused sound and an approach to performing entirely without artifice.”

The symphony will be performed by the Orchestra of the Cairngorms under the conductorship of Mr Versteeg at The Music Hall on April 11.

Compere for the evening will be Scottish actor Iain Robertson, star of the movie Small Faces and television soap opera River City.

The evening will be supported by a group of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians, including Paul’s wife, the award-winning Scots singer Shona Donaldson.

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Arts - Natural beauty put to music

It was commissioned by Deveron Arts as part of a project which saw artists, poets, musicians and historians, celebrate the artistic merits and culture of Heilan Ways a few years ago.

Arts - Inside scoop on new comedy

Inside scoop on new comedy

W

hip-up a script from an award winning film-maker, add music from an internationally acclaimed pop star, sprinkle it with some Scottish scenery and you’re almost guaranteed a recipe for success.

At least, that’s what independent movie producer Lee Crompton is hoping for with his latest project, a new dark comedy called Game of Cones.

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The story revolves around lovestruck Jack. He is so desperate to prove himself to his future inlaws that he borrows money from a shady ‘businessman’ called Mad Rab to buy an engagement ring and ends up being drawn into the middle of an ice-cream van drugs war in a sleepy seaside resort.

Written as a series of five 30-minute episodes the comedy follows Jack as he tries to extract

himself from a series of scrapes without getting arrested, killed or, even worse, his future father-inlaw fining out.

“It starts with Jack getting involved accidentally but it then escalates as the situations get worse and the plot progresses,” said Lee, who has made about 30 short films in various styles in the last few years while honing his skills as a script writer.

Arts - Inside scoop on new comedy Photo by Lee Crompton Scotland is one of the stars of the new comedy

“Game of Cones first came to me when I was thinking about what it would be like if you took a typical East End Glasgow gangster type and put him in a sleepy town where he’s a fish out of water.

“Once I added in the character of Jack, a backpacker who moves to the area to be with the girl he met while on his travels, it all came together.”

After writing the first part of the script Lee took it along to a Scottish Screenwriters’ Table Read sessions. That’s when he knew he was on to something. It was then workshopped in front of a live audience where it again got a great reception.

“I’ve really drilled down into the characters so I know them inside out. That makes it much easier to write as I know exactly what they are going to say or do in any given situation,” said Lee

“Response from people within the industry, actors, other writers and members of the public has been amazing. I truly think this could be something very special.

If we get the money together to shoot it right I believe it could

really take off,” added Lee, who has launched a crowdfunding campaign - which runs to the end of February - to raise the £3,000 needed to film a short pilot of the show.

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Arts - Inside scoop on new comedy Photo by Lee Crompton Cast of Game of Cones

Lee has already recruited a team of experienced actors and technicians ready to start filming the first scenes.

More than 200 actors applied to be in the pilot but after hours of careful consideration and sifting through hours of audition tapes Lee believes he has found the ideal cast.

Jack is to be played by Paul Stirrat and his girlfriend Connie

by Niamh O’Donnell while Paul Beeson has been cast as Mad Rab, the owner of the ice-cream van from which the show gets its title.

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Other members of the cast include Seonaid Stevenson, playing Kate - Connie’s sister; Tony MacDonald as Connie’s dad; Kirsty Scott as Connie’s mum; and Sasha Macpherson and Hannah MacMillan playing Livi and Eva. “Although it wasn’t a conscious move I’m proud that five of the eight strong cast are women,” said Lee. “Women are under-represented in film and if we can help try and redress the balance in some small way so much the better.”

Every penny raised by the crowd-

fund will be spent on producing the pilot and, in addition to being part of a great show, there’s a chance to get in on the action with a small part in the movie.

Anyone interested in helping get the show on the road can visit www.gameofcones.tv for more information about how to get involved.

Arts - Inside scoop on new comedy Lee Crompton More details on how to get involved with the show can be found at www. gameofcones.tv

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Arts - A collection of talent

Photos from Glasgow Print Studio Alasdair Gray Omnium Gatherum

A collection of talent

by Helen Lloyd

A

number of previously unseen works by the late Scottish polymath Alasdair Gray will go on display in Glasgow this month.

Starting on 7 February, Glasgow Print Studio will showcase new pieces alongside older prints by the artist in an exhibition planned

before his untimely death in December 2019.

Omnium Gatherum gathers together pieces previously published by Glasgow Print Studio over the last 40 years with never before seen works.

“Alasdair had been working on a new body of work for this exhibition, of which all but one

were completed before his death,” said a spokesperson for Glasgow Print Studio.

“These new and never before seen works will be shown alongside Alasdair’s works in print published by Glasgow Print Studio from 1979 until 2019.”

Gray was one of Scotland’s most prolific and established visual

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Arts - A collection of talent artists and authors, his talent finding expression in various

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plays, novels, poetry, paintings and murals.

Just a month before his death, which occurred the day after his

Arts - A collection of talent

85th birthday, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the

Saltire Society for his contribution to Scottish literature.

His first book of two short stories, The Comedy Of The White

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Arts - A collection of talent Dog, was published in 1979 but perhaps his most renowned

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work was Lanark for which he produced a set of six printed

illustrations. The 1981 publication was his first novel and has been

Arts - A collection of talent

acclaimed as a landmark of Scottish fiction and Gray was

compared with Franz Kafka and Nineteen Eighty-Four by George

Orwell.

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Arts - A collection of talent The Scots hippo

However, while Gray claimed writing made him tired he said

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painting gave him energy.

His art can be found among

the collections of renowned institutions, including the Victoria

Arts - A collection of talent

Prometheus

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Arts - A collection of talent

Arts - A collection of talent Book jacket

and Albert Museum, National Library of Scotland, Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum and the Arts

Council of England.

Omnium Gatherum, which takes

its name from a screen print by Gray made in 2017, runs until 12 April.

That death will break

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by Scott Kyle

A day at the palace that inspired Vicki’s cross-stitch

I

Celebrating the land of Love

feel it in my fingers and I feel it in my toes…no, I’m not talking about arthritis brought on by the cold weather in Scotland

but the greatest of human emotions - love!

As that great Glasgow band

‘Wet,Wet,Wet’ sang in their cover version for the soundtrack of Four Weddings and a Funeral - love is all around, especially this month.

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

An actor’s life for me...

Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

As we head into February and look forward to St Valentine’s Day I can’t think of a more romantic place to celebrate 20 years together with my wife Karen this month than Scotland in general and Glasgow in particular.

I know my home city is not necessarily the first place most

Photo by Stewart Cunningham Sunset in Scotland

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people associate with romance but you’d be surprised. Not only has the city more than its fair share of romantic restaurants, pubs and hotels but there are also numerous free to visit art galleries and museums, a vibrant night life and a lot of quiet places with excellent views.

Remarkably, Glasgow is even host to the bones of St Valentine himself. Part of the remains of the patron saint of love were brought to the city by Franciscan monks in the 19th century and have been resting in a place of honour in St Luke’s Church on Ballater Street, Glasgow ever since.

It is often too easy to take what we have here in Scotland for granted but there is something

very special about watching the sun go down over a loch, mountain, stone circle or castle steeped in history.

Often, Karen and I will get on our bikes and cycle down the Clyde towards Loch Lomond, which is just 30 minutes from Glasgow but might as well be a

world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There can be few more magical things to do than sit with a loved-one by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and drink in the view. I defy anyone not to find that romantic!

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

Almost anywhere you go in Scotland, the nation that gave birth to Robert Burns - one of the most passionate poets who ever lived, there are breathtakingly beautiful views.

Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle Vicki’s delightful cross-stitch

B

Displays of affection

oth Burns and St Valentine are synonymous with romance and love which, in my book, makes them the greatest of role models. How

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much better would the world be if more people embraced those ideals?

One of the things that makes me so proud to be part of the

Outlander family is the outpouring of love members of that community have shown me and each other.

Recently I was sent a photo of a

Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle Steven Hart’s portrait which has been entered for the John Byrne Award

piece of cross-stich by a Twitter friend, Vicki, which she had created of Karen and myself from a photo of us at the Royal Garden Party in Holyroodhouse Palace last summer. I love it and really

appreciate the time and effort put into it.

Over the years so many people have sent us pieces of art they’ve done featuring myself and family

or with an Outlander connection that we’re beginning to run out of space on the walls to display them.

One image of me by artist Steven

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

Hart, is nearly as big as I am.

Titled ‘The Quintessential Scot(t)’ it is a multi-layered portrait created over a four month period.

work with a lot of detail depicting various parts of my life, from my acting to my love of football. It’s a real treasure.

Steven put a lot of effort into the

In fact there are so many

excellent pieces that have been sent to me that my local library in Rutherglen, Glasgow is planning to hold an exhibition of them sometime later this year. Watch this space for details.

A cup o’ kindness

Celebrating Robert Burns for Kilbryde Hospice

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Over the years Kilbryde Hospice has provided much needed care and support to patients with life limiting illnesses such as Cancer, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson and Multiple Sclerosis.

It was an absolute honour to

follow in the footsteps of so many lovers of our national poet and to take part in this annual occasion. It’s amazing to think that more than 200 years after he died he has such a major influence. Did you know that only Queen Victoria has more statues and memorials dedicated to her around the world? Not bad for a poor boy from Dumfries!

What started as an intimate little gathering by friends of the poet in 1801 to remember the poet has turned into a world wide event with Burns Suppers being held in almost every country in the world, many of them being used as

fund raising events for numerous charities.

It was my first time acting as MC at one of these events. Apart from being a good excuse to get dressed up in my kilt (not that I ever need an excuse) it was also a chance to indulge in my favourite Scottish food. I know it’s a bit of a cliche but I really do like haggis, neeps and tatties.

However, the best bit of the night was that by the end of the evening we had managed to raise more than £11,000 for such a great cause.

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

T

alking of giving I was really pleased to be asked to take on the role of Master of Ceremonies at a Burns supper in aid of Kilbryde Hospice, a charity established almost 20 years ago by Tony McGuinness and Dr John Richards to help provide palliative care beds in South Lanarkshire.

Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style The Frou Frou from Tricker Bridal

Wedding belles – Hollywood style

by Helen Lloyd

T

he golden era of the silver screen has provided the inspiration for a new Scottish bridal

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salon’s stunning range of unique handmade gowns.

The grace and glamour of Hollywood’s screen legends has been captured in a capsule

collection that has been inspired by original dress patterns from the 1940s to the 1960s.

The range oozes a classic Hollywood feel, summed up

Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style

The Frou Frou from Tricker Bridal

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Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style

Kitty from Tricker Bridal

in the style and sophistication of iconic actresses like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth.

By using inspiration from dressmaking patterns of the era, and applying the intricate cutting techniques they require, the new collection brings to life gowns which make brides look classic and elegant.

Behind the pop-up salon is Beverley Tricker, who has fulfilled a long-held ambition to return to making bespoke bridal gowns for brides who want timeless beauty.

The stunning range of elegant and flattering dresses is aimed to appeal to any bride of the modern era who would describe her style as ‘classic’.

Every stitch will be made by hand, with each gown taking around three to five months to make, and with the option to be

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Gigi from Tricker Bridal

Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style

Anna from Tricker Bridal

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Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style Rita from Tricker Bridal

made in a wide range of beautiful fabrics including pure silk and in a spectrum of colours from white to scarlet.

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“I’ve been sewing since I was seven years old, and during the 1990s made hundreds of wedding outfits, and so creating a pop up bridal salon, along with

a capsule collection of stunning gowns, each one hand made and inspired by a golden era of elegance and grace, has been hugely enjoyable,” said Ms

Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style Cora from Tricker Bridal

Tricker, founder of Tricker Bridal in the fashionable west end of Aberdeen.

“These are classic gowns

that reflect an era when style transcends time and brings something unique for brides in that they are bespoke and madeto-measure.

“Tricker Bridal contrasts with today’s fast fashion. These are one-off dresses, made exactly to fit the bride’s body shape and measurements and with

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Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style Scarlett & Sabrina from Tricker Bridal

the option of distinct finishing touches.”

The timeless collection includes The Anna, a gown that is based on an original 1957 German design. It has a deep set, tasteful neckline, tiny cap sleeves created from the inlaid pleating in the upper bodice and a midriff that curves upwards to create a graceful silhouette. An attached train reaches the dress hemline and is finished with an extravagant bow. It has a row of hand-covered fabric buttons over the zip at the centre back of the dress.

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The Rita is a wiggle dress and takes its inspiration from a glamorous American cocktail dress of the 1950s. The captivating fitted silhouette has a scoop neckline sitting on the shoulder and an asymmetrical drape which is cut in one piece along with the skirt front. Tying in a bow on the hip, the bow can be embellished with the addition of a vintage crystal brooch.

The Kitty is a 1950s silhouette gown with a flattering neckline sitting just on the shoulder and with a sleek, straight line.

The bodice has a V-back, and

brides can choose from two very different overskirts – one with back bow tails or side panels which can be lined in any colour or to match the gown. The overskirt is detachable giving a different look for an evening reception.

The company offers brides the flexibility they won’t find when making an off the peg purchase.

Brides choose their dress from the capsule collection, and from there can personalise it to suit their preference and budget, including choosing the desired fabric and colour.

Love & Romance - Wedding belles – Hollywood style

Kitty from Tricker Bridal

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Food & Beverage - Reach for the pie

Reach for the pie

Photo by SWNS Winner Alan Pirie of butcher James Pirie & Son

by Scott Aitken

W

inning any title of World Champion is an achievement, but to receive such an accolade for a second time - especially when it comes

to upholding more than 500 years of tradition - is a major accomplishment.

quintessential comfort-food and culinary leveller enjoyed by rich and poor alike.

For more than half a millennia Scotch pies have been a staple diet of the Scots. The traditional pastry and mutton delicacy is the

Throughout the country numerous varieties can be found as butchers, bakers and ordinary home-makers take pride in

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Food & Beverage - Reach for the pie creating their own distinctive recipes.

For the last two decades the coveted title of World Champion Scotch Pie maker has been hotly contested by some of Scotland’s top professionals.

This year more than 75 pie makers lined up to deliver their perfect products into the hands

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of the judges, one of which was Scotland Correspondent’s own columnist Scott Kyle.

After some serious deliberation, and a two month wait for the results to be collated, it has been announced that the World Champion 2020 is James Pirie & Son, a small family business from Newtyle, near Dundee.

It is the second time the Angus butcher has won the title, having previously being named champion in 2018. In 21 years of the competition, only three other pie makers have ‘done the double’ and scooped the award with a repeat performance.

“I was not expecting that! We won, again! I am speechless,” said Alan Pirie who received his

Food & Beverage - Reach for the pie Photo by SWNS Alan Pirie and Carol Smillie

trophy of a giant carved Scotch pie from television celebrity Carol Smillie at a special ceremony in Cumbernauld.

“To have once again been given

the ultimate accolade in our profession is just excellent. I am so proud of what we make from scratch every day and it so often goes without recognition.

It is proof that all our hard work

is worth it. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and to selling more of our champion pies than ever.”

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Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

Mixing it up in Aberdeen

Pine Barrel

by Helen Lloyd

V

isitors to Aberdeen’s stylish new bar, The Gallery at The Chester Hotel, are being positively

encouraged to mix their drinks and give their tastebuds a treat.

A team of expert mixologists, a term that dates back to the 1800s and is used to describe the skilled

exponents of carefully prepared cocktails, have been tasked with creating a range of appetising adventures with spirit.

Mixologists at The Gallery in

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Signature No9

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Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen Ultraviolet

Aberdeen – were given a blank canvass to devise a cocktail menu for the luxurious venue.

The result has been hailed as a masterpiece, by the hotel, blending the contemporary and the classics in an exhibition that defies artistic convention.

Bar manager Gary Middleton and his team have developed a range of stunning new creations which showcase both local sprits and internationally renowned brands in an art-inspired menu.

The new section is Abstract Expressionism, which represents

the mixologists’ originality and ability to think outside the box when blending spirits and flavours.

appreciate the attention to detail, not only in the way the menu has been developed, but in the presentation of the drinks too.

“We wanted the menu to be bold, creative and original and to reflect the amazing new surroundings of The Gallery. The team was encouraged to be inventive and imaginative, and I think we have created something really special with this collection,” said Gary.

“Although we have spent a great deal of time developing this collection, we know there are many drinks from our archive that customers have become very fond of. The new menu includes The Old Masters – some of our inventions from over the years – and the Icons – which displays the ability of our mixologists to create any classic cocktail to order.”

“Guests have been very impressed with the flavour combinations and how unexpected the menu is. They

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Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

Highlights from the new menu include First Kiss, which features Gin Bothy (see Scotland Correspondent issue 16 ) raspberry infused gin, vanilla and rosehip extract, while Netflix and Chill – already proving to be a future classic – combines Absolut vanilla vodka, dark chocolate, popcorn syrup and a pinch of salt.

Netflix and chill

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Elvis Spritz

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Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

One of the most unusual to feature in the catalogue is Elvis Spritz – a fun cocktail which blends Esker honey spice gin, grapefruit and Elvis Juice – a grapefruit-infused IPA created by craft beer giants, BrewDog.

Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

It is joined by the likes of Carrot Cake – Camus cognac, cinnamon liqueur, cream and carrot juice –

Carrot Cake

and American Breakfast, which uses Crème de Mure, Damn Fine Coffee Liqueur, cold brew coffee and maple syrup.

American Breakfast

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Correspondent issue 35.

The Gallery is open daily, and in addition to its extensive cocktail and drinks selection, features an all-day bar food menu. Afternoon teas are served in the plush surroundings of The Gallery’s garden room.

Based at 55-63 Queen’s Road, Aberdeen, the luxurious The Chester Hotel (see Scotland Correspondent issue 19) holds a four star silver rating from the AA and its restaurant holds two AA Rosettes. It has 71 rooms and suites offering exceptional levels of comfort and luxury.

The Old Guitarist

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Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

The Gallery, part decadent cocktail bar and part modernday palm court, houses one of the largest private collections by the Scottish artist and playwright John Byrne. A number of his paintings are dotted throughout the hotel, including the bedrooms. You can find out more about The Gallery in Scotland

Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

Here’s how to make The Gallery’s First Kiss: 35ml Gin Bothy Raspberry 30ml rosehip tea extract 50ml pineapple juice 15ml vanilla gomme Place all the ingredients into a shaker, shake and double strain into a coupette glass.

First Kiss

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Food & Beverage - Mixing it up in Aberdeen

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Food & Beverage - Gintelligence - with Fiona Holland

Gintelligence - with Fiona Holland

F

iona Holland is a journalist and long-time gin lover, collecting and sampling unusual and uncommon

gins for more than 20 years.

Recently, her job amassing the juniper-laced spirit has become significantly easier with the

explosion of craft distilleries in Scotland. It’s difficult to keep up with them all, but you can be assured she’ll try her best…

Sunset over Lunan Bay

Spirit of diversity

Kirsty’s Gin

Arbikie Distillery, Angus 43%ABV £36 for 70cl

T survive.

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he word diversification is oft over-used these days and also has overtones of a forced move in order to

It is something we hear particularly with regard to traditional rural industries like agriculture and fishing.

Overlooking the breathtaking Lunan Bay, the farm has been in the Stirling family for four generations.

Whether the Arbikie Estate near Montrose in Angus looked at it that way or not, diversify they have.

In addition to painstakingly raising crops, three Stirling brothers – John, Iain and David – have turned an ancient barn into a distillery.

Food & Beverage - Gintelligence - with Fiona Holland

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Food & Beverage - Gintelligence - with Fiona Holland And there’s no doubt that these siblings are absolutely fastidious about their distilling dreams.

As well as award-winning gins, which we’ll come to shortly, Arbikie is also producing both single-malt whisky and vodka.

In the case of the whisky despite the opportunity to launch much earlier, no Arbikie malt will see the light of day until 2029. Now, that’s what patience looks like.

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Food & Beverage - Gintelligence - with Fiona Holland Back to the gin, though, and Arbikie’s Kirsty’s Gin is something of a rarity.

Unlike the vast majority of other gins, Arbikie makes its own raw spirit from scratch.

They call it field to bottle and it’s a perfect description.

Most distilleries buy in raw spirit and then distil using their own

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Food & Beverage - Gintelligence - with Fiona Holland Inside Arbikie distillery

botanicals. Nothing wrong with that at all, but making one’s own raw spirit, as with creating whisky, does make a difference.

traditional botanicals like angelica and coriander, this gin is rooted by local botanicals – kelp, Carline, thistle root and blueberries.

Sure, it takes much longer and, if there’s something we all know, time is money – so it’s a costly step. But worth it.

On the nose, there’s a spindrift rush of salty air joining a light peppery hint of lavender.

Kirsty’s Gin is named after Arbikie’s master distiller Kirsty Black.

A graduate of Heriot Watt University’s prestigious and industry-leading distillers course, Kirsty’s job starts with potatoes in the fields on the estate, producing a soft vodka which becomes the basis for the flagship gin.

In addition to juniper, and

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It feels bold with a classic juniper dryness, but never brash.

A taste of this spirit neat is quite a surprise – the salty nose gives way to forward sweetness of honey and vanilla. Bearing in mind the ozone saltiness of the nose, this has really softened and the result is a mildly piquant but smooth spirit.

Using light Fever Tree tonic in a one-to-one ratio, the coastal zest returns and it almost feels like

sipping ice cream by the beach.

A perfectly balanced peppery note remains and finishes it off beautifully.

In terms of branding and bottle, it is perhaps odd to find that both are pretty basic. Perhaps it’s deliberate – perhaps not. In the end, however, this gin has now been around for quite a long time compared to the majority of others and it’s clear that it speaks for itself in terms of flavour – and that is something one’s bottle or labelling can never do.

• Previous coverage of Arbikie

gin in Scotland Correspondent magazine can be found in issue 14.

Food & Beverage - Gintelligence - with Fiona Holland

Kirsty Black

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Activities - Penny prize to lure fishermen

Penny prize to lure fishermen

The mighty salmon cast in coins

A

s one of the most iconic locations in the world to fish, anglers from across the globe will be casting their hopes on winning a coveted trophy recognising the best catch on the River Dee. The new trophy is commissioned

by David Littlewood, owner of Tor Na Coille Hotel at Banchory on Royal Deeside, and is a stunning salmon sculpture made from old pennies and other coins.

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The use of coins from different currencies is symbolic given that fishing attracts people from all over the world and generates millions of pounds to the local economy every year.

The trophy was revealed at the opening of the River Dee 2020 fishing season by the actor and fishing aficionado Robson Green.

Two Aberdeenshire artisans were commissioned to create

the unique award which has been hailed as an artistic tribute to the majesty of the river and Scotland’s iconic species, the Atlantic salmon.

Renowned sculptor Helen Denerley combined her love of the natural world with technical aspects of metal work, casting the salmon sculpture from old pennies and coins from other currencies.

Activities - Penny prize to lure fishermen Photo by Alden Chadwick CC BY 2.0 River Dee

Photo by Nick Bramhall CC BY-SA 2.0 River Dee, Aberdeen

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Activities - Penny prize to lure fishermen

Best known for fashioning two life-sized giraffe metal sculptures at the Omni Centre on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk, Helen’s work features in collections across the UK and overseas, including projects in the USA and Japan.

Being able to work on a project closer to home was a real surprise for the sculptor, who said: “I was delighted to be asked to create this trophy as I have always enjoyed the natural habitat around the rivers Dee and Don.”

David Littlewood of Tor Na Coille Hotel with the new trophy for best catch on the River Dee

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The best catch is one of the most prestigious honours that can be won by a River Dee angler. It is not necessarily awarded to the angler who lands the heaviest fish, but judged by a committee who consider fish handling, time of year and the condition of the fish. The catch must have been witnessed. It will be competed for annually with the

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Activities - Penny prize to lure fishermen

The plinth was crafted from local elm and resin to resemble a flowing river, and made by Inverurie carpenter Kenny McKay, of Polished Finish.

Activities - Penny prize to lure fishermen Photo Nick Bramhall CC BY-SA 2.0 The River Dee is one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland

winner receiving the title, with an engraved decanter, a two night stay at The Tor Na Coille Hotel, a luxurious Victorian country house hotel in Royal Deeside, and two days’ fishing on the River Dee. “The River Dee is widely known as one of the great salmon rivers of the world. Anyone who has ever cast a fly for Atlantic salmon will know the allure of our river, and we have the privilege of welcoming anglers from all over the globe who come in search of the ultimate prize: a Dee springer taken on the fly,” said David Littlewood of the Tor Na Coille Hotel.

“Achieving the best catch is an incredible feat and that is why we are pleased to have commissioned this new award, a stunning piece of art to recognise such a magnificent achievement, and the huge economic benefit the river and salmon bring this region.”

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Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Overlooking the River Dee near Ballater

Each year people come from all over to fish on the River Dee, widely considered as one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world, yet only one person will be

eligible win this award - ensuring it may become one of the most sought after accolades in the fishing world.

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Activities - Bikers prepare for a Highland battle!

Photos by Ian Potter

Bikers prepare for a Highland battle!

M ountain bikers from around the world are being challenged to take part in a new epic adventure race staged in the hills of Perthshire.

According to Aaron Gray of Muckmedden Events the coming battle, at the Comrie Croft Trails in Highland Perthshire on 4 April, will add an exciting twist to the Enduro event format.

Clans @ The Croft, is the latest spectacular by Scottish Mountain Bike Enduro organisers Muckmedden Events, and is designed to give riders an exciting opportunity to race solo and join forces with other riders to compete as a ‘Clan’ in a new special team category.

“Racing as a team adds a whole new level of strategy to an Enduro race, as riders have to use their combined strengths to their advantage on each stage. The best thing about it for me is that not only do riders get to represent their Clan in the team category, but they will also get their

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individual times too,” he said.

Mountain bike racing is essentially a solo sport and racing as a team is completely alien but once riders get out on the trails and start racing in close-formation, they really get into it and start to use different tactics on each stage depending on the terrain.

“I think both Clans @ The Croft riders and their supporters are going to love this new format,” added Aaron.

Activities - Bikers prepare for a Highland battle!

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Activities - Bikers prepare for a Highland battle!

Clans @ The Croft is the first of two Mountain Bike Enduros from Muckmedden scheduled for 2020 and it heralds a muchanticipated return to Comrie Croft, the award-winning outdoor adventure destination near Perth.

The second, is the renowned Fair City Enduro, staged in Perth on Saturday 31 October. The annual Halloween mountain bike race has been selected as Scotland’s only Enduro World Series Qualifier event for a third

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Combining world-class Enduro racing with outlandish Halloween fancy-dress, it was first elevated to EWS Qualifier status in 2018, providing a fantastic opportunity to promote mountain biking in Perthshire, and the event itself, to a wider UK and international audience.

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Activities - Bikers prepare for a Highland battle!

year in succession and is now widely regarded as one of the top Mountain Bike Enduros staged annually in the UK.

Activities - Bikers prepare for a Highland battle!

For the second year running the 2019 event sold out months ahead of race day with a record 460 sign-ups from all corners of the UK and beyond. It attracted riders from as far afield as Hungary looking to collect those vital points for qualification to the Enduro World Series in 2020.

Chris Ball, Director of the Enduro World Series, said: “Fair City

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Activities - Bikers prepare for a Highland battle!

Enduro is everything we love about Enduro racing. The Muckmedden team have put together a safe, fantastically organised event on amazing trails, that above all else, is just really good fun. Scotland’s mountain biking is famous around the world and we’re delighted that Muckmedden and the Fair City Enduro are back on the Qualifier calendar for 2020.”

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Events - Scenes of adventure

Scenes of adventure

Blind Hoy

by Paul Watson

E

dinburgh’s longest running adventure film festival returns this month with a variety of new movies for the big screen which are sure to inspire young and old alike to seek new challenges.

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The 16th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival features a number of highlights from young and old athletes who capture the imagination as they undertake incredible things in some of the most breathtaking areas of Scotland and beyond.

Skiers drop fearsome-looking

lines in Alaska, and sketchy gullies in the West Highlands while a female climber scales apparently blank rock faces using holds the size of a pinhead, without ropes.

Mountain bikers scream down impossible routes and parkour athletes take viewers on a

Events - Scenes of adventure

Camp 4 Merrell, Faroe

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Events - Scenes of adventure

stomach-lurching rooftop race in Paris.

The posse of mountain bikers from Whistler, aged 11-14, show they have got plenty attitude with the skills to match. And although 11 year-old Kai Jones might get turned away from the cinema for being too young, he’s made very welcome on the extreme terrain at his local ski hill!

Viewers can watch Murray, the 4-year old skier on the slopes

Dave MacLeod, Ruabhal, St.Kilda

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Events - Scenes of adventure

of Aonach Mor at Nevis Range, in a demonstration of youthful exuberance and boundless enthusiasm in sharp contrast to the the courage and wisdom of 97-year old runner George Etzweiler whose determination not to be beaten by age is guaranteed to raise a smile.

Events - Scenes of adventure

As well as the films, the festival welcomes three speakers to share tales of their incredible journeys. Jenny Graham, from Inverness, tops the bill as she recounts her world-record

Jenny Graham

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Events - Scenes of adventure

breaking unsupported cycle around the world. Navigating tornados, bears and Russian traffic, Jenny offers a humorous take on the highs and lows of her 18,000 mile adventure.

Events - Scenes of adventure

Anna McNuff, fresh and blisterfree after her 2,620 mile barefoot run through Britain, aims to

Anna McNuff, fresh and blister-free after her 2,620 mile barefoot run

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Events - Scenes of adventure

inspire young women to have their own adventures.

Events - Scenes of adventure Leo McCarron at the great rock arch at Jebel Kharazeh, Jordan

In contrast to some of the gravity defying feats in some of the other films Leon McCarron’s 1,000 mile walk might seem a bit pedestrian, but it took him through the heart of the Holy Land at a pace which allowed him to truly meet the people and understand the challenges of that region. With global tensions rising, his insights will seem all the more relevant today. ”We have some very special films this year. The ones which stand out from the programme are awesome … but they won’t necessarily be your favourites,” said Stevie Christie, Festival Director, who is excited by the personal nature of the films chosen for EMFF 2020, as well as the sheer spectacle of the action.

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Suilven

Events - Scenes of adventure

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Events - Scenes of adventure

“We’re privileged to watch the protagonists share personal insights, the highs and lows of doing what they love, and how that impacts them – as well as lots of incredibly skilled

Tristan Tinn - ThePostman

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and daring antics! Meanwhile the speakers will each bring something different and are guaranteed to leave you entertained, enlightened and inspired.”

climbing, cycling, snow sports, running, kayaking, adventure sports, outdoor photography and filmmaking communities; as well as those who love the outdoors, travel and mountain adventure.

This year’s festival expects to attract big numbers from the

From small beginnings in 2003, it has grown to be one of the most

The festival’s main aims are to promote mountain culture and provide a platform for adventure

film-makers to showcase their work. However, it also acts as a social gathering for Scotland’s vibrant outdoor scene and raises much needed funds for Mountain Rescue and the John Muir Trust, with over £20,000 raised since the EMFF began.

The festival is being staged at the Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre in Edinburgh from Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 February 2020.

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Events - Scenes of adventure

popular and dynamic events in Scotland’s outdoor adventure calendar, attracting in excess of 2,000 outdoor enthusiasts annually.

Events - Exhibiting courage through history Photo from National Library of Scotland Aberdeen Harbour 1845 from the Stevenson Archive

Exhibiting courage through history

by Helen Lloyd hallenges faced by many of Scotland’s pioneering women during more than a century of social upheaval and transformation are to be explored in a series of exhibitions in Edinburgh this year.

C

The experiences of female travellers and mountaineers, the tale of a woman diplomat during the Napoleonic Wars, and life for ordinary women in 20thcentury Scotland are just some of the captivating stories being showcased to visitors to the library in 2020.

Several new displays are scheduled to place at the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge which will highlight the social transformations and achievements made by women throughout more than a century of change.

“We are excited about the programme on offer for the year ahead. It’s the perfect result of everything we do: scholarly research, preservation and storytelling. Much of next year’s content tells the stories of people from various walks of life, going

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where no one has gone before,” said Dr John Scally, National Librarian.

“Scotland has an incredibly rich history, both domestically and internationally, and visitors to the Library will experience some of these stories brought to life in vivid detail.”

Among the programmes planned for this year is ‘Henrietta Liston’s Travels’. Born Henrietta Marchant, the daughter of a Scottish planter in Antigua, in 1751 she was orphaned at the age of eight and brought up in Glasgow by her

Events - Exhibiting courage through history Photo from National Library of Scotland Henrietta Marchant Liston

maternal aunt.

In 1796 Henrietta married diplomat Robert Liston before moving to the US where she was credited with doing much to repair relations between Britain and the young independent America, becoming a close friend of George Washington and John Adams.

The couple returned to Britain in 1800 but in 1812 Robert was called out of retirement and Henrietta accompanied him to Turkey where he took up the post as ambassador in what was then Constantinople.

Library of Scotland. It is these diaries which form the basis of the new display marking 200 years since her return from the Ottoman Empire. The exhibition will run from November, until February 2021.

Throughout her travels Henrietta kept a series of personal journals which are kept by the National

Throughout the summer, from 5 June to 29 August, an exhibition of curated moving images,

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Events - Exhibiting courage through history Photo from National Library of Scotland Ladies’ Scottish Climbing Club

called ‘Her Century: Scottish Women on Film’ will shed light on women’s experiences spanning the Edwardian era to the Thatcher years

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Movies about women and their experiences will once again be in the spotlight, between 2 October and 20 February, with ‘Petticoats and Pinnacles:

Scotland’s pioneering mountain women’. The exhibition looks at how Scots women overcame social convention to pursue their dreams of travel and exploration.

Events - Exhibiting courage through history Photo from National Library of Scotland Arctic traveller Isobel Wylie Hutchison in the 1920s

The display tells the stories of women such as arctic traveller, poet and botanist Isobel Wylie

Hutchison from West Lothian who ventured as far as Alaska, Iceland, Greenland and the

Aleutian Islands at a time when men were seen as the leading pioneers of exploration.

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Events - Exhibiting courage through history Photo from National Library of Scotland Evelyn McNicol, who was part of the first all-female expedition to the Himalayas in 1955, checks the health of a sherpa.

The story of Evelyn McNicol, who at 28 was the youngest member of the first all-women expedition to the Himalayas in 1955 also provides inspiration. Along with

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her companions, Monica Jackson and Betty Stark from The Scottish Women’s Himalayan Expedition, she successfully surveyed the previously unmapped Phurbal

Chyachumbu glacier, and completed the first ascent of the 22,000 ft Gyalgen Peak on the frontier of Nepal and Tibet.

Events - Exhibiting courage through history Photo from National Library of Scotland Ramsay - The Gentle Shepherd

Other scheduled events include an exhibition of the poet Alan Ramsay. Starting this month, on the 18 February, and running until 16 May it will look at his collected work of poetry, drama and music during the time of the Scots Enlightenment.

Beginning May 28 to July 25 some of Scotland’s finest contemporary bookbinding will be on show as part of the ‘Elizabeth Soutar Bookbinding Awards’.

In keeping with VisitScotland’s theme for 2020 of the Years of Coasts and Waters the museum

will be running an exhibition, between 28 July and 31 October, titled ‘Engineering Scotland: the Stevenson Archive’ which aims to explore the archive of the renowned engineering and lighthouse family.

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Destination - Scotland

Destination P Scotland

lan your trip to the most beautiful country in the world with our directory of places to stay, eat, visit and enjoy.

Rokeby Manor

Invergarry, Highlands Situated on the edge of the Highland Village of Invergarry Rokeby Manor is the epitome of a late Georgian-early Victorian country house.

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This former country house, as featured in issue 32 of Scotland Correspondent, has been turned into a romantic retreat surrounded by landscaped gardens and natural woodland.

Destination - Scotland

Royal Scots Club Edinburgh

More personal than a hotel the Royal Scots Club offers a rare combination of all the charm of a country house with the added cosy atmosphere of a private members’ club in the heart of Scotland’s historic capital of Edinburgh.

Founded in 1919 as a living memorial to those who fell in The Great War the club is situated in one of Edinburgh’s finest Georgian streets and is open for bed and breakfast, meetings and events, functions and private dining. Featured in issue 22 of Scotland Correspondent.

Meldrum House

Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire More than 800 years of history are wrapped up in this unique boutique country house hotel nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire’s tranquil countryside.

Complete with its own golf course the 240-acre estate and 13th century baronial mansion is the epitome of luxury. As featured in issue 27 of Scotland Correspondent. Meldrum House provides a truly exceptional experience and is an ideal base from which to explore the rich and colourful north east corner of Scotland.

Chester Residence Edinburgh

A luxurious bolthole in central Edinburgh with an expanse of space and all the perks of a grand hotel as featured in issue 21 of Scotland Correspondent.

Behind the facades of gracious, listed Georgian townhouses in Edinburgh’s New Town these 5-star apartments are spacious and packed with luxury features, including a top of the range kitchen, a heavenly bathroom or two and sumptuously grand living rooms.

9 Rothesay Place (Main Reception), Edinburgh, EH3 7SL. Tel: +44 (0) 131 226 2075 enquiries@chester-residence.com www.chester-residence.com

Embo House Sutherland

Luxury exclusive self-catering accommodation in a Grad-A listed Georgian mansion overlooking the Dornoch Firth. As featured in issue 24 of Scotland Correspondent. Embo House is steeped in history.

This former ancestral castle of Clan Gordon with its 8-spacious bedrooms provides contemporary and luxurious accommodation for large family groups, golfers or even weddings.

Embo House, Dornoch, Sutherland. IV25 3PP Tel: 01738 451610 https://www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk

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Destination - Scotland Gleddoch Hotel

Carnoustie Golf Hotel

An independently owned hotel resort overlooking the Clyde Estuary with 75 bedrooms, an 18 hole championship golf course, an elegant banqueting room and a luxury Imperia Spa.

Carnoustie Golf Hotel offers an extensive collection of facilities, including 75 luxury en-suite bedrooms and 10 suites with amazing views over the Championship course, the sea and the local town of Carnoustie. Featured in issue 16 of Scotland Correspondent.

Glasgow

One of the most prestigious, luxury hotels in the Glasgow area just 10 minutes from the airport featured in issue 13 of Scotland Correspondent.

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island Benderloch, Oban

Located on the west coast of Scotland on a private 300 acre island with gorgeous views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the dramatic Morvern mountains beyond.

Featured in issue 3 of Scotland Correspondent. The hotel offers a variety of accommodation with 16 bedrooms in the main house, five spa suites in the gardens with private hot tub, two garden cottages with two bedrooms each which are ideal for families and six hilltop reserves overlooking Loch Linnhe with private hot tub and balconies.

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Carnoustie

Mercure Hotel inverness Inverness

Featured in issue 15 of Scotland Correspondent.

This stylish Inverness hotel has been refurbished throughout, blending traditional Highland hospitality with supreme comfort in the finest waterside hotel Inverness has to offer.

Luss, Loch Lomond

Destination - Scotland

Lodge on Loch Lomond

Portavadie

Loch Fyne, Argyll

The Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel, on the beachfront at Luss near Glasgow, is the perfect place to relax overlooking Scotland’s favourite loch.

Sitting on the shores of Loch Fyne on Scotland’s west coast, Portavadie is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind amid glorious scenery.

As featured in issue 5 of Scotland Correspondent.

The 48-bedroom hotel, complete with a range of conference and banqueting facilities for up to 200 guests and leisure facilities, enjoys an intimate, warm and charming atmosphere. The awardwinning Colquhoun’s Restaurant and Lounge are the perfect place to relax and unwind and watch the changing landscape of the loch.

As featured in issue 2 of Scotland Correspondent.

The resort offers world-class marina facilities, a range of holiday accommodation, restaurants and bars, beauty and wellbeing treatments, shopping and event spaces. The spa and leisure experience provides an exceptional way to enjoy the views over Loch Fyne at any time of year, making Portavadie the destination of choice for all occasions.

Trump Turnberry

Dundas Castle

Trump Turnberry is an iconic landmark on the spectacular Ayrshire coast providing warm Scottish hospitality.

Dundas Castle is a most spectacular venue for any event. This authentic Scottish Castle has been transformed into a 5-star ‘Exclusive Use’ venue with 17 bedrooms.

As featured in issue 13 of Scotland Correspondent.

Parts of the castle date back to 1416 and has belonged to the Stewart-Clark family since the late 1800s.

Turnberry, Ayrshire

As featured in issue 7 of Scotland Correspondent.

It offers a range of exceptional venues ideal for meetings, events and weddings. Enjoy the fresh Scottish air while enjoying the wonderful scenery, exceptional dining options, indulgent spa treatments, outdoor activities and championship golf.

Edinburgh

Enjoy all the amenities of the finest hotels but with the exclusivity of staying in your own castle.

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Destination - Scotland George Hotel

Inveraray, Argyll Imagine relaxing by an open peat fire, sipping a single-malt whisky after a sumptuous meal before retiring to a luxury bed in a 247-year-old hotel by the side of a spectacular Scottish loch.

As featured in issue 11 of Scotland Correspondent.

Each of the George’s 17 rooms have been beautifully decorated and many boast a super kingsize bed, jacuzzi bath and even a real open log and coal fire to add an extra layer of romantic cosiness.

Glamis House Glamis, Angus

Built in 1798 Glamis House is a stunning, traditional home with an impressive history, as featured in issue 19 of Scotland Correspondent. The house is situated in the grounds of Glamis Castle. With room for up to 13 people to sleep the house is situated in a stunningly beautiful part of the country boasting superb beaches, great walking trails and renowned golf courses close by, including Carnoustie.

Glamis House, Forfar, Angus Tel: 01738 451610 https://www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk

The Station Hotel

Glen Nevis Hostel

Situated in the heart of Scotland’s world renowned whisky country the Station Hotel in Rothes, as featured in issue 30 of Scotland Correspondent, provides the perfect blend of of history, tradition and modern luxury.

Visitors on a budget looking to spend time in one of the most spectacular areas of the Scottish Highlands can do so Glen Nevis Youth Hostel in Fort William, Lochaber.

Speyside

With 14 bedrooms, including five luxury suites, the four-star hotel is ideally placed to serve as a base for visitors interested in exploring the wellsignposted nearby whisky, golf and castle trails of Speyside.

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Fort William

As featured in issue 20 of Scotland Correspondent this jewell in the crown of Hostelling Scotland has recently been refurbished to provide a mix of private en-suite rooms and shared accommodation with all the comforts and modern conveniences of a home from home.

Destination - Scotland

The Chester Hotel Aberdeen

Trump International

Balmedie, Aberdeenshire MacLeod House & Lodge is a five-star luxury hotel located near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire at Trump International Championship Links Golf Course and award-winning five-star resort.

As featured in issue 20 of Scotland Correspondent.

This historic Scottish mansion and lodge, set amid mature woodland, provides sumptuous accommodation, exquisite dining and an intimate bar. Available for exclusive use, corporate events and weddings it has all the facilities and amenities to suit the modern, traveller.

Situated in the heart of Aberdeen’s historic west end The Chester Hotel, with its 50 luxurious bedrooms and suites, renowned restaurant and stylish lounge bar, is ideally placed for accessing some of the most exciting and challenging golf courses Scotland has to offer.

As featured in issue 19 of Scotland Correspondent.

It provides a perfect base to explore the north-east with its abundance of castles, whisky distilleries and breath-taking scenery.

59-63 Queen’s Road Aberdeen, AB15 4YP. T: 01224 327777 Reservations@chester-hotel.com www.chester-hotel.com

Fingal

Edinburgh The former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender, MV Fingal, is Scotland’s first floating hotel, complete with Presidential suit - as featured in issue 31 of Scotland Correspondent Now berthed permanently at the Prince of Wales Dock in the historic Port of Leith, it is a unique addition to Edinburgh’s booming hotel scene.

Developed by The Royal Yacht Britannia each of Fingal’s 23 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by her rich maritime heritage.

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What’s On - Date for your diary

Date 4 ur diary

Scotland

Until 2 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 2 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 Until 29 February 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-2020/ 6 - 9 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 - 13 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

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If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com 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-4703bcb2-a602007e502c 7-22 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/ 16 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-42fbb0eb-a9b4010be51c 17 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-b477-433b9755-a60100d8f0a5 26 February - 8 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

27 February - 4 March Inverness Music Festival Eden Court Theatre, Inverness A competitive music festival open to all ages and abilities. http://www.invernessmusicfestival.org

Australia 16 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/580904295800270/

Canada

8 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 9 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 27 February WhiskyFête 2020 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 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

New Zealand

8 February Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo Paeroa What started out as a small Pipe Bands Competition has grown over the years, and today is a fullyfledged 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 15 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

1 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/ 1 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

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What’s On - Date for your diary

19-23 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

What’s On - Date for your diary

15-16 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/543298456469576/

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