Scotland Correspondent issue 7

Luxury to the fore

Ayrshire’s newest golf course

About time for Outlander

UK viewers can finally see the attraction

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Rise to the challenge

Putting more than fitness to the test

Save Our Seas

Plastic threat to wildlife revealed

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inside this issue

26 Wonderfull

Waverley

Celebrating 70 years ‘doon the watter’

8 Timeless

attraction

The effect and appeal of Outlander as it arrives in UK

Doune Castle

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36 In

the footsteps of a king

Top resort and new golf course makes the most of a royal connection

58 Oil

and water

The art of finding oil in the North Sea

76 Wizard

idea!

good

Harry Potter’s spikkin Scots. Yon’s cantrips!

94 Pollution

solution

Shock research on plastic threat to our seas

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It’s a date

A round-up of what’s on this month

66 Over

Date 4 ur diary

the top

Emotional art project in running for award

Cover Photo 80 Survival

of the greatest

Haunting images of feat of endurance go on display

86 Tough

enough? p5

Rise of the Spartans and growing desire for a challenge

Spartan Race

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Photo by Starz

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Time for kilty pleasures F

INALLY! The global phenomenon watched in over a dozen countries, that has created countless jobs in Scotland and helped fuel the national economy by many millions of pounds, can now be seen on UK terrestrial television.

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Season One of the long awaited, and much anticipated, Outlander TV series premiered on the UK’s More4 channel on June 29 - almost three years after it first aired in the US and around the world.

Diana Gabaldon

In that time the show, a stunning dramatisation of the time-travel Highland romance novels by American author Diana Gabaldon, has helped raise Scotland’s international profile and created a multi-million pound tourism boom.

The multi-award winning show has brought international fame to Scots actor Sam Heughan, who plays

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Jaimie Fraser, and his Irish co-star Caitriona Balfe . It has also created work for numerous established and up and coming British actors.

Although the show has been available in the UK on Amazon Prime since October 2014 the vast majority of UK television viewers have largely missed out on what all the fuss is about.

The books have been around for more than 20 years but the televisions series, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Left Bank Pictures for Starz, has rocketed interest to a whole new level.

There are now numerous international fan sites, blogs and podcasts catering for the insatiable appetite of millions of devoted fans

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Ginger Wiseman

around the world, many with a new found interest in Scotland, its history, heritage, culture and products.

Top of list is The Outlander Podcast, (http://www.outlanderpod.com) produced by sisters Ginger Wiseman and Summer Reynolds from their home in California.

Their brand of infectious humour, bubbly presentation and sibling banter mixed with book readings, celebrity interviews, reviews, whisky tastings and road trips has earned them a unique place in the Outlander Fandom.

The weekly audio show, which started in August 2013, has more

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Summer Reynolds

Photo by George Gastin - Hopetoun House

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Photo by Starz

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than 50,000 social media followers, over 200 podcasts to its credit and a regular audience across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Both sisters, who come from a musical theatre and performance background, have been lovers of the novels since the late 1990s but admit the tv series has created an altogether new level of interest.

“It’s very visual. Catriona is gorgeous, Sam is very good looking and even the main antagonist in series one and two, Black Jack Randall (played by Tobias Menzies) is very charming.

And then there is Scotland itself, this huge, gloriously visual masterpiece,” said Ginger.

But, aside from the spectacular backdrop of mountains, glens, castles and lochs - alongside the human eye candy - there is another underlying attraction the sisters believe is often overlooked.

“Most love stories on tv or in books focus on the excitement and titillation of when people are getting to know one another and when they have their first experience. Once they’re married and have claimed each other the romance stops. It stops being sexy,” said Ginger.

“Diana [Gabaldon] is a good writer.

Outlander is a genre bending story, it’s got bits of westerns, superheros, sci-fi and romance. But what is consistent through all the eight books, and she says there’s going to be 10, is that it’s the story of a marriage that continues. We rarely see, let along celebrate, a marriage that has lasted so long and is sexually active. People respond to that and they are interested in seeing the characters fulfilled.”

Over the years The Outlander Podcast has interviewed members of the cast, production team and even Diana Gabaldon herself.

“That was one of my favourites,” said Summer. “That was a good one for us as we struggled a little to find new

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Photo by Robert Cutts - Doune Castle

and interesting questions. Diana’s been doing interviews for the last 20 years so having to come up with good original stuff probably made it the most fun.”

As the popularity of Outlander has grown so has interest in other related Scottish subjects.

“We talk about all things Outlander but if we can someway connect it to another topic that will fit into the genre our core audience likes we will do it. After all they love Scotland as much as we do,” said Ginger.

Both Ginger and Summer admit to being a little obsessed with Scotland and have made several trips over the years.

“I started liking the accents and the kilts and over time that turned into a love for the country,” said Summer.

Next year they will again visit Scotland but this time at the head of two organised tours for their podcast

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listeners. PodAbroad will be their first foray into running trips as a response to repeated requests from fans.

were boosted by an 18 per cent rise in visitors from the US and Canada alone.

PodAbroad Play

There have been plenty of previous spikes in move related tourism. In the wake of Braveheart the Wallace monument at Stirling alone saw visitor numbers rise from about 80,000 to almost 200,000 a year.

Similarly, Roslyn Chapel, which featured in the Da Vinci Code, went from 34,000 visitors to 176,000 the year the movie came out.

“We have a lot of exciting things arranged and what will make this different from other trips is that we’re offering a unique experience created by fans for fans to enjoy with other fans,” said Ginger.

When the PodAbroad Outlanders arrive in Scotland next year they certainly won’t be alone.

Figures from Scotland’s Office for National Statistics revealed a sharp rise in the number of tourists from North America, largely due to the success of Outlander.

Overseas visits to Scotland rose by 155,000 in 2016, compared with 2015 and accounted for some £1.85bn in income - up 9 per cent on the previous year.The numbers

However, both movies were oneoff productions. Outlander, which uses a number of different locations across Scotland, has just finished production of its third series and more are planned.

Even before a UK domestic audience gets to grips with Outlander on mainstream tv and add to the setjetting boom north of the border a number of historic sites are already benefiting from the ‘Outlander effect’.

Photo by Victor PaulK - Blackness Castle

The start of the summer season 2017 has seen sites in the care of Historic Environment Scotland record dramatic increases in footfall from the same period last year.

Blackness Castle - which features in Outlander as the stand in for Fort William - has seen the most significant rise in visitors, up 72 per cent for the period April 1 to June 25.

Doune Castle, famed for its role as the fictional Castle Leoch, recorded an impressive 50 per cent increase for the same period.

Other sites which recorded increased visitor numbers after making a cameo appearance in the series include Aberdour Castle (58 per cent) Linlithgow Palace (43 per cent) and Glasgow Cathedral (39 per cent).

“Featuring in Outlander has opened up our sites to a whole new audience, inspiring more and more visitors to come and discover the history behind these

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places, further demonstrating the enduring value and significance of heritage attractions in Scotland,” said Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Environment Scotland.

Interest in everything Outland and Jacobite connections show no sign of slowing down any time soon.

VisitScotland, has produced a

detailed map of locations for visitors to explore and even developed a Bonnie Prince Charlie tourist trail, while the National Museum of Scotland is currently displaying a major Jacobite exhibition until 12 November. They have even enlisted actor Andrew Gower, who plays Bonnie Prince Charlie in Outlander, to help promote it.

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Photo by Guy Phillips

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Wonderful Waverley A

t 70 years old her heyday has long since faded but she can still turn the head of every man, and woman, who sets eyes on her.

The Waverley is the world’s last ocean going paddle steamer. A national treasure which serves as a moving monument to a bygone age before the advent of easy air travel and cheap foreign holidays.

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A hundred years ago more than three million people a year were regular travellers on Britain’s abundant fleet of coastal steamers. Vessels such as the Waverley were a common sight throughout the UK, especially on the Clyde where steamers would ferry passengers and cargo to and from Glasgow to communities throughout the west coast.

Today, the Waverley is exclusively a

Photo by Bob Smith

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Photo by Mark Harkin

Photo by Mark Harkin

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Photo by Mark Harkin

pleasure boat capable of taking more than 800 passengers at a time for what has been described as “the best day out in Scotland�.

A day trip on the Waverley is probably one of the most popular excursions for visitors to the Firth of Clyde and the many villages and towns dotted alongside the western sea lochs.

On a beautiful day there is no better way to spend a few hours than on board Waverley as you sail down the Clyde, along the west coast or through the Kyles of Bute.

The current PS Waverley, named after the first novel penned by Sir Walter Scott, was built on the Clyde in 1946 to replace a predecessor of the same name sunk in 1940 by enemy aircraft while trying to rescue 600 British and French troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. She set sail for the first time on 16 June 1947.

Many regular passengers are locals

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Photo by Stewart Cunningham

Photo by Bob Smith

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or returning tourists who have fond memories of the ship which has played such a viivid part in the lives of so many. It one of the “must do things while holidaying in Argyll and throughout the west of Scotland’s central belt.

For generations of Glaswegians in particular the Waverley was an escape from the industrial grime of the city when families would enjoy a day out ‘doon the watter’ enjoying fresh air and the occasional alcoholic beverage. During the heyday of paddle steamers in the early 20th century a loophole in the law allowed refreshments to be served to travellers. That meant passengers could enjoy a drink on a Sunday when most pubs were closed leading to the birth of the original ‘booze cruises’.

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Photo by Mark Harkin

more than 40,000 miles a year as she operate a full programme of cruises from Easter to October around Britain, including regular trips on the Clyde, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel.

However, it still takes a lot of money to keep 240ft of brass and iron weighing in at 693 tonnes in seaworthy condition, especially with an annual fuel bill of £570,000 and maintenance costs of £350,000.

The current vessel was initially built to sail just between Craigendorran and Arrochar in the Firth of Clyde.

However, within 10 years of her maiden voyage the market for paddle steamers was coming to an end. By the early 1970s mounting running costs had left the then operators no choice but to withdraw Waverley from service.

ship for future generations she was sold for £1 to the the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 to be lovingly cared for by a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers. Millions of pounds have since been spent restoring the engines, decking and interior, including tearoom and bars, to their 1940s glory.

In an attempt to preserve the

Now, she sails around 150 days and

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Every penny raised by the Waverley Steam Navigation Company and the Paddle Steam Preservation Society through ticket sales and other merchandising is used to help with the high cost of keeping the ship going. By taking a trip passengers not only get an enjoyable experience but they are also helping to preserve a living relic of the past. http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk

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Photo by Clyde Coast

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A paradise built on the foundations of a king

Photos by Trump Turnberry - 7th hole Ailsa Course

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O

n the basis that it is impossible to have too much of a good thing Scotland now has yet another world class golf course and luxury resort.

The much anticipated revamped second course at Trump Turnberry is now open for business. Formerly known as The Kintyre, the redesigned and much improved King Robert the Bruce course is the latest jewell in the crown of Scotland’s prestigious golf attractions.

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Eric Trump, son of the American President and Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, flew in from the US specially to open Ayrshire’s newest course.

Named after King Robert the Bruce, who was born on the land now occupied by the resort more than 800 years ago in July 1274, the new golf course has been designed by world-renowned architect, Martin Ebert.

It’s not the first time Ebert has worked with the Trump Organisation.

He was also responsible for the highly acclaimed changes to the neighbouring Championship Ailsa Course, which officially reopened in June 2016 to rave reviews.

“To know that the King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, was born here at Turnberry Castle is something we’re incredibly proud of; therefore, it made sense to name this new course after a legendary Scottish Warrior,” said Eric Trump.

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Eric F. Trump and course designer Martin Ebert

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Lighthouse suite terrace

“Turnberry itself boasts an incredibly rich history – from the birthplace of King Robert the Bruce, to the building of our iconic lighthouse by the family of famed author Robert Louis Stevenson, in addition to playing an integral role with the Royal Air Force in both World Wars, Trump Turnberry continues to uphold an iconic legacy.”

Over the years Turnberry resort has played host to four Open Championships, with winners Tom Watson, Nick Price, Stewart Cink and

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Greg Norman, and a series of other memorable tournaments, including the Women’s British Open and the Senior Open.

“There was no question that Martin Ebert was the right person to redesign the amazing King Robert the Bruce,” said Mr Trump.

“Martin is an exceptional architect with tremendous vision. The final product will be a course which, similar to its famous counterpart, will sit among the ranks of the top

courses anywhere in the world.”

A number of key features have been introduced throughout the new course. The par 5 1st hole has a split fairway for the second shot divided by central bunkers, with fairway bunkers distinctive with marram grass eyebrows, which will contrast with the manicured perfection of the revetted greenside bunkers found throughout the course.

At the far end of King Robert the Bruce, atop Bain’s Hill, golfers will

The Lodges

Trump Turnberry

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enjoy a stunning coastal stretch of holes, which provide extraordinary panoramic vistas of Turnberry, Ailsa Craig, Ayrshire, Arran, Mull of Kintyre and beyond. The approach shot to the 9th green is awe-inspiring with the green perched high above the waves crashing onto the rocky coastline.

9th Hole - Ailsa course

Completely new golf holes have been created at the 8th and 11th holes, transforming them both into exceptional par 5s with an unforgettable backdrop out to sea.

The 11th tee shot now has the famous Turnberry Lighthouse as its focus.

The 18th hole is also a par 5 with a well-protected green and approach. With its location beside the clubhouse, golfers enjoying the hospitality of the Duel in the Sun restaurant now have unrivalled views of this closing hole and will be able to appreciate the outstanding design as

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players take their final shots.

“Once again, it’s been an honour to work alongside The Trump Organization to create what will certainly be one of the top courses in Scotland and the UK,” said Mr Ebert.

“The location of the links at Turnberry, right on such a tremendously rugged coastline, really elevates the playing experience for the golfer and heightens the challenges laid out in front of them.

1st Tee - Ailsa course

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6th Hole - Ailsa course

Ailsa 9th

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“As well as creating some spectacular golf holes, we’ve also introduced an ecologically diverse wetland area between the 5th and 13th holes which will become a haven for wildlife as it matures. The wetland will also provide a beautiful visual feature as well as offering a strategic playing challenge for both holes.�

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Club House Club House Atrium

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Fitness Studio

Trump Turnberry aims to be one of the world’s finest golf and spa resorts. A range of experiences are available for guests, including exhilarating outdoor pursuits within the onsite Turnberry Adventures facility and The Spa at Turnberry.

View from the pool

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Located just 25 miles (20 minutes) from Glasgow Prestwick Airport,

55 miles (one hour) from Glasgow Airport and 100 miles (one hour and thirty minutes) from Edinburgh Airport it is ideally situated in the heart of golf country. Ayrshire is home to no less than three Open Championship venues, five of The Uk’s top 100 courses and Prestwick Golf Club, birthplace of The Open.

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Trump Turnberry

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The Norman Suite

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Norman Suite balcony Grand Tea Lounge

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Donal J Trump Ballroom

Wedding on the lawn

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The whole Turnberry resort recently underwent an eight month long ÂŁ200 million investment to provide not only a golfing destination with breathtaking views but also a first class luxury retreat. conference centre and wedding venue.

In addition to the opulence of the Lighthouse and Half-way house the 103 room main hotel has been luxuriously renovated. In includes a

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Courtyard

Grand Tea Lounge

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Spa Pool

Grand Tea Lounge & Bar, The Duel in the Sun restaurant, the hotel’s signature 1906 restaurant and a 500 person grand ballroom which the resort claims is the most luxurious meeting facility anywhere in Europe.

Overall Trump Turnberry is so much more than a golf course resort. It’s a magnificent opulent retreat and escape from everyday pressures.

In addition to all the golf facilities you’d expect residents can indulge themselves with a variety of luxury spa treatments or take a dip in the spectacular infinity pool.

There are also plenty of other activities for young adults, and their parents, such as archery and air rifle shooting. You can even enjoy a little retail therapy at the cashmere shop.

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Portrait of an industry that shaped a country

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Photo by Ewen Weatherspoon - View from Market Street, Aberdeen © Sue Jane Taylor

A

lmost 50 years after the discovery of high-grade crude oil in the North Sea a new contemporary art display examining the impact of the ‘black gold’ opens this month in Edinburgh.

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Age of Oil, showcases the work of visual artist Sue Jane Taylor examining the economic, social and political impact of Scotland's oil, gas and renewable industries.

The exhibition, which opens on

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Photo by Fin Macrae - North Sea Diver Š Sue Jane Taylor

Photo by Fin Macrae - Assembly Offshore © Sue Jane Taylor

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Photo by Fin Macrae North Sea divers’s helmet © Sue Jane Taylor

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Photo by Fin Macrae The Launch, Cromarty Firth © Sue Jane Taylor

Friday 21 July at the National Museum of Scotland, features 17 pieces of original artwork with a particular focus on the current North Sea decommissioning programmes and their challenges.

Ms Taylor, who has worked in some of the most remote and challenging industrial environments across Scotland, presents engineering in an intricate yet accessible way depicting the human stories behind the economic facts and figures which often surround these industries.

Complementing Ms Taylor’s documentary style works of art will be diary extracts and film footage from the artist. These contrast the industrial artefacts collected by National Museums Scotland to represent the decommissioning of the North Sea's Murchison platform, with personal survival equipment and objects from those whose stories are

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featured in the exhibition.

“I have spent most of my artistic life focusing on the North Sea. I was born and brought up in the Black Isle and whilst growing up there in the 1970s, the oil boom hit the Highlands of Scotland; it became part of contemporary Highland Culture.

As a young graduate I sailed on a cargo supply vessel out in high seas.

This journey became a life changing artistic experience for me,” said Ms Taylor.

“Since North Sea oil was discovered fifty years ago, this industry’s public identity has been predominantly portrayed in cold, hard economic terms and its corporate image has been very tightly censored through photography and film. My own focus as a fine artist is to emphasise the importance of the workers and their working environment.”

By using a multi-media approach to interpret this moment when energy industries are in a state of flux, Age of Oil aims to explore the daily realities for the people who build, operate and ultimately decommission Scotland’s energy infrastructure while offering reflections on the importance of the oil industry and its relation to the future of energy.

“Age of Oil builds on topics examined in our Science and Technology galleries, which opened last summer, raising very topical questions about the relationships between art, environment and industry,” said Alison Taubman, Principal Curator of Communications at National Museums Scotland.

“The scope of the exhibits on display will bring a human aspect to what is an alien working environment to most people.”

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Vote to remember the sacrifice of a generation p66

M

embers of the public are being encouraged to show their support for a unique work of art by voting for it in a national award.

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Photo by IWM - Marching to the Somme

Photo by Flag Media - “Ghost” Soldiers in Glasgow

Photo by Flag Media

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On July 1 last year some 2,000 young men wearing authentic battle dress of World War 1 soldiers suddenly appeared on the streets of Britain.

Without any fanfare or prior announcement these young men walked silently through packed streets of major towns and cities in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

When approached by members of the public they didn’t speak but instead handed out a small card bearing the name, rank, regiment and age of one of 20,000 soldiers killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, exactly 100 years before.

The ‘We’re here because we’re here’ project was a moving commemoration of the worst day in British military history. A series of battles which dragged on for five months cost 419,654 British and Dominion casualties, 200,000 French and around 500,000 Germans killed or wounded.

The offensive which was supposed to bring an end to the war virtually destroyed what was left of Britain’s volunteer army and lead to an increased reliance on conscripts.

There was hardly a family in Britain who was not affected and to this day the name “Somme” remains synonymous with slaughter.

The work of art was inspired by stories of sightings during and after the First World War by people who believed they had seen a dead loved one on the streets of home.

Commissioned by 14-18 Now, a fiveyear programme of extraordinary arts experiences connecting people with the First World War, the nationwide project was devised by Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller with National Theatre director Rufus Norris.

All the participants were of a similar age to those who died on 1 July 1916 and seeing such young faces in World War 1 uniforms brought many

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members of the public to tears.

Tens of thousands of people immediately took to social media to share their experiences of the ‘ghost soldiers’. There were more than 340million impressions on social networks world wide. More than 2 million people witnessed the event live while some 30 million others experienced it via the media.

An exhibition telling the story of the project is currently touring the UK until April 2018, with photos and video.

Photo by IWM - Waiting for action

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Australian recruting poster

The Somme

‘We’re here because we’re here’ has now been shortlisted for the finals of the National Lottery Awards 2017. It is up against six other nominations in the Best Heritage category.

“This is a huge accolade for everybody who worked on the project and we are delighted that everybody’s hard work has been acknowledged in this nomination,” said Jenny Waldman, Director of 1418 NOW.

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Photo by IWM

“If we win, the project will receive more recognition across the UK.�

The winner of each of several categories will be selected by member of the public who have until midnight 27 July to vote for their favourite finalist.

Details of all the nominations in each category, along with details on how to vote, can be found at https://www. lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards.

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Great idea for a braw buik

I

t’s probably one of the most famous opening lines of any story for the last 20 years, yet the first paragraph of one of the world’s best selling books takes on a whole new magic in its latest translation.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the first publication of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Itchy Coo, an imprint of Edinburgh-based Black & White Publishing, is to produce a Scots version of the classic text ready to appear in ships this October.

Famously written in several Edinburgh cafes by J.K. Rowling, who has lived and worked in Scotland throughout her writing career, the new version is a fitting addition to the 79 language versions already in existence. The Scots language version will be the 80th translation.

Millions of people worldwide are familiar with the opening words: “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were

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the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.”

new translations of classic children’s books into Scots, a language which has the power to engage, excite and entertain readers of all ages.

But, now that the wizard words of celebrated author JK Rowling have been translated into Scots there could be up to another 1.6million about to fall under her spell. For them the book which spawned a multimillion movie franchise will start with the words:

In recent years Matthew has written numerous children’s books and translated a number of titles into Scots, including Roald Dahl’s The Eejits and Chairlie and the Chocolate Works and David Walliams’ Mr Mingin and Billionaire Bairn.

“Mr and Mrs Dursley, o nummer fower, Privet Loan, were prood tae say that they were gey normal, thank ye awfie muckle. They were the lest fowk ye wid jalouse wid be taigled up wi onythin unco or ferlie, because they jist widnae hae onythin tae dae wi joukery packery like yon.”

“It’s a book I’ve always wanted to translate,” said translator, Matthew Fitt, a co-founder of the award-winning Itchy Coo, and an acknowledged expert in the field of Scots language education.

Since 2002, Itchy Coo has been wowing young readers and challenging old attitudes with bold

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Since 2002, the Itchy Coo publishing imprint has produced 36 titles. In partnership with Black & White Publishing, with initial funding from the National Lottery, and subsequent yearly funding from the Scottish Arts Council, Itchy Coo has become an established imprint within Scottish publishing. It has sold almost a quarter of a million books.

Scots is a West Germanic language spoken in Scotland. It is recognised as a language by the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the European Union. There are approximately 1.6 million speakers of the language.

Like any language, Scots has a number of different dialects. These include Glaswegian, Doric, Ayrshire, Edinburgh Scots, Dundonian, Borders, Fife, Shetland, Orcadian and others.

Scots is descended from Old Northern English with links to Danish, French, Gaelic and Latin. It was the language of the medieval Scottish court, spoken by Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. Scots has also been employed as a language of literary expression by some of Scotland’s best known writers like William Dunbar, Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, Hugh MacDiarmid, Edwin Morgan, Liz Lochhead and Irvine Welsh.

“It’s a strange paradox that students are given the works of Robert Burns to study in school and then often discouraged from speaking Scots themselves,” said Campbell Brown, Managing Director of Black and White Publishing.

“There certainly has been a rise in popularity of Scots in recent times and our sales figures certainly seem to bear that out. These books are helping to preserve the language.”

In the last few years Education Scotland has been recruiting Scots Language Ambassadors to go into schools around the country to encourage the use of the native parlance.

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The idea is to give youngsters the opportunity to develop skills in speaking, writing and reading the language of their own communities and forefathers. In many homes around the country local languages or dialects are still spoken but children very rarely see it written down.

The move is in sharp contrast to the experiences of some previous generations who can remember the opposite approach being taken by some teachers. Some pupils remember getting told off or even belted for not speaking ‘proper

English’ in school.

“We weren’t allowed to speak Doric in class when I was a girl,” said 83-year-old Isabel Brown who has spent most of her life living in and around the North East of Scotland. “We could get belted for it if we didn’t speak properly. It was ridiculous really because we all spoke Scots at home and in the playground. I was Isabel Brown in class and Izzy Broon ootside.

“Ah think yon wizard loon’s gyan tae be gye popular in Scots,” she said.

Matthew Fitt

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Photos bt NLS - Shirt made from a blanket

Epic tale of H survival going on display in Edinburgh

aunting images rescued from fragile antique glass photo frames and put on show for the first time are being used to tell the story of one of the greatest ever feats of human survival.

A new exhibition at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh tells the tale of the epic journey to Antarctica undertaken by Sir Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance.

Newly digitised images, processed from fragile 100 year-old glass plate and celluloid negatives, lie at the heart of this major display, revealing previously unseen detail of the crew’s struggle to survive. The Endurance expedition marked one of the greatest ever polar journeys. The aim was to cross the Antarctic continent from coast to coast but the Endurance had to be abandoned after it was crushed by ice, forcing the men to live on ice

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Endurance frozen in ice

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floes for months in freezing, hostile conditions before attempting a rescue. All the men were eventually saved.

Mid - winter dinner

The exhibition, Enduring Eye, honours the achievements of the men of the Imperial TransAntarctic Expedition (1914–17) on its centenary. It has been prepared by the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), augmented by material from the Library’s own polar collection. In addition to the haunting photographs, visitors have the rare chance to see personal items carried through every stage of the polar journey.

One of these is a tartan blanket given to expedition’s Scottish geologist James Wordie by his sister. After the ship sank, it was adapted into a jacket to help give some protection against the fierce polar winter. Also on show is a paperknife, crafted from a wooden tent peg, and given to Wordie by his fellow Scot Henry McNish, the ship’s carpenter whose skills were essential in getting the men to safety.

The story is told in more than 90 photographs, taken from the negatives that were saved by the expedition’s official photographer Frank Hurley. It is remarkable that they survived at all after being submerged in “mushy” ice inside the Endurance for a fortnight after the ship sank. From the 550 plates that were recovered, Hurley could carry only 150 and the others had to be abandoned. They provide an incredible lasting record of the men of Endurance and their fight to survive.

The negatives have been stored at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for more than 80 years and have now been digitised for the first time. They unlock the remarkable detail captured originally

by Hurley, including interior images of the Endurance and life on the pack ice of the Weddell Sea. As one of the first truly modern

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documentary photographers and film-makers, Australian born Hurley hoped to have his images seen as large as possible. A century later, the exhibition fulfils that wish with large dimension prints, some over two metres in width and height, providing viewers with a sense of awe and wonder.

Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to see an original copy of the expedition prospectus which set out the plans and carried testimonials from explorers and scientists including Roald Amundsen, who led the first successful expedition to the South Pole in 1911 and Admiral Robert Peary who conquered the North Pole in 1909.

In the prospectus, Shackleton appeals for funds to make the exhibition a success, stressing its importance.

“From the sentimental point of view, it is the last great Polar journey that can be made. It will be a greater journey than the journey to the Pole and back, and I feel it is up to the British nation to accomplish this, for we have been beaten at the conquest of the North Pole and beaten at the conquest of the South Pole,” he wrote.

Other highlights include

contemporary newspaper cuttings which are part of the Wordie papers held by the Library and correspondence between Shackleton and Lord Rosebery.

“Polar expeditions caught the public imagination 100 years ago and continue to fascinate to this day.

The stunning photographs in this exhibition tell an amazing story of human daring and endurance in the most hostile of circumstances,” said Paula Williams, curator of maps, mountaineering and polar collections at the National Library.

The free exhibition, which runs until November 12, has been researched, written and curated by Meredith Hooper, the Antarctic historian, writer and broadcaster, from original source material in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, while also drawing also on information provided by descendants of some of the 28 men on the expedition.

Alasdair MacLeod, Head of Enterprise and Resources at Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), said: “Through Hurley’s incredible images and the local links to the expedition, we hope to inspire people to learn more about the world’s last great wilderness and the work of today’s scientists to further understanding of it.”

Frank Hurley with movie camera

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No need to go tell the Spartans - they know OCR is the best

Photos - Spartan Race

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W

hen jogging, marathon running and even mountain racing gets to be mundane where does the dedicated fitness fanatic turn for the ultimate challenge? Edinburgh, obviously!

This month sees the return of the world’s best Obstacle Course Racing brand as it brings its third UK race of the year to the Edinburgh hills.

On 22 and 23 July the peaceful tranquillity of Edinburgh’s hills will be turned into a muddy stomping ground for fitness fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts,.

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The challenging obstacle course promises to please more than 4,000 weekend warriors, trail hunters and obstacle racers alike by featuring a series of peaks sure to drain the energy reserves of every competitor.

The Scottish leg of the Spartan Race season is already well known for being the toughest and most challenging. Throw in some famous Spartan obstacles alongside a few new blockades and and the organisers promise an event that will test mental strength, endurance, grit and perseverance.

With a Sprint (5k+), Beast (20k+) and an Ultra Beast (42k+) there really is something for all levels of experience, strength and fitness.

Competitors can sign as individuals or take part as a team.

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Obstacle Course Racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Earlier this year Sky Sports Mix, the extreme sports arm of the satellite broadcast channel, announced plans to show OCR on UK television for the first time.

In the USA, Spartan has created the International Obstacle Racing Federation in an attempt to create a similar governing body enjoyed by many traditional sports such as track and field, running and gymnastics.

The aim is get OCR included in the 2024 Olympic Games to be held in either Los Angeles or Paris.

After years as a fringe sport OCR is now beginning to come of age with

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big name sponsors starting to get involved and and the competitions are getting bigger, better and more organised.

Key players in the sport, such as Spartan and Tough Mudder, have been building strong brand identities and turning a niche activity into an international sport.

Multi-national companies such as Reebok have realised the potential and not only sponsor events but now also produce a range of clothing and footwear designed specifically for obstacle racing.

Some of the popularity in the sport has also been brought about by a back to basics trend for fitness, with the likes of outdoor military-style boot camps and Virgin Active’s ZUU Fitness, as an antidote to conveyor belt gyms.

OCR encourages teamwork and camaraderie and is far more spectator friendly than many

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traditional running events.

As well as the main races, the Edinburgh event will also include a fun obstacle course race for Junior Spartans where kids can be inspired to get outside and be active while racing against those their own size.

Kids can run, jump and get muddy along the route and help one another to conquer miniature obstacles.

You’re never too young to set goals and celebrate accomplishing them making this an epic race for all ages.

Situated in Midlothian, the course at Spittal Farm is surrounded by spectacular countryside with countless historical structures and castles nearby. Individual Spartan racers and families will have more than enough history to keep themselves occupied while taking in the sights of one of Scotland’s true treasures with Edinburgh on the doorstep.

The Scottish capital features countless bars and restaurants for

toting those medals around postrace, with plenty of museums and historical structures to keep Spartans busy during downtime before the race.

“It is always a pleasure to host events in areas of such natural beauty. Especially when we can combine it with an event that pushes each individual to their personal limits,” said Sam Young, UK Marketing Manager of Spartan Race.

With more than 200 events in more than 30 countries planned for 2017, Spartan Race has more than 1 million global participants offering open heats for all fitness levels and ages, as well as competitive and elite heats.

The company has more than 5 million passionate social media followers, health and wellness products, and two popular NBC television series, making obstacle racing one of the fastest growing lifestyle sports in the world.

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Urgent action needed over deadly impact of plastic pollution

Photos by Greenpeace

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A

research expedition by the crew of Greenpeace’s ship the Beluga II has revealed high levels of plastic pollution on the iconic Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth.

The world famous island is home to the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets.

A study carried out by scientists working with the environmental campaigners has discovered that 90 percent of seabirds have ingested plastic.

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A series of shocking images captured by the Greenpeace team show plastic debris littering the rock, around eggs in nests and strewn across the island, and even in the beaks of seabirds.

The findings were revealed during a research expedition by the crew of the Beluga II, the organisation’s own ship, as it voyaged around Scotland documenting the impact of plastic pollution on some of the UK’s most precious wildlife like puffins, gannets and basking sharks.

Plastic in bird’s beak on Bass Rock

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Bass Rock

Scientists aboard the ship began by conducting sea surface sampling for microplastics around the Bass Rock, finding suspected plastics in the water which will undergo further analysis on board and at Greenpeace’s Research Laboratories at Exeter University.

The Beluga II’s crew then accessed the Bass Rock, accompanied by experts from the Scottish Seabird Centre, and investigated nests and surrounding areas for plastic.

“Being surrounded by tens of thousands of gannets on the Bass Rock is a stunning spectacle – but it’s seabirds like these which are acutely threatened by ocean plastic pollution,” said Willie Mackenzie, oceans expert at Greenpeace UK. “We found plastic bags, packaging, bits of old fishing gear and even crisp packets strewn across the island and surrounding eggs in nests. It’s no wonder that studies have shown that 90 percent of seabirds have eaten plastic.”

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Gannet rescue, Treehnish Isles

Puffins on Shiant Isles

“A truckload of plastic enters the ocean every minute and 16 million plastic bottles end up in our environment every day in the UK. We need urgent action from major soft drinks companies to reduce their plastic footprint, and we need governments to deliver initiatives like bottle deposit return schemes which can reduce the amount of plastic ending up on our beaches and in the sea.”

Throughout May and June, the crew and scientists from Greenpeace’s Research Laboratories on board the Beluga II, carried out sea surface sampling for microplastics, survey remote beaches for pollution and investigate seabird nests for plastic during hatching season.

The expedition, working alongside the Scottish Seabird Centre, the Marine Conservation Society and others, carried out further investigations into the extent of the plastics crisis in areas of stunning beauty and biodiversity. The sites

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earmarked for study included the Bass Rock, Gunna Sound, Mull, RĂšm, Eigg, Skye, and the Shiant Isles in the Outer Hebrides.

The researchers found beaches strewn with plastic bottles, bags packaging and plastic fragments even in remote areas. Analysis of the seas discovered a high rate of microplastics in the foraging grounds of basking sharks and seabirds.

Sailing past Bass Rock

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Following the investigation campaigners presented a petition to Scotland’s Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham calling for the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in Scotland.

DRS have been shown to increase collection rates of plastic bottles as high as 95 per cent in other countries and reduce the number ending up in the environment.

“It cannot be right that our beaches, seas and the stunning wildlife they are home to should become the final dumping ground for throwaway plastic bottles and other plastic trash.

With a truckload of plastic entering the ocean every minute, we need urgent action from governments and from major soft drinks companies which produce billions of single-use plastic bottles every year to stop the flow of plastic into the sea,” said Tisha Brown, oceans campaigner at Greenpeace UK.

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Fishing for plastic

Collecting samples

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Date 4 ur diary

Scotland

21 June - 2 July Edinburgh International Film Festival Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ https://www.edfilmfest.org.uk 29 June - 2 July Scottish Hydro Challenge at Macdonald Spey Valley Golf & Country Club Macdonald Spey Valley Golf & Country Club Aviemore. http://resorts.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/spey-valley/ 30 June - 2 July Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair.

Perth, PH2 6BD http://www.scottishfair.com 30 June - 8 July Edinburgh International Magic Festival Edinburgh, EH3 6QH The best in magic from Scotland and around the world in the heart of Edinburgh. http://www.magicfest.co.uk 30 June - 2 July Arran Malt & Music Festival Lochranza, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HJ Eat, drink and be merry with a weekend dedicated to Whisky & Music. http://www.arranevents.com/malt&music2017.php 1 July Doune and Dunblane Agricultural Society Annual Show Dunblane, FK15 9NU Family fun at traditional agricultural show with classes for horses, ponies and donkeys. https://www.douneanddunblaneshow.co.uk http://www.glasgowcomiccon.com 1 July Haddington Show North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 5LP A friendly and relaxed setting offering the chance to enjoy a family fun day out for all. http://www.haddingtonshow.co.uk 1 - 2 July Paisley’s International Festival of Weaving Paisley, Scotland, UK A weekend-long celebration of the town’s radical weaving heritage and international links. http://www.paisley2021.co.uk

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If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com 1 July Glasgow Comic Festival Royal Concert Hall, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Now in its 7th year this annual show showcases established and emerging creators from across the globe with a love of all things graphic in films, comics and fandoms. http://www.glasgowcomiccon.com 1 - 9 July Shetland Nature Festival Lerwick Sit among Puffins, watch Killer Whales hunt, see otters up close, find some of Britain’s rarest flowers and celebrate the nature of Shetland. https://www.shetlandamenity.org/shetland-nature-festival 1 July Luss Highland Games Luss, Argyll Traditional Highland games including Highland dancing, solo piping, wrestling, light field & heavyweights on the banks of Loch Lomond. http://www.lusshighlandgames.co.uk 1 July Sma’ Shot Day Paisley One of the world’s oldest workers festivals celebrating the victor of the weavers over the mill owners. Variety of entertainments including historic re-enactments and a symbolic Burning of the Cork outside Paisley Abbey. http://www.whatsonrenfrewshire.co.uk/event/003710sma’-shot-day/ 1 July Glengarry Highland Games Invergarry, Inverness-shire.

Traditional Highland Games with heavy and track events, highland dancing and lots of pipers.

2 July Glasgow Mela Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Scotland’s biggest free multicultural festival with live music and theatre performances, exotic and mouthwatering foods from around the globe and fun for all ages. http://www.glasgowmela.com/Pages/default.aspx 4 July - 28 August The Skye Festival A celebration of island culture and performing arts with a strong focus on Scottish traditional music, all spiced up with Jazz, Theatre, and lots more. http://www.seall.co.uk

6 - 15 July St Ronan’s Border Games Week and Cleikum Ceremonies Innerleithen Oldest organised sports meeting in Scotland and now part of a 10 day festival with events for every age group, and a celebration of the town’s Patron Saint, St. Ronan

8 July Tain Highland Gathering Tain, Ross-shire A traditional Highland Gathering with all the usual events - Highland Dancing, Piping, Track & Field Events, Cycling, and, of course, the Heavies http://www.tainhighlandgathering.com

6 - 9 July Stonehaven Folk Festival Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire A weekend festival of music, ceilidhs, workshops and concerts. http://www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

8 July Braemar Junior Highland Games Braemar, Aberdeenshire The Junior Highland Games allows children between the ages of 5 and 18 to participate in events usually reserved for adults and aims to nurture interest of future generations in the old traditions. http://www.braemarjuniorgames.com

7 - 10 July National Festival of Youth Theatre Ayr The largest annual gathering of youth theatres in the UK. http://www.ytas.org.uk/national-festival-youth-theatre/ 7 - 9 July TRNSMT Festival Glasgow Green, Glasgow A weekend of big live music including Radiohead, Kasabian, Biffy Clyro, London Grammar, The 1975 and much more 7 - 9 July Lochbroom, Ullapool, Highlands A walking challenge that takes participants the scenic route from the Highland Capital, Inverness to the West Coast of Scotland in Ullapool while raising funds for military Charities. http://www.outpostcharity.org 8 July Isle of Harris Half Marathon Isle of Harris The Harris Half is a popular event in the Scottish running calendar and attracts a large number of entries from the Scottish mainland and beyond https://www.harrishalfmarathon.org 8 July The Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon Ardtalnaig One of the toughest one day challenges in the UK, The Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon is an exhilarating test of stamina, strength and fitness. http://www.artemisgreatkindrochit.com 8 July Jedburgh Border Games Jedburgh, Scottish Borders the “Blue Riband Event” of Scotland’s summer sports circuit. http://jedburgh-border-games.com/about.htm

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8 July Forres Highland Games Victoria Road, Forres, Moray. http://www.forreshighlandgames.com 8 July Alva Highland Games Alva, Stirling Alva Games are the last surviving sports and games to be run in Clackmannanshire keeping alive traditional heavyweight events, along with tug o’ war, funfair, children’s and adult’s races and, of course, a pipe band. http://alva.ukctest.co.uk 12 - 16 July Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Dundonald Links, Ayr Road, Gailes, Ayrshire The Scottish Open will take place at Dundonald Links, Ayrshire. https://www.aamscottishopen.com 14 - 16 July Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival - Loch Fyne Viking Festival Garval Road, Tarbert, Argyll A chance to see traditional boats and boats of traditional style together in Tarbert Harbour. http://www.tarberttraditionalboatsfestival.org.uk 14 - 16 July Tiree Music Festival Isle of Tiree A true island adventure with plenty of music for everyone in one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. http://tireemusicfestival.co.uk 14 - 23 July Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival Edinburgh.

One of the best Jazz and Blues Festivals on the planet with a line-up of high quality musicians from all over the world. http://www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

Date 4 ur diary 14 - 15 July Caithness Agricultural Society Annual Show Wick https://www.caithnessshow.co.uk 15 July 2017 Kirriemuir Show Kirriemuir, Angus Running since 1877 this traditional show has survived two world wars, two foot and mouth epidemics and the Scottish Weather. Always a great family day out. http://www.kirriemuir-show.co.uk 15 July 2017 Loch Lomond Highland Games Balloch, Loch Lomond A traditional Scottish Highland Games situated in the village of Balloch at the southern end of Loch Lomond.

Lots of pipe bands and Scottish country dancing alongside stalls and many other activities. http://www.llhgb.com 15 July Inverness Highland Games Inverness Founded in 1822 the Inverness Highland Games is one of the most spectacular traditional gatherings staged in Scotland and is one of the highlights of any visit to the Inverness. http://www.invernesshighlandgames.com 15 July Tomintoul Highland Games Tomintoul, Moray One of Scotland’s longest running Highland Games, showcasing traditional heavy and light events, highland dancing, piping competitions and lesser known entertainments like tilt the bucket and barrel racing. http://www.tomintoulhighlandgames.co.uk 15 July Lochcarron Highland Games Attadale Estate, Lochcarron, Strathcarron, Wester Ross The Lochcarron Highland Games, aka “The Friendly Games”, feature the traditional mixture of heavy events, track and field plus highland dancing and piping displays. https://www.lochcarrongames.org.uk 15 July Glamis Prom Glamis,Castle, Glamis.

Set in the glorious gardens of Glamis Castle, The Scottish Pops Orchestra, conducted by Simon an historic village Beck and special guests, Susan Boyle, Lee Mead, Christina Bianco and Soul Nation will entertain with some

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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 the best loved songs from London’s West End and Broadwaydine http://www.glamisprom.com 16 July The Scottish Car Show Ingliston, Edinburgh The biggest Car show in Scotland. http://www.scottishcarshow.com 16 July Stonehaven Highland Games Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire Traditional Highland games with dancing, running, heavyweights, light field events, and solo piping. http://stonehavenhighlandgames.com 16 July Kinlochard Gathering Kinlochard, Stirling A great family day out in the spectacular setting of in the heart of the Trossachs. http://www.kinlochard.org 16 July Rosneath and Clynder Highland Games Howie Park, Rosneath, Argyll Now in its 38th year this is a fun day out for all the family, incorporating a traditional Highland Games with competitions in Solo Piping, Highland Dancing, the Highland Games Heavy Events, Track & Field Races and a Hill Race. http://www.rosneathgames.co.uk 17 July Burntisland Highland Games Burntisland, Fife Founded in 1652, these are the second-oldest highland games in the world and feature highland dancing, running, cycling and heavy events. http://www.burntislandhighlandgames.co.uk 18 July The Scottish Horse Show Ingliston, Edinburgh http://www.scottishhorseshow.com 18 July Inveraray Traditional Highland Games Winterton Park, Inveraray, Argyll http://www.inveraray-games.co.uk 19 - 22 July Hebridean Celtic Festival Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Four day music festival set among t the unique backdrop

of the Hebrides. https://www.hebceltfest.com 20 July Mull Highland Games Tobermory, Isle of Mull With a perfect site overlooking The Sound of Mull, Morvern and Ardnamurchan, the games have a picture postcard backdrop that adds scenic beauty to the drama enacted on the games field. http://www.tobermory.co.uk/events-diary-2/events/ highland-games/ 21-23 July 80’s Rewind Festival Perth Scone Palace plays host to this year’s 80’s Rewind Festival featuring some of the most popular music acts of the decade. http://www.rewindfestival.com 22 July Braco Show Braco, Auchterarder, Perth & Kinross A fun day out for all the family. http://www.bracoshow.co.uk 22 July Airth Highland Games Wilderness, Airth, Falkirk Experience one of Scotland’s oldest, most traditional highland games! http://www.airthgames.co.uk 22 July Sutherland Show Dornoch Links, Dornoch, Sutherland Started in in 1951 to showcase the vitality and productivity of the largest county in the UK, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea, from the far north coast to the Dornoch Firth. https://sutherlandshow.com 22 July Biggar Show Biggar, Lanarkshire A great value family day out. http://biggarfarmersclub.org.uk 22-30 July Merchant City Festival Glasgow A 9 day event presenting some of the best of Scottish and international art and entertainment with a programme of street arts, music, theatre, food & drink, visual art, film, comedy, dance, fashion & design and family activities, http://www.merchantcityfestival.com/Pages/default.aspx

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22 July Blast From The Past Inverurie, Aberdeenshire A Car Show for all with a display of classic, rare, modified, restored and unique vehicles http://www.nes-blastfromthepast.co.uk 22 July Taynuilt Highland Games Taynuilt, Argyll Traditional Highland Games in beautiful rural setting. http://www.taynuilthighlandgames.com/home.html 22 July Lochearnhead, Strathyre and Balquhidder Games Lochearnhead, Stirling Traditional Highland games in the lands of MacGregor, MacLaren, MacNab, and Stewart of Strathern. http://lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk 23-28 July The Royal Deeside Golf Classic Kinneskie Road, Banchory, Kincardineshire Picture a corner of Scotland with delightful warmth of welcome, together with breathtaking scenery and four interesting but challenging golf courses and you’ve discovered Royal Deeside. http://www.royaldeesidegolfclassic.co.uk 26 July Stranraer Show Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway One of Dumfries and Galloways most popular annual events providing a perfect day out where it’s all about the livestock, the competition and showmanship. http://www.stranraershow.co.uk 27-30 July Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open Dundonald Links, Ayr Rd, Irvine https://ladiesscottishopen.com 27 July-27 August Edinburgh Art Festival Edinburgh, Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival is Scotland’s largest annual visual art festival bringing together the capital’s leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces, alongside new public art commissions by established and emerging talent. https://edinburghartfestival.com 27-30 July Southern Fried Festival Perth Based in Perth Concert Hall and venues throughout the city Southern Fried presents a celebration of Country, blues and soul music. http://www.horsecross.co.uk/southern-fried-festival

28 July Langholm Common Riding Langholm, Mounted processions and spectacular up-hill gallop followed by horse racing, athletic games, highland dancing and wrestling. http://returntotheridings.co.uk/langholm-common-riding/ 28-29 July Border Union Show Kelso, Scottish Borders South East Scotland’s premier agricultural and equestrian event. http://www.buas.org/show/index.html 28 July Durness Highland Gathering Durness, Sutherland.

The most north-westerly of Scotland’s Highland gatherings. http://www.durnesshighlandgathering.co.uk 28-30 July ButeFest Rothesay, Argyll & Bute Weekend of music and family fun on The Isle of Bute with plenty of big name acts, food, craft beers and much more. http://www.butefest.co.uk 28 July - 5 August Aberdeen International Youth Festival Aberdeen One of the world’s biggest youth arts festivals which includes a wide range of art-forms including dance, theatre, opera and contemporary, jazz, classical and traditional music from around the world. http://www.aiyf.org 28-30 July Speyfest Fochabers, Moray Three days of ‘Concerts, Ceilidhs and Stomps’ in the picturesque village of Fochabers. http://www.speyfest.com 29 July Banchory Show Banchory, Aberdeenshire The 194th Banchory Show promises a fun-filled programme of activities for all the family. http://www.banchoryshow.co.uk 29 July Scottish Pipe Band Championship Levengrove Park, Dumbarton Bands from around the world taking part in the Scottish Pipe Band Championship. https://www.rspba.org/index.php

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29 July Nairn Show Auldearn, By Nairn http://www.nairnshow.org.uk 29 July Dufftown Highland Games Dufftown, Moray A taste of something Scottish for everybody. A full programme of light and heavy events, massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, hill races and fun for the entire family. http://dufftownhighlandgames.com 29 July Halkirk Highland Games Thurso, Caithness.

A traditional and spectacular Scottish sporting event established in 1886. http://www.halkirkgames.co.uk 29 July - 12 August Aboyne and Deeside Festival Aboyne,Aberdeenshire An annual festival with a broad range of events covering classical, folk and contemporary music, politics, thought, art, drama, literature and film. http://www.aboyneanddeesidefestival.org.uk 30-31 July Turriff Show The Haughs, Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

A traditional agricultural show established more than 150 years ago with classes for cattle, sheep, horses, ponies etc. with excellent prize money. http://www.turriffshow.org 30 July St Andrews Highland Games St. Andrews, Fife From humble beginnings in 1984 they are now firmly established as one of the top highland games in Fife if not in Scotland. http://www.standrewshighlandgames.co.uk

Australia

1 July Aberdeen Highland Games Aberdeen, NSW Australia Held each year on the first Saturday in July, at Aberdeen in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, the Aberdeen Highland Games have become the town’s most spectacular event, drawing hundreds of people to the township every year to enjoy the festivities. http://www.aberdeenhighlandgames.com

Canada

1 July Embro Highland Games Embro, ON Canada Popular with visitors of all ages, the 80th Embro Highland Games offers a wide variety of Scottish-entertainment. http://embrohighlandgames.ca 1 July Penticton Scottish Festival and Highland Games Penticton, BC Canada A one day event celebrating Celtic culture with Bagpiping, Drumming, Highland Dancing and Heavy Events competitions along with other activities that will include: Celtic entertainment, children’s activities, Clan information, clothing and equipment booths, food vendors, tastings, and fun for the whole family.http:// www.pentictonscottishfestival.ca 2-9 July Antigonish Highland Games Week Antigonish, NS Canada The Antigonish Highland Games has built a worldwide reputation based on authenticity, attention to detail, and hospitality. The 154th Games will be no exception.

The week long schedule will be jam packed with new and enhanced competitions featuring athletes, pipers, drummers, and highland dancers from across the country and around the world. http://www.antigonishhighlandgames.ca 7-9 July Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games Kincardine, ON Canada The award winning Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games attracts thousands of visitors each year. The primary goal of the Festival is to enhance and ensure the preservation of Kincardine’s Scottish roots.

The Festival also honours the traditions and contributions of Scottish culture within the canadian multi-cultural mosaic. www.kincardinescottishfestival.ca 13-17 July The 60th Festival of the Tartans & Highland Games New Glasgow, NS Canada The Festival of the Tartans is celebrated every year with a five-day program that is sure to bring out the Scot in everyone, even those without Scottish roots! The Festival of the Tartans celebrates traditional Scottish culture and features events for all ages, including a Kilted Golf Tournament, Massed Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing Competitions, Scottish Heavy Weight Events, Clan Tents & Genealogy, Pipe Band demonstrations and other outdoor entertainment. www.festivalofthetartans.ca

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14-15 July Cambridge Scottish Festival Cambridge, ON Canada Since the initial Games in 1975, the Cambridge Scottish Festival have grown into one of the premier events in the Cambridge Area and in the Scottish Festival in Ontario calendar. www.cambridgescottishfestival.ca 14-16 July 40th Annual Orillia Scottish Festival Orillia, ON Canada An annual event celebrating Scottish heritage in the city of Orilla for 40 years. http://www.scottishfestival.ca 28-30 July New Brunswick Highland Games Festival Fredericton, NB Canada Celebrating and shares knowledge of the Scottish/Celtic culture and heritage in an inclusive manner — whether visitors are of Scottish descent or simply wish to learn about and participate in this vibrant culture. www.highlandgames.ca 29-30 July Okanagan Military Tattoo Vernon, BC Canada A musical extravaganza of pipers, drummers, musicians, military bands, marching troops, multicultural dancers and singers of all ages brought together in an action packed, non-stop event. www.okanagantattoo.ca

USA

6-9 July Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Linville, NC United States The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans, has been promoting interest in traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture for more than 60 years. http://www.gmhg.org/homepage.shtml 15 July Dundee Scottish Festival Dundee, NY United States The 8th Annual Dundee Scottish Festival featuring artists, music, dancers, highland games, food, wineries, breweries, and much more. www.dundeescottishfestival.com

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