Scottish Field December 2018

DECEMBER 2018 . £4.50

Christmas special

Festive food, Xmas interiors, cosy Coorie

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Pages of fashion & interiors

Tristan Cameron Harper

PROFILE: ANDREW NEIL MONSTROUS CARBUNCLES AN ANGUS GARDEN

From Kilted Yoga to inspired photographer

FOCUS ON EDINBURGH 10-page spotlight on the capital and the Lothians Country news

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Interiors

Antiques

Motoring

Gardens

Wildlife

Interviews

Whisky

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Cairncross 2018-B_Layout 1 03/07/2018 12:44 Page 1 29/06/2018 17:19 Page 1

CA I R N C R O S S o f P ERT H

An independent family jeweller of renowned quality

Scottish River Pearls 18 ST. JOHN STREET, PERTH, TAYSIDE, PH1 5SR

Tel: 01738 624367

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Email: Info@cairncrossofperth.co.uk

Web: www.cairncrossofperth.co.uk

31/10/2018 10:25:27

WELCOME

Welcome I

t’s that time of year again. You know, the one where we begin to look seriously for presents for loved ones, start arguing about where we’ll spend the festive season, nervously check the state of our credit cards and try to get all of our work finished in time.

I love the excess that accompanies this time of year, although not all Christmas traditions are to my liking.

In particular, I hate the moment when the flammable Christmas jumper is dug out for an enforced day of jollity with workmates (I hate the bloody things so much that every year I get fined for failing to wear one on the designated day of cheer).

I know the festive season is upon us when we start working on this Christmas issue. For a start, we find ourselves staging a humongous food shoot in some

far-flung location, and then there are all the interiors shoots in which people have to get their Hogmanay-ready house prepared months early.

This year, our food shoot was one of the best we’ve ever done. Chef Scott Smith came along and cooked us a wild Christmas meal which included boar, goat, mulled cider and chestnut strudel, and it was as delicious as it sounds. Those smiles you see if you read the end result are not put on, but rather the result of an early dose of good food and cheer. (I have to confess we also oversampled the fine wines profiled in my expert colleague Peter Ranscombe’s festive wine guide).

So write to us and let us know what you’re planning to do for Christmas.

Relay your disasters, burnt meals, family squabbles, rubbish presents. They are all part of any authentic Christmas...

Richard Bath, Editor

Contributors this month...

DOUG ALLAN Anyone who watched Blue Planet will have marvelled at cameraman Doug’s ability to get up close and personal with wildlife in the frozen wastes of the Arctic.

CAL FLYN

TRISTAN CAMERON HARPER Ex-ice hockey pro, model and Mr Scotland, Tristan is a wilderness guide, Kilted Yoga man, and a prolific landscape photographer.

Our new wildlife correspondent takes a look at the fascinating world of Scotland’s 2,500 varieties of moths, and uncovers the creatures’ remarkable world.

The Editor, Scottish Field, Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH5 2DL Tel: 0131 551 1000 editor@scottishfield.co.uk

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CONTENTS

Cover stories

Cover

This image was taken

by Andy Howard at his woodland hide on the outskirts of Inverness. He has up to seven squirrels visiting his set-up on a daily basis.

Some are so well known to him that they have names, the one in this image is ‘Tippy’.

32 SHIFTING SKYLINES New developments are causing blots on Scotland's landscapes 36 NO PLACE LIKE HOME Wonderful images from Kilted Yoga star and adventurer Tristan Cameron-Harper 50 THE ENIGMA MACHINE The story of journalistic taskmaster Andrew Neil 58 AREA FOCUS This month we focus on Edinburgh and the Lothians: discovering the story of explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchison, Edinburgh's own Gossip Girl and the best walks in the area 96 COORIE Taking a look at Scotland's answer to the Danes' hygge 132 GO WILD AT CHRISTMAS Scottish Field heads to the Secret Herb Garden for a foraged festive dinner

Property

16 PROPERTY MARKET A grand townhouse in Edinburgh, a fairy tale castle, an equestrian centre and a farm ready to be transformed

Here & now

All photographs, unless otherwise stated, are

by Angus Blackburn

14 READERS' PHOTOS A gallery of your best snaps from around Scotland 26 UP FRONT Keeping you up-to-date with all of the latest goings-on 35 CLOCKWORK FUTURE Alexander McCall Smith looks at the renewable potential of an age-old mechanism 48 CREDO Wildlife cameraman and filmmaker Doug Allen on his globe trotting adventures

56 LEST WE FORGET Alan Cochrane hopes we continue remember the war heroes that fell during the world wars 71 A CALL FOR KELP Guy Grieve looks beneath the surface at the kelp forests 226 EARLY DAYS Fiona Armstrong reflects on her days as a young journalist

Homes & gardens

72 PRETTY AS A PICTURE Reflecting on the glorious Gallery garden in Angus 80 IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS A beautiful country house in Teviotdale, Hawick

Wildlife

112 OF MOTHS AND MEN Exploring the much-maligned moths in the UK

Field sports

117 COUNTRY NEWS Including the best country gear put to the test 118 A GREY DAY Richard Bath on shooting grey partridges and their plummeting numbers 125 GOOD, BAD, UGLY Michael Wigan reflects on September's rainy spell

Food & drink

126 SPROUTING FOR JOY Louise Gray tells all about the humble Brussel sprout 144 WHAT'S THE BEEF? The mystery diner heads to The Grill by HW for a taste of their Wagyu steaks 146 FOOD & DRINK NEWS All the latest epicurean delights and gossip 151 TAX ATTACK Rising tax burden of whisky has Blair Bowman concerned

In this issue 4

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IN THIS ISSUE

Travel & leisure

153 THE CAR OF THE FUTURE The low-down on Jaguar's all-electric I-Pace 174 CITY SLICKERS Reviewing hotels in some of Scotland's greatest cities

To order more copies of this issue or subscribe scan this QR code with your phone

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Life & style

154 THE WAGES OF SIN Where is our money being spent if we aren't investing?

156 TIS THE SEASON Take a look at Greaves' country attire for those Christmas gifts 164 BOHEMIAN CHIC Sahara showcases its latest collection, kitting you out for Christmas

132

News, views & events

10 Letters 103 Field Culture 107 Antiques News 216 Scene Around 224 Cover to cover

Offers & competitions

215 COMPETITIONS Win a shopping spree in Perth 222 PUZZLE PAGES The crossword, spot the difference, Sudoku and all the usual puzzles

Subscribe to Scottish Field and receive a chopping board from Scottish Made worth £34.99.

See page 150.

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f e s t iv e

2018

SCOTTISH FIELD VOLUME 120 NUMBER 12 ESTABLISHED IN 1903 INCORPORATING SCOTTISH WORLD SCOTTISH FIELD EDITORIAL AND DESIGN Editor: Richard Bath Creative Editor: Heddy Forrest Senior Designer: Damian McGee Senior Photographer: Angus Blackburn Staff Writer: Morag Bootland Editorial Assistants: Stephanie Abbot, Rosie Morton Web Editor: Kenny Smith Designer: Amanda Richardson Artworker: Andrew Balahura Production Controller: Madeleine Smith Intern: Ailsa Bath Email: editor@scottishfield.co.uk

h i dd e n St e p down into Edinburgh’s

h i story

As the nights draw in and the days grow cold, a festive feeling fills the streets of Edinburgh.

Christmas can be found around every corner. Dazzling lights illuminate this historic city and frivolity fills the air. However, this wasn’t always the case.

Let us take you back to a time when spirits were kept high to ward off the dangers of winter, and join a festive tour like no other.

SALES AND MARKETING Sales Director: Brian Cameron Advertising Team Leader: Tracey Faulds Special Projects Manager: Janice Johnston Senior Sales: Alison Thompson, Shona Smith Advertising Sales: Stacey Richardson, Amanda Rance Email: adverts@scottishfield.co.uk Marketing: Torty Cocks, Leona Clark Sales & Marketing Assistant: Alasdair Peoples PUBLISHING Tel: 0131 551 1000 Fax: 0131 551 7901 Publisher: Alister Bennett, Scottish Field Magazine, Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH5 2DL London Office: 1 Gunpowder Square, Fleet Street, London EC4A 3EP OVERSEAS USA Address: Scottish Field, PO Box 32510 Fridley, MN 55432 USA (Send USA Address corrections to above address).

US Postmaster: Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville, PA. US Mailing agent: Scottish Field (ISSN No: 0036-9309) is published monthly for £43 per year by Wyvex Media Ltd, PO Box 1, Oban PA34 4HB and is distributed in the USA by SPP, 95 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville PA 17318.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DISTRIBUTION Address: Wyvex Media, Trinity House, Sculpins Lane, Wethersfield, Braintree, Essex CM7 4AY. Tel: 01371 851868 Email: wyvex@escosubs.co.uk Subscriptions for one year UK: £45.00 Worldwide: £56.00 If you experience any difficulties in obtaining Scottish Field, contact 01631 568000

Published monthly by Scottish Field ©Scottish Field UK Scottish Field is a Registered Trade Mark of Wyvex Media Ltd. While Scottish Field is prepared to consider unsolicited articles, transparencies and artwork, it only accepts such material on the strict understanding that it incurs no liability for its safe custody or return.

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We at Scottish Field endeavour to ensure that all our reports are fair and accurate and comply with the Editors’ Code of Practice set by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). We realise, however, that mistakes happen from time to time. If you think we have made a significant mistake and you wish to discuss this with us, please let us know as soon as possible by either of the following two methods: emailing editor@scottishfield.co.uk; or writing to the Editor at Scottish Field, 496 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH5 2DL. We will attempt to resolve your issue in a timeous, reasonable and amicable manner. However, if you are unsatisfied with our response, you can contact IPSO, which will investigate the matter. You can either telephone IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or email inquiries@ipso.co.uk. IPSO is an independent body which deals with complaints from the public about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines. We will abide by the decision of IPSO.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 18:07:02

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LETTERS

Graham Stewart

Letters

Your letters are sponsored by Spey Valley and Keith Breweries, brewers of award-winning craft beers, nurtured in the heart of the whisky distilling region of Speyside to the same exacting standards. www.keithbrewery.co.uk and www.speyvalleybrewery.co.uk

Love letters

I know you will be crestfallen to learn that this Lord-Lieutenant of Moray opens your splendid magazine every month and goes direct to the second back page where he always much enjoys reading about the rough and tumble of the Chief and/or being a Lord-Lieutenant.

But this rang a real bell. I opened the Luxury Issue on the day I was due to attend a 60th Diamond wedding in Burghead.

Having read the amusements that go on in Dumfries-shire on these occasions I decided that discretion was the better part of valour and did not take 'The last word' with me! What a wimp.

I used all these World War II postal acronyms on the back of my Valentine Card envelopes during the 70’s, and definitely to my dearest of nearly 46 years on 16th September. However, I am struggling to remember what NORWICH was, and I was disappointed that EGYPT was not mentioned.

I am now setting off to buy a wedding anniversary card and plan to smother it with the NAMES. What a wonderful column from Fiona Armstrong, and thank for a very good issue. I do eventually get to the Editor's own erudite words, I promise.

Grenville S Johnston Lt Col, H M Lord-Lieutenant of Moray Munro bagging: The Cuillin hills, Isle of Skye.

DESIGNER GOLDSMITH AND SILVERSMITH 91-95 HIGH STREET DUNBLANE FK15 0ER TEL: 01786 825244

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ONE STEP AT A TIME I read editor Richard Bath's 'Welcome' last month regarding his new hobby of climbing Munros. All l can say, is stick at it and, whatever you do, don’t leave some of the really difficult Munros – especially the Skye Cuillin ridge – too long.

I 'compleated' in 2012 and l'm not sure l'd manage some of the more testing summits, such as the Inaccessible Pinnacle, these days! Oh, and Munros needn’t be 'bagged' – they can be climbed at your own pace. Good luck!

Liz Smith MSP, Holyrood

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, SCOTTISH FIELD, FETTES PARK, 496 FERRY ROAD, EDINBURGH EH5 2DL EMAIL EDITOR@SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK WEBSITE WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK

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24/10/2018 14:21:28

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For more information and to book your ‘Taste of the Highlands’ break, visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/TasteTheHighlands

Visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/TasteTheHighlands or call 0344 879 9210

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23/10/2018 14:22:45 04.04.17 14:50

Letters

BEWARE THE ENEMY WITHIN

In September’s issue you had an item on the RSPB managing to kill an Osprey chick whilst ringing the nest. I wondered whether there had been any action under the Wildlife and Countryside Act taken against them for, say, Gross Negligence or interfering with a protected bird’s nest. In all probability, this is unlikely as no gamekeeper was involved.

Unfortunately, this cynical attitude stems from my own experience of the RSPB while trying to protect the birdlife on the Strathdon Castle Estate when T-in-the-Park moved there. There were attempts to destroy an Osprey nest, then a cherry picker and men trying to deter the birds from settling. River banks were netted to prevent kingfishers from nesting, and fields mown at the height of Skylark nesting season. Yet all pleas to the RSPB were met with inertia.

The most depressing part was that all the so-called experts giving advice were young people who make a living from wildlife. This approach goes all the way to the Scottish Government who told Scottish Natural Heritage to change their stance on set-off distances from nests so planning permission could be granted – a very dangerous precedent.

‘Beware The Enemy Within' is how one should regard many of those involved in the so-called protection of wildlife, whereas gamekeepers have nowhere to hide. If the two sides can't work together our rich, diverse wildlife will be the loser.

Mark Liddiard, Perthshire

NUMBER F NUMBER FIVE NUMBERfeatures FIVEleading Jew

features leading Jewellery Designers & Goldsm features leading Jewellery Designers & Goldsmiths Designers & Goldsmiths

STUNNING STUNNING

EXQUISITE EXQUISITE

Left red-faced We read the article by Tom Shields 'When Buffalo Bill came to Glasgow' and were quite impressed with some facts we did not know.

What we were not impressed with was some of the language used to describe the Native Americans. We understand using the word 'Injun' to give the article the atmosphere and flavour of the type of language used in the day, but the repeated use was more than enough. At least the author did not use the words Red Indian to describe the Native American.

However, using the word 'Squaw' was even more offending and is similar to using the N-word when describing a black person. This deeply offensive word should not be used by anyone today.

We really enjoy Scottish Field, but when we see an article or news report about Native Americans, we cannot sit still. Keep up the good work. Hope you did not mind our little pointer.

Sharon & Barry Holton, Aberdeenshire The Writer of the star letter will receive a gift box of six beers from the award-winning Spey Valley and Keith Breweries. www.keithbrewery.co.uk and www.speyvalleybrewery .co.uk

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LETTERS

• •

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STUNNING CLEAR • CLEAR •

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17 56 High Street, Perth, PH1 5JS Number Five, Bonnygate, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4LD Number Five, 56 Bonnygate, Cupar, Fife, KY15 Number Five, 564LD Bonnygate, Cupar, Fif Tel: 01738 634196 / 07910 658953 Tel / Fax 01334 657784 Tel / Fax 01334 657784 Tel / Fax 01334 657784 www.numberfivegoldsmiths.co.uk www.clairedonald.com www.clairedonald.com www.numberfivegoldsmiths.co.uk www.clairedonald.com www.clairedonald.com www.numberfivegoldsmiths.co.uk www.cl www.clairedonald.com

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Readers’ photos

SF

Above: The Shining taken by Brian Mcdonnell. Far right: Autumn Trees taken by Claire Poole. Right: Sometimes there are no words taken by LJ Ferguson.

Left: Glasgow`s Arc taken by Robert Hannah.

Above: Lucky ladybird, basking in the mid October sunshine taken by Hilary Scott.

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Edinburgh | Inverness | Perth | Banchory 24/10/2018 16:30:15

in association with

SNAP HAPPY No one loves a good photograph showing the variety of life in Scotland more than us. We also want to see your photographs, so lovely readers, upload your photos today and you might find your work appearing here.

Left: Trying to fit in taken by Claire Dyce.

Far left: Harris taken by Boyd Macdonald. Above: The ridge towards Stob ne Broige, Glencoe taken

by Mark Horne. Left: Runaway Train taken by Gordon Clark.

To upload your photographs to our online gallery go to www.scottishfield.co.uk into our ‘Living’ section where you will find Readers’ Photos. To appear on these pages your images must be downloadable. We choose our favourites every month. Phone pics are fine and the group is easy to use so why not upload some today?

com/struttandparker struttandparker.comtwitter.com/struttandparker facebook.com/struttandparker

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ADD YOUR IMAGES

ONLINE

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24/10/2018 16:34:11

PROPERTY market

Property of the month 9 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh Selling Agent: Knight Frank Tel: 0131 516 7634 Offers Over: £2,250,000 A grand townhouse in one of Edinburgh’s most soughtafter addresses. Set over four floors, impressive reception rooms are balanced by up to seven bedrooms. A private garden, direct access to Regent Gardens and breathtaking views combine to make this a highly appealing family home. The entrance hall and wide open staircase, crowned by the cupola, give a wonderful first impression of this beautiful Georgian house. The reception rooms provide excellent living and entertaing space. On the ground floor there is a large public room to the front. Originally the dining room, this is currently used as a bedroom. Outside, there is a beautiful private walled garden with mature borders, a lawn and patio.

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Clockwise from top: Regent Terrace, spacious reception room, gorgeous fireplace, dining room, walled garden with mature borders, lawn and patio.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:48:42

PROPERTY

Castle of the month Illieston Castle, Broxburn Selling Agent: Savills Tel: 0131 247 3738 Offers over: £950,000 Set in a lovely rural location about two miles southeast of Broxburn on the high north bank of the River Almond, Illieston Castle is surrounded by open countryside, yet has the benefit of being close to excellent transport links for commuting to Edinburgh or Glasgow. The property is thought to date back to the late 15th or early 16th century, when it served as the Royal hunting seat of the kings of Scotland. As well as panoramic views the property benefits from four bedrooms, three receptionrooms, a turret room and a walled garden.

Equestrian property of the month Woodside Equestrian Centre, Prestwick Selling Agent: Pacitti Jones Tel: 01786 235444 Offers over: £685,000 Situated within a fabulous picturesque locale this rarely available equestrian facility offers everything required for a keen horse enthusiast or livery/equestrian business. There is a wide selection of buildings and outdoor areas including farm house, 25 stables, 3 tack rooms, 2 feed rooms 40m x 23m Indoor arena, workshop and various other outbuildings. There is also a jumping paddock, outdoor arena, court yard, two large fields and garden.

Project of the month Redding Farm, Ayrshire Selling Agent: Galbraith Tel: 01292 268181 Offers over: £495,000 A former Farm Steading, some striking stone gables and elevations now remain at Redding. Planning permission was granted in June 2008 for 6 houses converted from the stone buildings. East Ayrshire Council have now indicated that they would be sympathetic to new build homes being erected on the site. The site could also be utilised for a spectacular single house. Redding is one of the finest countryside sites in Ayrshire for luxury housing because of its position at Rowallan, and proximity to Glasgow.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Westpoint Homes.indd 18

23/10/2018 14:38:41

bellingram.co.uk 01738 621121

Viewlands House

Rosebank Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie PH10 7EB A detached, C listed, period house in grounds of about 0.78 acres including an independent cottage Vestibule and reception, 2 public rooms, dining kitchen and laundry room, bathroom and 2 shower rooms, 4 double bedrooms, study, 1 bed detached cottage, courtyard and driveway, mature garden grounds, EPC Rating - F •

Offers over £425,000

Contact Carl Warden

Kilmun Farmhouse

Dalavich, Taynuilt, Argyll & Bute PA35 1HL A charming four-bedroom detached house with far-reaching views over Loch Awe • Peaceful location in the outskirts of Dalavich village; situated in an elevated position; conversion of attached byre to create a magnificent living space; workshop, wood store and extensive garden grounds; idyllic family home or holiday let with significant income potential; EPC Rating – E

Contact Andrew Fuller

Offers over £395,000

An Agent for All Seasons Whatever the season, if you are thinking of moving, we would be pleased to provide a free, no obligation market appraisal of your home.

Banvie House

Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5TN Detached lodge bungalow in a beautiful south facing semi-rural setting • Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen and utility room, 3 bedrooms (1 en suite), family bathroom, WC, integral garage, surrounding garden, EPC Rating D

Contact Carl Warden

Bell Ingram Perth Carl Warden

Offers over £300,000

Bell Ingram Inverness Joanne Stennett

Bell Ingram Oban Andrew Fuller

Experienced, established and regulated.

Why take a chance on anyone else?

Bell Ingram Forfar Stewart Hamilton

Bell Ingram Ayr Jillian McCulloch

carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk joanne.stennet@bellingram.co.uk andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk stewart.hamilton@bellingram.co.uk

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PROPERTY

A Company Well Connected

Balhaldie Farm, Nr Dunblane A delightful equestrian property.

20.7 acres (8.4 ha) in all.

Stirling 9 miles.

3 bedroom house with significant outbuildings & development potential.

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Offers Over £380,000

Ind. Controls & Automation

Jennifer Campbell 01786 434600 stirling@galbraithgroup.com

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Malin Court Care Home

A whole new outlook on retirement.

A whole new outlook

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Malin Court Care Home, near Turnberry, commands magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde, the Mull of Kintyre and beyond. However, it’s Malin Court Care Home, near Turnberry, commands not just the stunning surroundings magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde, the Mull of Kintyre that make it such an attractive and beyond.

However, it’s not just the stunning surroundings option.

Our Care Home is combined with Malin Court Hotel in same that make it such anthe attractive option. Our Care Home is premises andwith all Hotel services areHotel in the same premises and combined Malin Court available to Residents.

all Hotel services are available to Residents.

Retiring here, you can continue to live consider a short stay before deciding to make independently, in the privacy of your own Malin Court your permanent home.

Towithdiscover the luxury flat, the reassurance that option you’ll have that’s best for you or a trained staff to care for you when you need it.

To discover option loved one, or to arrange a visit, pleasethe contact

that’s best for you or a loved one, There is a hairdresser on the premises, and Mrs Joan Dunlop, Manager, or to arrange a visit, appointments can be arranged with a dentist, chiropodist, optician andMalin other services when Court, Turnberry, please contact required.

Mrs 9PB. Joan Dunlop, Manager, Ayrshire, KA26

We have a true sense of community with Malin Court, Turnberry, Tel. 01655 331457, weekday coffee mornings, activities and regular Ayrshire, KA26 9PB. outings and events.We offer careinfo@malincourt.co.uk breaks for email: Tel. 01655 331457, those who would appreciate a change of scene email: info@malincourt.co.uk with full nursing care and you may wish to

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

23/10/2018 14:50:49

PROPERTY

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My place in the country “I’ve travelled all over the world but this is my favourite place of all. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be - this is the place where I can be me.”

LATIN 725 BT

Wendy and Mark Nordmann bought their holiday home at Barmoor Castle Country Park in 2006.

The perfect place to relax, unwind and find time for the important things in life.

Family run Barmoor Castle Country Park is ideally located to explore the beautiful countryside and heritage coastline of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. A wide range of luxury lodges and static caravans are always in stock in spacious locations.*

BARMOOR CASTLE COUNTRY PARK, LOWICK, BERWICK-UPON-TWEED TD15 2TR t: 01289 388376 e: ann@barmoorcastle.co.uk www.barmoorcastle.co.uk *Our open space policy guarantees as much space as possible between sites.

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23/10/2018 14:59:40

HOLIDAY HOMES & LODGE OWNERSHIP

Barmoor Castle Country Park

W

endy and Mark Nordmann have been at Barmoor Castle Country Park for 12 years and like many others who have holiday homes in the park, they were enchanted by Barmoor Castle from the very start.

‘We are not caravan people at all so it’s quite bizarre that we ended up here. We’re not impulsive people at all, we’re very cautious, but we bought it within two days.’

Set in 200 acres of historic grounds in the heart of North Northumberland, Barmoor Castle Country Park is an owners only caravan and lodge park, ideally located between the heritage coastline of Northumberland, the Scottish Borders and the Cheviot Hills.

The park itself is unique in its design, offering space and privacy with very generous spacing between sites.

Ann and Hedley Lamb bought Barmoor Castle in 1979 and then spent 11 years transforming the castle grounds into a beautiful holiday park.

They both agreed that the 20ft statutory space between pitches was not enough, so they created pitches with more generous spacing than other parks. With a vision to create a park parallel to none, the family worked tirelessly to create a stunning holiday park, full of trees, wildlife and quality holiday homes.

Family run for generations to come Nearly 30 years on, Barmoor Castle is a stunning country park, still run by the Lamb family, with baby Freddie, the newest addition marking the next generation for Barmoor Castle. Sadly Hedley Lamb died in 2011 but Ann, Jamie and his wife Jodi have continued to run the park.

Holiday home owners love the peace and tranquility it offers - over 200 acres of rolling Northumbrian countryside, in the breathtaking area between the stunning Northumberland coastline and the spectacular Cheviot Hills, which are both perfect for walking and cycling.

Owners also like taking time to relax in the stunning park grounds, which has a wide range of plants, trees and wildlife. The ponds inside the grounds are home to waterfowl, while deer, hares and even red squirrels and otters can be spotted around the park.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Great for grandchildren ‘It’s absolutely amazing for our grandson. We took him up Humbleton Hill when he was only 3 and he ran up that hill and it’s fostered a passion for him, in fact his mission is to do a Cheviot by the end of the year – he’s 7 now. He’s like a little mountain goat, he absolutely loves it. Our granddaughter loves the ducks and she can feed them and she goes out on her scooter – the open space, it’s so safe for her. And there is a fabulous play park in Lowick.’

Run with an ambition for excellence The park is constantly evolving and run with an ambition for excellence - a brand new building, aptly named Hedley Hall, has recently been completed in the grounds to host local exhibitions and run classes for the guests to take part in.

For golfers, Goswick Golf Club is just ten minutes away and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy personalised day trips such as clay pigeon shooting, horse riding or fishing with the local gamekeeper.

There are a wide range of holiday homes and luxury caravans available to suit every taste. You can choose a sea view, countryside view or castle view, shaded plot or in direct sunlight.

CONTACT

Just visit www.barmoorcastle.co.uk, email ann@barmoorcastle.co.uk or call Ann or Jamie on 01289 388376 and discover why Wendy and Mark call this their favourite place in the world.

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23/10/2018 15:41:49

HOLIDAY HOMES & LODGE OWNERSHIP

Balloch Park

W

ith a new show lodge now launched, Balloch Park, the residential and buy to let development at Mains of Taymouth Country Estate and Golf Course at Kenmore, is the place to check out, if downsizing, or acquiring a superb holiday home, is on your agenda for 2019.

Stunning two and three bedroom lodges, built from sustainable timber, are priced from just £179,000, and can also provide an excellent buy to let investment opportunity. Individually designed and built by award winning local builder, Blairish Restorations, Mains of Taymouth’s in house builders, the lodges are complete with large and airy living/dining/kitchen areas, sleek custom built kitchens with stainless steel appliances, floor to ceiling windows, and stunning aspect ceilings with skylights. The spacious plots and give plenty of scope to enhance the lodge with outdoor living.

The development enjoys an idyllic location to the east of the main Mains of Taymouth estate with Drummond Hill on one side and the banks of the River Tay on the other. The market town of Aberfeldy is just six miles away with easy access to Scotland’s Central Belt.

Edinburgh and Glasgow are each around an hour and a half away.

Clearly, it’s the ideal location for a holiday bolthole to escape to, or to which to make a permanent downsizing move.

All owners at Balloch Park are given preferential access to Mains of Taymouth’s many facilities such as the nine hole golf course and the riding stables.

The five star estate has now sold half of its lodges at Balloch Park, and has handed over a lodge for its first buy to holiday let customers.

They, amongst other buyers, have taken full advantage of Balloch Park’s offer to personalise their lodges, by adding hot tubs and log burning stoves, or making changes to internal layout and decoration.

Buying a lodge at Balloch Park, as a five star buy to let holiday home, gives purchasers a guaranteed investment return and tax savings.

CONTACT

Please contact Peter Bancroft for more details, and to arrange a tour, on 01887 830226, or visit www.ballochpark.co.uk

A room with a view Balloch Park is a brand-new luxury development near Kenmore in Perthshire offering a stunning selection of beautifully designed bespoke lodge homes from £160,000 overlooking the River Tay in a sheltered setting on the exclusive 160 acre Mains of Taymouth Estate. T: 01887 830226 W: ballochpark.co.uk E: info@ballochpark.co.uk

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

23/10/2018 15:42:20

PROPERTY

Scotland’s Armed Forces Children’s Charity

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Your support can make all the difference.

Please donate now. Go to www.rcet.org.uk Royal Caledonian Education Trust, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN

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02/10/2018 15:07

23/10/2018 15:09:51

NEWS

UP FRONT A round-up of what’s going on across Scotland

WONDERWALL The National Lottery has awarded £1 million to Scotland’s most northerly Roman wall. The Antonine Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and will benefit from investment to preserve what remains for future generations and give an opportunity to explore the incredible Roman history.

The Antonine Wall briefly marked the most northerly point of the Roman Empire.

The project includes plans for five Roman play areas for children, 30 community designed projects – such as a Scouts’ big Roman camp out – and a Roman-inspired community garden.

TITBITS

POWER TO THE ISLE

Preserving the past: three ‘Roman’ soldiers walk the length of the Antonine Wall, a turf barrier between the Firths of Clyde and Forth.

A £3.5 million project has given Fair Isle 24-hour reliable electricity for the first time. Situated halfway between Orkney and Shetland and currently home to 55 people, the island previously only had access to power between 7.30am and 11.30pm each day.

Faces of history

DID YOU KNOW? For £25, members of the public can ‘Adopt an Acre’ of Scotland’s finest munros for a year. You can choose from Ben Nevis, Schiehallion in Highland Perthshire, Blà Bheinn on Skye or Ladhar Bheinn in Knoydart. The symbolic adoption scheme, launched in 2016 by the John Muir Trust, has already proven a success with hundreds of acres already adopted. The money goes towards conservation and wildlife protection. Find out more at johnmuirtrust.org/adoptanacre.

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Historic Environment Scotland have announced that African American author and freedom fighter Frederick Douglass is the first significant historic figure to be celebrated as part of its 2018 Commemorative Plaque Scheme. Douglass is the first black person recognised since the scheme began in 2012.

Douglass visited numerous Scottish cities and towns to inspire anti-slavery activism among his audiences by telling the ‘story of the slave’.

The plaque will be unveiled in a ceremony on 15 November and affixed to a building at 33 Gilmore Place in Edinburgh.

LIFEBOAT BOOST The Dunbar RNLI Fundraising Committee was chosen to receive £500 from Persimmon Homes East Scotland, based in Bathgate, through its Community Champions scheme.

The money will go towards training new crew members.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 13:58:48

UP FRONT

TRENDING The five most popular stories from our website this month

SNAP HAPPY SCOTS The overall winner of this year’s Landscape Photographer of the Year competition is a shiver inducing image taken in Glencoe. Peter Rowbottom captured the image which he named ‘Ice spikes’ by lying on the ice itself and creating a makeshift tripod out of flat rocks. He got very wet he says. Peter takes away £10,000 and his image has been printed in Landscape Photographer of the Year: Collection 12.

Nicky Goodfellow and Andrew Bulloch also took home prizes for their entries which featured images of Edinburgh. The images will be on display as part of an exhibition in London’s Waterloo station from 19 November until 3 February.

Turning up the sound of Scotland The biggest free bagpipe loan scheme in the world is being set up by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust. The instruments are being loaned out for up to three years at a time to help boost the number of youngsters taking up Scotland’s national instrument. Already over 160 sets costing about £700 each are being played by pupils in schools from Orkney to the Borders – eventually 500 bagpipes will be available for loan at a total cost of over £350,000.

Schools and councils can apply through the SSPDT website. See www.sspdt.org.uk

Making a difference A group of Scottish brewers are joining forces to help provide access to well-paid meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Dubbed the Glasgow Brewery Collective, brewers from Ride Brew Company of Glasgow, Late Night Hype Brewing Company from Clydebank and Bute Brew Company from the Isle of Bute are working together to start a new social enterprise by setting up a tap room in the Gorbals in the southside of Glasgow with a goal of being 100% accessible for people with disabilities.

Find more information at www.glasgowbrewerycollective.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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1 JUST SEVEN DAYS TO GET YOUR HANDS ON LIMITED MACALLAN Posted on 2 October The Macallan revealed it was releasing The Macallan Easter Elchies Black, limited to just 1958 bottles across the world. We revealed that those interested had just seven days to register their interest, to enter a ballot to own the £750 bottle.

2 LIGHT FANTASTIC IS SCOTLAND’S NEW AUTUMN ATTRACTION Posted on 4 October A celebration of Scotland’s natural beauty was launched at the Enchanted Forest, an exciting attraction which lit up Fascally Wood, near Pitlochry, showing off the majestic beauty of Highland Perthshire in the autumn. The event continues to run until 4 November.

3 WILD SALMON CRISIS TO FEATURE IN LANDWARD SPECIAL Posted on 11 October Scotland’s wild salmon industry is in crisis, as the numbers of fish have dramatically reduced in our rivers. We reported that a BBC documentary was to highlight the issue, as environmentalists claim sea lice from farmed salmon were spreading to the wild fish, killing them in huge numbers.

4 GLASGOW FAMILY RESTAURANT NAMED IN THE TIMES TOP 100 Posted on 2 October Eusebi’s Deli and Restaurant in Glasgow caused a stir after it was named by the national newspaper as one of the 100 best places to eat in the UK. The Italian eaterie thanked its loyal staff and customers.

5 AN ASTONISHING GLIMPSE INTO LIFE IN THE 1960S Posted on 24 September A new exhibition showing life on the streets of Edinburgh, captured on film by photographer Robert Blomfield, is to open on November 24.

FOLLOW US

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No. times you viewed our web pages (25 Sept - 23 Oct)

@ScottishField @scottishfield @scottishfieldmag Check out our new and improved website at www.scottishfield.co.uk.

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DONATE £5 TODAY

Text ‘ERSKINE’ to 70660

TEXT YOUR SUPPORT Text ‘SUPPORT’ to 70145 and we will call you

THEIR SACRIFICE SUPPORT OUR VETERANS www.erskine.org.uk Texts to ‘Donate’ cost £5 plus standard network charge. Texts to ‘Support’ cost standard network charge. Erskine receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Customer Care 0141 814 4706. Erskine is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC006609

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15/08/2018 23/10/2018 13:21:16 15:13:31

UP FRONT

Brilliant Braemar TITBITS

TOP PICK The Highlands and Islands are among the top 10 mustsee destinations in the world in 2019 according to The Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019. The four pages dedicated to the area give special mention to the North Coast 500 and the North East 250.

For the full guide visit wwwlonelyplanet. com

Julian and Katy Fennema from Braemar Highland Experience with VisitScotland Regional Director Jo Robinson.

SURGE OF THE SALMON New statistics show that the value of farmed Atlantic salmon in Scotland passed the £1 billion mark for the first time in 2017. The annual Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey also shows a record year of production for Atlantic salmon, with nearly 190,000 tonnes produced. Brown trout production also increased by 49% from 41 tonnes to 61.

£1 billion + value of farmed Atlantic salmon

BUILDING SUCCESS Ten Hill Placehas become the largest independent hotel in Edinburgh following an £8.5m expansion that has seen a 70% increase in the number of rooms from 77 to 129. The hotel is run by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and all profits go back into the training of surgeons.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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VisitScotland has awarded Tour operator Braemar Highland Experience, situated in Royal Deeside, a five-star rating. Run by co-owners Katy and Julian Fennema, it offers bespoke tours in the Cairngorms National Park including guided walking tours and off-road tours on private hill roads. The VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme highlights businesses who exceed customers’ expectations whilst taking an innovative approach to customer care.

37%

increase from the previous year

190,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon produced in 2017

Moorlands help it happen Moorland estates won a clutch of prizes and nominations at this year’s Helping It Happen Awards. The winner of the Enhancing our Environment Award was Philiphaugh Estate in the Borders, for its peatland restoration work and the other two finalists in this category were grouse-shooting estates, with Invercauld Estate and Farr Estate also nominated for their peatland restoration projects. In the Working with Communities Award, the winner was Game For Giving, a joint project by Grampian Moorland Group and Angus Glens Moorland Group, which has provided meals to the needy and vulnerable in their local area. Visit www. helpingithappen.co.uk.

Enhancing the environment winner Philiphaugh Estate

29 24/10/2018 14:01:06

NEWS

For those we lost National Theatre of Scotland have announced six Scottish

TITBITS

beaches taking part in Danny Boyle’s Armistice Day commission for 14-18 NOW which marks the centenary of the end of the First World War. These include beaches in St Andrews, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. On 11 November, the public is invited to gather on these beaches for an informal, nationwide gesture of remembrance for the men Left: Director Danny Boyle.

Above: The beaches will provide a peaceful setting for remembrance.

and women who left their home shores during the First World War. The project is a collaboration between the National Theatre of Scotland and 14-18 NOW. For the full list of events and locations visit www.pagesofthesea.co.uk

BLOOMIN’ MARVELLOUS SCOTS Scotland has won more top awards than any other area of the UK at this year’s Britain in Bloom awards. The titles include the best city (Aberdeen), large town (Perth), town (Linlithgow) and coastal community under 12,000 people (East Haven, Angus). Finalists are judged on their horticultural achievement by a panel from the Royal Horticultural Society. For the full results visit www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom

5

1964

was the year of the first competition

300,000

volunteers take part in the campaign to maintain our green spaces

DID YOU KNOW? The Royal Edinburgh Military the launch of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Youth Talent Development Fund available to young people aged 5-26. Arts and cultural organisations will be eligible to apply for a slice of the £150,000 funding pot. Applications will close on 10 December and successful candidates will be informed in February. For more information visit www.creativescotland.com

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Fife’s 2018 programme for Book Week Scotland has been announced with appearances from cycling champion Graeme ‘The Flying Scotsman’ Obree among various other authors and personalities taking place. Running from 19-25 November. www.onfife.com/ bookweekscotland

gold medals awarded to Scottish entries

Tattoo and Creative Scotland have announced

30

KINGDOM OF BOOKS

HEROINES HONOURED The busts of Maggie Keswick Jencks and missionary Mary Slessor will be the first female figures to be inducted into the The National Wallace Monument’s Hall of Heroes in 2019. The busts will be unveiled in 2019 after a vote in which thousands participated across the world. www.nationalwallace monument.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 14:01:54

Mozolowski & Murray Conservatories Orangeries

Sun Lounges Garden Rooms

To find out more call us on

Mozolowski & Murray

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Visit our design centre or request a brochure.

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www.mozmurray.co.uk

23/10/2018 15:15:34

VIEWPOINT

Shifting skylines With modern developments altering Scotland’s landscapes, Rosie Morton asks why new builds are placed in such prominent beauty spots Right top: Wind turbines in the North Sea at Balmedie in Aberdeenshire.

Right bottom: Fish processing plant, Skye.

Bottom right: The new Marischal Square development in Aberdeen.

L

ove it or loathe it, change is here to stay. It never ceases to amaze when cobbled streets and leafy walkways, once so familiar, are now almost unrecognisable.

The arrival of new developments here, the disappearance of old buildings there. These sights bring with them a distinct wave of nostalgia. Although we can all appreciate a warm, draught-free modern build, seeing soulless lumps of concrete plonked in the middle of historic sites seems criminal. More importantly it makes one wonder if we are beginning to lose sight of our heritage – of what makes ‘Bonny Scotland’ so bonny. Over the past decade, both city and countryside terrain have been changing at an alarming pace, and blots on the landscape seem to be taking an ever-tighter hold.

Most recently, there was much gnashing of teeth on the Isle of Skye when controversial plans for the £100 million Marine Harvest fish processing plant were approved. Soon, tourists and locals alike will go Over the Sea to Skye anticipating rugged views of coastal magnificence, but instead will be met by an unsightly industrial plant bearing a 195-foot chimney.

How will visitors feel – having travelled half way around the globe to see the island Bonnie Prince Charlie fled to in the mid-1700s – when they are welcomed by such an eyesore?

That is not to say, of course, that the site will not benefit the island. Indeed, the plant’s visitor centre was highly endorsed for its potential to boost the local economy, and the plant will provide 55 full-time jobs. However, Scotland’s lush green spaces are what attract global recognition. Surely these unique landscapes must be nurtured, not destroyed. With tourism as our collective future in Scotland, must we place these stark buildings in such prominent beauty spots?

The same might be said for building in front of Aberdeen’s Marischal College. Growing up, I could walk up the Kirkgate

£100m+ The fish processing plant by Skye Bridge has cost more than £100m

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55

full-time jobs will be created at the Skye feed plant

180

and be met by the imposing splendour of the second largest granite building in the world. Now, one of the Granite City’s main attractions merely peaks over the new £170 million Marischal Square development – which, to add insult to injury, was constructed with 180 tonnes of imported Chinese granite.

The skyline of Aberdeen will remain changed forever. And for the worse.

That is before we mention the 11 new wind turbines off the north east coast.

Some of the world’s most advanced electricity generators, these turbines should be enough to power 80,000 homes per year. Nevertheless, the £335 million investment is a sore spot for many, not least for the US President whose golf course view is now blocked by tumbling windmills.

His International Golf Links sports panoramic views of Balmedie, and the nearby Newburgh Beach draws in tourists from far and wide to see the resident colony of seals. Like it or not, Trump’s resort was an opportunity for the north east to boost its economy.

Surely we ought to have preserved the natural beauty that surrounds it to encourage more tourism to the area? It could be argued though that the coast should never have been touched at all.

tonnes of Chinese granite was imported to build Aberdeen’s Marischal Square

80,000

homes per annum will be powered by the 11 wind turbines off Balmedie

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 18:02:05

MARINE HARVEST SCOTLAND

SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT

“

The skyline of Aberdeen will remain changed forever

The same goes for the Stronelairg wind farm on Garrogie estate which was dumped on the land surrounding one of Scotland’s most valuable assets, Loch Ness. You might give a wry smile when you think of “Nessie”, but the legend attracts in excess of £25 million annually. So why do we let these developments besmirch the famous Highland landscape?

Not all planning permission spats are viewed as having a negative impact on tourism, though. Plans for the £10 million Coul Links golf course in Dornoch are set to enhance the town’s economic strength, bringing around 250 jobs and £60 million in the first decade. These figures are disputed though and many organisations remain opposed to the plans. A petition contesting the resort drew in over 90,000 signatures,

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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and was supported by several national charities, including the RSPB. The 32 acres will be a seaside haven for golfers, but it is to be built on a site of Special Scientific Interest. Home to rare plants like coastal juniper trees, as well as a wealth of bird species including waders and waterfowl, critics argue that the golf course will likely disrupt the harmony of wildlife.

Progression is of course essential in modern society – after all, change can indeed be a wonderful thing. However, with Scotland’s majestic rural and city landscapes being tainted, or indeed irreversibly damaged by contemporary projects, is it time to rethink our approach to development?

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24/10/2018 18:02:26

What’s a typical day at Murrayside care home?

Putting on your dancing shoes

At Murrayside care home, now open in Edinburgh, we offer a full range of care services, from residential and nursing to specialist dementia care, and support residents to enjoy the hobbies they love – from the typical to the not-so-typical.

Our new home has been designed to take care home living to a whole new level, offering professional, individualised care and a range of impressive facilities - come and take a look for yourself at our Grand Launch.

Grand Launch

Thursday 22nd November 2018, 2pm - 4pm Enjoy welcome refreshments and canapés on arrival, a range of activities and entertainment plus a special ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Murrayside care home.

For more information or to book your place at the Grand Launch please call us on 0131 516 5103 or email gillian.gray@careuk.com Murrayside care home 34 South Beechwood, Edinburgh EH12 5YS careuk.com/murrayside

Care UK.indd 34

Now open 23/10/2018 15:18:18

ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH

ILLUSTRATION - ALEXANDER JACKSON

T

he toys of childhood have a special place in memory.

I was the proud owner of a steam engine, the water of which was heated by a methylated spirits stove – I imagine health and safety would make those illegal today. Then there was Meccano, with its curious metal pieces and its tiny nuts and bolts. And if anything moved or propelled itself, this was done, for the most part, through clockwork.

My prize possession was a clockwork aeroplane, a clumsy pressed tin construction, the painted windows of which revealed the pilot and the passengers within. The winding of this plane’s mechanism produced a rapid whirring of a small propeller. That was all, but it was enough at a time when toys with batteries were an impossible luxury, and mostly yet to be invented. Of course there is a point to be made here beyond the simple nostalgic one: a childhood without batteries, without electronics, makes for a more imaginative child. There are studies to this effect (I think) although such studies are often difficult to locate when you want to make a point. At a push, of course, one can simply say ‘it’s self-evident’. That sometimes convinces others, sometimes not.

The important thing about clockwork is that it’s still around, and now, we hear, it’s about to make a major comeback in the push for renewable energy. Clockwork is not only sustainable, it is also completely renewable. All you have to do is wind it. It makes very little noise – other than a reassuring tick-tock – it emits no CO2, and there is ample available power to drive the mechanism. The total energy available for clockwork devices is the same as the total energy that can be mustered by human manual effort at any one time. This is vast.

Clockwork energy is currently used for relatively few devices. There are still some kitchen timers operated by a clockwork mechanism, even if most of these have been replaced by electronic devices that do the same thing. Clockwork ones are better, though, as they emit a ticking sound before their bell rings – thus reminding you during the process that you must listen for the final bell. Some clocks are still driven by clockwork, and the more expensive wristwatches, chronometers mostly, have clockwork as opposed to quartz mechanisms. These watches are appreciated by people to whom time is precious. Clockwork wristwatches are undeniably chic.

Apart from that, though, the clockwork industry has been allowed to run down. So when we were told recently that clockwork cars will soon be appearing on Scotland’s roads – on a trial basis – those concerned with renewable energy took a close interest. The Scottish Government, eager to make Scotland’s energy profile greener, is said to be extremely interested. ‘You’re not winding us up on this?’ commented a spokesman, before saying, ‘We think this is possibly the future’.

The prototype clockwork cars being developed by a start-up firm in Motherwell – or possibly Airdie – are the result of

pioneering clockwork research conducted at the University of Strathclyde. The university’s research team has, over the last three years, developed a large-scale clockwork mechanism, the weight of which compares favourably with that of modern all-electric car batteries. The clockwork mechanism, though, has the advantage of having a much smaller ecological footprint than a car battery, which requires electricity to be charged, with all the pollution that this entails further down the line.

The prototype has a satisfactory 0 to 60 acceleration Clockwork rate slightly below that of an is not only average family car. Where the disadvantages come in, though, sustainable, it is are range and the time taken also completely to wind the car once the initial winding has discharged. At renewable present the range of the car on a full wind is a little under a mile. If the car travels at speed, that drops to 800 yards – incomparable to the 250 miles offered by the most expensive all-electric cars – but as the motoring press often points out, range claims made by electric car manufacturers are rarely delivered in real driving conditions.

Will such a small range mean that drivers will not be attracted to clockwork cars? The developers think otherwise: they point out that many people do not want to go too far, and for these users the car will satisfy the need to travel to the end of the street or just around the corner. As for winding time, at present it takes just under an hour to wind the car completely. In families, this can be done in shifts, with children doing shorter winding sessions according to age.

I have not yet tested a clockwork car, but one has been dispatched from Motherwell – or Airdrie – for a test drive. It left last Monday, and is expected in Edinburgh by Friday. I am looking forward to seeing it.

“

Clockwork Future As Scotland turns towards renewable energies, is clockwork the answer, asks Alexander McCall Smith www.scottishfield.co.uk

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SCOTLAND THROUGH A LENS

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24/10/2018 11:37:39

TRISTAN CAMERON-HARPER

Home NO PLACE LIKE

Outdoor enthusiast, model and current Mr Scotland Tristan Cameron-Harper shares some of the spectacular pictures he has taken on his adventures at home

M

eeting Tristan Cameron-Harper is akin to coming face to face with a rugged and bearded version of a Duracell bunny, writes Stephanie Abbot. He tells me that two nights prior to our chat, he was camping in the middle of the Highlands with his beloved pooch Nacho – a dog Tristan rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea just over a year ago – when they were lucky enough to witness a spectacular meteor shower across the night sky.

‘This meteorite comes out of nowhere, breaks up into five pieces, goes bright green and it was the craziest experience of my life. I’ve never seen anything like that, it was quite spectacular. I was shooting some amazing shots of the milky way and it was the first time I was able to do that in Scotland because it’s usually cloudy or there are lights from cities nearby,’ Tristan says with audible excitement.

Tristan’s enthusiasm for the outdoors has led him on countless adventures both at home in Scotland and further afield in Peru, Canada, the Alps, Norway and Spain. His instagram feed is an enviable collection of images from his various escapades and reads like a manual on the ‘how to’ of outdoor adventure.

You may recognise Tristan as one half of the burly duo who featured in the Kilted Yoga video – showing two chaps practicing a spot of yoga in the woods, wearing nothing but their kilts. Released

by BBC Scotland’s The Social in February 2017, the cheeky video has notched up 66 million views.

An ex-professional ice hockey player in Canada, Tristan is also the current Mr Scotland and runs The North Blog through which he showcases his adventures and places a particular emphasis on highlighting all that Scotland has to offer. On top

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Opposite page: A night to remember on the North Coast 500. Far left: A happy Tristan on a rare occasion when he’s indoors.

of that he works with various brands including Tiso, Trespass and Tomatin.

‘My weekly schedule is pretty much catching up on all the work I’ve not been able to do becuase I’m on the road, editing photos, video and then meeting with clients. A lot of my clientele is Scotland-based because I’m really passionate about helping Scotland thrive and raising awareness, getting people more clued up on what’s happening here. I do a lot of mountaineering and mountain guiding, taking people that are not as experienced, giving them the confidence to go out in the hills’.

And it seems that Tristan has no plans to ease up on his busy schedule.

‘I’m meant to be going to Mongolia,’ he says. ‘One of my goals is to shoot for the National Geographic in the future so I want to start going to places in the world that are not really well documented. I want to immerse myself in the local culture and the communities, so I can learn about their way of life. Not only living with them but also bringing that back to our culture and really making people aware that we are so privileged with everything we have.’

Speaking to Tristan is an inspirational experience – and one which could be just the push a person needs to finally bag that first Munro, explore a bit more of Scotland or embark upon a completely new adventure.

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“

His instagram feed is an enviable collection of images from his escapades

Clockwise from above: Getting friendly with the locals; Loch Laggan Beach is a place of tranquility; the haunting Callanish Stones on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis; Angus and Gareth scaling Cairn Lochan in the Cairngorms, which is almost 4,000ft high.

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:39:20

TRISTAN CAMERON-HARPER

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SCOTLAND THROUGH A LENS

“

I’m really passionate about helping Scotland thrive

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:40:48

TRISTAN CAMERON-HARPER

Clockwise from left: Tristan and Nacho take in the view from Arthur’s Seat on a winter’s morning; A bird’s-eye view of a beach near Arbroath; The Treshnish Isles are a haven for puffins; Duncansby Sea Stacks. the most northerly point of mainland Scotland.

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TRISTAN CAMERON-HARPER

Clockwise from left: Moy Castle on Mull; a close encounter with a reindeer in the Cairngorms; Looking onto Ben More through the early-morning gloaming.

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SCOTLAND THROUGH A LENS

Clockwise from above: Staying at the Kylesku Lodges before heading up to climb the iconic Corbetts of Quinag; a ram on Mull; Runach Arainn Yurts on the Isle of Arran.

FIELD FACTS You can follow Tristan’s adventures at www.north-blog.com and on instagram @tristancameronharper

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:43:20

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23/10/2018 15:47:18

CREDO

Credo...

Latin. (n) ‘I believe’. A set of beliefs which influences the way you live.

Surviving the world’s coldest climates and outsmarting polar bears is all in a day’s work for wildlife cameraman and filmmaker Doug Allan

I was born and raised in Dunfermline.

I had a very outdoor, rough and tumble childhood. I wouldn’t say that I was particularly interested in wildlife as a child but I loved playing in the woods or walking up the Ochil Hills. I’m also very fond of the area around Ullapool. It’s where I learned to dive and I’ve often gone hillwalking there. The mountains are phenomenal. I’ve been lucky to have travelled widely and seen mountain ranges like the Himalayas and the Andes, but the scenery in Scotland is certainly equal.

the poles were pretty unexplored, but technology and accessibility was improving. That gave me the chance to film some iconic sequences. Polar bears swimming underwater or coming out of their den for the first time for Planet Earth, or killer whales making waves with their tails to wash seals off the ice.

I met David Attenborough purely by chance. I was working as a research diver for British Antarctic Survey in the Antarctic when they came to our base during filming of Living Planet. I had started to take an interest in stills photography but after working with David and the crew for a few days I really fancied the cameraman’s job. David told me that he didn’t know many people with my knowledge of the Antarctic and that it could be ‘really useful’. So that’s when I started to specialise in working in cold places.

One of my scariest moments was when I was trying to film polar bears coming out of their dens. I spotted a hole in the snow and parked my snow machine a safe distance away before walking towards it with my binoculars. When I had gone a couple of hundred metres I realised that I wasn’t alone. A polar bear was walking alongside me, around 20 metres to my left. We carry flare guns to chase bears away but I had left them on the snow machine. I started to walk in a loop and head back to the machine but the bear was curious and followed. Just then I remembered that I’d once been told that if I dropped something of mine onto the ground for the bear to smell it might be enough to satisfy its curiosity.

I considered leaving the camera as it was heavy and I could run faster without it but I was afraid the bear would break it or, worse, take it. So I threw my hat on the ground and right enough the bear had a sniff and then went away.

DOUG ALLAN

Working on big series like Planet Earth and Blue Planet and their behind the scenes segments gave me a public profile as a filmmaker. It was great working on the big series. For Blue Planet we would have a month to film a three-minute sequence, but I’ve always filled the gaps in my career shooting commercials and lower budget programmes. It’s given me a great sense of variety in filmmaking. I’ve bounced around and I think that helps to keep a fresh feel for every one of them.

My biggest achievement could well be still to come.

I was lucky to get into filmmaking at a time when

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‘Working on big series like Planet Earth and Blue Planet gave me a public profile as a filmmaker’

It’s exciting to believe in ghosts and imagine that there might be something out there. I’m a trained scientist but there are still things in nature that can’t be explained by science. I’d like to think that a human being contains so much energy that there’s a way of that manifesting itself again when we die. www.dougallan.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:17:40

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23/10/2018 15:49:44

PROFILE Illustration: Alexander Jackson

The enigma machine A workaholic who has challenged conventions and changed both print and television media for the better, as he approaches 70 the editor and presenter Andrew Neil is still something of mystery – and a man whose public persona is vastly different from his public face, says Kevin McKenna

T

he call had come from a secretary at ‘Andrew Neil’s world office’ and I thought initially that she had reached the wrong person. Would I be available to meet Andrew early the following week, she asked.

I hesitated for a few moments before saying ‘yes’ in a callow attempt at conveying an impression of nonchalance. In truth, I was panicking and would have put myself at his disposal even if it had coincided with kick-off time for a Celtic v Rangers fixture. This was in 1998 and at a time when I was sports editor at Scotland on Sunday newspaper.

I’d read Neil’s recently-published newspaper memoir ‘Full Disclosure’ and seemed to recall a passage about how, as editor of The Sunday Times, he would invite doomed executives to dinner at a decent restaurant, tell them politely it wasn’t working and that there were no hard feelings and then hand them a large cheque to take away the pain.

I was young and enjoying this job, though. The time for valedictory cheques, no matter how large, was still some years off, I felt. Even so, by the time I’d arrived at Glasgow’s swanky One Devonshire Gardens in the city’s arboreal West End I’d already resigned myself to getting the old Dan Mac. When Neil appeared though, he was charming and ebullient.

He offered to double my salary on the spot if I would agree to

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take over the sports desk of our sister paper, The Scotsman, and become sportseditor-in-chief of the group. Sport might not have been his strongest suit (despite the fact that his first job was as a sports reporter for the Paisley Daily Express) but he knew when pages lacked sparkle and ideas and The Scotsman sports section had little of either.

‘Here’s the deal,’ he said. ‘We’ll meet again in London in two months’ time to review progress. If there hasn’t been any I’ll try someone else.’ He didn’t say these words in a sinister or threatening manner; it was all simply business. He had just been appointed editor-in-chief of The Scotsman group and was a man in a hurry. He had probably also promised his own paymasters, the inscrutable and billionaire Barclay twins, who had lately acquired the Scotsman Publications, that he would immediately put their investment to work.

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ANDREW NEIL

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PROFILE

You sensed that similar conversations were occurring in other suitably louche premises in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Neil wanted The Scotsman to outsell its great Glasgow rival The Herald for the first time in its 180-year history and, armed with a considerable treasure chest, set about gathering the best journalists he could find under that old bronze masthead on North Bridge. For a while he achieved this, aided by several months of slashed cover prices, a saturation advertising campaign and some eye-watering competition give-aways.

Many of the journalists and executives who worked there during this period enjoyed what were arguably the best days of their journalistic careers. Neil sought to bring a touch of old Fleet Street panache and vigour to North Bridge and felt that this paper bearing the name of its country in its masthead and almost two centuries of history ought to behave like a proper national title with a global reach.

No longer would it measure itself against The Herald in Glasgow but against The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian. He brought a cavalier approach to a grand old roundhead title. One Scottish journalist who went on to become an executive at the paper recalls how in his early days as a casual sub-editor there he was told his services would no longer be required because he had described the perjink Dupont pen company as ‘the firm that wants to make all

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your letters French ones’ in a heading for an advertising feature.

The Times columnist and political commentator Iain Martin was appointed editor of The Scotsman during this time and remembers Neil fondly. ‘He is a very tough and skilled editor with clear views on how journalism should be done’, said Martin. ‘He was my boss for the best part of a decade before becoming a lasting friend, from whom I’ve learned much. He is very loyal – great fun and a good man for a night out. Everyone who knows him at all also knows that he is very warm and generous, almost to a fault.

‘In many ways he was a visionary and simply wanted Scotland to realise its full potential. He made enemies by calling out the Scottish Government on education where he felt that resistance to innovation and progressive thinking had handicapped generations of children from disadvantaged neighbourhoods and intensified the attainment gap. Who can say now that he hasn’t been proved right in this?’

Journalist Alan Taylor, now editor of the Scottish Review of Books, became a confidante of Neil’s during his years in Edinburgh on The Scotsman. ‘One of his great friends was a hard and talented Glaswegian journalist called Bob Campbell who watched his back during Andrew’s first difficult months at the Sunday Times’, says Taylor. ‘Bob returned to Scotland and was an executive at The Scotsman when Andrew took the reins in 1997.

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24/10/2018 15:35:10

ANDREW NEIL

“

He is very loyal – great fun and a good man for a night out

Not long afterwards Bob died, leaving three young boys who had also lost their mum some years earlier. Not many people know that Andrew set up a trust fund for the boys which he paid into and persuaded some of his friends to do likewise. It was a side of him that very few people got to know but underpinned much of what he did.

‘I was very fond of Andrew – it was hard not to be. He was engaging and impish and in terms of networking and bonhomie made the Kardashians look like they’d taken a vow of silence.

I felt though, that he never quite got Edinburgh and certainly not the Edinburgh that was the bedrock of the Scotsman circulation. His weekly column often targeted what he regarded as an indolent teaching profession and the self-indulgent excesses of the Edinburgh Festivals. This wasn’t in itself a major problem – the paper after all had columnists like Ian Bell and Joyce MacMillan to counter Andrew’s free-market views. It’s just that he was the paper’s editor-in-chief and so many readers felt his views formed the new editorial line of The Scotsman itself’.

The initial glut of heady circulation numbers for The Scotsman under Neil’s stewardship, largely achieved by slashing the cover price of the paper, were unsustainable in the long term without securing a foothold in the lucrative West of Scotland property, cars and housing advertising markets, all of which The Herald controlled. By the time he departed The Scotsman a few

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REBECCA NADEN / PA ARCHIVE / PA IMAGES

Left: Neil’s revolutionary new Sunday morning politics show redefined the format.

Right: Rupert Murdoch launching Britain’s first satellite TV network in November 1990, with his sidekick Neil.

years later it’s debatable if the papers under his aegis had been significantly improved. By then, the arrival of 24-hour rolling television news and the first squawks of social media were effectively bringing all growth in the newspaper industry to an end. What’s beyond debate is that under him The Scotsman would certainly not have endured the long and steep decline that has characterised its last decade.

Those who wished to survive in this strange new world, let alone flourish, would need to adapt. Neil departed The Scotsman Publications in 2005 when the Barclays sold the group to Johnston Press for an astonishing price of around £160m. It was a smart piece of business by the twins and a catastrophe for the group’s new owners. The Scotsman was simply unable to live with the financial obligations that came with such a price tag.

The Scotsman under Neil and the Barclays had been one of the first UK newspapers to see the brand potential of a wellresourced website and online operation. Resources were piled in and with a team which understood the new and arcane black magic of search engine optimisation, the paper’s website matched the digital leader, The Guardian, for traffic. Under Johnston Press, however, the website was almost immediately downgraded and emptied of most of its journalists. It ranks as one of the greatest own goals in the recent history of Scottish newspapers.

Even among his detractors there is an acknowledgement that Andrew Ferguson Neil deserves to be regarded as one of the finest Scottish journalists of his generation and one who, as he prepares to enter his eighth decade, remains a towering figure in the UK media. As a writer he would be the first to admit he was never quite in the same class as Neil Ascherson or Ian Bell but those who disparaged what they regarded as an arid prose style conveniently ignore the fact that he was appointed UK editor of The Economist in his twenties, having been spent three years in New York as the magazine’s correspondent.

During this time he began to forge a twin career as a television broadcaster for various American stations. The fees he received for this work matched the £25,000 he was getting from The Economist. He is one of only a handful of UK journalists whose considerable success in newspapers has been matched in the world of broadcasting. Arguably, his 11 years as editor of the Sunday Times (he was appointed by Rupert Murdoch at the age

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CROWDSPARK / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

PROFILE

of 33) laid the foundations for the future prosperity of the title which had experienced a lengthy period in the doldrums prior to his arrival in 1983. Many of the innovations he brought to the paper are now regarded as standard in any UK newspaper that chooses to regard itself as a ‘national’. These included adding standalone sections on lifestyle, technology and entertainment, and a greater appreciation of the photographer’s art.

Neil’s first months at the Sunday Times were disfigured by resignations and sackings as he met fierce resistance to the changes he demanded of a paper which was heading for the journalistic knacker’s yard. It was known to be He’d been a place where, if you were responsible for lucky enough to secure a job on it, you could pull changing the down a massive salary, face of the UK an attractive pension and newspaper industry expenses that would fund a house in the country.

In exchange you would not be required to produce anything much worthwhile, with many journalists getting by on one story a month. In his stretch at the Sunday Times he’d been responsible for changing the face of the UK newspaper industry by facing down some of the worst excesses of the old print trade unions and their suicidal resistance to new technology.

There are many on the left who continue to condemn Neil as a reactionary high priest of Thatcherism, but then nothing pushes the left’s buttons like a working-class boy wearing a blue rosette. Born into a solidly working class family on a

“

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Above: Neil on the red carpet with Swedish wife Susan Nilsson at The Crown premiere in London.

Paisley housing estate – his father was an electrician and member of the Territorial Army, while his mother worked in the local cotton mills – Neil attended the high-achieving state-run Paisley Grammar after passing his 11-plus before excelling at Glasgow University where he specialised in American history, political economy (where his tutor was Vince Cable) and political science, while also editing the university paper, The Glasgow University Guardian.

After graduating with an MA in 1971 he gravitated towards political conservatism and was a member of the university’s Conservative Club before landing a job as a research assistant for the party following his graduation.

Yet those who allow his true-blue roots to colour their perception of him wilfully ignore the reality of his spell in the Sunday Times editor’s chair.

In his book he described himself as a neo-Keynesian who rejected monetarism and felt that Conservative values ought also to include a significant degree of social responsibility. In ‘Full Disclosure’ he said he wanted the Sunday Times to ‘establish an original line on economic policy’. This included at once being

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ANDREW NEIL

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Above: Andrew Neil grilling Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland.

Below: Receiving his honorary degree at Glasgow University

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ANDREW MILLIGAN / PA WIRE / PA IMAGES

more radically right than Thatcher in terms of seeking ‘more competition, privatisation and deregulation than the Thatcher government was prepared to contemplate’.

But he also wanted the paper to support ‘more government investment to get the economy going and reduce unemployment, which aligned us with the demands of Labour and the left against the monetarism and fiscal conservatism of the government’.

Like many other one-nation Tories he overlooked the fundamental flaw in an economy wedded to the free market – that this only worked in a society not also characterised by unearned privilege such as inherited wealth and aggressive tax-avoidance by the top one per cent. It was like setting the plumb-line on a ship that had already been holed beneath the water.

In terms of liberal values it could safely be argued that Neil was two decades ahead of the newspaper industry.

He promoted a host of talented women to key executive posts throughout his career in newspapers, including the appointment of Rebecca Hardy as editor of The Scotsman, the first-ever female editor of a UK national.

In his book he wrote of the changes in old attitudes he wanted to bring to the Sunday Times: ‘With a more meritocratic approach I hoped a team more in tune with the New Britain would emerge. That meant, for a start, more female reporters and executives, and a stab at a staff that reflected the country’s ethnic diversity, instead of the almost totally male, white, middle-aged group I had inherited. But above all I simply wanted to hire the best people, regardless of background.’

Neil’s career in broadcasting following his departure from the Sunday Times has been as anointed as his regal procession in the newspaper industry. His thirst for innovation made the BBC’s coverage

of current affairs accessible beyond the cocoons of the media and political elites. His ‘This Week’ programme with regular guests Michael Portillo and Diane Abbott was whimsical and occasionally slapstick but broke some complicated themes down into digestible components for an audience that might have felt they had better things to do than sit through the uber-politics of late-night television on a Thursday.

His BBC Sunday Politics show was required viewing for those with a keen interest in watching his forensic and politically indiscriminate eviscerations of MPs and ministers. One senior Scottish MP told me that you couldn’t really consider yourself a player at Westminster until you had undergone Andrew Neil’s baptism of fire. He would have been the ideal successor to David Dimbleby on Question Time. Instead though, he stepped down from the Sunday Politics show – a development that led some to believe he is being eased out as part of a BBC purge of older white male presenters. Others point to his recent marriage to Susan Nilsson, a Swedish engineer, and to the fact that he is a year shy of his 70th birthday and still has a He’s a git but punishing work schedule he didn’t merely with the BBC. Neil is also currently work in Edinburgh chairman of Press – he occupied the Holdings, which owns The Spectator. The magazine’s bloody place editor Fraser Nelson, also a Glasgow University alumnus, describes his work-rate as phenomenal.

‘He can be a demanding boss but he cares about what proper journalism ought to look like. Each new member of staff at The Spectator gets a guidebook from me including a chapter on how to deal with Andrew. It advises them to be honest in their dealings with him, even when something has gone wrong.’

Another former Scotsman staffer, a Glaswegian who had no truck with Neil’s politics, said: ‘He’s a right-wing git but I liked him. He loved the papers and thought we should all love them too. He didn’t merely work in Edinburgh – he occupied the bloody place.’

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COMMENT

ILLUSTRATION - ALEXANDER JACKSON

I

can’t say I’ll be too sorry to see the back of 2018.

As far as I was concerned, with the exception of Scotland beating England at rugby and cricket, it was a nothing sort of year. But there is one reason that I hope some of the events and memories of the year now passing will not be forgotten.

I’m referring to the ceremonies – no, make that memorials – that marked the centenary of the end of the First World War. Indeed, the whole of the last four years from 2014 onwards have been remarkable for the way in which almost the entire world, and certainly all of Europe, have commemorated the events and sacrifices of that appalling conflict.

And as someone who has made regular trips over past decades to all those battlefields what has struck me most forcibly has been not that the memory of that carnage is fading but quite the reverse. Untold crowds of people continue to pay homage to those who gave their lives by the million from 1914-1918, and what is perhaps most remarkable about all of those who stand in silent tribute at the monuments, cenotaphs and cemeteries which are dotted all over those Flanders fields, is their age.

There is obviously nobody alive today who fought in those battles – but it is their grandchildren and, more likely, their great-grandchildren who are there every week of the year in truly amazing numbers to acknowledge the price their forebears paid all those years ago.

That children of school age can see for themselves what men not much older than themselves lived and died through, in the most appalling of conditions, 100 years ago is to my mind the best way to teach history.

The French, British, Belgian, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand governments, aided and abetted by the magnificent Commonwealth War Graves Commission, have gone to extraordinary lengths to tell us what really happened. And in saying this, I shouldn’t forget to say that the huge German cemeteries - with their rows of black iron crosses - should also be on every battlefield tour itinerary, spelling out how grievous were the losses suffered by that country too.

To witness the sunset ceremony at the Menin Gate, in Ypres – ‘Wipers’ to my grandfather – is an intensely moving occasion, still witnessed by hundreds, even thousands, every night. And whilst the 60,000 names of the dead and missing inscribed on its walls are mostly of British and Commonwealth soldiers, it is Belgian firemen who sound the Last Post on their

bugles and who, I am sure, will continue to do so for many years to come.

Or will they? It is this last issue that gives me some cause for concern. Will the end of 2018 signify that we’re finished with the First World War? After all we’ve had elaborate and stirring ceremonies to mark the various centenaries. We began by marking the start of the war when the ‘lamps were going out Those who ‘died all over Europe’, according to Sir like cattle’ deserve Edward Grey. to be forever in our And then, one after the other, the 100-year anniversaries of the minds great battles occurred – the miracle of Mons in 1914; the butchery of the Jocks at Loos in 1915, which is still remembered every year with a ceremony on the Dundee Law; the First Day of the Somme on 1 July 1916, when 20,000 perished; the attack by 40-odd Scottish battalions at Arras in 1917; and not ever forgetting the various Battles of Ypres, the last of which was also named Passchendaele, a name that still strikes awe and revulsion in the hearts of many and in equal measure because of its horrific squalor.

I’m about to begin a pilgrimage to Amiens where the last German offensive was halted in 1918 and from where the battle which presaged the end of hostilities began. As I write, the ceremony to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month will be well advanced for this year’s service and parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. But marking as it does the centenary of the day the guns at last fell silent it will take on a special significance – November 11 falls on a Sunday this year.

Some 10,000 people – descendants, family members, the general public, as well as servicemen – will take part in the marchpast, while bells will be rung all round Europe as a thank you to those who died (in the apogee of naffness, the government is already calling it the ‘People’s Procession’).

I do hope, however, that this will be not be the last of our memorials to the fallen of all those years ago. Those who, in Wilfred Owen’s words, ‘died like cattle’ deserve to be forever in our minds if only in the hope that it doesn’t happen again.

“

Lest we forget

As the First World War centenary memorials draw to a close, Alan Cochrane hopes that we continue to mark those who fell all those years ago

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AREA FEATURE – EDINBURGH

The Edinburgh-born Arctic explorer, botanist, documentary maker and writer Isobel Wylie Hutchison travelled alone on expeditions few would attempt today, says Rosie Morton

Defying convention T

he Victorian era was not altogether kind to women.

Not having the vote, obediently sitting in the domestic sphere, or walking down the church aisle in the name of ‘marrying well’ seems outlandishly far removed from the contemporary world to which we are accustomed. For Scottish Arctic explorer and botanist Isobel Wylie Hutchison, the future was more or less paved out, and it took great courage to step outside of these traditional realms and accepted norms.

Born in 1889 in Carlowrie Castle, West Lothian, Isobel was the third of Thomas Hutchison and Jeannie Wylie’s five children. The castle was built by her grandfather, who had been a successful wine merchant and Provost of Leith. His wealth allowed him to privately educate the young Isobel, and he also passed many hours teaching her about gardening and botany.

Carlowrie’s rambling grounds provided the ideal setting to nurture her wildly adventurous spirit. Her grandfather died before the castle’s completion in 1855 but left behind a beautiful David Bryce-designed mansion which Isobel would call home for 93 years and in which her character was forged.

Aged ten, Isobel’s father died, a momentous event which was closely followed by the death of two of her brothers – one in the First World War, the other in a freak climbing accident in the Cairngorms. She tried to dull her grief by walking long distances: she would walk from Edinburgh to John O’Groats, or head south to London, with her spells in the great outdoors bringing her solace. Although her father left her a trust that left her financially independent she was also sustained both mentally and financially by her success in poetry and writing – well into her twenties she wrote for the popular magazine ‘The Scribbler’, kept diaries and wrote papers about her rambling.

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Having witnessed her sisters settle down into marriage, it is said she was not taken by the idea of being tied down. ‘I think it would have put a lot of men’s noses out of joint not being married back then,’ said Andrew Marshall, current owner of Carlowrie Castle who also grew up on the estate. ‘In those days it would have been frowned upon not to be married, so you can imagine the pressure she must have had on her. But that’s what makes her unique. She was quietly confident in her abilities and was certain of her purpose in life’.

Jo Woolf, writer in residence at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, agrees. ‘She wanted to go out and see the world,’ she said. ‘She had this very strong attraction for the lands of the

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24/10/2018 10:59:55

ISOBEL WYLIE HUTCHISON Right: On her Greenland expedition with local Regina.

Left: Isobel in the Arctic with sled dog.

Below left: Her home, Carlowrie Castle, as it stands today.

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AREA FEATURE – EDINBURGH

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23/10/2018 16:03:48

ISOBEL WYLIE HUTCHISON

north. It was like a Fairyland for her – when she was in Greenland she wrote in a poem that she had “found the path to Fairyland”. She went there because it made her happy, simple as that’.

Isobel went on to become a pioneering Arctic explorer, botanist, writer, artist and polyglot, speaking eight languages – Italian, Gaelic, Greek, Hebrew, Danish, Icelandic, Greenlandic and some Inuit.

Even by today’s standards, with the help of technology and languagelearning software, this would be an almighty achievement. It is also believed she was one of the world’s first true documentary-makers as she photographed people going about their daily lives.

Woolf has written extensively on the explorer. ‘Her photographs are a wonderful insight,’ she said. ‘They’re not great quality – you can just about make out the people’s features. But she didn’t go with any grand intentions. She wasn’t pretending to be anybody and that comes across in her photos.’

In 1924, Isobel undertook her first solo expedition to Iceland. Not only was this largely unheard of for male explorers, let alone for a woman, the intrepid Isobel also intended to traverse the interior of the desolate and largely unexplored island.

‘There were no maps, there were no guides to the interior of Iceland,’ says Dawn Charman, Journal Contributor at Craft Design House, who has closely studied Isobel’s story. ‘People went around the coasts of Iceland because it was navigable. Everyone told her

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Above: Isobel with nurses in Alaska.

Right: Isobel Wylie Hutchison with the Officers of the US Coast Guard Ship Chelan. Below: Isobel on board a boat in Alaska.

“

She did these extraordinary expeditions all because it was what was in her heart she wouldn’t make it, that she’d die, that it was hopeless.

‘But she went 250 miles across unchartered territory – she made it. She was completely determined. I don’t know what she thought about her safety, or if she thought about it at all, but she did these extraordinary expeditions all because it was what was in her heart.’

Isobel went on through dangerous terrain in Greenland, the Arctic, Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands. By 1934 she had been awarded the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Fellowship Diploma and had become the first woman to receive their prestigious Mungo Park Medal in recognition of her contributions to Arctic research. She also became Vice President for the society, and the University of St Andrews awarded her an Honorary degree in 1949.

Writing widely about her travels, Isobel contributed regularly to the National Geographic. As her research and expeditions developed she collected plants from far flung territories and gave them to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and Edinburgh. Otherwise, she would nurture them in her own gardens at Carlowrie Castle. Leaving an indelible mark on

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IMAGE FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE ROYAL SCOTTISH GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

AREA FEATURE – EDINBURGH

“

It was more a personal expedition than one that was done for international acclaim the estate, some of these plants – such as rare rose bushes and cypress trees – continue to thrive in the castle grounds today.

Isobel’s spirit lives on.

Bearing in mind that most women of her time were without a job and instead stayed dutifully at home, Isobel defied convention. Needless to say she was not held in as high regard as her fellow male explorers, but her quiet character did not seek attention. ‘She was very modest about her achievements,’ said Charman. ‘She didn’t go after those landmarks victories – she didn’t attempt to be the first woman to the North Pole, for instance. It was more a personal expedition than one that was done for international acclaim.’

For Isobel, the joy of the journey far outweighed any accolades she was due. In spite of her quiet, humble attitude to her work, she was a great communicator and built friendships in the local communities she visited. Intent on seeing in the New Year Scottish-style, she made sure to pack the essentials – equipped with haggis and plum puddings, she shared her home traditions with the Greenlandic community she was staying with in the late 1920s.

Of course, being ‘well-born’ Isobel risked scandal and

Above left: Isobel gathering flowers for the Royal Botanics.

Above right: Isobel the explorer wrapped up against the elements.

Below right: Isobel in Carlowrie Castle grounds.

THE EXPLORER’S COLLECTION In partnership with Carlowrie Castle and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, Craft Design House launched the Isobel Wylie Hutchison Collection.

The range includes homeware, accessories and clothing that reflect Isobel’s life and legacy.

One piece, a scarf, is split diagonally down the centre representing the juxtaposition in the explorer’s life – half tells the story of her Arctic explorations, the other of her quiet life at Carlowrie.

Dawn Charman, Digital Marketing Manager at Craft Design House, explained the inspiration behind a glass decanter: ‘Women were fragile beings – like glass – as far as society was concerned. But actually glass is surprisingly resilient and it has this grit to it that nobody expects. That’s very much what Isobel was like’.

In contrast to the castle’s history Carlowrie’s interior has a contemporary feel – the owner, Andrew Marshall, has an extensive ‘Urban’ and ‘Pop’ art collection.

Isobel’s Collection seeks to reintegrate the heritage into the fabric of the castle.

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disapproval from her family upon her return to Scotland, and of this she was accutely aware. When in Alaska in 1933, for instance, she stayed for seven weeks with a man called Gus Masik. He was a fur trader and a kindred spirit for Isobel, and they went on to build a solid friendship. She stayed there until the ice was thick enough for sledging and let no relationship rumours deter her strength of character.

‘She was a born into a respectable family, but she was doing everything quietly and on her own terms’, said Woolf.

‘She had a strength of mind – she was an unusual kind of traveller for the age she lived in and she brings a message that crosses all eras.

‘She proved that you can follow your own star, do what you want to do, and make a success of it. She showed that if you follow your heart, you can be happy.

All it takes is the courage to do it’.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:03:03

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AREA FEATURE – EDINBURGH

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23/10/2018 16:07:52

AREA FOCUS – EDINBURGH

WALKING IN TOWN AND COUNTRY

Though Edinburgh and the Lothians boasts beautiful city skylines, there are hills, coastlines, woodlands and lochs aplenty for keen walkers to explore, says Jamie Dey

E

dinburgh is built on seven hills (some actually say there are ten but that debate can be left to the letters page). It should, therefore, be a good place for a walk, with the ever-popular Arthur’s Seat, Castle Rock, Calton Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Blackford Hill, the Braids and the Wester Craiglockhart Hill to choose from. Edinburgh is also crisscrossed by a wonderful network of former railway lines which make for wonderful walks.

When you add in the ribbons of green carrying the Union Canal and the Water of Leith, where wildlife including kingfishers and herons thrives, the list of potential strolls gets ever longer. And they all have the advantage of Scotland’s capital being on offer when the physical exertion is over.

On the edge of the city lies Cramond – a pretty little place which you would be forgiven for thinking was a remote coastal village. The River Almond flows into the Firth of Forth here and a walk upstream takes in a delightful waterside covered with a canopy of trees. Just offshore is Cramond Island which can be reached via a causeway at low tide. Be sure to read the tide times though or the water will block your return.

Further west are the Forth bridges with the rail bridge being the most impressive, especially on a walk along the shore to Hound Point and beyond to the Dalmeny Estate. If this stretch of coast feels grand that’s because it is – you pass Barnbougle Castle, formerly the main house of the estate where the fifth Earl of Rosebery, who was also Prime Minister, is said to have practiced his speeches in its hall.

Another grand stately home, Hopetoun House, the home of Lord Hopetoun, sits along the Firth of Forth. A walk in its grounds is very enjoyable but the shoreline beyond is a real treat. Linking the fortress of Blackness Castle with the ancient

church at Abercorn, Wester Shore Wood is a good ramble and can include a detour to one of the Hopetoun Estate’s fortified houses – Midhope Castle – which was used in the US television smash hit ‘Outlander’.

The Royal Burgh of Linlithgow lies just down the road with its Palace – the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots – and loch which make a picture-perfect scene. Above the town is Beecraigs Country Park, with miles of marked trails culminating in a lovely little hill, Cockleroy, meaning King’s Hat, from where you can gaze across Scotland from Arran to the Trossachs and the Ochils and along the Firth of Forth to Bass Rock.

West Lothian extends south to the edge of the Pentlands, a great range of hills right on the doorstep of the Central Belt.

Flotterstone, with its visitor centre and pub, is a good base to walk the highest of the hills, or enjoy a stroll by reservoirs below them. Overlooking Edinburgh are Allermuir Hill and Caerketton Crags – a stiff walk up these is enjoyable with a return through the delightful hamlet of Swanston, a place Robert Louis Stevenson knew well from spending childhood summers there.

To the east of the Pentlands is Roslin Glen – where a steepsided gorge carries the River North Esk and makes for a good stroll before visiting the Rosslyn Chapel above, where ancient history mixes with the fiction of the Da Vinci Code novel by Dan Brown.

The River North Esk joins with the South Esk in Dalkeith Country Park before flowing on to Musselburgh and a walk to the confluence of the two water courses is a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Another country park, Vogrie, is worth a visit, not least for the chance of seeing owls at dusk and dawn.

SHUTTERSTOCK

THREE FAMILY WALKS FOR EDINBURGH AND THE LOTHIANS

Blackford Hill and the Braids, Edinburgh Just set back from the city centre is a wonderful stroll that leads to a stunning view of city, coast and country. Starting at the Hermitage of Braid, the top of Blackford Hill is soon reached.

Dropping back down again, the Howe Dean Path boasts views of the countryside to the south.

Once back at the start, a detour to legendary Morningside pub, The Canny Man’s, is in order.

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Scald Law, The Pentlands The highest point of The Pentlands is a good objective, and the promise of a return to the cosy Flotterstone Inn helps the legs keep going.

Begin by taking in the outlying Turnhouse and Carnethy Hills before reaching the very top of this delightful range just south of Edinburgh. The way back leads past the picturesque Loganlea and Glencorse reservoirs.

Wester Shore Wood, Firth of Forth This woodland, starting near Blackness, is a great place for a winter wander, looking out over the shore of the Firth of Forth. The castle at Blackness was used in the hit US television series Outlander but a detour before the ancient village of Abercorn leads to an even bigger location – Midhope Castle, used as Lallybroch, the ancestral home of lead character Jamie Fraser.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:05:10

WALKS IN EDINBURGH AND THE LOTHIANS

“

The world class golden beaches of East Lothian need no introduction

Further south, on the edge of the Lothians, is Gladhouse Reservoir which lies below the Moorfoot Hills. A long walk around the body of water is pleasant. As winter turns to spring there is a chance of seeing lapwings swooping and calling above the surrounding fields – a sight to stop anyone in their tracks.

To the east the Lammermuir Hills form the boundary between the Lothians and the Borders and, as detailed in last month’s column, they offer a peaceful haven for walking in solitude among the far-reaching moorland.

The world-class golden beaches of East Lothian on the coast below need no introduction and would take many days and weeks to fully explore. At this time of year they can be at their best when the waves are crashing, driven by winter winds, and a frost is covering the dunes.

So whether it is the rolling hills - the magnificent seven or otherwise coastline, woodland, rivers or lochs that you wish to explore, Edinburgh and the Lothians is undeniably beautiful and is certain to have something for everyone.

Right: Arthur’s Seat feels far removed from its city backdrop. Below: Cramond feels more like a remote coastal village.

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AREA FOCUS – EDINBURGH

FROM GOSSIP GIRL TO GAME CHANGER

A Glaswegian mum marooned in Edinburgh, Kylie Reid didn’t know where to get a haircut or how to find a plumber – so she set up an hugely successful online community where the city’s women help each other, discovers Stephanie Abbot

T

hey say a problem shared is a problem halved but how would that maths apply if you happen to share your problem with 14,000 other people? Founder of the Edinburgh Gossip Girls Facebook page Kylie Reid has created the means to answer such a question.

Originally from Glasgow, with a background in sales and marketing, new mum Kylie moved to Edinburgh in 2014 but felt disconnected to the new city she now called home. ‘I was a wee bit lost in terms of finding good places to go, especially when it came to important things like where to get my hair cut and nice places to eat, and I didn’t want to start scrolling through Google.

‘I know in other cities and towns there are forums like EGG where girls will recommend and review local businesses so I searched for a Facebook group but couldn’t find one so I set up Edinburgh Gossip Girls.’

By simply popping up content that she would like to see herself and asking

friends, along with friends of friends to join, Kylie quickly created an online community through which 5,000 women, all living in the capital, were sharing, confiding and supporting one another.

The group began attracting attention from local businesses who were keen to offer the group discounts and the chance to carry out reviews.

Despite the growing popularity of the group, Kylie was at that point still working full-time as a sales manager for Cheeky Chompers, a baby product company set up by two Edinburgh mums. ‘EGG was just ticking along in the background but it wasn’t a priority, although I knew deep down that there might be something in this and I’ve always wanted to do my own thing.’

The ambition to branch out and work for herself stems from Kylie watching her father, who ran his own business and would work seven days a week. ‘The phone would ring at 9 o’clock at night because he would have an advert in the local paper for a television so he would

Top right: Kylie and her daughter Ottilie. Above: One of EGG’s popular all-women workshops.

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be picking up the phone and working all the time’. When Kylie’s Dad passed away last February, she felt compelled to take a leap of faith with her career.

‘It’s during these times where you kind of reassess your life and realise that we’re not here forever. My mum passed away seven years previously and I could see in both of them this reflective period and my dad in particular, focused on what he hadn’t done in his life’.

With all this in mind and the evergrowing support from the Edinburgh Gossip Girl page, Kylie officially launched EGG in April 2017. ‘By this time people were just calling it EGG anyway plus I was keen to get rid of the gossip side because we are about so much more than that’.

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24/10/2018 10:55:16

GOSSIP GIRLS

“

I knew deep down that there might be something in this and I’ve always wanted to do my own thing

In order to monetise what she had already built, Kylie launched an annual subscription which entitles members to exclusive discounts and tickets to events such as The Runny EGG 10k, working lunches which include inspirational female speakers and shopping nights with both big and independent brands.

While the Facebook group has a waiting list of people keen to join and Kylie is careful to grow the group slowly to maintain the feeling of a safe space, the EGG card is open to all

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women. EGG events focus on topics like grief, maternal mental health and the menopause, proving the business is about much more than bringing women together for a natter or find a plumber.

After attending the EGG event on grief, one woman who lost her mother 25 years ago told Kylie it changed her life by allowing her to cry over her loss for the first time. According to Kylie, that’s all the confirmation needed to prove she made the right decision and that things are looking sunny side up for EGG.

EGG CARD Connecting the women of Edinburgh The digital EGG card allows all women to enjoy exclusive offers in and around the city. From beauty to fitness, eating out to baby toys, this card will save you some precious pennies.

You can find out more at www.eggedinburgh.com

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AREA FEATURE – EDINBURGH

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EDINBURGH

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One of Edinburgh’s finest whisky bars with a carefully selected range of over 300 whiskies, 25 whisky flights, an active whisky club and monthly tastings. The Abbey is the place to go for all things whisky related when in the capital. Hearty Scottish breakfasts served every morning and traditional Scottish favourites for the rest of the day.

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THE COUNTRYMAN

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every single invertebrate bycatch. Would this be the or a long time now I’ve been talking to my case with the 30 tonnes ripped up by dredging? Hand youngest son about a plan for us to dive harvesters carefully cut a little up the kelp stalk, together in one of the many areas of kelp forest leaving the base of the kelp still attached to the rock that abound in the shallows off the coast of Mull. Often so it can regrow. Would this be the case with the I find myself swimming through these exceptional dredging? Low impact high value producers need to be areas of temperate marine fecundity as I go about my supported and allowed to flourish job as a scallop diver. And every time it feels like a because, in real terms, it is the only profound privilege, just as it would walking through activity that is sustainable. mature native woodlands or journeying through any Our only true According to the National Marine corner of this exquisite planet which has been left wealth both now Plan kelp is a priority marine feature mercifully untouched. that needs to be protected due to its and in the future is Thankfully, unlike forests on land, our kelp forests huge importance as a nursery for remain lush like magnificent emerald gardens. They our environment fish and shellfish, as an immense are the last remaining natural fecund zone left in the carbon store, and as a buffer against inshore waters as due to their need to grow on a rocky severe weather. base the ground they’re on cannot be easily dredged, Much like the insidious belief that it is okay to unlike everything else past the kelp line. dredge and trawl around ‘special features’ within Recently the kelp forests came under threat when our MPAs, it is clearly wrong to think that you a licence was requested by a commercial concern can take a large quantity of one species out of the to dredge 30 tonnes of kelp per year from the West marine ecosystem without affecting everything Coast islands and mainland coastlines of Scotland. On else. It is equivalent to, on land, clearing entire hearing this my heart sank. As it is, thanks to scallop forests away to leave an ancient oak standing. dredging, all areas outside of our Marine Protected Within the MPAs, this principle will doubtless Areas now resemble car parks, monocultures of lead to the destruction of as yet undiscovered rubble-strewn oblivion devoid of all special features and plant and animal life as we still three-dimensional life. don’t have a full understanding of what’s down The Scottish Government have been actively there. And beyond the frankly silly reliance on looking at the proposal, although it has so far been protecting ‘special features’, the true and abiding thwarted by the Scottish Green Party which is the value of our MPAs is that damaging mobile sole political party in the UK that understands that fishing is not allowed. our only true wealth both now and in the future is In our Firth Of Lorne MPA, I have seen our environment. Mark Ruskell, Green Party MSP ‘gravel banks’, which some would say for Mid-Scotland and Fife, successfully secured support no life, becoming the habitat for an amendment to the Crown Estate Bill to protect an increasingly complex range of fish and Scotland’s kelp forests. shellfish relatively soon after being protected As usual, the kelp dredging proposal was shortfrom dredging. These areas would be termist. Yes alginates are useful, and a component in wiped out if mobile fishing was allowed many products from medicine to cosmetics to food, to dredge them again as the lobbyists but instead of denuding our important underwater would wish. forests, why not pro-actively support research into Unfortunately all this comes down farming kelp? The Scottish Association of Marine to ‘out of sight out of mind’. The sea would Science, located just outside Oban, has been working be much better protected if people could see on this for years and is absolutely strapped for cash. beneath its surface and could witness, as I do Instead, this proposal smacked of the typical every day, the vastly complex, beautiful ministerial tendency to focus on the ‘big man’ and fascinating ecosystems that and ignore the massive social and economic Scottish exist down there. Once gone they value of small scale operators. Hand magazine can never be replaced. gatherers of seaweed are required to list Columnist

ILLUSTRATION - ALEXANDER JACKSON

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of the Year

A call for kelp

As Scotland’s kelp forests come under threat Guy Grieve’s frustration with the lack of respect for marine life builds

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GARDENS

PRETTY AS

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:33:32

GALLERY, MONTROSE

A PICTURE Antoinette Galbraith explores Gallery, a wonderful Angus garden that has been a quarter of a century in the making

Above: A fountain is the focal point of the circular garden.

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GARDENS

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allery, a 17th century white-harled mansion, sits a short walk from the River North Esk with views over the Howe of the Mearns in Angus. When they first saw the house 25 years ago, John and Anne Simson barely noticed the one and a half acre walled garden that was filled with floribunda roses, framed with circles of marigolds and enclosed with privet hedges tucked in on the north side of the house.

Drawn to Scotland by John’s memories of When they first holidays in a family house within sight of Gallery, but ‘unable to tell the difference between a rose saw the house 25 and a peony’, Anne instantly determined to learn years ago Anne about gardening. With the help of fellow student barely noticed the at the Ruskin School of Art, garden designer Veronica Adams, she began making plans for the walled garden space. Together the Simsons began the search for a suitable gardener.

Ron Stephen took up the appointment in June 1998. In 2015 he was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society for his outstanding achievement in restoring and improving the Gallery garden.

Gallery’s surrounding lawns, backed with shrubs and trees, were tidied up but otherwise left alone. With Ron in charge of landscaping and planting, the focus was on the walled garden where the framework and shelter provided by the high walls gave them an instant structure. To avoid a ‘rag-bag of ideas’, the whole garden was laid out as one.

Inspired by visits to Crathes, the NTS flagship garden in Aberdeenshire designed by Sir James and Lady Sybil Burnett in the mid 20th century, the plan was for a year-round design with a strong structure that would remain attractive in winter.

As at Crathes, the layout is based on a central axis running horizontally east to west that hides a series of distinct themed spaces.

In a nod to the garden’s original character some of the privet hedging was retained, but this, along with some overgrown yew, was severely pruned. More yew was added and beech – which is light brown in winter – was introduced to contrast with the dark evergreen varieties. Low box hedges and box balls

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:34:32

GALLERY, MONTROSE

Clockwise from top left: White garden trellis; box balls punctuate beds; head gardener Ron Stephen; hosta walk with saddle stones; Lunaria annua seed pods; bamboo; bare branches; a winter outline.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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GARDENS

TOP TIPS Veronica says that topiary shapes refresh and entertain in the garden year-round but especially in winter.

Incorporating such shapes into a design also lessens the risk of overplanting.

Early on she inspired Anne and Ron to under-plant the entire garden with bulbs. The season kicks off with snowdrops, followed by aconites then tulips, alliums and gladioli.

were used to frame and define borders, mark corners and edge grass paths. All hedges and topiary owe their precisely clipped winter shapes to Ron’s skill.

First glimpsed through a claire-voie of square piers, the garden is entered through a wrought iron gate opening onto a circular paved area backed by a yew hedge. At this point the visitor is spoilt for choice by a trio of radiating paths that spread out into a maze-like network with surprises around every corner.

Having chosen your path you might explore, among others, the rose garden, the peony border, or the White and Gold Gardens. Situated at the far end of the garden this informal space retains its allure in winter thanks to a clever choice of gold-tinged evergreen including Thuja ‘Yellow River’ and Taxus baccata ‘Standishii’ surrounding a frost covered lawn. Anne’s Garden, so named as it was her favourite sitting place, is furnished with a bench tucked under the spreading branches of a Cedrus atlantica.

Three-thousand tulips are planted each autumn. Treated like annuals they are dug up at the end of the season to ensure an abundant display.

Understated but elegant stone sculptures including an eagle, a heraldic lion, a collection of saddle stones and classic benches were introduced to surprise and contrast with the background of foliage.

Ron feeds the birds in winter on a diet including crab/windfall apples and berries, leading to a healthy bird population that helps control pests.

Top: left: The White Garden enclosed in a circle of white trellis covered in roses and clematis. Left: The birds help keep a balanced ecosystem.

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GALLERY, MONTROSE

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All hedges and topiary owe their precisely clipped winter shapes to Ron’s skill

The heart of the garden is the circular, sunken White Garden, which is enclosed by a white trellis that is smothered in summer with roses and clematis. A tall, elegant fountain standing in a round pond outlined with a stone and gravel path makes a striking focal point. In summer the effect is heightened by white plants, including Rosa ‘Ice Berg’, peonies, foxtail lily Eremurus, clouds of Crambe cordifolia, irises, dicentra alba and sweet rocket combined with spires of white delphinium, scented lilies, hydrangea and campanula. Here, as elsewhere, herbaceous plants remain standing in winter to benefit wildlife and also because they look stunning when covered with frost.

Elegant on a frosty Angus morning and dramatic in summer, the hosta walk is backed with parallel hedges lined with

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Above: Looking back towards the house from the walled garden. Left: A sundial acts as another focal point.

saddle stones. In addition to hostas the beds were recently planted with allium for spring interest.

Embarking on the redesign of this garden was risky but brave. Its success owes much to Anne’s resolve to enjoy plants at all times of the year and live life to the full. That it has survived and endured after her sad death is a tribute to John and the skill, hard work and enthusiasm of Ron Stephen.

Gallery, Northwaterbridge, Montose DD10 9LA is open on 25-26 May and 13-14 July 2-5pm. The garden is also open on all Tuesdays between June and August from 1-5pm and by appointment. Gallery is a member of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.

From the A90 immediately south of Northwaterbridge take exit to ‘Hillside’ and next left to ‘Gallery & Marykirk’. Or from A937 immediately west of rail underpass follow signs to ‘Gallery & Northwaterbridge’.

FIELD FACTS Gallery, Northwaterbridge, Montrose Angus DD10 9LA. www.scotlandsgardens. org/gallery

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24/10/2018 09:08:39

BLOOMING GROW

Blooming grow Spend some quality time in the garden

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2. Here an arched wooden pergola has been constructed with a large raised planter alongside, complete with trellis for training climbing plants. Contact Gardens Galore to discuss your garden project. Tel: 01738 553014, www.gardensgalorescotland.co.uk 3. Overgrown pond or lochan? Too much aquatic weed? Neptune Rake is your answer! Hire or buy, please visit www. neptunerake.com and see it working on YouTube. Alternatively call Calum Gordon. Tel: 07740 844651, www.neptunerake.com 4. As well as quality landscaping projects, GM Land Solutions undertake tree surgery work and have a range of substantial equipment to carry out reactive work and larger jobs quickly and efficiently. Please see website for full range of services, www.gmlandsolutions.co.uk

5. Chartered Horticulturist Tom Angel offers garden design, planting plans, garden health reports and soil tests, as well as a winter fruit tree pruning service. Speyside-based but will travel, and has worked all over Scotland, the U.K. and France.

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INTERIORS

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24/10/2018 15:24:28

BRANXHOLM PARK HOUSE

It’s all in the details

Decorating every room of a traditional country house is no mean feat, but sticking to a classic Christmas style is the key for the Knaggs at Branxholm Park House, says Nichola Hunter

Branxholm: A touch of grandeur for a classic Christmas.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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INTERIORS

Clockwise from top left: Classic reds and golds; the Knagg family; David and Deb decorate every room themselves; dining room ready for the big day; Branxholm always sports a real tree; getting into the festive spirit; the interiors complement Branxholm’s age.

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 15:28:23

BRANXHOLM PARK HOUSE

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ranxholm Park House is what fairytales are made of and owners Deb and David Knaggs are loving every page of the story. Deb and her husband David readily admit they both have a passion for the past.

Deb studied English and Victorian literature at university and David studied History, but to sustain a family in today’s fastpaced world they both ended up working in sales and living in suburbia.

‘We’d always thought it would be nice to ditch the day job and live in the countryside in a big house,’ Deb recalls. ‘After a few holidays with holiday property specialists Large Holiday Houses we started to think maybe it was possible.’

The couple spent several years looking for a property. ‘Some we really liked, and some we offered on and didn’t get,’ she says. ‘And then we were so glad we didn’t because we found Branxholm.’

Whatever you like to call it, for Deb this property really was meant to be. ‘As I child I fell in love with a set of Victorian illustrations by Richard Doyle. He was an artist who drew for Punch magazine, and he also did some fairy illustrations which became quite famous.

Author Andrew Lang took these illustrations When we drove and turned them into a fairytale. He was also up the drive our the uncle of the children who were living at jaws dropped Branxholm Park when the house was built.

‘Andrew fell in love with the grounds at Branxholm and dedicated his book, The Princess Nobody: A Tale of Fairy Land to the children.

Inside the book there’s a poem dedicating it to Branxholm Park. Knowing Branxholm was linked with my favourite pictures when we saw it advertised for sale we just had to come and look at it. Living in the North West of England it was a bit of trek but when we drove up the drive our jaws dropped.’

Situated near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, Branxholm originally belonged to the Duke of Buccleuch. It was built in 1878 and had been rented out for much of its life. However, when Deb and David viewed it the house had been empty since its last tenant, the MD of Pringle, departed.

‘Being Scandinavian, he had it all stripped and whitewashed and that’s not how I envisioned it, but it was still a gorgeous, romantic, Victorian country house,’ said Deb. ‘It hadn’t been lived in for years and it was like it was asleep akin to Sleeping Beauty’s castle. We just thought we’ve got to wake this up and it’s been an absolute delight doing it.’

The couple bought the house 11 years ago and haven’t stopped since they walked through the door. ‘When you have so many rooms, so much space and such large gardens it never stops. Within six months we were living in the wing which is the old servant’s quarters and we had families enjoying the big

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BRANXHOLM PARK HOUSE

Above: Sticking to a classic Christmas look. Right: The red bedroom. Bottom right: Christmas is a time for indulgence.

TOP TIPS Deb and David’s advice for getting the traditional Christmas look 1. Treat yourself to a real tree. They don’t have to be perfect, the beauty is in their imperfections.

The smell of the pine is a feast for the Christmas senses.

2. Put up static warm white fairy lights – they are much easier on the eye than flashing lights.

3. Christmas is not a time to be minimalist. If it makes you happy, let loose with your decorations.

4. Stick to a theme or a couple of key colours in a room.

5. Keep it classy – it’s more relaxing.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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house. Then we renovated the servant’s rooms in the attic, opened up the basement to create more social spaces and did more work outside.’

As an artist with a fascination for interior design and a love of travel, Deb wanted to ensure that Branxholm was a home like no other. ‘We know we’re not a palace, but we’ve purposely gone out of our way to make sure the rooms don’t look like a regular home. There are no magnolia walls, brown leather sofas or Ikea sideboards. We wanted to create a feeling like it had always been there but with a modern/boutique-type twist.’

The evolution was gradual with inspiration taken from an interesting piece of furniture, a sample of wallpaper or some beautiful fabric. ‘From a bed or a French settee we loved, we’d take a room and work from there. Since we moved in many of the rooms have been done a couple of times as we like to build on what we’ve already done.’

Surprisingly, the couple also do all the decorating work themselves. ‘We hang every piece of wallpaper and curtain and paint every wall. Everything has been handmade and it’s just so much better than my old sales job. We both work six

days a week here but it’s such a pleasure.’

Deb and David’s three boys, who are 15, 17 and 18, have more or less grown up at Branxholm and their influence is also very much in evidence in how the house has been laid out. ‘We’ve experienced living here with toddlers, tweenies and teenagers and we’re used to having big families come and visit and externally we’ve styled the grounds to suit.

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INTERIORS

‘We’ve put in an adventure playground, a castle, grass tennis courts, a shed full of sporting equipment, and the children can use the outdoor hot tub under supervision. However, we also have an adult escape zone with a hot tub, spa, gym and a cabin with a water massage bed.

‘For everyone getting together we have the BBQ hut, a story tellers circle with its giant 12ft chair, a fire-pit area with swing gazebo seats and the Nothing says latest addition which is Christmas more my current favourite – the than the yearly loggia, which is an inside/ outside room. The idea trip to choose came from a restaurant the tree in London. It’s a bit like a pagoda that you can eat under. It has a roof with plants and fairy lights climbing up the side and of course, Above: Christmas like we do in all the outside areas, there’s with the Knaggs throws, rugs, cushions and pashminas to is a family affair, four-legged friends keep everyone cosy.’ included.

With its mock pub and karaoke room also recently installed, it’s no wonder Branxholm is a unique and in-demand wedding venue. ‘Like Branxholm itself, our wedding package is like no other.

It’s a three-day holiday, Branxholm is

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all yours and you have an all-inclusive wedding. Everything is done on the premises for one price and it’s BYOB.’ With so much going on, living at Branxholm is certainly never dull but living in such an amazing place do the family ever get to fully enjoy it? ‘We go overboard at Christmas – it is not a time for minimalism. If it makes you happy, let loose with your decorations although I stick to a theme or a couple of key colours, so it’s still classy.

‘A real tree is also a must for me.

Nothing says Christmas more than a real tree and the rush of excitement of the yearly trip to choose and bring home the tree, there really is nothing better than that to get you in a festive mood.

‘Also, when there are no guests, I often sneak into the red bedroom and run a bubble bath and luxuriate in it with all the fairy lights twinkling outside. I adore static fairy lights. They are so much easier on the eye than flashing lights and make a room feel relaxed and warm white lights look beautiful in a period house against a back drop of a real crackling wood fire.

It’s truly magical.’

For Deb it’s just another part of the fairy tale.

FIELD FACTS

Branxholm Park House, Teviotdale, Hawick, TD9 0JT. Tel: 07585 281479 www.branxholm park.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 15:30:58

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24/10/2018 09:16:44

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SAKS & HART SAKS & HART have now launched their stunning Christmas range of interiors and luxury gifts. A positive feast for the eyes, they have everything you can imagine to make your home beautiful at Christmas, from fabulous furniture and home accessories, to winter flowers and decorations that you will love. You’ll also find lots of gorgeous gifts for ladies and gents. It’s a perfect Christmas shopping destination this year.

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TJ ROSS OPEN NEW STUDIO TJ Ross have created a warm, inviting and welcoming new space for not only their clients, but also for architects and interior designers and to share and develop their ideas with sketches, drawings or images on smart phones, that can be mirrored onto wall mounted TV screens. The studio has been lovingly formed by their own craftsmen and showcases their outstanding sash and case windows, external and internal doors, fitted furniture and staircases. It is plain to see that they love what they do and it shows in every detail, throughout the studio.

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2. This is the Steven Burgess Furniture & Interiors “Glamis “ chair upholstered in a luxurious soft James Hare fabric, with dark Oak legs. Lots of other fabric choices available in the Showroom. £1,580. Tel: 01786 870685, www.stevenburgess.co.uk 3. With a passion for design and quality, Kitchens International creates and installs kitchens across Scotland for people who love to live well. Tel: 0845 074 0022, www.kitchensinternational.co.uk 4. Give a tired patio or balcony a makeover with glass balustrades from Grille City. Tel: 08001 691604, www.grillecity.com 5. This classic Minster Knole Sofa can be adorned with traditional fabrics, antique finials and grand tie backs to make a real

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LAVISH LIVING

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7. The cone base of the Madrid dining table is made by hand taking a staggering six weeks to complete each table. from ÂŁ1,599. www.boconcept.com

8. To showcase contemporary Scottish furniture making and design, a selection of members of the Scottish Furniture Makers Association will be exhibiting their work at Custom Lane. www.scottishfurnituremakers.org.uk

9. Timber Design has been supplying beautiful oak frame building for over 15 years using locally sourced timbers. All frames are one off designs and hand made, built with integrity and passion. Tel: 07919 876563, www.timberdesign.org.uk 10. Introducing the new Esse Bakeheart. This elegantly proportioned wood-fired cooking stove provides room-filling radiant

heat, a four-zone cooking hob and a generous baking oven. Find yours at HeatWorks Stove and Cooker Centre. Tel: 01738 624842, www.stoveandcookercentre.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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INTERIORS INTERIORS

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LIFESTYLE

The

Art of

Coorie

Exploring Scotland’s answer to the Danes’ hygge, Gabriella Bennett reveals her top ten tips for enjoying a cosy, coorie Christmas

C

Above: Hand-crafted Christmas wreath from Laura Thomas Co in North Berwick.

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omfort can be derived in many ways, but how Scots go about finding it is special.

We have learned to harness the power of our surroundings to find happiness over the centuries, hunkering down in a cosy place with a dog at our feet, sipping a single malt while the weather rages outside.

We even have a word for it. If the Danes have hygge and the Swedes

lagom, Scots have ‘coorie’. Once a word to describe cuddling into a loved one, it is now used to sum up a distinctly Scottish way of living, where a loch swim before breakfast followed by a steaming bowl of porridge to warm up evokes the perfect coorie scene.

There isn’t a better time of year to think about how to build on coorie credentials than the festive period. When it’s dark and cold outside, and we’re short on time and money, there are plenty of small and simple ways to amp up happiness by using what’s around us.

Here are ten ways to embody coorie this Christmas.

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COORIE

1

Below: Leith-based weaver Araminta Campbell at the loom.

1. Buy heirloom pieces from Scottish makers This year, look inside Scotland for gifts. A raft of homegrown creative talent has toiled away to come up with covetable fashion accessories, homeware and pieces of timeless design – and I’d wager it’s our responsibility to support them. Even better, many are keeping archaic production methods alive with their slow-grown goods. On my 2018 Christmas wish-list is a soft alpaca cushion by the Leith-based weaver Araminta Campbell, which takes two days to make on her 100-year old loom. Or if I’m really lucky, a set of jolly hand-thrown ceramics from Fife’s Natalie J Wood.

2. Bleach pine cones to decorate presents

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This wrapping tip comes from Jane Adams of Author Interiors, an Angus-based interior designer. I like the idea of spending December days walking in the forest and finding my cones, then having a crafting afternoon to distract from the Christmas chaos. Jane says, ‘Wearing gloves, bleach the cones, leaving them for less time if you prefer ashy grey or longer for white’. She also recommends bleaching leaves to make leaf skeletons or spray painting holly leaves and pine cones in metallic tones.

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LIFESTYLE

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3. Swim in a loch to sharpen the senses Yes, even in winter. I got into loch swimming a few years ago as form of selfcare, despite the fact that it sounds like punishment. A quick dip in a freezing loch is enough to send you rushing back to the car squealing in pursuit of your chittery piece (or shivery bite, depending on where in Scotland you’re from).

Sitting with the heating on full blast munching a jam sandwich and warming up slowly feels like heaven to me. Wild swimming also feels like a good antidote to screen time when the weather is miserable and the temptation to sit in front of the telly all day is strong.

4. Use pine needles as flavouring for food and drink Grand and Douglas Fir pine needle oil or essence can be added to food and cocktails to give an alpine sweetness, but go easy to avoid an overwhelming taste of Domestos. There are a couple of ways to incorporate pine needles into cooking. The easiest is to dry the needles completely, whizz in a blender and sprinkle as a powdered garnish onto puddings. Or you can add bruised needles to salt or sugar and leave to infuse for two weeks before using this as the base for curing meat and fish.

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“

Add bruised needles to salt or sugar and leave to infuse for two weeks before using www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:12:39

COORIE

“

The simple porridge oat is now being adopted as a way to brighten the complexion

5. Forage greenery to create festive mantle displays This is another way to force yourself up and out of the house on dark mornings. If you’re lucky enough to have a big garden with lots of trees it’s just a case of heading out armed with secateurs.

If not, it’s an excuse to head into the wild (or the park). Try to find arms of Douglas Fir intermixed with moss, ivy and holly arranged on a mantelpiece in a loose, organic display.

5

6. Make a face scrub from porridge oats A few years ago, a colleague told me a story about her beauty journalist friend who eschewed expensive facial scrubs for a homemade version that contained oats. Mind blown. One of the most traditional Scottish ingredients, the simple porridge oat is now being adopted by experts as a way to brighten the complexion. It’s especially good at bringing dull skin back to life in the colder months when you’ve overindulged with rich food and drink. Just mix two tablespoons of ground rolled oats with one tablespoon of honey, add a tablespoon of warm water and mix so it becomes a paste then apply to the face.

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6 7. Weave a Christmas wreath from forest finds Where the pinecone gathering for gifting started, this crafty pursuit continues. It involves collecting all sorts of treasures from the forest, including your choice of foliage, plus other bits and pieces you’ll find in the shops such as cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, and ribbons. The result is a fragrant wreath you’ll smell before you see every day. The making part is a little tricky but there are plenty of designers running workshops at this time of year.

East Lothian’s Laura Thomas is my best bet. Her Christmas wreath classes run throughout December at her HQ in North Berwick.

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Pool, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa

Lanark Pool Company Ltd Tel: 01555 871 124 www.thelanarkpoolcompany.com

The Tree of Life Annual Exhibition 2018 & Wood Market

Pool, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, Hot Tub

Lanark Pool Company Ltd Tel: 01555 871 124 www.thelanarkpoolcompany.com

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Custom Lane Custom Wharf 67 Commercial Street Leith EH6 6LH

Fri 16th - Sun 25th November Admission Free See www.sfma.org.uk for more details…

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24/10/2018 09:29:54

COORIE

8. Pour a Humble Doddy End the night with this winter warmer, which is a twist on the classic hot toddy. Its name comes from the Doric term for ‘mittens’, or ‘hummel doddies’. A berry reduction with cinnamon, sugar and lemon is added to 50ml of good whisky, 50ml of chamomile tea and cloves. The hard part is stopping at only one.

9 9. Make your own gin to use up extra Christmas booze

“

8

Scotland now accounts for 40% of the UK’s gin export production. Not bad for a spirit that was synonymous with London until fairly recently. DIY gin is definitely cheating, but who’s going to tell? It short-cuts weeks of waiting for a quicker alternative because no one has space for a huge copper still in their laundry cupboard. Instead of distilling botanicals to release their flavours, bootleg gin steeps juniper berries, dried angelica root, cardamom pods and peppercorns in vodka (yes, really) for a couple of days.

Simply strain, serve and enjoy.

You can hot-smoke meat and fish with an empty metal tin, tin foil, a metal grid and wood shavings

10. Smoke food for a Christmas feast Smoking is up there with the world’s most primitive cooking methods. There’s no need to buy a pricey home smoker when you can make a rudimentary one yourself. Humans + fire + food = happiness. It’s just basic maths. You can hot-smoke meat and fish with an empty metal tin, tin foil, a metal grid and wood shavings.

Teach yourself how with an online tutorial or sign up to a course with Tasting Scotland, the culinary tour specialist.

The Art of Coorie by Gabriella Bennett is out now through Black & White Publishing, £14.99.

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Our next auctions will be held on: 13th December 21st March Holly Hedge House Blackheath London, SE3 0QZ

To discuss consigning any items to a Holts auction or for a free valuation please contact your nearest Holts representative Ian Bonner M: +44 (0)7714 052117 scotland@holtsauctioneers.com

Tommy MacMillan M: +44 (0)7789 863402 scotlandwest@holtsauctioneers.com

Richard Zawadski M: +44 (0)7889 854385 scottishislands@holtsauctioneers.com

Bertie Rutherford M: +44 (0)7422 405738 scottishborders@holtsauctioneers.com

01485 542 822 www.holtsauctioneers.com Holts Auctioneers.indd 102 1 Scottish_Field_Dec_2018.indd

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FIELD CULTURE

FIELD CULTURE A guide to Scotland’s arts and entertainment

Big plans for the golden year To celebrate the Scottish Ballet’s 50th anniversary it has unveiled its ambitious plans for the 2019/20 season.

Launching in March in Inverness, the company is aiming to stage five new full-length ballets in five years, including world premieres such as The Snow Queen and The Crucible.

To thank the public for their support, Scottish Ballet will also make five wishes come true throughout 2019. These could include dancers performing at a birthday party or even getting up on stage yourself. The public are encouraged to submit their wishes and following a public vote and the consideration of the judging panel including Dame Darcy Bussell, the lucky five will be announced. For a full list of performances and events, visit www.scottishballet.co.uk/50

MUSIC, MAGIC & MOVIES During November and December audiences at the Usher Hall will have the rare opportunity to experience film favourites as never before – with the magic of a live orchestra. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra reunite with the legendary film label Varèse Sarabande to celebrate its 40th anniversary to perform music from classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and Spartacus. The Senbla Concert Orchestra will provide the orchestral backdrop to Love Actually on 8 December, while The Snowman will be brought to life by the RNSO on 21 December. Tickets can purchased at www. usherhall.co.uk

Look again To mark the end of Theatre Royal Glasgow’s 150th anniversary celebrations, a sculpture by Scottish visual artist Fraser Taylor is being unveiled on 28 November. The sculpture ‘Look and Look Again’ will be on display in Theatre Royal’s balcony foyer.

Made up of seven components, it was inspired by drawings Fraser made while observing the theatre’s auditorium, foyer and spiral staircase, and also Scottish Opera rehearsals and performances.

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Search for singers Scottish Opera has welcomed a talented new group of seven Emerging Artists for the 2018/19 season including Scottish soprano Lucy Anderson. The programme offers young artists a period of fulltime work with the company to help them launch their careers. Initially set up to nurture outstanding young singers, the programme now also includes positions for a repetiteur, costume trainee and a composer in residence. They will perform in three recitals across the country in the coming months. Visit www.scottishopera.org.uk

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FIELD CULTURE

Rogues’ Gallery An exhibition from Scotland’s celebrated artist John Byrne will be on view in the Academicians’ Gallery. Titled Rogues’ Gallery, it presents a cast of motley characters, fashioned from memories of Byrne’s childhood growing up in Paisley combined with his vast imagination.

Focusing on those who are often overlooked, Byrne’s ‘rogues’ are brought from the periphery of society into central view and feature self-portraits with Byrne presenting himself in numerous disguises including that of a mariner and a secret agent.

17- 23 November at The Royal Scottish Academy.

Bloody success Judges at the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival awarded The Mcllvanney Prize 2018 to Liam Mcllvanney for The Quaker. The prize was renamed in 2016 in memory of his father, William MlIlvaney, who is often referred to as the Godfather of Tartan Noir.

A WEAVING MASTERCLASS Dovecot Gallery have announced that Master Weaver, David Cochrane, and Junior Weaver Ben Hymers will be completing Cochrane’s piece Water Surface 2018 in celebration of ten years of weaving at Infirmary Street Baths.

Prior to its location at Infirmary Street, the tapestry studio known as Dovecot Studios, was originally sited on the grounds of Corstorphine Castle which was demolished in 1797. The company took its name from the 16th century Castle ‘doocot’, still present at the site today. Tickets for the anniversary event on 4 December are on sale to the public for £25. www.dovecotstudios.com

Sculpting Scotland A new exhibition to celebrate the Year of Young People 2018 – giving young artists the opportunity to exhibit their work for the first time – will be on display at the Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh. The exhibition, named Storyworlds, is made up of paper sculptures which are inspired by the Writers’ Museum and works of Scottish Literature. They reflect the delicate worlds that bring these stories and images to life.

The exhibition is free and runs from 10 November – 12 May 2019.

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FIFTY SHADES Strathearn Gallery in Crieff plays host to an exhibition by Perthshire-based landscape artist Ron Lawson. ‘The Grey Light’ features over 50 new paintings

by Ron, based on a return trip to his beloved Hebrides.

His stark flat (usually grey) backgrounds are set against detailed depictions of the landscape and often feature a sole cottage, building or the occasional sheep.

This fascinating exhibition runs until 11 November.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 18:27:48

Raymond Gubbay presents

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT®

The magical, botanical, illuminated trail

THE CHRISTMAS AT

Carols and seasonal classics, staged in full 18th Century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting

BOTANICS

Michael Bawtree conductor • Rowan Pierce soprano • The Consort of Voices • Mozart Festival Orchestra

Wednesday 19 December at 7.30pm usherhall.co.uk 0131 228 1155 Raymond Gubbay presents

THE

An all new trail of after-dark festive fun Spectacular Festive Finale Tunnel of Light Scented Fire Garden Santa and his Elves Seasonal Food and Gifts Raymond Gubbay Ltd

23 NOV – 29 DEC

GLENN MILLER

ORCHESTRA Swing back in time with Glenn Miller’s own arrangements of favourite wartime hits from the forties.

rbge.org.uk/christmas 0844 995 1363

Directed by legendary band leader Ray McVay with The Polka Dot Dolls

A single charge of £2 per transaction applies for print at home tickets, £2.50 for tickets sent by post.

No fees for bookings made in person at RBGE. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your network access charge.

Running selected evenings only.

and guest vocalists Mark Porter & Catherine Sykes

Saturday 29 December at 3pm usherhall.co.uk 0131 228 1155

A GIFT FROM

THE HEART

Journey with Alexander McCall Smith through the landscape of Scottish Poetry. Poems to treasure and share in a beautiful book.

Available from all good bookshops and online

www.birlinn.co.uk th 25 ANNIVERSA R Y

2302-Scottish Field-The Gathering 1-2p Ad.indd 1

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LATE GEORGE II STYLE MAHOGANY

AUCTION 14th NOVEMBER AT 10am 33 Broughton Place Edinburgh EH1 3RR

SERPENTINE COMMODE AFTER A DESIGN BY THOMAS CHIPPENDALE MID 19TH CENTURY £10,000-15,000 + fees

Furniture, Paintings & Works of Art from 1600, including Select Items from Arthur Lodge, Edinburgh; Items from Yester House, East Lothian; and a large Private Collection of Turkoman Weavings.

0131 557 8844 | www.lyonandturnbull.com

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ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES Scottish Field’s round-up of the salerooms, interesting lots and prices

A DEAR DRAM Bonhams Whisky Sale in Edinburgh made a record-breaking £1,674,125 after selling a star whisky collection. The most expensive bottle was the extremely rare The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 60 year old which sold for a world record of £848,750. This met its estimate of between £700,000 and £900,000. It is believed that this is the most valuable item ever sold at auction in Scotland.

DECEMBER SALES DATES SOUTH Thomas Roddick, Dumfries: 4, 18: Home Furnishings & Interiors; 8: Antiques & Works of Art NORTH John Milne, Aberdeen: 5, 12, 19, 26: General Lindsay Burn, Perth: 4, 5: Antiques & Fine Art EDINBURGH Bonhams: 12: Whisky Sale

Inspirational Insights On 18 November Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Development Trust is putting on a charity valuation, led by auction house Lyon & Turnbull.

The event is to be held at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen and aims to fundraise and spread the word about the redevelopment of the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Guests are encouraged to bring up to three items to be valued.

There will also be a series of talks and pop-up shops to enjoy.

GLASGOW McTears: 14: Antiques & Interiors; 18: Coins, Banknotes & Watches Great Western Auctions: 1: Fine Art & Antiques; 15: Antiques & Collectables

OVER THE ASKING

SNAPS FROM THE PAST Photographs spanning 100 years of classic Scottish department stores such as Jenners and Binns will be showcased at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh. The exhibition is celebrating icons of the Scottish high street past and present. Images have been sourced from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives and will be shown from now until 12 January 2019.

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La Boxe, a signed and dated mixed media piece

by Russian artist Sergei Chepik, sold for £8,000 at Chorley’s sale of Modern Art, Design and Studio Ceramics despite its estimate of £3,000 to £4,000. Renowned for his works illustrating popular forms of entertainment, this piece depicts a boxer standing triumphantly over his opponent.

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LIFE SIZE WILDLIFE SCULPTURE Free delivery for Christmas

www.andrewkaysculpture.co.uk 07740 306412 L

I

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Available now from: The Jolomo website: www.jolomo.com, The Glasgow Gallery, www.glasgowgallery.co.uk and other selected outlets.

The Official

JOLOMO Deluxe Calendar John Lowrie Morrison O.B.E. Calender2019A3V4.indd 1

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24/10/2018 09:39:56

SCOTTISH FIELD COLLECTION

Scottish Field Collection Our monthly arts round-up

GREEN GALLERY

GREENS AND BLUES

RAMSAY CORNISH

HOLROYD GALLERY

Now in its 13th year, the Green Gallery Xmas show starts on the 17th November. A gorgeous array of art and craft, the complete gallery experience.

Tel: 01360 850180, www.greengallery.com greengallery6964@gmail.com

Valuers available throughout Scotland and are always delighted to advise. Consign for their specialist Antique & Decorators Auction on Saturday 8th December.

Ramsay Cornish Auctioneers.

Tel: 0131 553 7000, www.ramsaycornish.com

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Three Artist Exhibition featuring new works by Linda Park, Joe Maxwell Stuart and Louis McNally starts 27th October for three weeks. Greens and Blues Gallery, 59 High Street, North Berwick Tel: 01620 890666, www.greensandblues.co.uk

Holroyd Gallery exhibits a large selection of original paintings with a Scottish theme, whether it be landscape or wildlife. The art gallery in North Ballachulish has a large selection of oils, watercolours and pastels.

There is work from some of Scotland’s most talented artists on display, and mixed exhibitions throughout the year. Tel: 01855 821277, www.holroydgallery.co.uk

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ART

Arts for Christmas Auctions, paintings, books and music

TENNANTS AUCTIONEERS

An unusual Art Nouveau belt buckle by the famed Parisian jeweller and glass maker René Lalique is to come under the hammer in Tennants’ Fine Art Sale on 17 November. On offer with an estimate of £5,000-8,000, this wearable piece of art was made by Lalique during the early part of his career.

Tel: 01969 623780, www.tennants.co.uk

SCONE PALACE CHRISTMAS FAIR

It gets better every year: Assia, Flamingo Papiere, Gin Bothy and Persie Gin to keep your spirits up, complimented with cheese from Inverloch and Damn Fine Cheese, Chardon Macarons, Dachaig, Christine Gilbert Designs. More information on the FB page: Scone Palace Christmas Fair In Aid of Cancer Research UK. Tel: 01738 552300, www.scone-palace.co.uk

THE GIFT OF READING

Explore Scotland’s unique and fascinating military history in Scotland: Defending the Nation. Six centuries of military maps are beautifully presented in this handsome hardback book by Christopher Fleet and Carolyn Anderson. There are plans of castles and forts, battles such as Pinkie, Glenshiel and Culloden, maps made by French and Russian spies, as well as military roads and the Ordnance Survey. The perfect gift. £30, Tel: 0131 668 4371, www.birlinn.co.uk

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

A sublime concert of carols and seasonal classics, staged in full 18th century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting. Wednesday 19 December, 7.30pm at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Featuring Handel, Pearsall, Willcocks and a selection of popular carols for all.

Tel: 0131 228 1155, www.usherhall.co.uk

THE STRATHEARN GALLERY The Strathearn Gallery’s annual End of Year mixed show, ‘Summer Colours’ opens on 17th November and celebrates the works of over 50 top artists. Alongside some of Scotland’s best known painters, the gallery will be exhibiting a broad selection of glass, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery with some great inspiration for Christmas gifts. Show runs from 17th November to 3rd January, gallery open seven days.

Tel: 01764 656100, www.strathearn-gallery.com

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24/10/2018 10:18:43

THE JOY OF GIVING

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WILDLIFE

Of moths and men

We all love butterflies, but we hate moths. Cal Flyn reveals that there’s far more to the lesser-loved flying insect that we thought – and they’re not just there to chomp on our clothes

M

Above: The Scarce Merveille du Jour is indigenous to Scotland (as are all the moths pictured here).

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oths have a bad rep.

One might be forgiven for assuming they were all drab clothesmunching wardrobe haunters. Fluttering, frightening fly-by-nights of no particular interest. But for those who take the time to learn, there’s a fount of fascination to be found in the world of moths.

I promise: if you like butterflies, then you’ll love moths. It can be tricky to tell them apart for one thing; there’s no hard and fast rule. Folk wisdom holds that butterflies appear during the day, and moths at night – but there are over a hundred diurnal (daytime) moths.

Any assumption that butterflies are more brightly coloured falls down the moment you stumble across one of the emerald moth family, who are just as vivid a shade as the name suggests, with scalloped detailing picked out in white.

Or one of the burnets, with their scarlet velvet spots upon a sleek bottle green backdrop. Or one of the tiger moths, mottled black-brown and cream up top, and black-brown and orange or yellow below.

Generally speaking, butterflies have club-shaped antennae while moths have feathery or comb-like ones, but there are many exceptions. Both emerge from pupae – butterflies generally from hard chrysalises, while moths can emerge from silken cocoons, chrysalises buried underground, hidden in bark or folded leaves. And most (but not all) moths have a ‘frenulum’ connecting their fore-wings and rear-wings.

So it’s complicated. The best rule of division in lepidoptery is perhaps the

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24/10/2018 14:04:15

MOTHS

Above: Large emerald moth.

Below left: Twentyplume Moth, Alucita hexadactyla at rest on a twig covered in Xanthoria parietina lichen. Below right: Small Elephant Hawk-moth.

“

The simplest rule of lepidoptery is: ‘If it’s not a butterfly, it’s a moth’

are ardent in their admiration. The author Vladimir Nabokov numbered among them and carried a gold-handled net on his exhaustive tours of North America in search of new species.

Had there been no revolution in Russia, he said once, ‘it is not improbable that [he] would have devoted [himself] entirely to lepidopterology and never written any novels at all’.

And why not? The catching of moths is a dark art all its own.

In his memoirs, Nabokov recalled his evenings spent in their pursuit with dewy-eyed pleasure. ‘One’s lantern would illuminate the stickily glistening furrows of the bark and two or three large moths upon it imbibing the sweets, their nervous wings half open butterfly fashion, the lower ones exhibiting their incredibly

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

simplest: ‘If it’s not a butterfly, it’s a moth’, which may explain why there are so many of them. A whopping 2,500 species of moth can be found in the British Isles, compared to just 59 butterflies.

Identification can be difficult, especially of the ‘micro’ moths, which are numerous and Lilliputian. But the attempt is a delight: the gathering and discarding of one evocative suggestion after another, each one more lyrical than the last. Is it a smoky wave? A satin beauty? A scarce tissue? A phoenix? A flounced rustic? A clouded brindle? A true-lovers knot?

No surprise, perhaps, that lepidopterists, though few in number,

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WILDLIFE

Clockwise from top left: Garden Tiger Moth; Pair of buff-tip moths on stick; Antler moth; Phoenix Moth camouflaged on rock; Canaryshouldered Thorn moth.

crimson silk form beneath the lichen-gray primaries,’ he wrote.

There he describes a technique known as ‘sugaring’, although there are other methods: one might produce a small rubber bung, impregnated with One might pheromones, and summon wander after dark all the nearby individuals to see what’s resting of a particular species to your hand in a cloud. Or on tree trunks or one might go ‘torching’ – feeding in flowers that is, simply wandering the fields or woodland after dark to see what’s resting on tree trunks or feeding in the flowers.

The antler moth, for example, a striking moth marked with silver and gold, can commonly be found on ragwort; while

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buddleia, so attractive during the day to butterflies, has a myriad of moth devotees at night. More usually, however, one employs a moth trap attached to a powerful light source.

In August this year, I joined Reuben Singleton, the county moth recorder for Peeblesshire, for an evening of moth trapping in the Manor Valley. Gathering with a small group of local enthusiasts at dusk, we set up his trap: a ‘Robinson’ style trap (that is, a circular container, with a funnel-shaped hole in its lid, above which a mercury-vapour bulb burns brightly) placed atop a white sheet. All the better for spotting the stragglers who don’t quite make it inside.

The idea is that the moths are attracted to the bulb, then in all their fluttering confusion fall through the funnel into the container, and are not able to find their way out. Not unlike a lobster creel. Inside the container they are perfectly safe – in fact, it’s packed with empty egg boxes, in which they can find safe and comfortable nooks in which to nestle overnight. Come the morning, they should be chilled and sleepy, and easy to handle.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 14:06:25

MOTHS

Right: The larva or caterpillar of Geometer winter moth.

Reuben was introduced to moths by the late, great lepidopterist Eric Classey, who lived close to him in Gloucestershire and took the keen schoolboy under his wing. Today, Reuben runs the environmental consultancy Tweed Ecology (tweedecology.co.uk) and maintains an avid interest in all aspects of natural history – although moths hold a special place in his heart.

Partly, he says, it’s the way they herald the changing of the seasons. The spoils of the moth trap offer a rich and constantly changing array of life that varies as we move from early spring to late spring, and again as we pass into early summer, the midsummer, and late summer, and so on.

‘The sheer biodiversity is life affirming,’ he says.

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Moths might be found on the wing every month of the year, he assures me.

Even now, as we approach midwinter, there are some. I look them up later, and find their names appropriately hibernal: the December moth, the winter moth, the mottled umber, the satellite, the pale brindled beauty. On milder days, the twenty-plume moth, a micro with wings of taupe and fan-like fronds, might be stirred from its winter slumber in conservatories or outbuildings, while the Brussels lace caterpillar might be spotted overwintering in its foodstuff – foliose lichen – with which it, being of mintgreen filigree, blends perfectly.

Such cryptic species ‘are incredible products of evolution’, notes Reuben. He draws my attention to midsummer’s buff tip, which when at rest appears as a twig of silver birch, and the scorched wing, which resembles a sycamore helicopter seed.

Other than that, it’s difficult to pick favourites, ‘but as for sheer beauty and the fact that I still see them regularly, the garden tiger, elephant hawk-moth [pink and olive green, all angles] and merveilledu-jour [densely embroidered in pistachio, white and black] take some beating’, he says. The most common finds in his area are the large yellow underwing and the antler moth; earlier this year, he trapped 523 of the latter over a single night in one trap.

This might, he warns, be a portent of things to come. Antler moths have been known to descend upon the region in plague-like proportions. The last time they did so, in 1992, millions of caterpillars invaded six farms in the Borders and destroyed more than 3,000 acres of grass. It was, says Reuben, ‘like a tide sweeping the face of the hill’ – green in front and brown behind. The crisis was only averted when 30,000 blackheaded gulls from the colony at Bemersyde Moss

arrived en masse. The hill quickly became white with the bodies of the birds, and the caterpillars were gone within days.

Scary stories for a night around the campfire. Or a moth trap will do. Tiny insects swirl above, uplit, like cinders.

A tawny owl cries out from the woods behind. Bats flash by in the edges of my eye line.

It’s late. But just before I turn in, a welcome visitor: a canary shouldered thorn. Canary yellow with dusty amber wings, space-alien eyes and comb-like antennae swept back in a quiff, he makes for a stylish gentleman caller. I paid my regards, and then was off. I’d be back in the morning when the treasure chest would be opened.

FIELD FACTS MOTHS

SPECIES: There are about 2,500 species of moths in the British Isles. Globally there are nine times as many varieties of moth as there are butterflies.

SMELL: A male moth can detect a female more than seven miles away.

LIFESPAN: Some adult moths only live for a matter of days. Others will survive many months and will hibernate over the winter.

NAVIGATION: Moths use the moon, stars and geomagnetic fields to navigate.

WINGSPAN: Moths vary hugely in size.

Some in the UK have a wingspan of less than 1.5cm, while warmer climates can sustain moths as big as a dinner plate.

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24/10/2018 14:08:43

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 09:44:46

COUNTRY NEWS

COUNTRY NEWS A round-up of what’s happening in Scotland’s countryside

TRIED AND TESTED WHAT IS IT? Women’s Arctic Apres Leather Lace-Up short boots. RRP £150. www.muckbootcompany. co.uk I WANT IT BECAUSE: With the unexpected snow courtesy of the Beast from the East, it’s essential to have solid footwear if/when more extreme weather arrives.

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THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER Single malt whisky maker Glenmorangie is hoping to achieve an environmental first by recreating an extinct native oyster reef in the Dornoch Firth. The distillery has introduced 20,000 oysters into the surrounding waters as part of the DEEP initiative – Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project – working alongside Heriot-Watt University and the Marine Conservation Society. The original reefs were fished to extinction a century ago but it is hoped that over the next five years, the population will be built up to four million, spreading over 40 hectares.

Owl be there The public are being asked to participate in a study of Tawny owls until 31 March 2019. The species has been added to the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern as their numbers have declined. The British Trust for Ornithology wish to know more about the impacts of urbanisation and light pollution on Tawny owl populations. Register at www.bto.org/owls.

MARINE CONSERVATION ATLAS LAUNCHED Marine conservation charity Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust have released the first Hebridean Marine Mammal Atlas. It showcases findings by the organisation from the past 15 years. According to the charity Scotland’s west coast seas are a global hotspot for whales, dolphins and porpoise – known as cetaceans – and basking sharks, and they need greater protection. Twenty-three cetacean species have been recorded in the Hebrides including the UK’s only resident population of killer whales. Download the atlas at www.hwdt.org.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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24/10/2018 18:29:14

FIELD SPORTS

A grey day An iconic Scottish species, wild grey partridges were widely shot until changes in farming methods saw numbers nosedive. However, a plan to revive the species north of the border is bearing fruit, finds Richard Bath

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 14:12:11

WILD GREY PARTRIDGES

I

t’s a dreich Saturday in October and the rain just won’t stop lashing down. Yet there is still an unusually keen air of anticipation among the eight guns who have assembled at Whitburgh, businessman Alastair Salvesen’s 2,500-acre farm just outside Pathhead in Midlothian. And it’s little wonder they are in expectant mood, because this is the first time any of these experienced guns will have shot wild grey partridge in Scotland for decades.

The story of how Whitburgh managed to produce a shootable population of 550 grey partridge despite having the highest density of buzzards recorded anywhere in Europe is a heartwarming tale that proves sensible conservation can work hand-in-hand with best farming practise to the benefit of all.

It’s also, hope the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), who partnered with Salvesen and his head keeper Graham Rankine on the project, a blueprint for a sustainable way ahead for what was once one of Scotland’s most iconic and formerly widespread avian quarry.

Forty or fifty years ago grey partridge were found all over Scotland, although they tended to concentrate around the hill edge in areas like the corridor from Crieff to Dundee, or in the Lothians. Sometimes erroneously referred to as ‘the English partridge’, the grey partridge – unlike the non-indigenous red-legged partridge, which could traditionally survive as far north as York until global warming kicked in and saw them established as far north as Moray – has always been indigenous to Scotland, especially in the east where it is traditionally drier.

‘Lots of places further north also used to be good for driving greys,’ says Dr Adam Smith, the director of the GWCT. ‘The hill edge in Scotland –

Main image: A wild grey partridge is downed. Right: Keen conservationist Alastair Salvesen in the middle of one of the strips of game crops which provide cover for grey partridge.

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FIELD SPORTS

the bit between farmed, ploughed ground and heather – used to be famous for its driven wild grey population.

‘That transition zone where there’s a bit of ploughed land and a bit of stubble with neep in it, but also barley and grass, then you transition into the whins and gorse, that was their perfect habitat. That said, they’ve also always been found on the hill – I’ve seen wild populations at 1,500 feet in Glen Quaich.’

In the 1950s and 1960s the sight of large coveys of wild grey partridge was a common sight throughout Scotland, and even as recently as the 1980s there was a decent population of these indigenous birds. But then, for some reason, their numbers began to dwindle rapidly.

The main reason for this was the increased use of herbicides, which killed off those weeds which harboured the insects – such as sawflies, ants, caterpillars and spiders – which are the grey partridge chick’s only food for the first ten days of its life.

With many chicks dying of starvation within barely a week of hatching, numbers suddenly went into an unstoppable decline.

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There are other reasons, though. With less gamekeepers, and more of those keepers directing their efforts towards pheasants, the numbers of predators during this period grew quickly, while for many predators – such as badgers and buzzards – new legal protection has stopped culls.

At various other sites, local reasons also came into play. At Whitburgh, for example, during a 2012 study 12 radiotagged grey partridge were released. But in horribly wet weather, all 12 of these fine-feathered birds became so drenched that they came out from the safety of the hedgerows to dry out their plumage which made them incredibly vulnerable, with all 12 being eaten by raptors.

‘When we no longer had a sustainable population of wild greys we used to put down substantial numbers of them for driven days,’ says Salvesen. ‘But ten years ago I decided to take part in a GWCT trial to see if we could bring back wild greys by creating an environment in which they could thrive. We didn’t put down

Clockwise from left: The host bags his first wild grey partridge in Scotland for several decades; the bag for the day; the guns assemble; poised for action; a grey partridge in flight.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 14:15:28

WILD GREY PARTRIDGES

“

The grey partridge is an umbrella species, so when it thrives hares and songbirds also start to recover any more greys, and hoped that the few stragglers left from the year before would breed. Just a few years on, we now have a shootable surplus.’

Whitburgh is one of ten shoots throughout Europe and two in Scotland – the other is Balgonie Farm near Cupar in Fife – who are working with the GWCT to see if they can bring back the grey partridge.

The plan was to put strips of game crop of up to five metres wide along the hedgerows to provide cover for the birds, but also to put in much larger square blocks of cover elsewhere so that predators like badgers and foxes can no longer simply walk along the strip and pick off any nesting birds.

In creating this haven for partridge, plants like phacelia and triticale – so both a pollinator and food source – have been used to produce what Smith calls ‘our holy grail’, a conservation crop which lasts for up to three years and which also provides both cover and food for the grey partridge.

‘The orthodoxy was that you needed to devote 12% of your land to such a project for it to work, but in all we gave over just 7% to game crops that were designed to help build a sustainable

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population of wild greys, and it has worked,’ said Salvesen.

‘Crucially, devoting 7% of your farmland doesn’t mean you produce 7% less crops or livestock because some of the land around the margins is pretty marginal in any case. There are also grants available, although we didn’t seek any because we felt that the conditions were too onerous, and we wanted to be free to do what we feel works best.’

The plan hatched between Salvesen and the GWCT has certainly worked. Despite the continual rain – grey partridge are even more reticent to leave cover and fly in the rain than grouse or red-legs – covey after covey of grey partridge appeared in front of the guns. Low-flying and hugging the contours of the land like a slightly less rapid grouse, these canny wild birds offer a markedly different challenge to

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24/10/2018 14:16:21

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24/10/2018 09:46:23

WILD GREY PARTRIDGES

THE GREY A quick guide to the grey partridge The grey partridge arrived naturally in Scotland from its home on the Steppes following the Ice Age Right: Alastair Salvesen inspects his game crop.

Below: The happy guns head for home.

red-legs, and so are more prized.

For Salvesen, bringing back an iconic species which was common in Scotland in his youth is reward enough, but for Smith the ramifications go far wider than merely giving field sports enthusiasts a quarry without having to put birds down.

‘The grey partridge is what we call an umbrella species, so when you create the conditions for it to thrive, you also create the conditions in which the numbers of songbirds and hares can also begin to recover,’ says Smith. ‘It’s a win-win for everyone.

‘No-one is doing this for the money, the real incentive for people like Alastair is the joy of doing something which he knows is good for the countryside.

Alastair loves his shooting and he loves to know that he now has a modern farming system that’s providing food but is also allowing us to retain and

“

It was the most popular sporting quarry of 1880s and 1900s. Between 1870 and 1930 around two million grey partridges were shot annually.

safeguard our wildlife. That seems to be the motivation for people looking to reintroduce a grey population.’

The end result has undeniably been a success. Despite having the highest number of buzzards in Europe at 1.3 nests per square kilometre across Whitburgh’s 1,000 hectares, the number of grey partridge on the farm has gone from a few stragglers to 550 greys in just ten years.

As for the guns, Salvesen’s crew was made up of committed countrymen, an experienced party who shot just 30 birds but relished the triumph of quality over quantity, while the beaters and keepers enthused over a chance to take part in what was a historic day. ‘What a brilliant experience,’ said one gun. ‘That was so much better for the soul than a big driven day. I somehow felt more at one with nature.’

Who could argue with those noble sentiments?

The number of grey partridge has gone from a few stragglers to 550 in a handful of years

After World War II, numbers dropped by 80% in 40 years, with the British Trust for Ornithology documenting a decline of 91% from 1967 to 2010.

Despite the GWCT’s target to have 160,000 breeding pairs across the UK by 2020, the number of breeding pairs has fallen to just 43,000.

After covey break-up in January and February, grey partridge will disperse, with unpaired male juveniles moving furthest. The maximum distance for males was 4.7km, with females moving just 2.7km.

Mortality is lowest during the covey period (Dec-Jan), and highest during the pairing period (Feb-Mar). Males suffer from higher mortality than females, with overwinter mortality mainly caused by raptors (predominantly female sparrowhawks), followed by mammals (predominantly foxes).

Greys are not an important food source for buzzards, but peregrines and hen harriers will hunt them.

Super quarry: Between 1880-1930, two million grey partridge were shot each year.

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24/10/2018 14:18:29

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 09:49:18

FISHING

ILLUSTRATION - ALEXANDER JACKSON

B

y the time the rains finally hit the north Highlands it was mid-September. An angler who had just left, having tried to tickle fish from shrunken corners for one week, wailed in anguish to hear that his two successors on the beat nailed 21 in a day, and lost as many. More was to come. On the Halladale, horribly starved of the wet stuff all year, rain saw two young Scottish fishers notching up 26 one day.

There were injuries – after a week of this sort of thing men were in bed nursing shoulder trouble. One limping man declared he was ‘fished out’. Women anglers, less muscular in their approach, carried blithely on. One stood briefly on the banks of the Halladale and caught five without moving her feet.

Short rod, floating line, small flies — while the men, wearing war-veteran expressions, projected weighted ironmongery on sunk leaders.

Strange things follow four-month droughts. A doctor fished for a 15 pound salmon in three rivers.

Having winkled out four on an upper tributary he idly flicked his fly into a close-by burn in seething spate.

He hooked up. The indignant salmon somersaulted down-river into the tributary. Chasing it beneath a water-gate and under a railway bridge the intrepid doctor carried on for hundreds of boulder-strewn yards until he stumbled into the main river. Here, to the amazement of beat anglers, the soaked figure netted his fish.

His wife told me the tale while the angler stood behind her, speechless, with a weirdly-glazed smile.

He dwelt in a sort of salmon heaven.

Another man ventured across eight miles of moors and fished an Upper Brora tributary, un-fished normally being too far away. Here flowed a wide and beautiful wilderness river in full spate. He caught five in an hour and a half, the biggest played in the rushes on the swamped bank.

It has not been so dramatic everywhere. Spey ghillies were morose, even after salmon were caught on late-season higher water. They were convinced the migration had been poor. Feeling that this message and its significance for the spawning season were not being attended to, along with local salmon zealots,

they hired a diving team to float the river at the top, middle and bottom. What the wet-suit divers and the underwater drone reported was alarming. In the worst pools there was a tenth of the fish expected.

In others there was a third. Fishing hut talk was of re-stocking programmes, twinned with effective control of the sawbill In the worst pools ducks and cormorants which are there was a tenth of decimating young salmon populations. the fish expected The Tweed, the home of probing salmon science, reports up to 80% of salmon smolts eaten by birds.

Solutions, should anyone care, are easy. There is no need to go to sea or launch expensive research initiatives. It can be done by politicians willing to face down re-wilding zealots, exhibit belief in the value of wild salmon runs, and issue adequate bird cull licenses.

Not everywhere is epicene about protecting valuable species. On Norway’s north coast seals this summer were hammering salmon shoals in the drought-shrunk mouths of major rivers. A four-figure seal cull was conducted without further ado. Salmon rod catches vaulted upwards immediately afterwards.

Our own government has been caught on the hop by the worst wild salmon outrage in years. Early September events on Lewis’s River Blackwater annihilated any further discussion about whether salmon farm sea-lice can harm adult salmon. Clandestinely-filmed footage shows the heart of the wild salmon run succumbing to horrific parasite attacks in scenes like the night of the living dead. Hundreds of adult fish died. Now we know why government itself shrinks from this elementary investigation. They would then have to act.

Politicians will prevaricate over fish farm regulation, as ever, but finger-pointing debate can cease. If anyone still questions the effects of fish farming on wild salmon this gruesome underwater film removes all doubt.

“

Good, bad, ugly

The lucky anglers entered salmon heaven, the unlucky ones endured purgatory – but on Lewis’s River Blackwater things were positively hellish, says Michael Wigan .

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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24/10/2018 11:30:38

THE GREEN GODDESS

Sprouting for joy Whether it’s the nation’s most hated veg, a Christmas tradition, the latest superfood, or a staple of the charities helping those in food poverty, there’s a surprising amount to the humble Brussel sprout, finds Louise Gray

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PHOTOED / SHUTTERSTOCK

W

hat is your favourite part of Christmas dinner? Is it the turkey? The pigs in blankets? The cranberry sauce? The chestnut stuffing? One thing is for sure, I bet it is not the Brussel sprouts…

Since our school days, when Brussel sprouts came overboiled to the point of going grey, wafting that familiar sulphurous smell, many of us have dreaded eating our ‘greens’.

But as we all become more aware of healthy eating and new ways of cooking, sprouts are making a comeback. In fact as a seasonal, affordable and plentiful crop, it has become a symbol of the kind of vegetables we should be all be eating more of, whatever your income.

Brussel sprouts are part of the brassica family (alongside cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower), that make up a fifth of Scotland’s horticultural crop. The vegetables tend to be grown down the east coast, from Aberdeenshire to East Lothian, where the cool climate allows flavour to build slowly and provides a longer growing season. Brussel sprouts in particular are thought to be sweetest after a frost.

Personally, I think brassicas are rather beautiful, in a sculptural kind of way. Red cabbage looks lovely in a low winter light and broccoli is almost blue in an early morning frost.

Main image: Louise Gray feeling festive among the sprouts in Fife.

Above: A Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Right: Healthy green smoothies made of organic vegetables.

In a field of sprouts I visit in Fife, the stalks frame the Lomond hills in the background.

The crop is part of this year’s Christmas supply grown by Kettle Produce, one of the UK’s largest growers.

Every year they grow 30,000 tonnes of brassicas, including 3,500 tonnes of Brussel sprouts – which is a large

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 10:37:39

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

BRUSSEL FACTS Scots grow 730 million Brussel sprouts to ensure Christmas dinners have just a little bit of green.

Brussel sprouts were first cultivated on a large scale in Europe outside the Belgian city of Brussels, hence the name.

NADA54 / SHUTTERSTOCK

The vegetable became popular in the UK in the Victorian era, around the same time that the idea of a roast turkey Christmas dinner took off.

percentage of the total Scottish output of around 14,000 tonnes.

In a field nearby the harvester is hard at work. Workers sit in what looks like a mobile marquee, feeding the cut stalks into a machine to remove the sprouts. In a next-door field workers from Eastern Europe are hand-cutting broccoli. Kettle Produce are Scotland’s largest vegetable processors, with two factories dedicated to making vegetables more ‘convenient’ for the consumer, such as spiralising courgettes and making carrots into spaghetti. So far, sprouts have been kept refreshingly simple, although Marks and Spencer have added raw sprouts to apple and pear juice to make a Christmas ‘sprout smoothie’.

It is only in recent years that demand has grown for brassicas as we have realised the importance of cruciferous vegetables to our diet. Like all veggies, they’re low in calories, fat and salt. They’re also a good source of fibre. Brussel sprouts contain vitamins C, A and B6, as well as the important vitamin K, which promotes strong bones. In fact that sulphurous smell may be what makes them so good for you – as sulphur-rich vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties.

Supermarkets have started stocking new sprout varieties that are sweeter and milder, while celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver have developed recipes that minimise the bitter taste by frying in butter and adding chestnuts, cheese or bacon.

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Sprouts have become a new ‘superfood’ – but only for some. Despite growing world class brassicas, many of our own population struggle to access fresh fruits and vegetables. The Scottish Government estimate that 16% of the population live in relative poverty, meaning a reliance on cheaper calories rather than fresh food. It may seem unbelievable in a developed country like Scotland but access to fresh fruit and

Around 40% of the sprouts produced for the UK market are consumed in the weeks up to and including Christmas day.

The world record for the most Brussel sprouts eaten in a minute currently stands at 31. (Any challengers?)

In 2011, there was one food bank in Scotland operated in partnership with the Trussell Trust. There are now over 50.

FareShare UK feed almost 800,000 people every week from food that would otherwise be wasted.

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BENTLEY EDINBURGH 24/10/2018 09:50:50 26/09/2018 11:41

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

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Last year Trussell Trust gave out 170,000 food parcels to Scottish families in need

Above: Brussel sprouts are packed full of nutrients.

Bottom: Foodbank Warehouse shelves of food.

Bottom right: Sorting the tins.

vegetables can be limited by price. A 2014 study found that in the UK, people on the lowest incomes spent £1.66 on veg a week compared to £3.83 in the richest tenth of the population.

At the most extreme end, families rely on food banks, where fresh fruit and vegetables are limited. Last year the charity Trussell Trust gave out 170,000 food parcels to Scottish families in need. The food banks mostly rely on processed veg, except where ‘waste’ fresh fruit and vegetables can be redirected to a good cause.

This is where another charity, FareShare, come in. The organisation redistributes food that would otherwise be rejected by the supermarkets and could end up in landfill. The most common reasons are because demand no longer exists, the food is mislabelled or is close to the best before date.

At Christmas, a time of giving, access to food, and fresh fruit and vegetables in particular, is more important than ever. Like many food companies Kettle Produce do their bit by donating surplus vegetables, such as Brussel sprouts, to charity. On average they donate about ten tonnes of fresh produce a month to FareShare. That’s enough for about 250,000 meals per year for people most in need In central and south east Scotland alone, FareShare redistribute 28 tonnes of food a month, feeding 7,000 people a

week. At the depot in Edinburgh, you can find sacks of tatties, crates of carrots, Brussel sprouts and cabbages as well as bread and plenty of tinned food.

It is all high quality food and it is shocking to think it would be wasted if charities like FareShare did not intercept and give the food to those in need. On the day I visited FareShare I found offcuts of shortbread (rejected for not being pretty enough), perfectly ripe bananas (considered overripe because of a few brown spots) and pre-prepared cabbage (that was rejected by the supermarket because a change in the weather meant people were looking for more salad).

Throughout the day vans left to deliver this perfectly edible food to charities including after and before school clubs, food banks, homelessness hostels, veterans’ clubs, community cafés, women’s refuges and food clubs. All of it will be made into delicious meals.

At Newton after school club breakfast cereal is received with joy, at Leith Basics Food Bank fresh vegetables are added to parcels and at St Catharine’s Convent in Tollcross, which feeds up to 200 people a day, Brussel sprouts are received with gratitude. Perhaps we could learn something from all these charities run by volunteers? Perhaps instead of pushing Brussel sprouts to one side on our Christmas dinner plate this year, we should remember how lucky we are.

Get in touch @loubgray or get in contact via her website at www.louiseb gray.com Are you a sprout lover or hater?

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Go wild at Christmas Boar pie, roast goat, chestnut strudel and mulled cider are all on the menu for a Festive Day meal with a difference at the Secret Herb Garden WORDS Stephanie Abbot IMAGES Angus Blackburn & Phil Wilkinson

Main image: In the glass house, the Scottish Field team, joined by Secret Herb Garden owner Hamish Martin, prepare to tuck in.

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24/10/2018 17:54:20

A WILD CHRISTMAS

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FOOD & DRINK

Clockwise from above: A glass of festive fizz is a must; mince pies, a cosy fire and friends; the boar pie is a real show stopper; a special G to go with your T; a lovely warm mug of mulled cider; Below: A selection of Christmas delights.

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hristmas is a time steeped in tradition whether it’s something as integral as a beautifully decorated tree or laying out mince pies for a peckish Santa Claus (Dad) on Christmas Eve. Turkey dinners with all the trimmings are the go to staples of many a festive feast across the country but the Scottish Field team decided to break with tradition and go a bit wild this year. A lot wild actually,

as we enlisted the help of Scott Smith, chef-patron of Fhior to create a woodland-inspired menu for our beautiful Christmas banquet in the gorgeously rustic setting of the Secret Herb Garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh. For that extra touch of foraged festive magic, Aline Hardie, a local florist and owner of B.Bonnie Flowers, created the spectacular garland as the centrepiece for our table along with a fairytale-like canopy of ivy and garland pillars.

To reflect the woodland theme of this year, Scott chose a boar and wild mushroom pie as a starter which is easy to make and which looks formidably impressive as a centrepiece.

The traditional turkey was trumped by goat, a really sustainable meat which most people won’t have tried but which tastes wonderful (and far less strong than you might imagine). Serving this with flavour-packed side dishes like the delicious potatoes with fennel and lardons, which can be made in advance, reduces stress levels on the big day.

The dessert is a real seasonal treat: a special winter strudel packed with sweet pears and chestnuts between layers of buttery puff pastry. We were also lucky to sample some Old Curiosity Christmas gin, made on site at the herb garden.

Our magical setting was made even more so by the lovely people at Dobbies Garden Centre who supplied us with gorgeous decorations. After our own wonderful experience of a foraged and locally sourced Christmas feast, we would encourage you to join us by going wild this festive season.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 17:55:31

A WILD CHRISTMAS

Boar, Wild Mushroom and Leek Pie Serves 4 Ingredients 50g butter 50g flour 200ml pork stock 100ml double cream 1 small onion, diced 2 small leeks, diced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stick, diced 150g wild mushrooms, sliced 350kg boar shoulder, 500g of hot water crust pastry Butter and oil for cooking Salt, to taste Method In a hot pan, brown the boar shoulder on all sides, then sit in a deep oven dish.

Add the carrots and celery and season to taste, cover with stock. Cover the dish with tin foil and cook in a low oven (180 degrees) for 3 hours or until it falls apart.

Once cooked, flake it into pieces.

Make a roux by melting the butter and remove from heat; add the flour and mix well until it forms a paste and cook for 5 minutes. Add the pork stock a little at a time, stirring well until all the stock and flour mix is fully dissolved in the stock.

Return to a gentle heat and, stirring continuously, cook out the flour until the liquid has thickened.

In a separate pan sweat the onions and leeks in a little butter and oil until tender and translucent. Add the mushrooms and fry them until tender. Add the pulled braised boar shoulder and pork bechamel.

Season to taste Grease and flour a pie tin and line with pastry. Fill it with the pie mix and add a pastry lid. Make sure the lid is firmly stuck on using egg wash. Don’t forget to make a hole in the top to allow the steam to escape, and decorate it with pastry seasonal motifs (I used a simple leaf design). Use egg wash to get a lovely shiny finish on your pie top.

“

The team decided to break tradition and go a bit wild this year

Bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Clockwise from right: Greens get the fancy festive treatment; locally foraged pieces added to the garden’s natural feel; the roast leg of goat was a welcome change.

Bottom left: A fairytale feast among friends.

Roast leg of Goat Serves 4 Ingredients: Whole leg of goat, boned Method: Roll the leg of goat and tie with butchers’ string (your butcher might do this for you) and brine for 12 hours in a 2% solution (2g of salt per 100g of water, dissolved – make enough to cover the whole joint). Remove from the brine and allow to air dry for 2-3 hours.

In a hot pan, brown the meat on all sides and place in a roasting tin. Roast in the oven at 160 degrees for 4 hours, then leave to rest for 30 minutes before serving. Use the roasting juices to make a delicious gravy.

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 17:56:49

A WILD CHRISTMAS

“

Goat is a really sustainable meat which most people won’t have tried

Broccoli and Hazelnuts Serves 4 Ingredients: 350g tenderstem broccoli 75ml rapeseed oil, cold pressed 50g hazelnuts, crushed 100g spinach 1 garlic clove, finely sliced ½ lemon, juiced Salt

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Method: Roast the broccoli for 10 minutes at 180 degrees. Add the hazelnuts, spinach and garlic and roast for another 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and mix in the lemon juice.

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FOOD & DRINK

Potatoes, Fennel, Lardons Serves 4 Ingredients: 750g floury potoatoes (Maris Piper for example) 500ml vegetable stock 1 onion, sliced 1 tsp fennel seeds 100g lardons Handful of parsley Method: In a pan sweat the onions down until tender and translucent, add the fennel seeds and lardons and fry until the fat of the lardons is rendered down (has melted).

Peel and cut the potatoes to 0.5cm thick slices.

Add to the onion and bacon pan and cook for 15 minutes, stirring to prevent it from catching. Add 500ml of stock and carry on cooking until the stock has been absorbed and the mix has thickened and is cooked, keep stirring to prevent it from catching.

Finish with a handful of chopped parsley.

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 17:58:08

A WILD CHRISTMAS

Salt-Crust Baked Carrots

DIY GARLAND

Serves 4

TOP TIPS FROM ALINE HARDIE

Ingredients: 500g flour 100g salt 8 carrots, whole 1 bunch of wild herbs Method: Make a salt dough by mixing the flour and salt until it forms a stiff dough. Roll it out to 0.50cm thick and lay the roughly shredded wild herbs on top in the centre.

Clean carrots well and lay on top of the herbs. Close the dough up to form a parcel, sealing in the sides well so no steam can escape (tip: wet the edges to be sealed with cold water to help them glue together). Bake for one hour at 210 degrees.

“

Use a selection of foliages. I used two varieties of holly, ivy and pine.

Other foliages you can use include eucalyptus, olive, branch and conifers.

- Cut all foliage to similar lengths.

- Start by bunching a selection of foliages together and either use twine or wire to wrap and constantly add to it.

Left: Cheers to Christmas! Top left: The king of tattie dishes. Top right: The carrots were packed full with flavour. Above: Red, green and gold set the perfect scene.

Dessert is a real seasonal treat: a special winter strudel

For more information on the decorations featured visit the Scottish Field website.

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- Keep all foliage facing the same way.

If you require both ends to look the same do a smaller separate section.

- Add lots detail, I used beautiful Red Freedom and Naomi Roses, Pheasant tail feathers, pine cones and ilex berries. Cinnamon sticks, dried orange or apple slices, or more fresh flowers. Either wire these as you go or place on top. www.bbonnie.co.uk

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24/10/2018 09:55:34

A WILD CHRISTMAS

Pear and Chestnut Strudel Ingredients: 4 pears 100g caster sugar 200ml water 1 cinnamon stick 200g chestnuts 1 pack of puff pastry 2 egg yolks

the cooking syrup and set aside. Return half the syrup to the heat and reduce until thick. In a bowl dice the pears and add the reduced syrup back in.

Method: Roast the chestnuts at 180 for 15 minutes, allow to cool before shelling and peeling.

Roll out the puff pastry. Spread the chestnut puree in the centre, lengthways, allowing a 10cm pasty border either side; lay out the pears on top. Bring the pastry edges on top, sealing them together with the egg yolk. Roll the ends in to make a tight seal. Cut slits it the top of the strudel and eggwash it before baking for 40 minutes at 180 degrees or until the pastry has well risen.

Make a sugar syrup by dissolving the sugar into the water in a hot pan. Peel, halve and core the pears, then add carefully to the sugar syrup. Add the cinnamon stick. Cook until tender.

Remove the pears and cinnamon from

Cook the chestnuts in the remaining sugar syrup until very tender. Blend into a firm paste.

Above: Chef Scott Smith from Fhior is expert at foraging and using the full extent of Scotland’s larder, including some rarely used ingredients.

Mulled Cider Ingredients: 1l apple juice 2l dry cider 3 apples, chopped 1 lemon, sliced ½ orange, sliced 2 cinnamon sticks 6 cloves 4 star anise Method: Put the fruit, spices and the apple juice in a pan. Bring to the boil and reduce by half.

Add the cider and warm gently. Serve straight away.

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FOOD & DRINK

Wine to Dine

Drinks writer Peter Ranscombe picks five wines to pair with the Christmas banquet.

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hristmas is a time for feasting – celebrating family and friendship over good food and good wine.

Taking that feast outside into a location like The Secret Herb Garden in Edinburgh – as Scottish Field did for its December 2018 issue – makes the occasion extra special.

Dining outside means that we need wines with character that will retain their aromas and flavours in the open air, but which won’t overpower the ingredients in the dishes, especially anything that’s been foraged.

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GUSBOURNE ESTATE BRUT RESERVE, 2014 Oddbins £35 Bubbly from south of the Border with ripe raspberry and pear to tame its acidity. I’m a huge fan of English sparkling wine, but I do find that some examples still don’t have enough concentrated fruit flavours to balance their acidity. That’s not a problem for winemaker Charlie Holland at Gusbourne in Kent; I’ve been impressed again and again with both his sparkling and still wines, especially the intensity of their flavours. A friend who shares my passion for UK fizz produced a greatly-appreciated bottle of this wine as my birthday bubbles over the summer.

FINEST MINERVOIS LA LIVINIERE, 2016 Tesco £9.50 A richer red, full of blackberry and blueberry, ready to match meatier dishes. This is a real warming wine for the winter months and the ideal example of that old adage, ‘what grows together goes together’.

Vineyard managers in the South of France may battle against wild boar but, when it comes to cooking the beasts, their wines can form a perfect pairing, with the high percentage of syrah in this Minervois providing plenty of dark fruit to match the posh piggy in the pie. There’s a hit of tannin that quickly settles down into the background, adding to its food-friendly credentials.

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Food-friendly whites like gruner veltliner are great places to start if they have enough intensity to their fruit, while the fresh acidity in pinot noir makes it a great lighter red option.

Deeper red wines like Minervois from the Languedoc in the south of France are ideal winter warmers – whether indoors or out – and what better way to kick-start a feast than with some fizz?

I wish you a peaceful Christmas and Hogmanay – no matter which vinous treats you choose to accompany your feasts.

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EXTRA SPECIAL MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR, 2016 Asda £8.98 Red cherry and raspberry layered with woodsmoke and spun sugar make this perky pinot great value. Goat can handle a surprisingly wide range of red wines – especially cabernet sauvignon, more syrah or even malbec, particularly when the meat’s been slung onto a barbecue – but here I’ve opted for the more elegant tones of pinot noir.

Asda’s Yarra Valley pinot from Australia has been a mainstay of Scottish Field’s wines for Christmas for years, but this vintage of the Marlborough pinot from New Zealand makes me want to swap Antipodean island. It’s got enough tannin and acidity to sit alongside the goat – and plenty of fruit for balance.

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MORE

WINE ONLINE

For the full reviews, read Peter’s drinks blog at scottishfield.co.uk/ grapegrain

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RABL GRUNER VELTLINER, 2017 Marks & Spencer £9.50 Austria’s flagship white, with ripe red apple and apricot, plus plenty of texture. Gruner veltliner is such a versatile white grape when it comes to food and wine matching and is a bottle for which I always make a beeline when I spot it on a menu.

This example from M&S is great value and the perfect introduction to this unsung hero. It’s worthy of its place at any feast, and here it’s fun to try it with the roast leg of goat as an alternative to the pinot noir. Never underestimate textured whites like roussanne or gruner when it comes to winter roasts.

DOMAINE DE LASSERRE JURANCON, 2015 Co-op £7 A healthy kick of freshness to round off the meal and match the chestnut and pear strudel. There are bonus points on offer if you’ve ever heard of petit manseng or gros manseng, the two grapes used to make this dessert wine from the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains in South-West France.

Their acidic freshness is beautifully balanced by flavours of pear, red apple and honey, with a floral aroma on the nose and a peachy finish. The Co-op’s Jurancon is a top performer year-after-year and very versatile when it comes to matching with desserts. For more ideas of what to pair with pears, check-out November 2018’s Wine to Dine column.

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24/10/2018 18:00:20

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

WHAT’S THE BEEF? The Mystery Diner reviews The Grill by HW in Bridge of Allan, a restaurant specialising in the increasingly popular Wagyu beef from Japan

ILLUSTRATION - THE EDINBURGH SKETCHER

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ack in 2011, despite not being farmers, husband and wife team Mohsin Altajir and Martine Chapman decided that what Scotland really needed was for someone to breed Japanese Wagyu beef cows here – and that this ‘someone’ was them. But with a ton of hard work what started as a flight of fancy soon became a decent business. Highland Wagyu cross Wagyu bulls with a collection of native breeds, such as Angus, Highland or shorthorn, to produce a beefier wagyu to suit the European palette, a fact which has seen well-kent chefs such as Tom Kitchin, Albert Roux, Pierre Kauffman and Fred Berkmiller championing their marvellously marbled beef.

From those acorns, Dunblane-based Highland Wagyu grew into a business which is one of rural Scotland’s great success stories. But not content with breeding 2,000 head of the famous Japanese cows to supply the nation’s chefs, Altajir and Chapman then decided their next step would be to deal directly with the public. In August 2016 they opened a shop in Bridge of Allan selling their beef from between £10 and £1,000 per kilo, and within nine months had sold their first tonne of beef.

Flushed with success, when The Old Bridge Inn near Bridge of Allan station was about to close,

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FIELD FACTS PRICE £173.80 for two, including coffee, wine & service RATING  The Grill by HW 2 Inverallan Rd Bridge of Allan Stirling FK9 4JA Tel: 01786 831188 www.hwgrill.co.uk

Altajir and Chapman stepped in and opened up their own restaurant, The Grill by HW, in March of this year. It was a sensible move in a prosperous area where – notwithstanding the presence of the nearby Cromlix and Kailyard – there is a chronic shortage of decent local restaurants.

From the outside it is an unprepossessing little building, but inside this tardis-like space has been given the full HW treatment. Contemporary yet classic, it manages to tread the fine line between being upmarket yet relaxed. And it even has an open kitchen so that if conversation begins to lag you can sit back and watch the three chefs go about their business.

Once you’ve drunk in the sumptuous surroundings, the first thing that strikes you about The Grill at HW is its menu. Or, more precisely, the prices on its menu. The place might look quite modest from the outside, but if you’re worried about making the rent each month, this is not the place for you. In fact, if the thought of spending over £100 on a meal brings you out in hives, then you had better just walk on by because for a small provincial town – even one as well-heeled as Bridge of Allan – the prices were pretty eye-watering.

Nowhere is that more true than when it comes to the spectacular wine list, where the cheapest red

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:45:13

THE GRILL BY HW, BRIDGE OF ALLAN

(which we chose) is a beautifully rich and cherried bottle of Zio Paolo, Nero d’Avola from Sicily at £32, but the ascent is pretty steep from there, culminating with an imperial of La Tache 1989 for £120,000 (the most expensive bottle is a 1945 Chateau Mouton Rothschild at £39,000).

We started with a very satisfactory shellfish bisque (£10) and an excellent slab of twice-cooked rib cap (£12). For those unfamiliar with this cut, it comes from a part of the rib that has very little movement so is wonderfully tender, and has a curious consistency somewhere between shin of beef and a pate.

After that, we moved onto the main course, in every sense. Steak is in the The Grill by HW’s name, its DNA, its very fibre, so we couldn’t look further than the selection of Wagyu steaks on offer.

These are basically broken down into four categories (prime, rump, skirts, grass-fed) and come in either 200g or 300g portions, with prices ranging from £28 to £65. We decided to plump for a 200g Denver steak (£40) which comes under the heading of ‘rump’, and is basically the most tender cut from the shoulder. This turned out to be exactly the case: the steak was beautifully marbled, crimson inside and gloriously tender. Thumbs up on this one.

We also plumped for a dish off the specials menu, the braised shin with mash (£24). This is one of my absolute favourites and I tend to choose it

wherever I’m lucky enough to find it as one of the options. This Wagyu version was mildly disappointing: in the very best versions I’ve had the gravy has been richer and more strident, while the meat has been more unctuous and even more tender. It’s not that it wasn’t good, just that I’ve had better.

The same could be said for both of the puddings we chose, although in my experience that’s often the case with steak restaurants (although there are some notable exceptions, such as the Champany Inn near Linlithgow). The nicely sharp-edged lemon tart (£8) was the pick of the pair, with the creme caramel (£8) a little on the bland side.

We rounded off with one of the restaurant’s ‘Difference’ gourmet coffees.

There are four of these, which all come in at the unholy price of £14, but I had to try the Wild Kopi Luwak because it’s pretty rare to find coffee that includes part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet (a cross between a cat and a monkey) in which fermentation occurs as the cherries pass through the civet’s intestines. It was interesting, but honestly, I can think of other ways of spending £14.

By the time our meal finished and the obligatory 10% service charge was added to our menu, the bill (including an £8 gin and tonic) came to £173.80. A reminder that excellence – as this undoubtedly was – rarely comes on the cheap.

Three of the best If The Grill by HW is full, try one of these local alternatives...

CROMLIX The food operation at Andy Murray’s gorgeous hotel is overseen by Albert Roux, so expect classic top-end French cuisine. www.cromlix.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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THE RIVERSIDE This relaxed Dunblane pub serves hearty comfort food, like slow braised beef cheek with horseradish mash. www. theriversidedunblane.co.uk

THE KAILYARD Nick Nairn’s restaurant at Dunblane Hydro serves Scottish ingredients, fusing them with recipes from around the world. www. doubletreedunblane.com

AWESOME FOURSOME Four more of the country’s best steak restaurants

FAZENDA, EDINBURGH We love this eat-all-you-can place based on the model common in Brazil.

You pay your cash and they bring six different types of steak until you give in. www.fazenda.co.uk/edinburgh

BALGOVE LARDER STEAK BARN, ST ANDREWS This atmospheric former sawmill is hugely popular. Munch on steaks hung for 28 days and cooked on their wood-fired BBQ. www.balgove.com

TIFFNEY’S, GLASGOW This understated West End steakhouse was once Tripadvisor’s No.1 rated restaurant (of any hue) in Glasgow, but despite that it’s pretty damned good. www.tiffneys.co.uk

CHOP HOUSE, EDINBURGH The trio – there’s one in Leith, one in Bruntsfield and one behind Waverley – are known for funky contemporary design and steaks aged for up to 90 days in space-age dry-ageing fridges. www.chophousesteak.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK NEWS

FOOD & DRINK The latest happenings on Scotland’s food and drink scene

CRUMBS

SENSATIONAL SPIRIT

Hendrick’s new gin Orbium has now been released exclusively throughout Harvey Nichols stores and online.

In addition to the classic rose and cucumber, Orbium contains two additions usually found in gin cocktails and one new exotic ingredient.

First is quinine, one of the components of tonic water, then wormwood which is found in vermouth and finally blue lotus blossom giving the drink its floral notes.

Orbium is £47.

BELHAVEN PROVES BEST

Belhaven Brewery’s Twisted Grapefruit IPA has been named Beer of the Year 2018 at the annual Scottish Beer Awards. It also took home the Gold taste award for ‘Best Fruit-Forward beer’.

The award was judged by a panel of experts drawn from across the sector from almost 300 entries.

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Left: Masterchef winner 2018 Kenny Tutt.

CHRISTMAS FOODIES FESTIVAL For many people, the best thing about Christmas is the delicious food and the chance to forego the calorie counting. If you’re looking for some inspiration then the Edinburgh Christmas Foodies Festival has got you covered. Top chefs including this year’s Masterchef winner Kenny Tutt and Daniel Ashmore (The Pompadour by Galvin) will be there and there’s a big emphasis on vegan dishes this year. On from 23-25 November at the EICC, tickets can be bought at www.foodies.seetickets.com

A meal with a view The first restaurant on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill will open on 24 November. The Lookout

by Gardener’s Cottage is partially suspended over the north west slope and will be open five days a week. The project was a partnership between Gardener’s Cottage and Collective, the organisation behind the City Observatory’s redevelopment. Diners can enjoy meals that are centred around seasonal and a la carte menus – as well as the floor to ceiling views of the capital.

Porridge a la Sweden It was an oat-so good day for two people at the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships in Carrbridge this year.

Swedish competitors Calle Myrsell and Per Carlsson became the first joint winners in the competition’s 25 year history. There was success for the Scots too as Chris Young from Perthshire and Lynn Munro from Sunderland each took the top spot for Speciality Porridge, with Lynn taking part in the first ever junior heat of the championships.

30 competitors from around the world came to share their porridge making skills, with contestants as young as 11 taking part.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 18:29:37

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

ACROSS THE POND Highland whisky distillery Tomatin, has announced that it is officially the fastest growing top ten single malt whisky in the US. Figures released by Impact Databank confirm that the brand has increased its foothold in the US by 52% following significant international growth. Tomatin sold more than 35,000 cases of branded product stateside in 2017, amounting to almost £2 million worth of sales. The brand proved particularly popular in states including New York, Texas and California.

CRUMBS

FIND THE FLAVOUR

The world’s first food atlas has been launched and it includes 6 dishes and 38 authentic restaurants in Scotland.

The idea of the atlas is to promote “eat local” culture, as well as to inform travellers and food lovers about local ingredients and traditional dishes from all around the world. Visit www. tasteatlas.com for the full Scottish list.

The comeback kid To mark the Great British Cheese Day on 21 October and their road to recovery, South Lanarkshire-based cheese producer Errington Cheese opened its farm to the public for the first time. After winning a lengthy legal battle against South Lanarkshire Council, the company have increased their output and are working towards remploying staff while delivering high-quality artisan cheese.

Members of the public took part in tours around the farm, saw the production process and tasted samples.

The perfect blend Glen Moray Distillery have launched its Glen Moray Cider Cask Project, a small batch single malt whisky expression exclusive to the UK. Marketed as ‘The Gateway to Flavour’ the new Glen Moray Curiosity Range will see the production of single malt whiskies which are ‘bold with complex aromas and exciting flavours’. Glen Moray’s Cider Cask Project is a collaboration between Thistly Cross Cider and Glen Moray Distillery. Available at specialist retailers.

DID YOU KNOW? Ardgowan Distillery has revealed designs for its new £12 million distillery which is being built on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 30 miles west of Glasgow. The plans showcase the flagship building which will include a ‘State-of-the-art, modern distillery’ that incorporates energy-saving features and an increased use of glass to enhance visitor experience. The new distillery will resurrect the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street. www.scottishfield.co.uk

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APPETIZING ADVENT

The countdown to Christmas is as much a part of the fun as the big day itself and with this boozy chocolatey advent calendar from Craft56° and Sugarsnap Chocolate and Confectionery, opening that wee cardboard window will have an added sparkle of excitement. The collaboration brings together two favourites – chocolate and Scottish gin. Calendars are available to pre-order now from www.craft56. co.uk with delivery taking place between 25 - 30 November and cost £36.50.

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 14:58:17

ADVERTORIAL

New Distillery is poetry in motion Early next year, the new Lagg Distillery will open on the Isle of Arran, and a Scottish Field reader can be there to commemorate the special occasion with a work of poetry

W

ith the hunt for the official poem of the Isle of Arran Distillers new Lagg distillery well under way, the independent whisky maker has assembled an eclectic team of judges to consider each of the entries put forward by budding writers.

In September, the Isle of Arran Distillers, in association with Scottish Field, launched a competition to find the official poem for their Lagg Distillery. The winning entry will take pride of place onsite at the new distillery that is due to open in the spring of 2019.

Budding writers have been tasked with producing a poem that beautifully captures the Isle of Arran’s history, landscape or, quite simply, it’s spirit - whisky or otherwise.

The winning entry will take pride of place within Lagg Visitor Centre, as well as being exclusively published within Scottish Field Magazine. The winning poet will also receive an invitation to attend the grand opening of the Lagg Distillery & Visitor Centre in Spring 2019.

The poetry competition judging panel all share a passion for whisky, poetry and the unique landscape that makes Scotland so remarkable. Brining together such a variety of backgrounds and experiences should result in a winning entry that can appeal to everyone.

The judging panel consists of Rachel McCormack: A broadcaster and writer, best known as a panellist on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet. In 2016, Rachel set out to discover why Scotland had little tradition of cooking or eating with whisky. The answer to that question and her search for the essence of whisky became the subject of her first book Chasing the Dram, Finding the Spirit of Whisky.

Jim Carruth: The current Poet Laureate of Glasgow.

He has two collections and nine chapbooks published, starting with Bovine Pastoral (2004). In 2009 he was awarded a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship and his work continues to attract both praise and awards, most recently winning the McLellan Poetry Prize 2013 and the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award in 2014.

Hamish Whyte: Hamish has published several

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collections of poems, the latest being Things We Never Knew’ (Shoestring Press, 2016) and Now the Robin (HappenStance Press, 2018). He has also edited many anthologies of Scottish literature most recently, Scottish Cats (Birlinn, 2013). Hamish runs Mariscat Press.

Kenny Smith: Kenny is the website editor for Scottish Field. He has spent over 20 years working in newspapers, on titles including the East Kilbride News, Rutherglen Reformer and the Ayrshire Post, and also had work published in the Daily Record and Daily Mirror.

Faye Waterlow: Faye started working for Isle of Arran Distillers on the day of the grand opening of the Isle of Arran Distillery, based at Lochranza, in 1997. She worked her way up from waitress, to tour guide and was appointed visitor centre manager in 2011. As the longest serving visitor centre manager in Lochranza, Faye will be able to bring all of her years of experience to the new Lagg Visitor Centre.

Graham Omand: Graham has worked as a stillsman at the Isle of Arran Distillery in Lochranza for over eight years, a position which has allowed him to develop his skill set. With years of experience at producing fantastic expressions of Arran Malt, there is no doubt that Graham is more than prepared to oversee the production of a perfectly rich, earthy and complex expression of peated Lagg Single Malt.

The closing date for entries is Friday 14 December and the winner and two runners up will be announced on Burns Night, Friday 25 January 2019. All entrants must be over the age of 18.

All entries can be submitted to Scottish Field magazine by emailing Kenny Smith at ksmith@ scottishfield.co.uk with the subject ‘Isle of Arran Distillers - Poetry Competition’. Please be sure to also include within your entry letter your name, your contact information and your date of birth. Terms and conditions for the competition can be found on the Scottish Field and Isle of Arran Distillers websites.

Right: The judges from the top - Rachel McCormack; Jim Carruth; Hamish Whyte; Kenny Smith; Faye Waterlow; Graham Omand

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to Scottish Field and receive a “let the weekend be gin” Chopping Board from Scottish Made worth £34.99*

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24/10/2018 10:17:46

WHISKY

ILLUSTRATION - ALEXANDER JACKSON

M

ost whisky consumers in the UK are shocked when they learn how unfairly whisky is taxed in terms of spirits duty.

The tax burden for an average bottle of blended whisky currently stands at 74% of the total price.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) £3 in every £4 spent on Scotch whisky goes to HM Treasury in excise duty and VAT. Whisky and other spirits are taxed at a much higher rate per unit than other alcoholic drinks whisky is taxed 327% more per unit than cider and 19% more than wine.

On an average £14.15 bottle of blended Scotch whisky the tax burden is £10.41, which leaves just £3.74 for the cost of the whisky and profit to be shared by the brand owner, distributors and retailers. The cost of duty has major implications for the margins on whisky sold domestically in the UK. You may have noticed that whisky is often significantly cheaper to buy when abroad. This seems ridiculously counter intuitive when you factor in shipping costs and distribution. Surely it should be cheaper to buy in the place where it is made.

We are seriously unfairly taxed when it comes to alcohol in the UK. The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) says that the UK’s ginormous rates of duty on alcohol mean that it pays more in alcohol duty than Germany, France, Poland, Italy and Spain combined. Indeed, British drinkers pay 38% of all alcohol duty claimed in the EU. Despite the fact that Scotch whisky is a genuine success story for the UK and represents a whopping 20% of all UK food and drink exports it has been consistently penalised by HM Treasury.

At a speech in Glasgow in March 2017 the Prime Minister said that Scotch whisky is a ‘truly great Scottish and British industry’. Then, just five days later, the Chancellor announced a 3.9% excise duty increase during the Spring Budget. During the Autumn Budget in November the Chancellor subsequently decided to freeze duty, although a cut in duty would have been significantly better for the industry.

HM Treasury predicted that the freeze in duty would grow spirits revenue by £2m, but a study from the SWA using real-world data from HMRC shows that HM Treasury’s receipts from spirits duty freeze have increased by £91m, a year-on-year increase of 7.3%. A

cut in spirits duty would no doubt make an even more significant increase to the Chancellor’s purse.

Whisky also faces unfair taxes abroad. In many countries whisky faces higher taxes than the local spirits, in flagrant violation of European Union and World Trade Organisation rules. For example in The UK pays more Serbia, Scotch whisky has two and in alcohol duty than a half times more excise tax than Germany, France, the local spirit rakija. Similar cases have also been highlighted by the Poland, Italy and SWA in Greece and Hungary, where Spain combined they are taking action against the discrimination faced by whisky.

For connoisseurs of single cask or cask strength whisky the duty paid is even higher because spirits’ excise duty is based on pure litres of alcohol, which is currently set at £28.74 per litre of pure alcohol. So in a standard 70cl bottle of whisky bottled at the minimum alcoholic strength for whisky of 40% you would pay duty of £8.05 (not including VAT). However, for each 0.5% increase in alcoholic strength the duty goes up by ten pence. So for example you’d pay an additional £3 excise duty on a cask strength whisky at 55% abv.

Don’t forget this is before VAT has been added, so the tax burden can add up quickly.

In the first half of 2017 there were one million fewer bottles of whisky sold in the UK than in the same period in 2016, a drop that was attributed to the duty spike of 3.9% in the aforementioned Spring Budget of 2017.

The Scotch Whisky Association was once again lobbying the government ahead of the Autumn Budget with their #ScotchSuperTax campaign to raise awareness of the unfair levels of duty imposed on whisky. This campaign continues: you can help by writing to your MSP or MP and asking them to back a cut in spirits duty, or simply tweet using the hashtag #ScotchSuperTax and tell your whisky-loving friends.

If we can all persuade our elected representatives to back the SWA campaign then consumers may get cheaper whisky, the government will receive more tax revenue and Scotland will get more jobs – a rare win-win.

“

Tax attack Blair Bowman urges whisky fans to come together against the spirit’s high tax burden

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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24/10/2018 15:32:27

THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC I-PACE

STRAY FROM THE PACK.

The new I-PACE. Jaguar’s first all-electric performance SUV. 292 mile range.* Ground-breaking cab-forward design. Intelligent interior space. And underneath, 400PS that delivers 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with zero tailpipe emissions. Not all cars follow the same pattern.

Contact us to book a test drive.

Pentland Jaguar 5 Whitehill Road, Edinburgh, EH15 3HR. Tel: 0131 341 5844 1 Lundie Avenue, Dundee, DD2 3NY. Tel: 01382 283 135 168 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5AE. Tel: 01738 480 163 Morrisons Jaguar Glasgow Road, Stirling, FK7 8HQ. Tel: 01786 240 807 www.john-clark.co.uk/jaguar

A BREED APART

Fuel consumption: N/A. CO2 Emissions: 0 (g/km). EV Range: Up to 292 miles. *EV range figures are based upon production vehicle over a standardised route. Range achieved will vary dependent on vehicle and battery condition, actual route and environment and driving style.

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24/10/2018 10:22:02

MOTORING

The car of the future Jaguar’s contribution to the electric car market sets a new precedent for quality, build and general wow factor, says Neil Lyndon

‘W

atershed moment’, ‘mould breaker’, ‘Tesla-buster’. These were some of the accolades heaped upon the new all-electric Jaguar I-Pace at a recent launch event in Scotland. The normally cynical motoring hacks who had the privilege of being among the first in the world to drive this car were almost breathless in praising it to each other.

For me, in nearly 30 years of writing about cars, experiencing No road car the I-Pace for the first time must delivers more count as a top five moment. As oomph from happened in 2012 with Tesla’s Model S and again in 2014 with BMW’s 60-100mph hybrid i8 supercar, this Jaguar gives you the unmistakable sensation that you are at the wheel of the car of the future. The difference is that the I-Pace is by far the more complete piece of work.

First off, it has to be said that the I-Pace design MORE CARS is the most stunning creation for Jaguar that we ONLINE have yet seen from the Scot, Ian Callum. After a Check out relatively tentative start as the company’s Director our motors of Design nearly 20 years ago, with a few previous section online Callum designs exhibiting a touch of uncertainty or www.scottish irresolution in some dimensions, the I-Pace’s lines field.co.uk are a comprehensive unity of confident assertion and Below: The all original inspiration. electric Jaguar Its nose may bear a house resemblance to the I-Pace packs a recently-arrived F-Pace and E-Pace SUVs but its punch. flanks, haunches and rear are all in another realm.

“

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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You wouldn’t call this car an SUV but neither would you say it was an estate, a sedan or a coupe, though it includes hints of all those categories. It even has some of the presence of a sports car, with a profile like a sprinter about to hurtle out of the blocks.

And boy, can this car hurtle! At one moment during my test drive, I floored the accelerator pedal at around 60 mph and my head was jolted back against the restraint. A few supercars are faster from 0-60 mph than the I-Pace’s 4.5 seconds but no road car delivers more oomph from 60-100 mph.

The positioning under the floor of the dual electric motors that generate 394 horsepower adds stability and bottom to the I-Pace’s handling, giving it an agility and predictability in corners that belies its size and weight. Range is officially given as 240 miles but, in the real world, is likely to be closer to 150. An 80% charge is said to take 40 minutes when using a 100 kW DC fast-charger or 10 hours with home-charging equipment.

All of these figures and characteristics are improvements on Tesla’s Model X but what distinguishes the I-Pace and sets it apart is the depth of its build quality.

Jaguar have obviously said: ‘Let’s use everything we know to make Tesla look amateur’. So, from the shut-lines to the stitching on the upholstery, they have achieved seamless robotic perfection.

The interior is a masterpiece. It combines a strong sense of modernity with an underlying respect for traditional values. The buyer can even opt for wooden trims which would certainly fit just as logically as the carbon fibre trims in my test car.

Jaguar’s greatest achievement with the I-Pace, however, is to bring it to market at tens of thousands of pounds less than the price of a Tesla Model X. The last Model X I drove was well over £100,000 with all extras. The I-Pace I drove at the recent event would just about top £70,000.

No contest, you might say.

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YOUR MONEY

The wages of sin T

Below: A bull market sees stock prices rise, while a bear market can result in devastation for investors

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here are times when caution is no virtue, and when vice is on the slide. Today, it seems, is one of them. Two items of household note have featured on the financial blogosphere this autumn. The first is the difficulty faced by women on saving – surveys show their pronounced caution when considering long term investment through the stock market.

When women save it tends to be in low reward cash Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) where the capital is eroded by inflation: not a good choice in recent years.

The second item is at the other end of the financial spectrum: survey data on the spending habits of households and the apparent decline in spending – according to the Office for National Statistics – on ‘sin’, drugs and prostitution specifically.

How can the ONS credibly measure spending in these areas? It’s hardly a landscape littered with invoices and receipts, still less VAT returns. Can it really be true that we are becoming more virtuous?

And when not saving - and not indulging in vice so much - where is household money going? And how do our own monthly spending choices compare with the average?

According to data from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) women invest less and are less confident about investing. Instead, women prefer to save into cash rather than invest. This has exacerbated the gender investment gap, where men, by investing, are growing their wealth and reaching financial goals sooner than women.

The Gender Pay Gap and the fact that more women take time off work or work part time means that women are often already a step behind men in terms of income. Encouraging more women to invest can help to level the playing field.

And worryingly, according to a recent study

by YouGov, 52% of women have never held an investment product and even more concerning, 57% of women in the UK worry they won’t be able to afford the necessities in retirement.

However, such surveys can tend to focus on women at the lower end of the wealth spectrum and miss the bigger picture of the growing prominence of women’s wealth in the financial world. According to the Boston Consulting Group, women now control 30% of the world’s investible assets. Their wealth is increasingly self-generated and on calculations by UBS, the global wealth of women is expected to rise from $13 trillion to $18 trillion by 2021.

Much of this is likely to be in property assets, trusts and family owned businesses, with stock market holdings accounting for a relatively small share. But nonetheless, it is a hugely significant - and growing – segment of the financial services universe.

More generally, the reluctance to invest in the stock market is far from confined to women. Almost one in four of all adults across the UK are reluctant to invest, despite 61% of us having savings of over £1,000. Instead we leave them parked in bank accounts earning little to no interest.

Now there are understandable reasons for this reticence. First, cash held in a bank deposit account is sensibly parked there to help meet unexpected expenses or temporary cash flow difficulties. Money committed to the stock market should be for medium to long term investment and should not be treated as an easy-access bank account.

And there is a more profound, intuitive reason.

It might seem that the global financial crisis was a decade ago and that stock markets have recovered.

But memories of loss linger long, as any private investor in RBS or HBOS will testify. The fear of loss more often prevails over the prospect of gain. The classic example is the searing memory of the 1929 Wall Street Crash and its aftermath: it made millions of Americans fearful of investing in shares for more than a generation.

The result of the 2007 to 2009 financial debacle is that millions of households prefer

DOMINIC8/SHUTTERSTOCK

With a huge proportion of people reluctant to invest and an apparent decline in money spent on ‘sin’, Bill Jamieson explores where our money is going

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 17:44:10

WOMEN & MONEY £11.80. And on smoking, we’re in a different league: £7.70 a week north of the border compared with £3.80 for the UK overall.

On saving, despite our reputation for prudence, Scottish households save a touch less than the UK average - £5.10 a week compared with £5.90 for the UK. And the figures are dwarfed by the average weekly tax bill – a stonking £92.40 across the UK (Scotland: £80.70).

As for ‘deep sin’, only UK figures are available, but these show that spending on drugs and prostitutes has dropped by nearly a fifth in a decade. According to ONS research – and we cannot doubt it is other than thorough in this area - the total outlay on prostitutes fell by 4%, from £5bn in 2015 to £4.8bn in 2016. And the amount spent on illegal drugs plummeted by 40% in the five years from 2011.

All manner of reasons might be advanced – the falling street price Almost one in four of all adults across the UK are of drugs and the squeeze on household reluctant to invest, despite budgets. But it would be mistaken to 61% having savings over assume we have taken £1000 up more virtuous hobbies: the total ‘vice’ spend still tops the amount guidance and advice specifically spent on ‘virtue’ hobbies such as for those looking for independent gardening and cycling. and informed financial planning And whatever sex we are, for contingencies such as childor whether we are in gender care, divorce and career break.

Meanwhile, what of the way we transition, saving even a modest amount has been a battle in spend now? Latest ONS research recent years. Average incomes on household expenditure over have struggled to keep up with the two financial years ending in inflation, energy bills have risen 2017 is pored over by academics relentlessly (oil is back over $80 and business groups looking for a barrel), and in Scotland higher changes in trends. In terms of the earners are now taxed more overall picture, the average UK heavily than in any other part household spent £57.70 a week of the UK. To cap all this, the on food and soft drinks, with rewards for saving over the past Scotland a touch lower at £55.30. decade have been abysmal, with Scottish households spent £62.30 emergency low interest rates on housing, notably lower than persisting far longer than the the UK (£72.60).

Bank of England imagined.

But when it comes to ‘sin’ How ironic, just when caution spending, Scotland leads the way was the watchword, risk takers on alcohol: the average Scots household spends £13.40 on booze, in the stock market have done so remarkably well. well up on the UK average of not to risk their savings in stocks and shares and opt for a bank, building society account, or a cash ISA. But while the risk of sharp loss is avoided, households can be exposed to a slow attrition of their savings over time in accounts where ultra low rates of interest provide no protection against inflation.

However, today there are hundreds of defensive, cautious unit and investment trusts enabling savers to build holdings.

These spread across a range of leading shares through regular monthly contributions over time – thus mitigating timing error.

The dividends can be reinvested, and over periods of ten to 15 years such savings schemes can grow to a sizeable sum.

There has also been a notable increase in the number of financial advisory firms staffed by, and catering predominantly for, women. These can provide

“

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ASK THE EXPERTS NEIL GRANT, A FINANCIAL PLANNER AT ACUMEN FINANCE, JOINS US TO ANSWER A QUESTION ABOUT INHERITANCE TAX

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT INHERITANCE TAX? ANSWER: In the last tax year Inheritance Tax receipts hit a record £5.2 billion – despite the introduction of the residence nil-rate band in April 2017. The sharp increase is mainly attributable to rising property prices and the failure of many to put in place appropriate IHT planning.

Each individual has a standard nil-rate band of £325,000 plus a residence nil-rate band, currently £100,000. This will increase to £175,000 by 2020.

The residence nil-rate band is available when residential property is left to direct descendants and will effectively allow married couples to pass on an estate worth up to £1m by 2020 without incurring IHT. Despite this, rising property prices will continue to create an IHT problem for many.

There can be very few people who, having paid tax throughout their lives, are happy with the prospect that part of their estate could potentially be subject to IHT at the rate of 40%. Fortunately, there are several options available to maximise the sum which will be passed to your beneficiaries.

One strategy is to spend more for your own enjoyment or to gift excess income or capital to family, friends or to charity. Many clients wish to help their family during their lifetime rather than simply providing a lump sum on death. Our experience is to provide peace of mind and to ensure clients have enough money for their lifetime.

Through detailed cash-flow analysis a Financial Planner can help you identify how much you can spend or gift without restricting your standard of living. The use of Trusts – which doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated – is also effective and enables you to retain some control over the funds.

Another option is to take out an insurance policy to cover any IHT payable from your estate.

Whatever your views on IHT, the first step to IHT planning is to talk to a Financial Planning Firm. They will be able to help you and your family create a plan which aligns with your financial objectives.

NEIL GRANT, FINANCIAL PLANNER. ACUMEN FINANCIAL PLANNING, 8 RANDOLPH CRESCENT, EDINBURGH, EH3 7TH. TEL: 0131 5263250. WWW.ACUMENFP.COM

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LIFE & STYLE ADVERTORIAL

This Christmas, Greaves have some perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Choose from Barbour, Fairfax & Favor, Le Chameau, Schoffel, Beretta and many more for the ideal surprise under the Christmas tree.

Above: Light Teal Jacket, Beretta, £249.95 | Brown Bear Trousers, Beretta, £124.95 | Maud Shirt, Barbour, £59.95 | Silk Tie, Alan Paine, £39.95 | Tweed Cap, Schoffel, £49.95 | Chameau-Lite LCX 10” Stalking Boot, Le Chameau, £299 156

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Sandrum Quilt Jacket, Barbour, £229 Vierzonord Boots, Le Chameau, £170

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GREAVES SPORTS

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LIFE & STYLE ADVERTORIAL

Above left: Holden Half Zip, Barbour, £109 | Stapleton John Shirt, Barbour, £64.95 | Newston Twill Chino, Barbour, £74.95 | The Monte Carlo Driver, Fairfax & Favor, £155 | Tartan Dog Collar, Barbour, £36.95 Above Right: Hat, Hicks and Brown, £89 | Blouse, Dubarry of Ireland, £69 Below: Dog Blanket, Barbour, £59.95

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24/10/2018 16:22:31

GREAVES SPORTS

Above left: Ettrick Tailored Jacket, Barbour, £299 | The Kensington Boot, Fairfax & Favor, £250 Above Right: Brodie Shirt, Barbour, £79.95 | Pendle Crew Sweater, Barbour, £74.95 Below left: Cole Wax Jacket, Barbour, £239 | Dunoon Shirt, Barbour, £69.95 | Langdale Gilet, Barbour, £79.95 | Neuston Twill Chino, Barbour, £74.95 Below Right: Stirling Wax Jacket, Barbour, £299 | Regina Boot (Flat), Fairfax & Favor, £325

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LIFE & STYLE ADVERTORIAL Happy 1 Leather Jacket, Oakwood, £249.95 The Amira Flat, Fairfax & Favor, £395

Many thanks to our models and friends; Morton Reiss, his wife Hilary and their dogs, Scampi & Hali, and to Sheila Gillespie with Ed the horse.

Greaves Sports, 23 Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3PW www.greavessports.com 160

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24/10/2018 16:26:37

Luxury clothing from

Alpaca Annie

British or ethically sourced Peruvian alpaca wool All season wear | Hypoallergenic 10% off using SFIELD10 www.alpacaannie.com

THE ICONIC CAPERCAILLIE

4 Comely Bank Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 1EL Tel: 0131 281 8320

www.leehairdressing.co.uk

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Is now available in silver (height 13cm) exclusively from Denzil Skinner & Partners, priced at ÂŁ1,480.

For further information please contact www.denzilskinner.co.uk info@denzilskinner.co.uk 0131 538 4224

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FASHION, JEWELLERY, HEALTH & BEAUTY directory JOANNA THOMSON J E WE L L E RY

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

SALE

Remodelling a speciality.

Email: joannathomsonjewellery@gmail.com

www.jewellery-scotland.com Then let the dreaming start...

Hats, shoes and outfits.

All throughout December.

Everything must go. Edinburgh store only.

66 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4BZ Tel: 0131 447 8800 www.kudosbridal.co.uk

F ASHION

JEWELLERY • HEALTH • BEAUTY

M A N DA R I NA S H O E S.COM

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS TO ADVERTISE IN THE FASHION DIRECTORY

Hand Seal Engraved Seal Engraved GoldHand & stone set Signet Rings Innovative designers who re-design Gold & stone set Signet Rings old and create new jewellery

www.denzilskinner.co.uk info@denzilskinner.co.uk www.denzilskinner.co.uk www.denzilskinner.co.uk 45 WILLIAM STREET, EDINBURGH, EH3 7LW info@denzilskinner.co.uk info@denzilskinner.co.uk 0131 538 4224 45 WILLIAM STREET, EDINBURGH, EH3 7LW 0131 538 4224 0131 538 4224

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WWW.MANDARINA SHOES.COM

Tel: UK 01307 819488

Call TRACEY on

0131 551 1000 www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 10:49:57

FASHION, JEWELLERY, HEALTH & BEAUTY directory

MARBLE MARBLE JOSEPH RIBKOFF RIBKOFF JOSEPH JUST WHITE WHITE JUST SAINT JAMES SAINT JAMES LE COMTE COMTE MONARI MONARI LE LATTE ROBELL ROBELL LATTE

Quality fashion in our charming boutique- -Be boutique Be inspired inspired for for Spring/ Autumn/ Summer Winter Open: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

Inspired and designed in Scotland.

Carried around the world.

ELLA’S OF DUNKELD 7 Bridge Street, Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 0AH T: 01350 727540

DUBARRY

SCHÖFFEL

dunmorescotland.com

RM WILLIAMS

FA I R FA X & FAV O R

BARBOUR

LAKSEN

4 6 T H E S Q U A R E & 2 2 H O R S E M A R K E T, K E L S O , S C OT T I S H B O R D E R S T: 0 1 5 7 3 2 2 4 6 2 0 W : A H U M E . C O . U K www.scottishfield.co.uk

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LIFE & STYLE ADVERTORIAL

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24/10/2018 16:14:10

SAHARA

Bohemian chic Sahara’s latest clothing collection adds a luscious touch to any wardrobe, fitting you out perfectly for the Christmas party season

Opposite page: Colourburst Velvet Dress, £169.

Left: Sheer Square Georgette Top, £158.

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LIFE & STYLE ADVERTORIAL

Left: Sheer Square Georgette Shirt, £179.

Top: Taffeta Neck Velvet Top, £199.

Above: Velvet Jersey Bubble Dress, £139.

Right: Velvet Jersey Cowl Neck Top, £135.

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24/10/2018 16:16:30

SAHARA

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LIFE & STYLE ADVERTORIAL

Below: Colourburst Velvet Top, £149.

Right: Floral Paisley Velvet Jacket, £189.

SAHARA www.saharalondon.com 4 Utopia Village, 7 Chalcot Road, London, NW1 8LH Tel: 020 7483 8435 168

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24/10/2018 16:18:22

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S TOP INDEPENDENT DEPARTMENT STORES • Ladies Fashion & Occasionwear • Menswear • Leisurewear • Foodhall & Deli • Hampers • Gifts • Home Interiors • Accessories • Scottish Gifts • Toys & Games • Family Restaurant OPEN 7 DAYS

BRODIE COUNTRYFARE, BRODIE, BY FORRES, MORAY IV36 2TD Tel: 01309 641555

Shop online at www.brodiecountryfare.com Brodie Countryfare.indd 169

24/10/2018 11:12:45

ALPACA CLOTHING SINCE 2003 GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION DISPERSING BATH OILS - BODY OILS FACIAL O ILS – CANDLES – LUXURY GIFT SETS

10% OFF YOUR FIRST ONLINE ORDER USE ONLINE CODE – SFDEC18

“Natural, understated and beautifully made”

www.samanthaholmes.com

(valid until 31.1.19)

Tel: 0131-618-7450

Email: info@beatitudeproducts.com

www.beatitudeproducts.co.uk

Bought a new sofa?

We will pick up your old one for free and help your local community.

Your local homeless charity needs your unwanted furniture and appliances to help people in need….. And you can get them collected for free.

Call: 0131 557 7900

67 Logie Green Road, EH7 4HF 5 Bankhead Medway, EH11 4BY

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24/10/2018 11:16:20

NEWS

FASHION The latest in fashion, health and beauty

EIDYN CARE Eidyn Care has been recognised by homecare.co.uk as one of the top 20 care at home providers in Scotland. The company was given a rating of 9.8 out of 10 based on feedback from across Scotland and the UK. The company, which started in 2017, has just been graded excellent in both quality of care and quality of staff by industry regulator, Care Inspectorate Scotland. Eidyn Care was founded in 2017 by nurse, Rebecca McLennan, who has family nursing connections dating back to Florence Nightingale. www.eidyncare.co.uk

LAINGS – FASHION NEWS Laings are delighted to introduce their exquisite Scintilla collection. The exceptional pieces epitomise timeless luxury and each piece has been meticulously crafted to enhance the captivating spark of each diamond.

The show-stopping pieces are adorned with spectacular coloured gemstones, as well as dazzling diamonds and the breath-taking designs are bound to make a statement. www.laingsuk.com

BAKKA Concerned with preserving Shetland’s famous textile heritage, Mary Macgregor has designed her range of contemporary Fair Isle products out of the earliest traditional patterns and colours, and uses a luxury modern 100% superfine merino yarn to create exquisite, warm, comfortable, contemporary heritage textiles.

Macgregor produces under the name BAKKA.

www.bakkaknitwear.com

INITIALLY LONDON

HB SHOES AT THE SHOE SHOP At The Shoe Shop of Auchterarder, which opened in August, you will be warmly welcomed by Eleanor Aitken and her experienced staff from D & R Johnston. With fantastic brands including HB, Ara, Gabor, Rieker, Barker and Steptronic it is certainly worth visiting 98 High Street for a wonderful shopping experience for ladies and gents. Ample parking nearby in main car park. www.hbshoes.co.uk

Initially London has arrived in Scotland, and offers beautifully embroidered bespoke monogrammed gifts, which appeal to people who appreciate the finer things in life. From highly sought after personalised Christmas, birthday and corporate gifts, there is something for everyone. Choose from a curated range of classic pieces and then design your monogram on their website.

www.initiallylondon.com

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SRA MEET THE WINNERS

Meet The Winners www.scottishruralawards.org

PROUDLY PARTNERED BY

RURAL TOURISM

sessions every week of the year.

DD8 MUSIC

A young team The organisation was originally founded by a group of young musicians in the town, who were keen to find a rehearsal space where they could develop their musical skills. Young people have been at the heart of DD8 Music ever since, and their current chairperson Katie Reid, who is 20 years old, has been involved with DD8 since she was nine. Volunteers from the charity have been running Bonfest since 2006, and in that time have grown the festival from a small one day event to a full blown three day festival. The visitor survey for 2017 reported a 98% satisfaction rating.

www.dd8music.com

DD8 Music is a charity based in the Angus town of Kirriemuir. For the past 13 years they have organised the annual ‘Bonfest’ music festival, that sees AC/DC fans from all over the world come together to celebrate the band’s singer Bon Scot.

SPONSORED IN 2018 BY

RURAL HOSPITALITY COLSTOUN www.colstoun.co.uk

Colstoun is a rural events business based on a 2000-acre estate 30 minutes east of Edinburgh. They have developed the business to include a diverse range of products which everyone can be part of including Colstoun Cookery School, The Colstoun Coach House, Walled Garden and Colstoun Preserves.

Scotland’s oldest family home Colstoun is the oldest house in Scotland to have always been

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Community values Apart from running Bonfest, DD8 Music run a community recording studio in Kirriemuir, where they offer a variety of youth music and media

inhabited by the same family. They follow a simple motto when it comes to customer experience: ‘our house, your home’.

What the judges said ‘This was by far the category with the most nominations so it was a difficult one to whittle down.

Colstoun House is proving that stately homes are about more than grand architecture, they are an integral part of the community.

By making home-made preserves and hosting cookery classes, the East Lothian estate is celebrating the food that can be made locally.

Diversification of the business has allowed employment from the local area and seen a new clientele introduced to rural Scotland’.

SPONSORED IN 2018 BY

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:18:11

ADVERTORIAL

The Perils of Party Season in the Country

Archie Hume of A Hume Country Clothing takes a light-hearted look at footwear considerations during party season

A

s I’m a country clothing retailer I assume that a sizeable proportion of our customers – or in this case readers

– live in the country. Or at least have a passing relationship with life beyond the sulphurous glow of the streetlight.

And as country dwellers do a sizeable amount of socialising in the country… again, beyond the sulphurous glow of streetlights…

Did you get that? The double mention of streetlights? And their glow… crucially their glow… there is an important point to be made here.

You see city folk know nothing of the perils we endure out here in the sticks. Especially around Christmas. Quite honestly when you respond positively to a party invitation you are seriously taking your life in your hands.

Chances are, the party is down some godforsaken lane, more heavily rutted than anything encountered by the Top Gear team.

And the journey from car to front door – should you happen to be anything other than first to arrive, and consequently be forced to park on the water-logged lawn (keeping in mind the owners’ three dogs and any presents they’ve left for guests) – is more perilous than an enforced island abandonment with Bear Grylls.

It’s DARK. Danger lurks everywhere. You are dressed for a party. What is this – an ingenuity test? Are you supposed to whip out some Mission Impossible tech, cast a spider clamp onto the guttering and whizz, Tom Cruise-style, to the front door? Because let’s face it, that’s the only way you’re going to get there without significant mishap and mayhem.

Worse still. There’s a whimpering thing, cowering in the passenger seat wearing a gossamer thin frock and high heels. High heels!

Seriously… at home she looked beautiful and appropriately dressed for a party. Being a good husband/partner/boyfriend you told her as much before leaving home. But this was before you knew what lay ahead. Now... she’s looking at you pleadingly. Clearly it is your responsibility to get her safely to the front door safely.

a) Leather soled dress shoes.

Fate: Go home you don’t stand a chance. b) Le Chameau Chassuer Neoprene Wellingtons.

Fate: Nice wellies. But go home you are not dressed for a party.

Or c) RM Williams Comfort Craftsman boots with non-slip, oil resistant composite rubber sole.

Fate: Proceed confidently straight to the door. Party manfully until the last guest leaves then fall graciously into a taxi and travel home.

You see the RM Williams Comfort Craftsman is the country party boot of choice. This boot has everything you need. It’s a smart dress boot with chisel toes, hand made from a single piece of yearling leather that will protect you from the worst of the elements. They have non-slip, composite rubber soles.

And are easy to clean.

Wearing this boot you can easily extend a supporting arm to a tiptoeing better half without finding yourself up close and personal with the lawn.

Even if there’s ice or snow you’ll have enough traction to stay afloat.

Plus it’s a great looking boot that easily passes muster for a party.

If you absolutely must wear a shoe rather than a boot I would definitely recommend a smart leather brogue, sturdy enough to keep its shape and form in the face of tough conditions. One with a Goodyear welted sole, for protection and grip.

Our favourites for country parties are: the Loake Edward Brogue and the Loake Badminton Brogue.

Now you’re sorted for smart, grippy footwear all that remains is to wish you fortitude for the festive season ahead. Have fun out there!

This is where footwear determines your fate... so, you look down at your feet and you are wearing a pair of:

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HOTEL REVIEWS

City slickers If you are looking for a long weekend away but don’t fancy a classic country escape, why not try a change of scene in one of Scotland’s great cities

Principal Grand Central Hotel REVIEWED BY ANN AND HARRY MITCHELL FROM KIRKCALDY

The Principal Grand Central Station Hotel was built in the late 19th century and was one of the great railway hotels of Scotland. The hotel has been refurbished to a high standard with many original features restored to their former glory.

The hotel is easily reached by bus or train from all parts of the country. We arrived at Queen Street station and used the bus service which connects the two stations. If travelling by car there is a car park a few yards away in Mitchell Street, the hotel offers a 50% discount on the charges.

On arrival we were warmly greeted by staff, a factor which impressed us throughout the stay. Our luggage was stowed safely and was ready in our room when we arrived back from exploring the surrounding area. If you do visit Glasgow, turn your eyes above the shop fronts and admire the architecture.

Around the hotel is a range of shops where you can buy anything from diamonds to dresses and toys to tinsel. Names like Hobbs, Hamleys, John Lewis to name but a few, and not forgetting the links with Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Our bedroom was large and sumptuous and contained everything we needed, equally large was the bathroom with an over-bath shower. We ate in the restaurant which features seasonal dishes finding the staff friendly and helpful.

A champagne bar overlooks the station concourse and is perfect for pre and after dinner relaxing, and also great for watching the travellers. A great place to stay for a city break.

PRINCIPAL GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL, GLASGOW 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3SF www.phcompany. com Prices start from BB from £99.

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Hotel Indigo Dundee REVIEWED BY TRACEY FAULDS FROM EDINBURGH

We drove through from Edinburgh on a sunny Saturday afternoon for our stay in the Boutique Hotel Indigo, Dundee.

Having just opened a few weeks ago in time for the Open at Carnoustie, you might have expected some teething problems, but we couldn’t fault our stay. The building is an old textile mill and it reflects its industrial heritage with its bare brick walls and hardwood flooring. The entrance is very ‘museum-like’ with a gallery of old copies of The Beano, Jute reels and jam jars, for which Dundee is famous.

We were given the Tay Bridge Suite with beautiful views looking over the bridge and beyond. The room itself was immaculate - soft grey furnishings, concrete ceiling and beautiful freestanding bath all added to the character of the room. Some nice little touches only added to the overall experience - fluffy bathrobes, chocolates, Nespresso machine and Arran Aromatics toiletries.

Our meal in the Daisy Tasker restaurant – named after a 14-year old weaver who organised social activities for the jute mill workers – was faultless. The staff were friendly and polite and made us feel very welcome. The menu was extensive and reasonably priced. We asked for dessert in our room and they were happy to oblige. Similarly, breakfast was well laid out with a selection of cold meats, breads, pastries and juices. Alternatively there was a cooked option which was freshly made using local ingredients. All in all our stay was perfect. We’ll definitely be coming back.

HOTEL INDIGO DUNDEE Lower Dens Mill, Constable Street, DD4 6AD www.ihg.com/ hotelindigo Prices start from £79 per room on a BB basis.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 17:41:52

HISTORIC BREAKS

The Bonham Hotel REVIEWED BY IAN AND LINDA PARKER FROM LARBERT

The Bonham hotel is on the corner of a lovely Georgian terrace, only a five minute walk from the west end in Edinburgh. Readily accessible for those arriving by public transport, it has the added attraction of its own car park. It is also convenient for Stockbridge and visits to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Botanic Gardens.

We immediately had the impression of a place of warmth.

All 49 bedrooms have recently been refurbished and our second floor room was spacious and bright, with picture windows giving a panoramic view of the New Town and the River Forth. The room had all of the expected amenities including bathrobes and slippers. A nice touch was the petit fours which awaited us. The tiled bathroom had both bath and a separate corner shower and large fluffy towels.

After settling in, we set out for the shops along Princes Street and George Street. Having worked up an appetite, we had an aperitif from the well-stocked bar in the cosy lounge then headed for the dining room. The dishes were prepared with skill and care. A good range of wines complemented the splendid food served by attentive waiting staff. We had an enjoyable breakfast – the cold buffet had an excellent choice and hot breakfast was selected from an extensive menu.

For departing guests, the 12 noon check-out allows time for some last-minute Christmas shopping. All in all, the Bonham is a great base to enjoy Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions.

Edinburgh Grand REVIEWED BY CAROL MEDLOCK AND GILLY JOHNSTONE FROM LAURENCEKIRK

Despite being battered by Storm Ali we arrived by train at The Edinburgh Grand in St Andrews Square. We entered a haven of quiet, sophisticated luxury and were cocooned in this recently refurbished self-catering apartment. The nod to Art Deco was evident throughout, including fabulous door handles and extravagant art that drew our eyes to examine each piece carefully. The vista over the rooftops of Edinburgh and on to Arthur’s Seat or equally to the Forth were breathtaking. We spent time just looking down to the reception from the fourth floor, the flowers at the bottom were spectacular.

The staff were knowledgeable, accommodating and utterly charming. We especially enjoyed the cocktails, which were drunk in the old board room of the previous bank. Many original features still exist today – it’s lovely to see how the new can accommodate the old with such panache. Predinner drinks were enjoyed in our own private sitting room as we chatted about the sumptuous decor.

The hotel was easy to reach from Waverley train station by foot, passing shops that make Edinburgh exciting. We took a short stroll to the Art Gallery on Princes Street where we had the treat of viewing the Rembrandt exhibition. We were sad to check out of our lovely Edinburgh Grand and to return to our more normal life, however it was all downhill back to the train station.

THE BONHAM HOTEL, EDINBURGH 35 Drumsheugh Gardens, EH3 7RN www. bespokehotels. com/thebonham Prices start from BB from £129, DBB from £179.

THE EDINBURGH GRAND, EDINBURGH 42 St Andrew Square, EH2 2AD www.lateralcity.com Prices start from £209.

Location 1 Principal Grand Central Hotel Tel: 0141 240 3700

Hotel Indigo Dundee Tel: 0330 0331 1750 3 The Bonham Hotel Tel: 0844 815 9833 2

2 1

3& 4

4 Edinburgh Grand Tel: 0131 230 0570

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fancy yourself

If you are a subscriber and would like to spend a free night away in one of our chosen establishments and send us your review, then please email us on editor@scottishfield.co.uk and include your subscriber number.

Terms and conditions apply.

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

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3 Nights for the price of 2 £260 including 3 nights B & B (Valid from 1st September until end March 2019) (QUOTE SF18)

t: + 44 ( 0 )1835 822243 e: info@buccleucharms.com t: + 44 ( 0 )1835 822243 e: info@buccleucharms.com www.buccleucharms.com www.buccleucharms.com

The Ship Inn Overlooking the Harbour, The Ship Inn offers a great variety of quality food and drink.

With eleven bedrooms, most with views of the harbour, The Ship Inn is an excellent choice for your stay in Stonehaven.

Only 20 minutes from Aberdeen, Stonehaven is the gateway to Royal Deeside.

Built in 1771, this historical and award winning hotel has so much to offer.

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24/10/2018 11:26:01

CRUISE SCOTLAND 2019

Cruise Scotland 2019 Take to the water on one of these fabulous cruises

ARGYLL CRUISING Argyll Tel: 07917 858545

www.argyllcruising.com Sail into 2019 with Argyll Cruising. Choose from a range of bespoke Scottish cruises. Splendour sleeps up to eight guests in five en suite private cabins ensure you’re a name and not a number when you choose to cruise with Argyll Cruising. NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT for solo travellers.

CALEDONIAN DISCOVERY

Highlands Tel: 01397 772167

www.caledonian-discovery.co.uk A friendly crew, a resident chef, six twin en suite cabins, exclusive access to bikes and a local guide, make this cruise of the Great Glen a wonderful holiday. Explore the surrounding countryside by bike, on foot, or canoe from a comfortable barge. Or simply enjoy the scenery as you travel the Caledonian Canal, including iconic Loch Ness.

RED MOON CRUISES

Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross, Tel: 07768 101667, www.redmooncruises.co.uk A ‘deliciously relaxing’ way to cruise! Escape the crowds and experience unique, bespoke and private cruising in the waters around Skye and the Lochalsh & Wester Ross coasts onboard the lovely, characterful boat Red Moon. Stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, warm hospitality and simply delicious food combine to give you a trip to savour.

ROYAL SCOTTISH SHIPPING LINE Highlands & Islands Tel: 01577861121

www.theroyalscottish.com Enjoy cruising around in a luxury tri-deck superyacht with five star crew and guests limited to just twelve.

Book a whole boat, or join on one of the exciting itineraries. Cabins can be booked individually, giving you the chance to join fellow guests for a truly unforgettable experience.

THE MAJESTIC LINE West Coast & Hebrides Tel: 01369 707951

www.themajesticline.co.uk Discover the west coast and the Hebrides with Scotland’s leading small ship cruising company. Relax and enjoy the best in Scottish hospitality with gourmet food and the atmosphere of a floating house party.

Choice of three-night, six-night or ten-night cruises from 12 itineraries on one of four vessels.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

Winter Short Winter Breaks Breaks * *

ESCAPE TO THE IDYLLIC WEST HIGHLANDS

*

Breathtaking sunsets, secluded beaches and Scottish wildlife on your doorstep.

For seclusion or action packed breaks.

• Cottages and houses sleep from 2-11 Tel: 01972 510208 info@ardnamurchanestate.co.uk www.ardnamurchanestate.co.uk

Book online online at Book at www.townhouseaberfeldy.co.uk Short Breaks www.townhouseaberfeldy.co.uk Stay forbreak 3 Book nights more andat get 25% off.

A Stay short fororonline Scottish Field reader. for 3 nights or more and get 25% off. www.townhouseaberfeldy.co.uk Simply enter “winter25” into the discount box

Simply enter “winter25”on into discount box 15% discount allthe stays.

2 nights and and get 15% off. off.

Stay Stay for 3for nights or more get 25% Stay for 2 nights and get 15% off. box Minimum of 2 nights.

Simplyenter enter“winter25” “winter15”into in the Simply thediscount discount box Simply enter “winter15” in the discount box * Valid for online bookings only, excludes New Year stays.

Simply* enter “field15” intogetthe discount Stay 2bookings nights and 15% off.stays. box Valid for for online only, excludes New Year Must stay between 1/11/18 and 31/03/19 Must stay between 1/11/18 31/03/19 Simply enter “winter15” inand the discount box

01887 829 995 bookings www.townhouseeaberfeldy.co.uk *T:Valid for online only, excludes New Year stays. * Valid online bookings only, excludes New Year stays.

T: 01887 829for 995 www.townhouseeaberfeldy.co.uk Townhouse Aberfeldy, Breadalbane Terrace Aberfeldy, PH15 2AG Must stay between 01/10/18 and 31/03/19 Must stay between 1/11/18 and 31/03/19

SEASONS

SEA

R U F F L E T S S T. A N D R E W S

RUFFLE

Enjoy a Hogmanay House Party Great food, fun and laughter guaranteed at Seasons restaurant

Townhouse Aberfeldy, Breadalbane Terrace Aberfeldy, PH15 2AG

www.rufflets.co.uk 01334 472594

T: 01887 829 995 www.townhouseeaberfeldy.co.uk Townhouse Aberfeldy, Breadalbane Terrace Aberfeldy, PH15 2AG

SEA

SEASONS

RUFFL

R U F F L E T S S T. A N D R E W S

Gift Vouchers

COSY WINTER BREAKS

FOR THE AWARD-WINNING OLD MILL INN

PITLOCHRY An Old Mill Inn Gift Voucher is the perfect present for your friends or family this Christmas.

COCKTAILS

LUXURY ROOMS

Buy a gift voucher for food & drink or for an overnight stay securely online at

www.theoldmillpitlochry.co.uk Follow us online:

 DELICIOUS FOOD & DRINK 178

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MUSIC

T: 01796

474 020 | Mill Lane, Pitlochry, PH16 5BH www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:28:41

DINE IN STYLE

Dine in Style

Menus to delight every palate...

DINE

Edinburgh Tel: 0131 218 1818 www.dineedinburgh.co.uk

BUCCLEUCH ARMS

St Boswells, Melrose Tel: 01835 822243 www.buccleucharms.com

Dine’s innovative menus of locally sourced festive fayre extend far beyond the traditional turkey dinner.

Prices start at £21.50 for two courses or £27.50 for three courses on the midweek Festive Lunch Menu. For those who want to celebrate early or have a show to catch, the Festive Early Dining or Festive Pre-Theatre is sure to impress at £17.50 for two courses. and £23.50 for three courses.

Relax and enjoy fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced food at the Buccleuch Arms. Choose from the bar, Blue Coo Bistrot or the pretty beer garden.

Built by the 5th Duke of Buccleuch in 1836 as a hunting lodge, in recent years the Buccleuch has earned an award-winning reputation as one of the finest Inns in Scotland. Choose from 19 beautiful rooms.

LOCHGREEN HOUSE HOTEL Troon, Ayrshire Tel: 01292 31334 www.lochgreenhouse.com

World renowned for its culinary expertise and warm Ayrshire welcome, Lochgreen Country House Hotel & Spa offers an unrivalled experience in fine dining in a relaxed setting overlooking the Troon shoreline. Featuring seasonal menus exquisitely created by award winning executive chef, Ian Conway, enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience.

NICK NAIRN

Port of Menteith Tel: 01877 389900 www.nicknairncookschool.com

THE OLD MILL INN

Pitlochry, Perthshire Tel: 01796 474020 www.theoldmillpitlochry.co.uk Give the gift of a great meal out at one of Scotland’s top Bar & Bistros.

Buy a gift voucher online at www. theoldmillpitlochry.co.uk for use at The Old Mill Inn – Pitlochry, winner of Inn of the Year at the 2016 Scottish Hotel Awards. The Old Mill restaurant is open each day from 8am for breakfast and they serve delicious meals Monday to Friday 12-3pm & 5-9pm and all day till 9pm Saturday to Sunday.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Nick’s pop-up pizzeria at the Cook School in Port of Menteith. The finest pizza in Scotland? You’ll only know if you try it. Hand-crafted, thin and crispy and using only the finest ingredients. Watch as yours is created and eat it fresh from the wood burning oven. Drop in or call 01877 389900 to book.

THE BALMORAL

Edinburgh Tel: 0131 556 2414 www.brasserieprince.com The sparkling new Brasserie Prince

by Alain Roux at The Balmoral is serving a festive French-inspired menu throughout December.

Think warm, hearty cuisine with the famous Roux magic. Don’t miss the beautiful Bar Prince, with over 50 gins and a Champagne selection to envy, it’s a must visit. 2 courses £29.50.

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

ON BOARD with

The Royal Scottish Shipping Line

Relax in the comfort & luxury of The Royal…

• enjoy splendid food & fine wines • just over an hours drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow

Details of special offers on our website Follow us on Facebook

Join our email newsletter

The Royal Hotel – Comrie, Perthshire Telephone 01764 679200 www.royalhotel.co.uk

Spirit of Fortitude cuts an impressive sight sailing in the tranquil Scottish west coast waters. With 6 large, en-suite cabins available, it’s perfect for own cabin or private charter. Bookings available for 2019.

Accommodation which includes a grand saloon, a library and an upper deck Whisky Viewing Room, is already proving popular with guests from home and abroad, and it is easy to see why, with their own on-board personal chef and stewardess looking after their requirements.

Tel: 01577 861 121 www.theroyalscottish.com

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:36:18

EXPLORE SCOTLAND

Explore Scotland Treat yourself to a wonderful day out in Scotland Fife Coast and Countryside Trust

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, is an independent environmental charity committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience Fife’s great outdoors. Sites managed by the Trust include the Fife Coastal Path, 16 major beaches, local nature reserves and the Lomond Hills Regional Park.

The Fife Coastal Path is Scotland’s longest coastal path, stretching for 117 miles from Kincardine on the Firth of Forth to Newburgh on the Firth of Tay, offering a range of walking experiences from an easy level, to the wild and demanding, there is definitely something for everyone.

Stop off at one of Scotland’s award winning beaches, explore rock pools, and enjoy the rich and varied fauna and flora along Fife’s Fringe of Gold.

Tel. 01592 656080, www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk. www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk

Calling all food and travel lovers, you won’t be disappointed with your experience aboard the ‘Spirit of Fortitude’.

The Royal Scottish Shipping Line

Argyll has a coastline longer than France; there is also the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Caledonian Canal and many enchanting offshore islands, each unique, and famed for a combination of beauty, wildlife and intriguing history.

Enjoy cruising around in a luxury tri-deck superyacht with five star crew and guests limited to just twelve. Book a whole boat, or join on one of their exciting itineraries. Cabins can be booked individually, giving you the chance to join fellow guests for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Royal Scottish Shipping Line are proud winners of Scottish Enterprise Best Luxury Scottish Cruise Company 2018.

Tel: 01577861121, www.theroyalscottish.com

The Real Mary King’s Close

Shrouded in myths and mysteries, The Real Mary King’s Close and its warren of streets, homes, and passageways offers a truly unique five star visitor experience.

Imagine a warren of streets frozen in time, where centuries of stories are just waiting to be told. Discover authentic truths about Edinburgh’s dark past, and find out what it was really like for the people who lived, worked, and died on the Close.

Join a character guide as you step beneath the Royal Mile to explore a time capsule of hidden streets. Follow in the footsteps of former residents, and learn about some of the most dramatic episodes from Edinburgh’s intriguing past.

Pre-booking recommended.

Tel: 0131 225 0672, www.realmarykingsclose.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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G

CULTURED EXPLORERS

lasgow is a city of culture, packed with galleries, museums and iconic buildings, and crammed with history and heritage. There are equally amazing cultural adventures to be had in Argyll, from exploring ruined castles to touring historic distilleries. So why not delver deeper and discover more by pairing Glasgow and Argyll in a short break? Because these destinations are right on each others’

of Glasgow’s Merchant City.

Another favourite is Gamba in the City Centre which, since opening in 1998, is the destination for fresh, expertly prepared, fish and seafood. For a few drinks, try Islay Inn or the Ben Nevis Bar. Stay at Glasgow’s iconic Grand Central Hotel, a wonderfully historic hotel adjoining Glasgow Central Station.

GAMBA & CRINAN CANAL

GLASGOW & THE HEART OF ARGYLL AND INVERARAY In Glasgow, history is all around you. You see evidence of the city’s past, from the medieval roots to Mackintosh’s influence almost everywhere you look. The Heart of Argyll is equally historic, with opportunities galore to delve deeper into Scotland’s past. If you love history and culture, then here are twelve reasons why you should pair Glasgow and the Heart of Argyll and Inveraray.

GLASGOW #1 Marvel at the museum Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Glasgow’s cultural with 22 individual galleries. Discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. #2 Have faith Head to the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art for a fascinating exploration of religion across the world. The museum is named after Glasgow’s patron saint.

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doorsteps, you get the opportunity for a great cultural twin break.

We’ve plotted out three itineraries for the cultured explorer. Bute is the nearest and accessible by public transport.

The Heart of Argyll is a little further and best explored by hiring a car. The Hebridean island of Islay is further still, but you can fly there in just an hour from Glasgow Airport.

#3 Cathedral and Necropolis Explore Glasgow Cathedral, one of Scotland’s most magnificent medieval buildings and the Necropolis, a Victorian garden cemetery with fascinating stories. #4 House For An Art Lover House for an Art Lover is a unique visitor attraction set within the grounds of Bellahoustoun Park, recreated from a house design by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. #5 Train station tour Go behind the scenes with Glasgow Central Tours. Glasgow Central train station has incredible underground tunnels, catacombs and fascinating glimpses into the city’s past. #6 Eat, drink and play.

Have lunch at Mackintosh at The Willow, the original Miss Cranston’s Tea Room, now beautifully restored. For dinner head to the Avant Garde Music Bar and Restaurant in the heart

HEART OF ARGYLL #7 Get out of jail The handsome town of Inveraray is full of history.

Visit the iconic Inveraray Castle, ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, and step back in time at Inveraray Jail, where actors portray life in a 19th-century prison #8 Nature’s paradise Discover two of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. Moine Mhor is a surviving remnant of a once much more extensive raised bog.

Taynish is one of the largest original oakwoods in Britain. #9 Meet the beavers Make the trip to Barnluasgan in Knapdale, a lovely woodland area which is home to a population of re-introduced beavers. Join a guided beaver walk with Heart Of Argyll Wildlife Organisation. #10 Short cut Take a walk along the Crinan Canal, a nine-mile waterway steeped in history, known as ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’.

Take a boat trip from Crinan out

to Corryvreckan, the world’s third largest whirlpool. #11 Kilmartin rocks!

Explore Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes. There are hundreds of ancient monuments, including standing stones, stone circles, cairns and decorated rocks. #12 Eat, drink and play Have a hearty lunch at the George Inn in Inveraray. This lively pub is full of character with original solid flag-stoned floors, roaring log fires and a beer garden. It also serves up fantastic food. For dinner enjoy Scottish produce expertly prepared at Loch Melfort Hotel. In the AA 2 Rosette Asknish Bay Restaurant there’s plenty of local seafood on offer.

Stay at the Grey Gull Inn, a former hunting lodge in Ardrishaig at the start of the Crinan Canal. There’s so much to see and do in this part of Argyll, that you could easily do a two-day tour. If you do, why not stay a night with Brambles of Inveraray?

TRAVEL Travel around Glasgow on an Open Top Bus Tour or use the Glasgow Subway to get around the city centre and west end of Glasgow. To get to the Heart of Argyll, your best option is to hire a car with Enterprise rent-a-car and drive via the famous Rest & Be Thankful pass. There are bus services from Glasgow to Inveraray and onwards to Lochgilphead.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 11:45:54

ADVERTISING FEATURE

GIN71 & BUTE

Stay at the Blythswood Square Hotel, a fabulously elegant hotel at the heart of Glasgow.

GLASGOW & BUTE Glasgow is the cultural heart of Scotland. But why not experience more? The beautiful west coast island of Bute is a mere hop and a skip away, and it’s packed with culture too. Here are eight reasons why you should pair Glasgow with the island of Bute.

#3 A beacon of creativity The former Glasgow Herald building completed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, makes a brilliant home for The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture and Design. #4 Dig in Glasgow’s bursting at its culinary seams with phenomenal places to eat and drink, many in stunning

GLASGOW & ISLAY You can’t beat Glasgow for culture. The city’s architecture is world-renowned and many of the old buildings are being reinvented as restaurants, arts venues and even a new distillery. Speaking of distilleries, did you know that the beautiful island of Islay is just an hour’s flight from Glasgow? Hop on a plane to discover amazing wildlife, fabulous scenery and some world-famous whisky distilleries. Here are eight reasons why you should twin Glasgow with Islay.

GLASGOW #1 A modern dram Glasgow’s stills are flowing again! The Clydeside Distillery opened in 2017 in a former pump house on the banks of the Clyde.

It’s now producing the first whisky

#6 Capture the castle Built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Vikings, Rothesay Castle is a magnificent ruin standing at the centre of Rothesay, Bute’s principal town.

The circular curtain wall makes it unique in Scotland. #7 Take a ride Hop on board the Bute Sightseeing open top bus. Sit

Corinthian Club. For dinner, book yourself a table at The Gannet, a multi-award-winning bar and restaurant in the Finnieston area. For after dinner fun make your way to Òran Mór for drinks and live music. And for a final pint, head to The Scotia, one of Scotland’s oldest and most iconic pubs. It has a legendary status on the city’s music scene.

Stay at Radisson Red, Glasgow’s hippest new hotel. Head up to the rooftop bar to watch the sun set over the Clyde as you sip a cocktail.

PRINCES SQUARE & PERSABUS

GLASGOW #1 Hunterian The Hunterian in Glasgow’s west end is Scotland’s oldest public museum housing the world’s largest display of James McNeill Whistler. Also visit the nearby Art Gallery and Mackintosh House.

#2 Modern times The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) may be housed in an 18th-century neoclassical building in Glasgow city centre, but the work inside is entirely contemporary from international and Scottish artists.

BUTE #5 Gothic revival Mount Stuart is a spectacular neo Gothic mansion and was one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age and the first home in the world to have a heated swimming pool.

in Glasgow for more than 100 years. #2 Be transported Make your way to the Riverside Museum, Glasgow’s free transport museum located on the banks of the River Clyde. Hop on a tram, check out the vintage cars and walk down an old cobbled Glasgow street. #3 Tall tales The Tall Ship, Glenlee, is berthed outside the Riverside Museum.

Restored to her former glory, the Glenlee is one of only five remaining Clyde-built sailing ships still afloat in the world. #4 Eat, drink & play Head to Princes Square for lunch – and some shopping – or treat yourself to lunch at the iconic

ISLAY #5 A peaty dram No visit to Islay would be complete without a tour of a whisky distillery. There are nine on the island, including Ardnahoe, which opened this year, and Bowmore, said to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. #6 Wild at heart Islay is home to an array of incredible wildlife, from rare butterflies to iconic Scottish creatures such as otters, seals and eagles. Join Wild Islay Birding for an unforgettable wildlife tour of the island. #7 Paddle or pedal Go on a sea kayaking adventure with Kayak Wild Islay. Explore the

back, relax and enjoy the views as you follow the coastal route looking out for beautiful Ettrick Bay and the seal colony at Scalpsie Bay. #8 An Argyll feast Bute is awash with great-tasting produce, from beachside cafés to neighbourhood bistros. Have lunch at Mount Stuart’s Bute Kitchen and head to Harry Haw’s in Rothesay for dinner.

Stay at the Victoria Hotel in Rothesay on Bute. This familyowned hotel is full of character.

Another great option is the Glenburn Hotel, which stands above its own terraced gardens, overlooking Rothesay Bay. TRAVEL Travel around Glasgow on an Open Top Bus Tour or use the Glasgow Subway to get around the city centre and west end of Glasgow. The Scotrail train journey from Glasgow to Wemyss Bay takes around 50 minutes.

From here, the Calmac ferry crossing to Rothesay on Bute takes about 45 minutes. The best way to travel around the island is by bus with West Coast Motors.

coastline and discover islands, hidden lagoons and beaches. Or how about heading off road with a Fat Bike tour? #8 Eat, drink and play Head to the south of the island for lunch at one of the island’s most famous distilleries.

Ardbeg’s Old Kiln Café serves up delicious dishes featuring local produce. Or treat yourself at Peatzeria in Bowmore.

For dinner, treat yourself at 18 at the Machrie. Overlooking the 18th green of the famous Machrie Links golf course and the ocean beyond, this fabulous modern restaurant is all about great food and incredible views.

Stay at Islay’s newest hotel, The Machrie, which opened this year.

It’s a stunning renovation and expansion, providing luxurious hotel accommodation in a dreamy beachside setting. And if you like golf, one of the world’s finest Links courses is right on your doorstep!

TRAVEL Travel around Glasgow on an Open Top Bus Tour or use the Glasgow Subway to get around the city centre and west end of Glasgow. Catch a Loganair flight from Glasgow to Islay. Once you’re out of departures there are various options for getting around. You can hire a car, use the island’s bus services, or go for a combination of taxis, hired bikes and foot.

Travel to Glasgow Glasgow is served by Glasgow Airport and there are regular bus links from the airport into Glasgow city centre. It’s well connected by train from across the UK and is easily accessible by Scotland’s extensive road network. More itineraries at www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/heart-and-soul

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Images - www.kieranjduncan.com. www.morroccomedia.com

renovated buildings. Have a seafood lunch at Rogano, the oldest surviving restaurant in Glasgow. For dinner try Hutchesons City Grill in one of Scotland’s most iconic buildings.

For drinks head to Gin 71 on Renfield Street in the former Bank of India.

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PET FRIENDLY

Pet Friendly

Bring the whole family along

MAINS OF TAYMOUTH Kenmore, Perthshire Tel: 01887 830226 www.taymouth.co.uk

BRACKEN COTTAGE

Kilimore, by Oban Tel: 01631 770283 www.holidaycottageoban.co.uk

Award-winning luxury four and five star self-catering accommodation in Highland Perthshire, sleeping from two-12. Enjoy hot tubs, saunas, games rooms, private gardens all within easy reach of the onsite golf course, trekking stables, bar & restaurant and deli & gift shop. With 42 properties to choose from, this is the perfect destination for families and couples alike. Pet friendly.

A cottage for all seasons, Bracken Cottage accommodates four in two en suite rooms. Only three miles from Oban, this delightful little luxury cottage is situated in a secluded woodland setting, home to a pair of red squirrels and a pine marten. The cottage has a fully fenced garden and welcomes dogs – treats are provided! Contact Susana Garland Info@holidaycottageoban.co.uk

THE LOGS SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION

By Fort William Tel: 01397 702532 thelogs@scotland-info.co.uk

The Logs is a detached Norwegian cabin, with six bedrooms, situated three miles north of Fort William in a quiet rural setting. It offers a high standard of self-catering accommodation for up to ten people with panoramic views of the rocky face of Ben Nevis. Ideal for discovering the Highlands of Scotland. Perfect for families/ couples.

THE BRIDGE OF LOCHAY HOTEL

Killin, Stirling Tel: 01567 820272 www.bridgeoflochayhotel.com

BELHAVEN CHALET

Dunbar Tel: 07931 884436 www.belhavenchalet.co.uk Belhaven is situated overlooking the beautiful Belhaven Bay offering contemporary living accommodation for up to six people. This is the perfect place to escape the busy days and hustle and bustle of everyday life, or to jump in to the great outdoors and explore an outstanding area of natural beauty. The chalet has been designed for disabled access so all can enjoy the space inside and out.

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The Bridge of Lochay Hotel is a genuinely family-run three star inn located on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Killin. Just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow the hotel is perfectly located for a short break without a lengthy journey. Great food, comfortable, cosy accommodation and warm hospitality are their priorities to help you relax – a home from home.

LOCH MELFORT HOTEL Arduaine, by Oban Tel: 01852 200233 www.lochmelfort.co.uk

Winter is approaching and what better time to enjoy the stunning sunsets at Loch Melfort Hotel? Take a visit and experience Scottish hospitality at its best - comfortable rooms, delicious food including Argyll seafood and spectacular views over Asknish Bay. Just two hours from Glasgow, take time to relax and unwind. Enjoy the view, the food and the personalised service.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 12:28:32

HOTELS & BREAKS

Destinations ABERDEENSHIRE A 5 Star property located to the North of Aberdeen, allowing you country living minutes from the city.

4 bedroom, en suite, refurbished Farmhouse with commanding views across the Buchan countryside and North Sea. Aikenshill House Aikenshill, By Foveran, Aberdeen 01358 742990 www.aikenshill.co.uk

AIKENSHILL H O U S E

AIKENSH ILL T H E

H O U S E

AIKENSHILL T H E

HOME

R O O M S

OF

AIKENSHILL T H E

B O T H Y

ARGYLL

ARGYLL Bracken Cottage, Kilmore Delightful, luxury cottage accommodates 4 in 2 en-suite rooms.

Just 3 miles from Oban in a secluded woodland setting.

Fully fenced garden.

Dogs welcome.

– Quote Scottish Field – 01631 770283 info@holidaycottageoban.co.uk www.holidaycottageoban.co.uk

ARGYLL

THE

AIKENSHILL

Enjoy a luxury stay at Dunmore Castle & Cottages, near Tarbert, Argyll.

H I G H L A N D S

Pet-friendly self-catering properties, including a luxury castle apartment with hot tub and sauna, located in beautiful estate surroundings on the east coast of Kintyre. We also boast an onsite gin distillery and will be offering tours from spring/summer 2018.

Call 01880 820654 or visit www.homeaway.co.uk for more information.

Search Property ID p8262893

www.torrisdalecastle.com | Tel: 01583 431233 |

BORDERS

GOLF BREAKS - NEW WOLL ESTATE

BORDERS

HEARTHSTANES ESTATE

• Fantastic Golf breaks in the Scottish Borders • Weekend and midweek golf breaks with FREE GOLF! • 4 * properties, award winning restaurant and outstanding golf course

Five beautiful self-catering cottages located in a picturesque farm steading, all set in the rural yet centrally-located Borders region.

Stalking, falconry, guided walks, 9-pin bowling, and 4x4 estate tours available.

01750 32799 www.wollgolf.co.uk

Tweedsmuir, Scottish Borders Tel: 01899 225119 www.hearthstanes.com

BORDERS

CAIRNGORMS

SCOTLAND’S OLDEST INHABITED HOUSE. Dating back to 1107 and lived in by the Stuart family since 1491. Unique B&B accommodation at a special Winter Warmer rate of £150 per room per night.

See website for details.

Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW Tel: 01896 830323 www.traquair.co.uk

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

No. 10 AVIEMORE Just minutes from the beautiful countryside of the Cairngorms and an easy walk to Aviemore centre, the hub of the National park. Relax in style in elegant and contemporary surroundings. * PET & CHILD FRIENDLY * SUPERFAST WI-FI * SLEEPS 8 PEOPLE 07795 077007 bookings@no10aviemoreholidayhome.com

www.no10aviemoreholidayhome.com

EAST LOTHIAN

BELLE HAVEN CHALET

• Winter warmer mini breaks starting from £59.00 per person B&B • Peaceful, informal & relaxing • Forest walks & trails - Solway coast exploration MABIE HOUSE HOTEL, MABIE FOREST, DUMFRIES DG2 8HB www.mabiehousehotel.co.uk reception@mabiehousehotel.co.uk 01387 263188

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We hope you will consider visiting us here in East Lothian and relax into the peace and tranquillity of this contemporary holiday chalet.

It’s a perfect place to escape the busy days and hustle and bustle of everyday life, or to jump in to the great outdoors and explore this outstanding area of natural beauty! If you love the sea and the beach and contemporary living…

YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE!

belhavenchalet.co.uk

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

Destinations FIFE

INVERNESS-SHIRE

fife cottages From stunning St Andrews townhouses to romantic coastal retreats Fife Cottages have something to suit everyone.

Opening Times

Bridgend Hotel

Tea/Coffee and Homebaking from 11.00am

Isle of Islay

Lunch from 12.30 - 2.30pm

PA44 7PB

Dinner from 6.00 - 8.45pm

Visit us at fifecottages.co.uk or call David or Gillian on 01334 208330

+44 (0) 1496 810212

Evening Menu in Katie’s Bar 6.00 - 8.45pm

The Logs, Fort William Self-catering accommodation The Logs is a detached Norwegian log house with 6 bedrooms, sleeping up to 10 people, comfortably. It has panoramic views of Ben Nevis and is ideal for discovering the Highlands.

Tel: 01397 702532 thelogs@scotland-info.co.uk

ISLE OF ARRAN

ISLAY

info@bridgend-hotel.com

OAKBANK FARM +44 (0) 1496 810212 info@bridgend-hotel.com

BRIDGEND HOTEL LOCATED IN THE HEART OF ISLAY ‘Island hospitality at its best’ www.bridgend-hotel.com

LOCATION

Located in the Idyllic Village of Bridgend the Three Star Bridgend Hotels offers the Perfect Base to Explore the Island or Simply to Sample Seasonal Local Produce at it’s best!

Self-catering accommodation on the Isle of Arran. 6 individual holiday properties including wooden lodge.

Spectacular sea views and within walking distance of Lamlash village.

Visit our website – Guaranteed best prices online!

www.oakbankfarm.com 01770 600404

ROOMS Each of our eleven ensuite bedrooms is individually decorated to a high standard to ensure your comfort and relaxation.

FOOD

ISLE OF ARRAN

We are passionate about promoting our amazing seasonal Local and Area produce on all of our Menus.

SEASIDE LOCHRANZA

BARS

MORAY

ORTON HOLIDAY

COTTAGES

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF ARRAN

Each of our Bars offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere to sample the Whisky of Islay and Jura along with Local Ales and Our Famous Botansit Gin

Relax, take in the beautiful views, watch the deer as they cool themselves in the loch or www.bridgend-hotel.com take a walk in the hills.

House and cottage available 01569 762604 or 01770 830643 for all year round let. www.seasidelochranza.co.uk

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

MORAY

Set in an idyllic rural location, our comfortable and elegant cottages give your stay the exclusive personal touch you won’t find in a hotel. Ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.

Pets welcome.

01343 880240 enquiries@ortonestate.com www.ortonestate.com

NORTHUMBERLAND

Visit whisky distilleries and castles or walk on deserted beaches or through sheltered forests and come back to a long soak in a woodfired hot tubs and settle down in front of a roaring wood stove before retiring for the night in a super king-size bed. The boutique style 2-bedroom cottages are dog friendly and finished to five-star standard.

3 Day Week-End or 4 days Mid-Week for the ultimate Winter break.

Check out reviews online www.pluscardencrofts.co.uk E: pluscardencrofts@outlook.com

ORKNEY

PERTHSHIRE

Two traditional Orkney cottages which have been totally renovated, with all modern comforts.

Situated just over a mile from Skara Brae and the beautiful sandy Bay of Skaill.

2019 SPECIAL OFFER

Quote “Scottish Field” to get 10% off any Jan-Mar stay (excludes New Year weeks)

Tel: 01856 841733 info@orkney-accommodation.co.uk www.orkney-accommodation.co.uk

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HOTELS & BREAKS

Kinnaird 4x2.pdf 1 13/12/2017 16:03:28

Destinations

PERTHSHIRE

PERTHSHIRE YOUR COTTAGE IN THE HILLS The Hirsel and the Keeper’s House on Riemore Estate set high in the Perthshire hills sleep four and six respectively.

Fully equipped to contemporary standards, they offer fishing, stunning walks, and easy access to nearby Dunkeld.

Self Catering Cottages & Fishing Our attractive cottages are the perfect getaway to fish or relax amid dramatic Highland Perthshire scenery.

www.kinnairdestate.com cottages@kinnairdestate.com

01796 482831

Tel: Liz Shepherd: 01350 724 333 www.riemore.co.uk

PERTHSHIRE

PERTHSHIRE The Meikleour Arms Hotel - Cottages - Restaurant - Pub

Tallavey Cottages

True Hospitality on an Idyllic Perthshire Estate

Tallavey Cottages

Heavenly Hideaways for Two

An hour away from Edinburgh, stylish boutique hotel with serviced cottages within an historic country estate.

Fabulous country food, walks, golf, salmon fishing...

Heavenly Hideaways for Two

A Highland escape from the Luxury Cottages Just For Two pressures of modern life

Luxury Cottages Just For Two

Luxury Cottages for two, with hot tubs, saunas, empire beds and private gardens. Perfect for honeymoons, special occasions or a relaxed getaway.

Dogs welcome.

info@tallavey.co.uk 0771 316 1107 www.tallavey.co.uk

Meikleour Arms, Perthshire PH2 6EB | T: 01250 883206 | www.meikleourarms.co.uk

SPEYSIDE

Perfect for honeymoons, special occasions or a relaxed getaway

Perfect for honeymoons, special occasions or a relaxed getaway Hot Tubs

Saunas

Empire Beds

Private Parking & Gardens

Weiroch Lodge, Speyside Hot Tubs

Saunas

Empire Beds

WESTER ROSS

Private Parking & Gardens

5-Star relaxation - elegance and luxury abound A Highland escape from in this timelsss Highland Lodge with fantastic the pressures of modern life walks and enviable location. Sleeps 6-8. info@tallavey.co.uk 0771 316 1107 www.tallavey.co.uk Discounts for 2-4. Good dogs welcome.

A Highland escape from www.weiroch.co.uk the pressures of modern life

01807 500797 0771 316 1107

info@tallavey.co.uk

Kintail Log Cabin, set amidst stunning scenery, shoreside location, perfect for an away from it all break or ideal base for exploring Skye & Lochalsh.

Shiel Bridge, Glenshiel, Wester Ross IV40 8HW Karen 07831 696039 Derick 07900 225469 mail@kintaillogcabin.com

www.kintaillogcabin.com

www.tallavey.co.uk

WESTER ROSS

WESTER ROSS

NEW LODGE STRATHCARRON

Luxury five star self-catering lodge. Great for groups of friends and family gatherings, sleeping up to 18. Double tennis court on site and fishing on the River Carron also available. Perfect base for exploring the West Highlands. www.cononbrae.co.uk

Caravan & Camping

Explore the beautiful west coast with unsurpassed views of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides. The ideal location for the holiday of your choice.

Bring your own caravan, motor-caravan or tent and set up where ever you wish in the designated areas.

Sands Caravan & Camping, Gairloch, Wester Ross

01445 712 152 www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk

TERMS & CONDITIONS Your attention is drawn to the following terms and conditions which relate to the placing of advertisements in all publications owned by Wyvex Media Ltd. Parties to this agreement are the Publisher, Wyvex Media Ltd. on the one part and the Advertiser on the other part. The Publisher publishes newspapers, magazines, books and provides advertising space therein or provides for the delivery of advertising materials to the public within these publications.

01 Advertising copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful and comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and all other codes. 02 The Publisher does not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement.

03 The Publisher reserves the right to cancel or alter the advertisement by giving reasonable notice. 04 An order for an advertisement shall be deemed to be made on acceptance of the advertisers’ order by the Publisher whether placed by telephone, mail, fax, email or in person. 05 Cancellations or postponements of orders must be notified in writing and cannot be accepted later than 30 days prior to the scheduled publication date. Cancellations not in accordance with these terms will be subject to payment of the full cost of the advert. Advertisments that are part of an agreed discounted campaign or series and have appeared prior to cancellation will be re-charged at full rate. 6 The parties submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts and Scots Law. In the event of any dispute or action by the Publisher to recover payment from an advertiser, it is agreed that matters will be settled in the Oban, Argyll Sheriff Court or such other Court as the Publisher may choose. 07 The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by any total or partial failure (however caused) of publication or distribution of any newspaper or edition in which any advertisement is scheduled to appear. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement, the Publisher will

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either re-insert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement, as the case may be, or make reasonable refund or adjustment to the cost. No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. 08 Errors must be notified to the Publisher in writing within fourteen days of publication. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the Publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed the amount of a full refund of any price paid to the Publisher for the particular advertisement in connection with which liability arose or the cost of a further or corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose. 09 The Advertiser/ Advertising Agency agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the publication as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the advertisement in any one or more of a series of advertisements published in accordance with copy instructions supplied to the publication in pursuance of the Advertiser/ Advertising Agency order. 10 Adverts under the value of £75 must be paid on acceptance of order by the Publisher. All advertising on a credit basis must be agreed with the Publisher in advance. 11 Payment of any invoice raised by the Publisher will be due 15 days from the date of invoice or as otherwise directed on the invoice. In the event of non-payment the Publisher may charge late payment interest at a rate of 2% and this is chargeable on a daily basis from the due date until the bill is paid.

In addition the Publisher may charge a late payment levy of £10 as an administration fee. In the event of late payment the Publisher reserves the right to disallow any discounts given and to raise an additional invoice for the discount which will be treated as though it has been raised with the original invoice. 12 A request to insert an advertisement assumes acceptance of our conditions.

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

Plan ahead for 2019

★★★★★

The ultimate Christmas present at ★★★★★

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Gift your loved one with a Spa Day, Afternoon Tea or intimate escape voucher this Christmas to one of Scotland’s most romantic Highland hotels.

01796 470140 www.fonabcastlehotel.com Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, Foss Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5ND

Buy online today and save 20% on calendars, diaries and planners* The much-loved and sought after National Galleries of Scotland calendar for 2019 features twelve striking and colourful masterpieces which can all be found in the Scottish National Gallery’s collection. From the atmospheric Bell Rock Lighthouse by Joseph Mallord William Turner to Sir Edwin Landseer’s statuesque The Monarch of the Glen, these highlights of the collection feature the dramatic land and seascapes of Scotland. To complement the calendar a week-to-view desk diary or month-to-view planner, feature some of the most breathtaking views of Scotland to leave you pencilling in a day in the Highlands or a week on the Hebridean coast.

Order now at nationalgalleries.org or call 0131 624 6494. *while stocks last. For full terms and conditions visit nationalgalleries.org

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GIFT GUIDE

Christmas Gift Guide Your essential guide to the very best on offer this Christmas. Whether it’s for him, her, the kids, or that unique and exclusive gift for an extra-special someone, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect present from our selection of top quality producers, stores and stockists.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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GIFT GUIDE

HODGKINSON JEWELLERS

CLARKSTON Since 1972

All Wrapped up for Christmas

EDINBURGH WATCH COMPANY

Specialists in the sales and purchase of fine Swiss luxury watches

The jeweller people come to trust Showroom and in-house workshop • Jewellery, watches, gifts and repairs Engagement and wedding rings • Free on-site parking

www.edinburghwatchcompany.co.uk

0131 564 0024

CALL IN AND SEE US TODAY 2 Hillview Drive, Clarkston, G76 7JD 0141 638 8888 www.hodgkinsonjewellers.co.uk

01383 728 816 | info@winski.co.uk 3 Bruce Street, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 7AG

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Gifts for her

CHISHOLM HUNTER 9ct White Gold Round Brilliant 1.00ct Channel Set Diamond Bangle £1,750. This White Gold Channel Set Diamond Bangle is the perfect gift for the perfect person this Christmas, www.chisholmhunter.co.uk

MANDARINA SHOES Get ready to party in pair of Mandarina’s sumptuous Christmas Flats with detachable diamanté and fur clips. Available in either red or black velvet. www.mandarinashoes.com

www.hodgkinsonjewellers.co.uk

ERIBÉ KNITWEAR This alpine merino lambswool cardigan features an intricately patterned Fairisle yoke with accents of soft angora for texture.

Slim fit.

PERILLA Keep toes cosy in 90% alpaca bed socks in gorgeous pastel shades and made in the UK. Can be giftboxed.

DENZIL SKINNER Silver hand painted enamel brooches with your tartan, made to order, 5 cm diameter, bearing the Edinburgh hallmark, £375. A truly personal Christmas gift.

Tel: 01307 819488

Tel: 01886 853 615

Tel: 01896 750952

www.perilla.co.uk

L’ARGENETTE Beautiful, bold jewellery designs from L’Argenette, North Berwick.

LAINGS 18ct White Gold 0.50Ct brilliant cut diamond drop necklace, £1,220

www.eribe.com

Tel: 01620 892926

Tel: 0131 225 4513

www.laingsuk.com

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HODGKINSON One off, lime green marquise cut diamond 1.27ct. With white diamonds pave set in the shoulders. Handmade in 18ct white gold, £4200.

Tel: 0141 638 8888

Tel: 0131 538 4224

www.denzil-skinner.co.uk

GRAHAM STEWART SILVERSMITH 18 ct gold circle pendant with emerald and diamonds.

Tel: 01786 825244

www.grahamstewartsilversmith. co.uk

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EMPORIUM

Gifts for her

HAMILTON & INCHES A rhodolite garnet and diamond triple cluster ring in 18ct white and rose gold. £9,000.

Tel: 0131 225 4898

www.hamiltonandinches.com

XCHANGE HANDBAGS & ESSENTIALS Preloved Luxury with up to 75% off. Handbags, shoes, boots, coats, dresses, jackets, cashmere and lots, lots more.

Tel: 0131 552 8103

www.xchangehandbags.com

SAHARA Sahara introduces this luxe chenille jacket cut into a sharp contemporary silhouette, in metallic tones of gold and bronze.

Tel: 020 7483 8435

HOUSE OF HARVEY Coeur de Lion jewellery is all handmade in vibrant colours and styles. Each set has a necklace earrings and bracelet to match.

3 Bruce Street Dunfermline KY12 7AG Phone: 01383 728 816 info@winski.co.uk

Tel: 01383 728816

Monday & Tuesday: 9am - 5pm Wednesday: 9am - 1:30pm Thursday & Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: closed

www.saharalondon.com

www.winski.co.uk

POPPY JEWELLERY A range of unique, finest quality natural gemstone sterling silver jewellery and silk clothing for women inspired by the Moray Firth coastline.

JONATHAN ADLER NIXON WINE BOTTLE CHILLER. Protect your rosé from rising temps with the natural cooling properties of marble. £178. uk.jonathanadler.com

Tel: 01343 831422

www.poppyjewellery.com

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KAREN DUNCAN JEWELLERY Unique designs handmade in Orkney. Ranging from contemporary to heritage.

Available in all metals. Crafted with passion, finished with care. www.karenduncanjewellery.com

SCOTLAND SHOP For a unique and seasonal gift that can be used year after year this tartan Christmas stocking is perfect. Make it extra special and embroider someone’s name.

Tel: 01890 860770

www.scotlandshop.com

JOANNA THOMPSON A pair of stud earrings in 9ct gold set with buff-topped facetted amethysts and culture pearls made by Joanna Thomson FGA DGA of Peebles. £425.

Tel: 01721 722 936

www.jewellery-scotland.com

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SHEILA FLEET NEW ring set from Sheila Fleet vibrant enamel HALO ring and 9ct gold and diamond Ogham ring reading ‘A Blessing’.

Tel: 01856 861 203

www.sheilafleet.com

TALKING TABLES For those who love Prosecco more than most, it’s time to celebrate this boozy beverage with this stunning snow globe! £20. www.talkingtables.co.uk

DUNMORE Shimmer and shine this Christmas with a metallic soft calf leather handbag from Dunmore Scotland.

Elegant and unique Scottish luxury. £265 - £295.

Tel: 01968 660078

www.dunmorescotland.com

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SAHARA Embrace a rich ruby red this Christmas. Crafted from a lightweight linen blend, this Nehru collar shirt is threaded through with shimmering metallic linen.

KATHRYN KING Kathryn King Designer Jewellery, Kirkcudbright. 9ct Yellow gold Peridot and citrine. drop earrings £840.

Tel: 01557 332374

Tel: 020 7483 8435

www.kathrynking.com

NUMBER 5 GOLDSMITHS Silver and Gold New Day Pendant.

Watch the golden sun rise and set on this stunning pendant with kinetic animation.

ORTAK This stunning set of pendant and earrings is a flowing mix of 9ct yellow gold and sterling silver hand set with eye-catching cubic zirconia stones, retailing at £230.

www.saharalondon.com

Tel: 01738 634196

www.numberfivegoldsmiths. co.uk

PEGASUS JEWELLERY Totally unique design featuring Freshwater Pearl studs surrounded by a horseshoe of cubic zirconias, all set in silver. Necklace £55 Earrings £39.95.

Tel: 01856 873201

www.ortak.co.uk

SCOTTISH FIELD Treat her to an annual subscription of Scottish Field.

Priced at £39.96.

Tel: 01371 851868,

www.scottishfield.co.uk

Tel: 07795 692008

www.pegasusjewellery.net

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GIFT GUIDE

Karen Duncan Jewellery Jewellery since 1967

Crafted with passion, finished with care karen@karenduncanjewellery.com www.karenduncanjewellery.com

ECP20

Quote FIELD18 at checkout to receive your exclusive discount

www.ortak.co.uk

CHRISTMAS at

Saks Hart

Saks & Hart has now launched its stunning Christmas range of furnishings, home accessories and gifts.

G I F T V O U C H E R S AVA I L A B L E

43-45 Main Road Kirkoswald KA19 8HY Tel: 01655 760505

Dalgarven Mill

By Kilwinning KA13 6PL Tel: 01294 554535

www.saksandhart.com Open Wed-Sat 10.30am-5pm and Sunday 12noon-5pm Kirkoswald store open until 8pm on Thursdays during Nov/Dec

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Gifts for her

A HUME COUNTRY CLOTHING Choose from a beautiful collection of bags, belts and boots to hats and scarfs. An extensive selection of inspiring Christmas gift ideas for her this year. From £35.

AURORA JEWELLERY Beautiful new pewter Ring of Brodgar scarf rings and brooches from Aurora. Prices from £25.

Tel: 01856 871861

www.aurora-jewellery.co.uk

Tel: 01573 224620

Tel: 01577 867570

www.ahume.co.uk

WTG HENDERSON A spectacular tanzanite & diamond pendant. This fine 6.10ct pear cut diamond is surrounded by the finest pear and round shaped diamonds totalling 1.44ct.

Tel: 01738 624836

CASHMERE AT LOCHLEVEN Wrap up warm this autumn with Cashmere at Lochleven. Browse their range of beautiful cashmere garments knitted with yarn from the Todd & Duncan Mill in Kinross. www.cashmereatlochleven.com

EARTH SQUARED Stunning, affordable fashion accessories from fair trade company Earth Squared with prices ranging from £3.50 to £39.99.

The perfect ‘feel good’ gift!

Tel: 01620 824392

GAMMIES Anna Lascata Navy check Catherine Coat with Raspberry velvet contrast. £399. Available from Gammies Country Clothing Forfar Angus.

Tel: 01307 466 416

www.jewellers-perth.co.uk

www.earthsquared.com

gammiescountryclothing.co.uk

THE HOUSE OF BRUAR Made with handpicked leaves, these Japan Maple designs are made with 24ct gold paint to make a beautiful and unusual gift.

CAIRNCROSS OF PERTH The stunning Canelé Chocolate diamond ring, £2,490, by award-winning brand Andrew Geoghegan.

HB SHOES Slippers by Ara – pure luxury for your feet! Available in Black and Tan. £50.

Tel: 01796 483236

Tel: 01738 634367

www.houseofbruar.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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www.cairncrossofperth.com

Tel: 01664 454920

www.hbshoes.co.uk

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EMPORIUM

Gifts for him

A HUME COUNTRY CLOTHING Choose from a wide selection of inspiring gift ideas for him this Christmas, from cufflinks, ties, belts and wallets to socks and hankies.

Tel: 01573 224620

www.ahume.co.uk

TALKING TABLES Talking Tables Inquisitive Trivia Drawer £30. www.talkingtables.co.uk

PJ PAN NIGHTWEAR Luxury British made nightwear for men, women and children. Finest quality cottons, silks and linens.

Pyjamas available in regular and tall leg.

Tel: 01307 466 416

gammiescountryclothing.co.uk

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Tel: 01664 454920

Tel: 01250 881325

www.hbshoes.co.uk

BAKKA Inspired by traditional patterns, these contemporary Fair Isle scarves are reversible. Knitted in a luxurious modern superfine merino, available in three colourways. £145. www.bakkaknitwear.com

CHISHOLM HUNTER Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar Watch £7,600. The perfect watch for the elegant and quality conscious gentleman this Christmas. 5 years interest free credit available. www.chisholmhunter.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER 1 Jonathan Adler Games Op Art Dartboard. A posh take on a pub classic. £395. uk.jonathanadler.com

SHEILA FLEET 9ct yellow gold Ogham cufflinks set with citrine gemstones from Sheila Fleet. The ancient script reads ‘A Blessing on the Soul’.

www.pjpan.co.uk

Tel: 01595 780087

GAMMIES Gents Barbour Stapleton John Shirt in tartan £64.95, Barbour Tartan Wash Bag £59.95. Barbour Tartan Hip Flask £32.95 and the Laksen Cufflinks £45.

HB SHOES The perfect gift for the man in your life! Comfortable, stylish and durable slippers by Padders.

Available in Black and Navy. £29.95.

Tel: 01856 861 203

www.sheilafleet.com

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CAIRNCROSS OF PERTH Canelé twist silver cufflinks, £250, part of an award-winning collection by Andrew Geoghegan.

TALKING TABLES Talking Tables Box of Beer Games £15. www.talkingtables.co.uk

Tel: 01738 624367

www.cairncrossofperth.com

NUMBER 5 GOLDSMITHS Inspired and Created in collaboration with renowned Japanese car designer Satoshi Wada, who worked for Audi in Germany.

Tel: 01738 634196

www.numberfivegoldsmiths.co.uk

GIN BOTHY Free online delivery within mainland UK or visit the Bothy in Glamis.

LAINGS Deakin And Francis Silver And Blue Enamel Golf Bag Cufflinks. £260.

Tel: 0131 225 2513

GRAHAM STEWART SILVERSMITH Silver jugs, gilded interior.

Tel: 01786 825244

Tel: 01575 570111

www.laingsuk.com

www.grahamstewartsilversmith. co.uk

HAMILTON & INCHES The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse wristwatch in 18ct rose gold with ebony black sunburst dial. £23,620.

MACDONALD KILTMAKERS This sporran is a semi-dress stagshead sporran with a sealskin bag price £149 staghorn Sgian dubh. £55.

EDINBURGH WATCH CO For gentlemen who enjoy all things 007 this limited edition Commander’s watch by Omega may be the perfect Christmas gift.

See Scotland’s finest pre-owned watches at edinburghwatchcompany.co.uk

www.ginbothy.co.uk

Tel: 0131 225 4898

www.hamiltonandinches.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Tel: 01506 872678

www.macdonaldkiltmakers.co.uk

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GIFT GUIDE

LUXURY SHEEPSKINS, EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER RUGS AND WOOLLENS AND GORGEOUS INTERIOR ACCESSORIES, ALL LOVINGLY DISPATCHED FROM THE ISLE OF SKYE WWW.SKYESKYNS.CO.UK

WHISKY FILLED BAUBLES 5% DISCOUNT WITH “SF2018”

www.angelsshareglass.com

Christmas at the Bothy

Free online delivery within mainland UK or visit the Bothy in Glamis H A N D C R A F T E D I N T H E G L E N S O F S C OT L A N D

www.ginbothy.co.uk

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Gifts for the home

BEATITUDE CHRISTMAS COMFORT CANDLE 100% natural with fab scent throw.

Bergamot, Lime, Clementine and Orange plus soothing floral notes of Geranium and Lavender. £34.

Tel: 0131 618 7450

ORKNEY STOREHOUSE The Natural Orkney Collection, features wonderful Orkney wildlife illustrations, across a range of quality British made fine bone china and homeware accessories.

Tel: 01856 851 222

SELBRAE HOUSE The highland collection by The Just Slate Company includes placemats, coasters, cheese boards and serving trays in 8 different Scottish inspired designs. £25-£42.

Tel: 01592 654222

www.beatitudeproducts.co.uk

www.orkneystorehouse.com

www.justslate.co.uk

ZANGHEIM Beautiful dinnerware designed by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius.

Porcelain from £21. www.zangheim.com

HOUSE OF BRUAR Handmade in Scotland from genuine oak whisky barrels, these Whisky Frames are perfect for anyone with a love for Scotland’s national drink. www.houseofbruar.com

ARTISANS & ADVENTURERS Rwandan Bowls designed by Artisans & Adventurers. These baskets looks great when hung on the wall or used as a fruit basket or bowl. Hand woven by small artisan groups in Rwanda. £45. artisans-and-adventurers.com

NEW HOPETOUN GARDENS Don’t forget gardening gifts, the recent revival in houseplants especially among younger folk includes succulents, airplants and terrariums.

SAKS & HART These stunning cheese knifes, featuring handsome stag head handles, will add an extra touch of Scottish winter to Christmas parties. £34.95.

Tel: 01796 483236

THE PREMIER SCOTTISH CALENDAR

THE PREMIER

SCOTTISH CAL

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INSIDE

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scottish field calendar 2019.indd 1

SCOTTISH FIELD CALENDARS Plan for 2019 with a Scottish Field calendar, full of beautiful landscape images from across Scotland, £7.95 and £11.95.

Tel: 01371 851868,

www.scottishcalendars.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Tel: 01506 834433

newhopetoungardens.co.uk

Tel: 01655 760 505

www.saksandhart.com

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EMPORIUM

Gifts for the country enthusiast

SATMAP SYSTEMS ACTIVE 20 SOLO EDITION. The Active 20 is a large screen sports mapping GPS, which displays highly detailed topographic mapping. £395. www.satmap.com

CLUNY COUNTRY STORE A smart, warm and comfortable long-sleeved flannel shirt. This soft cotton shirt is perfect for the chilly British winter! www.clunystore.co.uk

www.lawrieandsymington.com

CAMPBELLS OF BEAULY Shooting Sock, Mid Blue £45.50.

Made in Scotland with a fully reinforced foot to ensure durability.

This vibrant design is available in three different colours.

BASC The perfect gift for the shooting man or woman is a year’s subscription to the UK’s largest shooting organisation.

THE HOUSE OF BRUAR The House of Bruar Exclusive Hampers offer the very best of gourmet produce available in their renowned Food Hall. The Sporting Hamper – £275.

Tel: 01244 573000

Tel: 01463 782 239

www.basc.org.uk

HOLTS John Dickson & Son Makers of fine Scottish shotguns.

Percussion clothing along with quality gun slips, cartridge bags and shooting accessories.

SWAROVSKI SWAROVSKI OPTIK CL 8 x 25 Pocket Binocular. Small outside but BIG inside. Waterproof with crystal clear images, unique optical quality. RRP £610.

Tel: 01350 728763

Tel: 01737-856812

www.campbellsofbeauly.com

www.john-dickson.com

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Tel: 01592 882600

www.swarovskioptik.com

LAWRIE & SYMINGTON This lightweight water repellent ladies jacket is reversible giving you two jackets for the price of one, coming in at a fantastic £129.99.

Tel: 01555 662281

Tel: 01796 483236

www.houseofbruar.com

SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE FREE MAGNUM of Berry Bros and Rudd’s famous Good Ordinary Claret with new memberships.

Tel: 0207 840 9300

www.countryside-alliance.org/ membership/join

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Gifts for the kids

OLLI ELLA Say hello to the multi-tasking Strolley from family brand Olli Ella.

A new kind of convertible for ages 18 months to four years,

Tel: 020 7713 8668

www.olliella.com

Tel: 01796 483236

THE WARM WELLY COMPANY Warm Wellies designed for kids by a farmer with a family.

Neoprene lined. Warm and cosy.

Toddlers size 6 to adults.

Green/Purple. From £18.99.

Tel: 016977 41937

www.houseofbruar.com

www.warmwellies.co.uk

BUBABLOON Designed in Scotland, BubaBloon cotton baloon cover toys make balloons fun for little ones - while they’re safe from pops and choking risks. From £8 www.bubabloon.co.uk

STEIFF Steiff soft cuddly friends Unica baby unicorn £25.

INITIALLY LONDON The Initially London Onesie for Kids is the best sleepover outfit ever.

Initials monogrammed across the back. Comes in a variety of colours £45.

STEIFF Steiff - Sweet Santa teddy bear – £175, 27cm. 5-way jointed teddy bear from the heritage toy manufacturer and inventor of the teddy bear. Plays ‘Jingle Bells’!

CALEDONIA PLAY The lovely Bonsai Cacoon is a must for every garden. For the whole family to enjoy. Call for friendly advice or visit the website.

Tel: 0208 466 8444 www.steiff.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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THE HOUSE OF BRUAR These fun slogan sweatshirts are lined with soft brush fleece and designed with amusing slogans for all the family. Available in 8 designs.

Tel: 0208 466 8444 www.steiff.com

Tel: 0800 156 0878

www.initiallylondon.com

STEIFF Plush kid’s Peter Rabbit £199.

Tel: 0208 466 8444 www.steiff.com

Tel: 01577 840570

www.caledoniaplay.com

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INSPIRED

BY NATURE. SOURCED IN MULL. CREATED IN LONDON.

W W W.W H I T E TA I L G I N . C O M

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Gifts for the gourmet

GREAT GLEN CHARCUTERIE A range of charcuterie made with locally sourced wild venison.

The charcuterie boxes make a wonderful gift this festive season.

Gift boxes from £12.50

Tel: 01397 712121

WHITETAIL GIN The perfect gift for the most discerning of gin lovers. Whitetail is high in strength at 47% abv with a smooth finish, like a feather falling from high in the sky.

Tel: 01681 705163

KINTYRE GIN Award-winning small batch gin, hand-crafted in the heart of Kintyre. Using renewable energy, they produce and bottle a range of gins on-site at Torrisdale Estate.

Tel: 01583 431 528

www.greatglencharcuterie.com

www.whitetailgin.com

www.kintyregin.com

PACARI CHOCOLATES Luxurious, quality, dark chocolates which have won over 220 International Chocolate Awards.

100% organic, ethical, vegan, kosher and palm oil free.

DUNCAN TAYLOR Multi-award winning Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has a fine portfolio of blended scotch which was first released to discerning drinkers as far back as 1864.

STAGISON ‘Raise your own Stag’. Follow the journey from field to fork with regular updates and delivery of venison. Also meat boxes and vouchers available.

Tel: 07402 944722

www.pacarichocolates.uk

Tel: 01466 795105

www.thespiritsembassy.com

Tel: 01337 830237

www.stagison.com

©ZAC AND ZAC-1

NORTHERN BELLE Fine dining on the rails with vintage carriages and elegant service. Choose from a selection of Scottish day trips and fine dining excursions in 2019. Prices from £ 250pp. Tel: 0845 805 0809 www.northernbelle.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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THE PEAT INN Log fires and warm service await you at this multi award-winning restaurant with rooms. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Gift vouchers available.

Tel: 01334 840206

www.thepeatinn.co.uk

PIXEL SPIRITS Distil your own gin – The ultimate gift for the gin lovers! £89 for a 4 hour experience in a magestic location in the West Highlands with your own copper still.

Tel: 07443656528

www.pixelspiritsltd.co.uk

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EMPORIUM

Gifts for the gourmet

SMALL BATCH HIGHLAND DRY GIN 100% SCOTTISH BOTANICALS

AD RATTRAY Exclusive Scotch whiskies bottled straight from the cask, sealed in wax and personalised with your handwritten message. Available in three sizes. 700ml from £50. www.shop.adrattray.com

dewarsaberfeldydistillery.com

CROSSBILL The multi-award winning gin produced with two botanicals, wild juniper and rosehip, slowly macerated and distilled in Glasgow for a refined yet bold gin with unequalled freshness. www.crossbillgin.com

NICK NAIRN COOK SCHOOL Just You and Nick cooking experiences. Unique one-on-one day or half day experiences with Nick Nairn. One of four ways to give them the best Xmas ever.

BOE GIN XMAS CRACKERS Each beautifully designed cracker is hand made, and contains a miniature (5cl) award-winning Boe Gin bottle. Priced at £35 for a box of four crackers.

DONALD RUSSELL Award-winning grass-fed steak, matured beef roasts and wild British game, hand crafted by master butchers. Delivered with your personal message.

Tel: 01655 760 308

Tel: 01877 389900

DEWARS Design your own whisky hamper with Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.

Deliveries (UK only) until 19 December. Shop open until 21 December. Over 18s only.

Tel: 01887 822 010

Tel: 01786 817000

Tel: 01467 629666

www.nicknairn.com/christmas

www.boegin.com

www.donaldrussell.com/gifting

DEERNESS DISTILLERY Commence your sensory journey this Christmas with multi-award winning handcrafted spirits from Orkney’s Deerness Distillery.

LUVIANS Charles Heidsieck Champagne is an opulent wine with complex notes of pastry, almonds and ripe apricots. £39.99 at Luvians.

ORKNEY GIN COMPANY Orkney Gin Company draws inspiration from a rich history of island tradition. Their three awardwinning gins are hand-crafted in ultra-small batches.

Tel: 01856 741264

www.deernessdistillery.com

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Tel: 01334 477752

www.luvians.com

Tel: 01856731700

www.orkneygincompany.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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THE ROOST RESTAURANT FOR THE FOODIE IN YOUR LIFE. The Roost Restaurant and Grill offer gift vouchers of all values - ideal presents for family and friends this season.

REDCASTLE SPIRITS Redcastle Spirits, based in Angus, has the ultimate gift for the gin loving equestrian or country sports enthusiast. Both filled with award winning gin. From £25.

Tel: 01738 812111

www.theroostrestaurant.co.uk

Tel: 07709 182635

www.redcastlegin.co.uk/shop

www.gardiners-scotland.com

THE SCRIB TREE Fill a hamper with the best Scottish food and drink from this quaint delicatessen. This really is food heaven.

SMITHIES GIN Celebrate Christmas with the Smith Family & hear the story behind their citrus based small batch Scottish Gin from Arbroath.

THE TAYBERRY RESTAURANT Situated in a beautiful coastal setting in Dundee, The Tayberry Restaurant offers contemporary dining, using a combination of modern and classic techniques .

Tel: 01555 851262

Tel: 0 7714 654629

www.thescribtree.co.uk

www.smithiesgin.com

MACKIES OF SCOTLAND Mackie’s Traditional is a real dairy ice cream made with fresh whole milk and cream - and renewable energy - on the family farm in Aberdeenshire.

VALVONA & CROLLA Continental Delicatessen & Wine Merchant since 1934. Gift hampers, fresh food, wine and bespoke corporate gifts. Specially selected by our experts for you.

Tel: 01467 671466

www.mackies.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Tel: 0131 556 6066

www.valvonacrolla.co.uk

GARDINERS OF SCOTLAND LTD Delicious Caorunn Gin Fudge in a Tin and beautifully embossed Christmas Tins with Vanilla Fudge.

Ideal gifts for family and friends.

Tel: 01555 894155

Tel: 01382 698280

www.tayberryrestaurant.co.uk

WINE AUCTIONEER Wine Auctioneer is a specialist online auctioneer bringing an innovative approach to the buying and selling of mature, rare and iconic wines.

Tel: 01738 245576

www.wineauctioneer.com

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GIFT GUIDE

Edinburgh’s FAMOUS fossil shop

0131 220 1344 www.mrwoodsfossils.co.uk

EVERY BOTTLE

has a story to tell...

A D R A T T R A Y. C O M A LW AY S D R I N K R E S P O N S I B LY

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www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Gifts for those who have everything

SHEPHERDS HUT Handmade near Linlithgow by cabinetmaker Jack Roots. Your design - traditional or modern, simple or luxurious. £12,500 £20,000.

Tel: 07546 891193

OLIVE PEARSON DESIGNS Handmade bespoke and limited edition accessories for women and men, in luxurious fine cashmere and lamb’s wool. Olive’s signature designs make unique gifts.

Tel: 07816 881147

THEWLIS GREGSON Contemporary bespoke gun boxes and vehicle cabinets, falconry, fishing, polo and entertaining, bespoke picnic and champagne hampers.

Tel: 01829 738990

www.shephut4scotland.com

www.olivepearson.com

www.thewlisgregson.co.uk

NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND Taking Scotland’s Art Collection as inspiration, their shops offer books, jewellery, homewares, stationery, custom art prints and much more.

WEBSTER GROUP Hot air ballooning remains a sought after gift experiences, with the romance of a serene and intimate flight across rolling countryside appealing to all ages.

MARTINS OF GLASGOW Vintage and previously cherished watches for discerning ladies & gentlemen. To enquire, please contact Martin.

Tel: 0131 624 6200

www.nationalgalleries.org

Tel: 0808 169 6100

www.websteradventures.co.uk

martin@martinsjewellers.co.uk

SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY Join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and start sharing your experiences with world’s largest whisky community. Membership starts from £65.

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Spend Xmas at an award-winning bookshop: bestselling titles, as well as gifts, cards & Seasalt clothing.

Don’t miss Linlithgow Christmas Shopping on Thursday 29th November! Tel: 01506 845509

UAN WOOL 100% British wool hand crafted sensory Hot Water Bottle covers with Scottish Wool embellishments. Great for stimulating circulation. Various styles £35 each. Tel: 07928268992 www.uanwool.co.uk

Tel: 0131 554 3451 www.smws.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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www.maddingcrowdlinlithgow.com

Tel: 0141 946 6333

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EMPORIUM

Gifts for those who have everything

EDINBURGH GIN The true spirit of the festive season, Edinburgh Gin Christmas is distilled with botanicals such as frankincense, myrrh and nutmeg for a deliciously warming gin.

Tel: 0131 656 2810

BLUES & BROWNS A bespoke tailoring experience for women. Available in Edinburgh and Perth. Gift the opportunity to take part in the creation of a unique garment.

Tel: 01738 626526

SKYESKYNS Gift the warmth of sheepskin with Skyeskyns soft and cuddly sheepskin snuggle, designed to hold water bottles and keep the heat for longer. From £35.

Tel: 01470592237

www.edinburghgin.com

www.bluesandbrowns.co.uk

www.skyeskyns.co.uk

ALPACA ANNIE Manufactured in Scotland.

Knee high with a turn over top, cushioned soles and thermal properties, these super soft socks are perfect for all country pursuits.

Buy online from just £18 www.alpacaannie.com

BAKKA Choose from a large range of contemporary Fair Isle scarves, knitted in a silkysoft superfine merino. Made in Shetland. From £145. Wristwarmers to match.

ANGELS’ SHARE GLASS Boxed set of four coloured glass Whisky Baubles, each holding a different regional malt from Douglas Laing & Co, is of exceptional quality at £49.94.

www.bakkaknitwear.com

www.angelsshareglass.com

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN Treat family or friends to a year of garden visits with a membership gift. Includes unlimited free entry to the glasshouses in Edinburgh and three Regional Gardens.

MALCOLM APPLEBY Christmas Table 2018 Candlesticks and Beakers, prices on application.

Malcolm Appleby have a remarkable range of jewellery and objects available for every occasion.

THE OLD MILL INN Buy a gift voucher for a stay at the award-winning Old Mill Inn this year. Gorgeous rooms and fantastic service will ensure your giftee will be blown away!

Tel: 0131 552 5339

www.rbge.org.uk

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Tel: 01595 780087

Tel: 01887 840 484

swapp@dircon.co.uk

Tel: 01786 835005

Tel: 01796 474020

www.theoldmillpitlochry.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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The gift of giving

CHILDREN 1ST You can give the gift of a smile to a child in Scotland today. With your help children can get the support they need to recover from abuse, neglect and other traumatic experiences.

Please donate today.

Tel: 0345 108 0111

www.children1st.org.uk/smile

ROYAL CALEDONIAN EDUCATION TRUST Help RCET be there for every Armed Forces child that needs them. Donate now.

Tel: 0131 240 2224

www.rcet.org.uk/youhelp/ youhelp-donate

DOG AID SOCIETY The Society’s Christmas Brochure containing many great gift ideas, cards and calendars is out now. Every sale supports Scotland’s dogs through re-homing, Neutering or Veterinary Aid Schemes.

Call the office or download a copy from the website.

Tel: 0131 668 3633

www.erskine.org.uk

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL Choose from a unique robininspired gift selection and support National Robin Day 21st December. Every purchase you make delivers vital funds directly into research projects to help save the future of our much-loved robins and other songbirds.

ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE Dedicate a light in memory of a loved one and support your local hospice this Christmas.

The lighting ceremony will take place in Charlotte Square Gardens on 10 December at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

Tel: 01379 641715

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Tel: 0141 300 4904

www.dogaidsociety.com

songbirdsurvivalshop.org.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

ERSKINE You can show your support for veterans in Erskine’s care by choosing to order items from the Erskine online shop or Christmas gift brochure. The cards and festive products you will find within this range have been chosen with you, and veterans, in mind.

Tel: 0131 551 1381

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk/ lightupalife

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Scottish Field advert Gift Guide 2018 GIFT GUIDE

Our gift vouchers make the perfect gift Hire sporty modern classics to enjoy the stunning Scottish Highlands & go where the roads take you.

Special offer for Scottish Field Readers Buy one day, Get another day free Quote Scottish Field Gift Guide 2018 to claim this offer.

Offer also applies to multiple days. Prices from £85 / day

THE LIBRARY AND THE LODGE AT ELGOL’S STRATHAIRD HOUSE.

@MYRDTRIP

RDTRIP.CO.UK/Scottish-field For each day you buy, we will provide an additional free day. Offer valid when quoting Scottish Field Gift Guide 2018 on purchases made before March 1 2019. See website for terms & conditions, our current fleet and current prices.

Blair Castle & Gardens

Two unique, historic holiday homes in the heart of Skye’s magnificent Cuillin Hills. A truly wonderful wilderness experience with a luxury twist.

Minimum 3 night weekend and mid-week breaks available.

Please email for details and rates admin@strathairdhouse.co.uk www.strathairdhouse.co.uk

Christmas at Blair Castle

Colours for reference

persiedistillery.com

Persie Gin Afternoon Tea and Tour We have teamed up with the award winning Persie Gin company to offer a delicious Gin Afternoon Tea and Tour on 9th & 16th December 2018. You will have a choice of one of the 3 delicious gins with matching mixer to accompany your afternoon tea which will be served in front of the fire in the ballroom from 2pm - 4.30pm.

Included with this you will also enjoy a tour of the castle pre or post your treats!

Afternoon Tea and Tour - £21.95 per person Gin Afternoon Tea and Tour - £26.95 per person Booking essential on 01796 481 207 or email Ella on bookings@blair-castle.co.uk Christmas at Blair Castle If that wasn’t enough we also have Christmas Sunday Lunch in the Ballroom from 12noon - 2pm, our famous bagpipe playing Santa in his magical grotto, and Victorian Christmas Guided Tours from 10am - 3pm.

More information can be found on our website https://atholl-estates.co.uk/events/

Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5TL 01796 481207 www.blair-castle.co.uk

Scottish Fields Christmas Afternoon Tea.indd 1

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GIFT GUIDE

Gift of going places

STRATHAIRD HOUSE Two unique, historic holiday homes in the heart of Skye’s magnificent Cuillin Hills. A truly wonderful wilderness experience with a luxury twist.

Tel: 01471 820169

ROSSLYN CHAPEL Give a day out at Rosslyn Chapel, just 7 miles south of Edinburgh, open all year. Their gift experience includes admission, coffee, cakes for two and a guidebook.

Tel: 0131 440 2159

THE THREE CHIMNEYS A visit to The Three Chimneys on the rugged Isle of Skye is the ultimate retreat, eat and sleep experience. Bring Christmas joy by gifting it to a loved one.

Tel: 01470 511258

www.strathairdhouse.co.uk

www.rosslynchapel.com

www.threechimneys.co.uk

ROYAL HOTEL COMRIE Indulge in the delights of a cosy weekend break at The Royal Hotel in Comrie this winter - the perfect getaway gift.

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE Membership and gift vouchers available for this award-winning five star visitor attraction: Discovery Centre, seasonal boat trips, Seabird Café and giftshop.

THE SHIP INN Built in 1771, The Ship Inn is a historic inn that is beautifully situated at the edge of Stonehaven’s picturesque harbour.

Tel: 01764 679200

www.royalhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01620 890202

Tel: 01569 762617

www.seabird.org

www.shipinnstonehaven.com

RDTRIP RDTRIP rents sporty modern classics to enjoy the stunning Scottish Highlands and go where the roads take you. See their advert for special offer details.

MACLEOD HOUSE Vouchers available for a stay at 5 star MacLeod House & Lodge, indulgent experiences, golf coaching. Treat a loved one to a luxury experience this Christmas.

GLAMIS CASTLE Enjoy a historic visit to Glamis Castle, ancestral home to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne.

Tel: 01479872159

Tel: 01358 743300

rdtrip.co.uk/scottish-field

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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www.trumpgolfscotland.com

Tel: 01307 840393

www.glamis-castle.co.uk

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EMPORIUM

Gift of going places

EAST HAUGH HOUSE A gift voucher for Scotland’s Hotel of the Year 2018 makes the perfect present! East Haugh House boasts 12 bedrooms, and an award-winning restaurant.

Tel: 01796 473121

BRIDGE OF LOCHAY HOTEL Why not treat someone you love to a gift voucher for a stay or a meal at the Bridge of Lochay Hotel? The hotel has received a TripAdvisor Excellent Award 2018.

Tel: 01567 820272

FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS Enjoy a winter wonderland at the five-star resort with the return of their Skating Rink! Also for the first time, Santa’s Gingerbread Grotto will be available to all.

Tel: 01334 837000

www.easthaugh.co.uk

www.bridgeoflochay.co.uk

www.fairmont.com/standrews

BALLATHIE HOUSE HOTEL Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Glorious gift vouchers available, from an exquisite afternoon tea to luxurious overnight stays.

BLAIR CASTLE Santa is at Blair Castle with bagpipes and festive lunches served in the ballroom around open fires plus tours of the castle in Victorian Christmas dress.

www.ballathiehousehotel.com

FINGAL Launching in 2019, Fingal is a luxury floating hotel, permanently berthed in Edinburgh. With 23 luxury cabins inspired by her rich maritime heritage. Gift vouchers available. Tel: 0131 357 5000 www.fingal.co.uk

FONAB CASTLE Gift your loved one with a Spa Day, Afternoon Tea or intimate escape voucher this Christmas to one of Scotland’s most romantic Highland hotels.

BLAIRMORE FARM A great idea for that family member or friend who is hard to buy for. From set amounts to length of stay and cottages they have gift certificates to suit.

KNOCKHILL RACING CIRCUIT It’s fast approaching that time of year again, and the race is on to find that perfect Christmas gift.

Luckily, they’ve got a sensational range of driving gifts at Knockhill.

Tel: 01250 883268

Tel: 01796 470140

www.fonabcastlehotel.com

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Tel: 01764 683789

www.blairmorefarm.com

Tel: 01796 481355

www.atholl-estates.co.uk

Tel: 01383 723337

www.Knockhill.com

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA Experience the event of a lifetime aboard Britannia to celebrate the birth of our national bard at a luxury Burns Supper on Friday 25 & Saturday 26 January 2019.

CAPERCAILLIE ESCAPES Treat a loved one to a special escape across Scotland this Christmas or to look forward to in 2019. They’ll create a bespoke trip for long weekends and beyond.

www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

MACDONALD HOTELS With so much on offer this year at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, you’re sure to find the perfect gift.

Treat someone special with a gift voucher. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ gifts

LOCHGREEN HOUSE Create a personal experience for someone special with a tailor made Costley & Costley gift voucher. Enjoy fine dining, a spa day, or a luxury overnight stay,

CRIEFF HYDRO 150 years in business and still busting boredom. Make someone’s day with a voucher for lunch, an overnight stay, one of over 60 activities, or a spa treatment!

LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE Give a gift voucher for the ultimate off-road driving adventure. Drive brand new Land Rovers in exciting terrain, over challenging obstacles, through beautiful Perthshire.

Tel: 01350 727720 www.scotland. landroverexperience.co.uk

Tel: 0131 55 8800

Tel: 01292 313343

www.crieffhydro.com

KNOCKENDARROCH HOTEL Scottish Hotel of the Year 2019.

Contemporary country house style. Stunning panoramas over Pitlochry. Two AA Red Rosettes.

Vouchers available online.

MELDRUM HOUSE Winner of UK’s Best Boutique Hotel 2018, vouchers are available for Afternoon Tea at £44 through to lunch, dinner, golf or an overnight stay, available online.

Tel: 01796 473 473

www.knockendarroch.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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Tel: 01764 655 555

www.costley-hotels.co.uk

Tel: 01651 872294

www.meldrumhouse.com

Tel: 01334 845440

www.capercaillieescapes.com

PERTH COUNCIL Give the gift of Perth. The Perth Gift Card is the perfect present for all occasions and can be used in over 50 independent businesses in Perth City Centre. www.theperthcard.co.uk

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Gifts for pets

NICOLA PTAK PHOTOGRAPHY Edinburgh based photographer, Nicola Ptak, captures your furry loved ones in stunning images you’ll cherish forever. Gift vouchers available.

Tel: 07963 797519

RUFF AND TUMBLE With two layers of super-soft cotton towelling and complete with an extra deep collar, the Classic Coats from Ruff and Tumble dry quickly and efficiently, From £26.

Tel: 0333 207 9960

SPORTING SAINT Dummy Launcher c/w PVC launcher dummy – Canvas launcher dummy – launcher blanks – yellow – spare ‘O’ rings for launcher pack of 5 – Ear plugs.

Tel: 01885 400343

nicolaptakphotography.co.uk

ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

www.sportingsaint.co.uk

BERKELEY DOG BEDS Quite possibly the finest dog beds available – luxurious, yet at the same time, totally practical and built to last.

PRODEN PLAQUEOFF ProDen PlaqueOff is a natural seaweed supplement recommended by vets for the reduction of plaque, tartar and bad breath.

PETBLOON Dogs love PetBloon – an innovative balloon cover toy, designed in Scotland. This unique stocking filler is best for interactive play with smaller breeds & gentle giants. £10 with free delivery, www.petbloon.co.uk

Tel: 01264 861143

www.berkeleydogbeds.co.uk

ROCKY & BUD Rocky&Bud products are the perfect gift for your pooch this Christmas. Handmade in Scotland and tested for durability and strength. Practical can be stylish! www.rockyandbud.com

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Tel: 0113 257 9776

www.swedencare.co.uk

TARTAN DETAILS Tartan dog accessories handmade in Scotland using only the finest 100% wool. Looking for a particular colour, size or clan? Let the team know! tartandetails@gmail.com FB/Instagram: @tartandetails

TUFFIES Tuffies produce sturdy, durable dog beds with outstanding cosy comfort for your dog. Most Tuffie designs come with the option of removable covers.

Tel: 01888 563288

www.tuffies.co.uk

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 12:50:19

OFFERS & competitions

To enter, send separate entries (in the same envelope) with your name, address, telephone number and email address to Scottish Field Competitions, Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH5 2DL or enter at www.scottishfield.co.uk. Closing date, unless otherwise stated, is 31 December 2018. Winners drawn from all competitions also enter a prize draw to win a bottle of Berry Bros. & Rudd Islay Reserve whisky.

WIN

EXPERIENCE SHOPPING IN PERTH WITH A £500 GIFT CARD

Flavour of the moment since 1698

The Perth Gift Card is a Mastercardbased gift card which can be used across over 50 businesses in Perth City Centre.

The Perth Gift Card works in the same way as a department store / shopping centre gift card but

for a huge range of independent businesses in Perth. It’s easy to use and ensures that your money is spent locally, so you’re supporting local businesses with your purchase. The Perth Gift Card can be used to update your wardrobe,

treat the family to a delicious meal out, or pamper yourself after a long day of shopping. You could also spend it on the latest blockbuster movie, a fabulous new haircut or much, much more. It also makes a great gift for any occasion.

Fine spirits sourced from the world’s best producers and selected by Berrys’ experts, all of which have passed our one simple test: ‘Is it good to drink?’

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, just answer the following question: How many local businesses can the Perth Card be spent in?

The Perth Gift Card will be valid until 30th Nov 2019. No substitutions, exchanges, or cash alternatives are offered.

All entrants must be a minimum of 16 years of age to enter Entrants must be 18 or over. Employees of Scottish Field, the competition promoters, and their direct families are ineligible to enter. No purchase necessary. The winner will be first correct entry drawn after closing date. No cash alternative is available. The winner will be informed by telephone. Usual Scottish Field rules apply.

We will protect your personal data. We only gather what we need for the requirements of this competition – your name, address, telephone number and email address. If you wish to receive news and offers from the third party running the competition, then please mark the words “OPT IN” on your postcard entry. If you enter various competitions on one card, you will be opting in for every competition running.

Unless you opt in to receive further marketing information we will only contact you if you win a prize in the competition. Scottish Field (Wyvex Media) will retain your information for a maximum of 3 months after the competition closes and then it will be deleted.

If you have opted in to receive third party information, the data you have supplied will be passed to the third party company running the competition. This may be used for the purposes of the third party contacting you regarding new products and services for a period of 3 months, unless you agree to an extension with the third party company at a later date.

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THE WALDORF ASTORIA - THE CALEDONIAN 01 David Lees, Lord Lyon Joesph Morrow, Doreen McGibbon 02 Gordon Pratt, Olya Oulton, Gillian & Michael Pratt 03 Martin & Prudence Addleman, George & Maggie Alpine 04 Ben Fairgreive, Jordon Kirk 05 Bernadette & Alec McQuinn 06 President Hugh Robertson 07 David Lees, John Horrall, Diana Horrall, Natalie Lees, Gale Davidson, Stephen & Gail Prentice 08 Hugh & Lynne Robertson 09 Chris Craggs, Libby & Roderick Urquhart 10 Katie Lowery, John Lees IMAGES ROY SUMMERS

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KEEPERS OF THE QUAICH BANQUET BLAIR CASTLE, BLAIR ATHOLL 01 The Duke and Duchess of Fife, the Earl and Countess of Dalhousie 02 Griselda Gordon, The Grand Master Peter Gordon 03 Roddy Martine and the Duke of Argyll 04 Peter Prentice 05 Karen Betts, Major General Chris Hughes CBE 06 Bill Lumsden, Benny Ng, Timothy Norris, Thomas Moradpour 07 Michael Urquhart, Annabel Meikle, Guest of Honour Sean Fitzpatrick 08 Lord and Lady Macfarlane of Bearsden IMAGES SHANNON TOFTS

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01 Montgomery Lewis, Gardie Duff, Kitty Grubb, William Gorden-Cummings, Rosanna Leslie Melville, Hermione Drummond Moray, Annabel Flowers, Freddie Lloyd Jones, Emily Du Luart 02 Nairne Conway, Blair Nimmo, Amanda Wiewiorka, Suki Stobbs 03 Mr & Mrs William Inglis, Mrs Robert Lindsay 04 Royal Scots Dragoon Guards & Piper Gavin Moffat 05 Henry Lithgow, Rosie Eley 06 Kitty Single, Hamish Conway, Francesca Bright 07 Back row: Capt Keir Robinson, Mr Tom Hancock, Capt Craig Wilkinson, Mr Julian Von Nehammer, Capt James Ramsay Front row: Camilla Harden, Freya Tetley, Kate Donkin, Sally Stevens, Sophie Von Nehammer, Emma Wilkinson 08 Lt Col William Colquhoun, Geoff Lockett, Alexander Burnett 09 Josie Middleton, Sarah Middleton, Laura Henderson, Lady Helena Parker, Jessica Robertson, Emma Macphie 10 Kate Porter, Anona Gow, Jeremy Gow 11 Mr & Mrs Michael Stirling-Aird, Lt Col & Mrs William Colquhoun 12 Jeremy Garret Cox, Emily Arbuthnott, Jeremy Gow 13 Kirsty Desson, Susannah Pate, Jessica Ramsay, Robert Ramsay, Tommy Pate 14 Jeremy Gow, Emily Arbuthnott, Liz Bruce-Gardyne, Julia Millar, Capt. Michael Houston 15 Annabel Flowers, Robert Swift IMAGES PETER KEYSER

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NEW PARK REUNION NEW PARK SCHOOL, ST ANDREWS 01 Fiona Jackson-Hutt, Geoffrey Jackson-Hutt, Robert Purvis, Heidi Purvis 02 Professor Verity Brown, Lindsay Murray, Peter Heathcote 03 Nicola Porter, Steven Philip, Stephen Kay, Rob Christie 04 Rosemary Galloway, Joan Cowley 05 Mary Campbell-Brown, Colin Campbell-Brown 06 Gordon Macleod, John MacLean 07 Mary Erskine, Cassandra Steele, Nicky Davidson, Lesley-Ann Whiteford 08 Stephen Owen, Angela Hamilton, Sarah Leith IMAGES RACHEL FOSTER

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BLUES & BROWNS LAUNCH THE NEW CLUB, EDINBURGH 01 Suzanne Orchard, Kairen Alexis Ruse, Melinda Juhasz 02 Peter Juhasz, Melinda Juhasz, Penny Coburn 03 Hilary Knight, Sarah James, Christine Harley 04 Aileen Weurman, Miles Briggs MSP 05 Peter Dickins, Noreen Dickins 06 Johnny Brown, Sheila Yarrow 07 Victor Orchard, Jim McDermott, Susan Orchard 08 Wendy Mitchell, Ann Mitchell 09 Margaret Smillie, Amy Young, Anne Macalister 10 Suzanne Orchard, Hamish Grossart IMAGES ROSIE MORTON

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PUZZLEpages WIN AAcross HAMPER FROM INVERAWE SMOKEHOUSES

Welcome to1ourCutting Scottish up Field crossword, whichis a nuisance neap in kitchen will really test your brain power and general (4,2,3,4) knowledge. So set pen to paper, fill in the blanks 10 aSound, hesition when making a and be in with chance if of no winning a fabulous ‘Taste of the (5) mistake Smokery’ to the value of

11 Dreaded beer, one it spills (4,5) £50 for 1st prize, £30 for 2nd and 12 prize Period furniture schedule (9) £20 for 3rd prize 13 Lecherous butterfly? (5)

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1 Cutting up18 neapSweetheart in kitchen is aabout 2 Lack vitality direction in andofto put aon the head 26 27 nuisance (4,2,3,4) mania forms (7) (7) 10 Sound, if no hesition when 3 After dusk, horse ordeal (9) 20 Lifeless vessel4 isWealthy wooden making a mistake (5) man(7) has an about 28 11 Dreaded beer, one it spills turn first (5) 22 Treat a vehicle direction badly (5) (4,5) 5 Spirited one wears cosy hats 12 Period furniture schedule (9) 24 Loved a moat in (9) Iran (9) 13 Lecherous butterfly? (5) 6 There don’t appear to be any 25 Where the action is point in the Mr/Mrs/Miss ___________________________________________ conventional lady twisted fibs 14 Spring tea26 withMake men, a riot (7) dates in thetell Roman calendar neighbourhood (5) 16 Good form of art (5) Address _______________________________________________ (9)period with drink (7) 7 Birds sound as cheeky girl ______________________________________________________ 27about One distribute standard of pauses (7) goesa to junction and 18 Sweetheart andwill to put Postcode ______________________________________________ excellence (5) 8 Cab restraints adjustment on the head (7) doesn’t give serious thoughts 20 Lifeless vessel is wooden (7) 28 Rapid diversification unseats nation (13) Tel________________________________________ to things (13) 22 Treat a vehicle direction badly To enter: Send your completed crossword to Scottish 9 Tell my trained modification is (5) Field, Crossword No 11 Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, adversely affected (13) 24 Loved a moat in Iran (9) Edinburgh, EH5 2DL, to reach us no later than 19 Down 15 Learning hears are you in one 26 Make conventional lady tell December 2018. a series (9) in mania forms twisted fibs2(9)Lack of vitality aofdirection 27 One will distribute (7) a standard 17 Plant actor in business before of excellence (5) distance (9) 3 Afterunseats dusk, horse ordealin (9) 28 Rapid diversification 19 Particle tone up run (7) ANSWERS TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD (NO 10) nation (13) 21 Reaching this is a leveler (7) 4 Wealthy man has an about turn first (5) Across: 8 Penury, 9 Whitecap, 10 Mark, 11 Natatorial, 12 Pita, 13 23 Put performer on the books (5) Speed limit, 17 Deli, 18 Inner, 19 Ewer, 21 Disgusting, 23 Knob, 24 Birthright, 28 Time, 29 Accurate, 30 Rarity.

25 Where thehats action(9) is point in 5 Spirited one wears cosy Down: 1 Sedative, 2 Muckraking, 3 Gymnastics, 4 Twit, 5 Dirt, the neighbourhood (5)

CROSSWORD NO 12

6 There don't appear to be any dates in the Roman calendar (5)

6 Year, 7 Salami, 14 Ennui, 15 Derogatory, 16 Ice-skaters, 20 Enormity, 22 Idiocy, 25 Thus, 26 Read, 27 Ghee.

OCTOBER7 CROSSWORD WINNERS Birds sound as cheeky girl goes to

1ST: MRS MARY junction MORRISON, andBROUGHTON pauses (7) 2ND: MR JOHN TURNER, DUNFERMLINE 3RD: MR TOM GRAHAM, AYRSHIRE

Spot the difference 8 Cab restraints adjustment doesn't give serious thoughts to things (13)

9 Tell my trained modification is adversely affected (13)

THERE ARE FIVE 15 Learning hears are you in one of a series DIFFERENCES (9) IN THESE TWO PHOTOGRAPHS OF actor in business before distance (9) 17 Plant EDINBURGH – CAN 19 Particle in tone up run (7) YOU SPOT THEM ALL? 21 Reaching this is a leveler (7)

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Tel: 0131 271 5000 www.benproperty.co.uk 24/10/2018 16:10:30

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Put your feet up, grab a cup of coffee and pit your wits against our puzzles and quizzes

What year is it?

General knowledge

USE THE CLUES AND PICTURES TO HELP GUESS THE YEAR.

1. How many islands does Scotland have?

1. Woolworths Group announced they were closing.

2. In what year did Ewan McGregor play Renton in the movie

2. Katherine Grainger won her third Olympic silver medal in rowing.

3. At which Scottish castle did Macbeth murder King Duncan?

3. Gretna Football Club went into administration.

Trainspotting?

4. Which loch in Scotland is the deepest?

5. In what century was the Bank of Scotland founded?

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6. How many universities are there in Scotland?

7. At which Scottish castle did Madonna marry Guy Ritchie?

4. Scotland won the Calcutta Cup for the 39th time.

8. What is Scotland’s longest river?

5. David Tennant announced he would step down from his role as Doctor Who.

9. Which Scottish actor played Sergeant David Budd in the

BBC’s latest drama ‘Bodyguard’?

10. Glasgow’s School of Art was designed by which famous

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architect?

ANSWER: 2008 Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.70)

ENTER DIGITS FROM 1 TO 9 INTO THE BLANK SPACES. EVERY ROW MUST CONTAIN ONE OF EACH DIGIT. SO MUST EVERY COLUMN, AS MUST EVERY 3X3 SQUARE. NOVEMBER’S SOLUTION IS SHOWN RIGHT.

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WORD SEARCH: CHRISTMAS

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50 WORDS: GOOD, 80 WORDS: EXCELLENT, 100 WORDS OR MORE: YOU ARE A GENIUS

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How many English words can you make from the word above? We can find 175. Try to find as many as possible.

Words must be at least three letters long.

Where are we?

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ANSWERS 1. 790 2. 1996 3. Inverness Castle 4. Loch Morar 5. 17th century 6. 19 7. Skibo Castle 8. The River Tay 9. Richard Madden 10. Charles Rennie Macintosh

SUDOKU DIFFICULTY: HARD

A Victorian village just east of the Cairngorm Mountains, it sits in the heart of Royal Deeside. Its railway station was closed in 1966 and was destroyed by a fire in 2015, but was recently reopened as a visitor centre and café. The town suffered from heavy flooding during Storm Frank a few years ago but is now making a steady recovery. Its rich history and connections with the royals are world renowned.

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5 Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Thu Sep 20 08:18:40 2018 GMT. Enjoy!

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BALLATER

We will protect your personal data. We only gather what we need for the requirements of this competition – your name, address and telephone number.

Should you be selected as the winner, Scottish Field will contact you by post and your personal data will be passed to the crossword sponsor (Inverawe Smokehouses) for the purposes of verification. Scottish Field (Wyvex Media) will retain your information for a maximum of 3 months after the crossword competition closes and then it will be deleted.

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COVER TO COVER

Cover to cover A look at the latest Scottish books by Ailsa Bath

C Calton Hill: and the Plans for Edinburgh’s Third New Town

BY KIRSTEN CARTER MCKEE BIRLINN LTD

£25

 Kirsten Carter Mckee has provided a delightfully in-depth treasure trove of information for anyone with an interest in Scottish architecture or history, more specifically in that of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh.

The knowledge Carter McKee demonstrates on the history of Calton Hill and all that it symbolises makes for an incredibly interesting read. Carter McKee The way that explores how the architecture and Carter McKee urban planning of Calton Hill – presents her ideas which, with its surrounding area, was known as Edinburgh’s Third is compelling New Town – came to represent Scotland’s cultural identity. and engaging As a consequence of the changing tides surrounding identity in Scotland and the friction between Scottish and British nationalism over the last two centuries, Calton Hill has been dubbed a ‘National Shibboleth’ as the perception of it has changed along with ideas of identity. British nationalism can be seen in the Waterloo-inspired names of the structures while Scottish nationalism can be seen in the rejection of multiple plans symbolising British sovereignty.

Carter McKee reveals how learning about Calton Hill and the third New Town is essential in understanding the history of the capital. The way that Carter McKee presents her ideas is compelling and engaging which, when combined with such fascinating subject matter, makes this tome a worthy read.

Despite all its merits, it could be said that the topic explored in Calton Hill: and the Plans for Edinburgh’s Third New Town runs the risk of being slightly niche and will not appeal to everyone. However, for those readers who do pick up this book, they will have access to an abundance of information on the architecture of Calton Hill and the rich history surrounding it, as well as the broader issue of Scottish identity. What’s more, alongside this is a multitude of beautiful illustrations to enjoy.

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The Relentless Tide

BY DENZIL MEYRICK £8.99

 

The newest installment of D.C.I Daley thrillers series is well-written and engaging from beginning to end.

While searching for Viking remains, archaeologist Professor Francombe stumbles across the missing remains from the ‘Midweek Murderer’ case that occurred in the 1990s, a case from D.C.I. Daley’s past that has been haunting him for over 20 years. We follow the investigation as the detective has a chance to do what he failed to two decades earlier – solve the case and free himself of the problems it has brought him.

In the eventful sixth addition to the D.C.I. Daley thrillers, we see the characters contend with a variety of issues. The many twists and turns characteristic of this series are handled with moments of humour enhanced by the evocative Scots dialect which peppers the dialogue, adding an element of charm and lightheartedness to an otherwise dark storyline.

Shetland: Cooking on the Edge of the World

BY JAMES AND TOM MORTON £25



Father and son duo Tom and James Morton have written a fantastic book. Shetland: Cooking on the Edge of the World should be recognised as far more than a simple recipe book as it contains a great deal on the history and culture of Shetland too. The authors convey the information in a humorous and friendly manner, filled with anecdotes and personal stories which is hardly surprising as Tom Morton was once a scriptwriter for the much-loved cartoon strips The Broons and Oor Wullie.

There is a huge range of recipes to choose from, ranging from the unusual (how to prepare your own Viking pit feast), via the useful (how to smoke your own fish), to the classic (mutton pie). There are also plenty of gems from The Great British Bake Off finalist James to satisfy any sweet tooth.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

24/10/2018 17:38:59

BOOK REVIEWS

Into the Peatlands: A Journey Through the Moorland Year

BY ROBIN A. CRAWFORD £12.99

 

This book demonstrates how the peatlands in the Outer Hebrides are central to island life through explaining the significance of peat in local folklore and wildlife. The seasonal processes surrounding peat reveal a significant amount about life on the islands both in the present and in the past as Robin A. Crawford explores how peat has been used since the Bronze age. This is an interesting read and gives you a real sense of the surprising cultural importance of peat.

The Wild Year Book

BY FIONA DANKS AND JO SCHOFIELD £9.99



The Wild Year Book is full of great ideas on how to entertain children while rediscovering the great outdoors at any time of year. It is packed with great activities that will help children to cultivate an appreciation for all that nature has to offer. Some fun suggestions included are nest building in spring, or icy decorations in winter.

This book is full of family fun and is especially suited to those who want to encourage a year-round love of the outdoors in their children.

The Shadow of the Black Earl

BY CHARLES E. MCGARRY £8.99



Private detective Leo Moran returns with this new murder mystery. This will keep you guessing because the author manages to create characters that are refreshingly different while effortlessly weaving Scottish history into this book, making for an intriguing narrative. The protagonist Leo, who enjoys the finer things in life, is an especially original character. McGarry’s long descriptions can verge on the excessive but create a delightfully vivid image. Overall well worth a read.

www.scottishfield.co.uk

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The Highland Games Ambassador

BY JACKIE ROY £12.50

 

Fulfilling his father’s dying wish, Luca travels from his home in Italy to Orkney, where his father was interned as a prisoner of war in World War II. Attracting media attention by financing Scotland’s first Highland Games Ambassador leads to secrets of his past being unraveled. This is a touching story about family against the backdrop of the islands where so many Italian prisoners were held. Although slightly overly sentimental at times, it is a fundamentally pleasant read.

North Coast Journey: the Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands

BY BRIGID BENSON £16.99

 A beautiful compendium of all that the Northern Highlands of Scotland has much to offer. Brigid Benson has created a comprehensive, yet beautifully presented guide to taking a North Coast journey. Highlighting curiosities and beauty spots and emphasizing the importance of respecting the locals, she provides a detailed guide on how to navigate this increasingly popular area.

The Art of Coorie: How to Live Happy the Scottish Way

BY GABRIELLA BENNETT £14.99



A charming book that conjures a strong sense of cosiness. Coorie is defined as ‘a hug of a word’ deriving from the old Gaelic word meaning ‘snug or cosy’. Gabriella Bennett is setting out to bring the Scottish equivalent of the Danish Hyyge to a wider audience. The book features an explanation of coorie and methods by which you can achieve this feeling through words, activities and food. A definite winter warmer.

The Colour of all the Cattle

BY ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH

£18.99

 The latest book in the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, The Colour of all the Cattle does not disappoint.

Despite being the 19th book in the series, McCall Smith has not run out of ideas, producing yet another engaging installment to join the rest of the series.

The series follows protagonist Mma Precious Ramotswe in her adventures running the best-and onlyLadies’ detective agency in Botswana.

We follow her as she unwraps mysteries she encounters in her life both personal and professional. In this latest installment we see her juggling her past, present and future while trying to find meaning in her life and win a political campaign. Readers can’t help but be drawn in by this dynamic character and the situations all of those in the book find themselves in.

This is the perfect read to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the international hit series and is sure to delight fans old and new.

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24/10/2018 17:39:20

THE LAST WORD

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hey are the boomerang generation. DD has finished her media course and she is now looking for a job. Preferably paid, but probably not – well, not until she finds her feet.

Work experience, an internship, whatever you call it, is the way of the modern world. Young people have to get their work skills where they can.

One day she Anyhow, darling daughter has goes out on a story been lucky enough to be offered a few weeks on the news desk with a and is bitten by local TV station, which means she a Labrador of all is back living at home.

So far, so good, chez nous. Apart things from a few kitchen clashes, we are managing to muddle along.

But office-wise, it is perhaps not the best of starts.

One day she goes out on a story and is bitten by a dog – a Labrador of all things. On another she gets a ticket after outstaying her welcome in a parking zone.

Then she is sent further afield. She is put up in a hotel and spends half the night standing outside on the street after a fire alarm. She films the evacuation on her mobile phone. Well done, that girl – and welcome to the world of the reporter.

Then there is the car. My lovely old banger. Which she has commandeered to get herself to these various locations.

My four-wheel drive is ten-years-old and somewhat battered and bruised. But, despite it being passed fit in a recent MOT, the clutch has decided to stick and the driver’s window refuses to open.

She is not impressed with the poor old Subaru.

“

‘Mum why can’t you get a decent vehicle?!’

I sometimes ask myself that question. Especially when I am being towed to a garage at a most inconvenient time. But I like my old car. And I don’t care if it gets stolen, or bashed about…

In the meantime, the MacGregor and I fight over who gets to use the remaining vehicle – his vehicle.

There is no chance of his windows not working.

Or his under-the-bonnet-bits taking a turn for the worse.

His car is an all-singing, all-dancing piece of road engineering. It has not a mark on its gleaming green bodywork, yet it does not have the character of my ancient auto.

But back to DD. As I say, she loves the work, and she is proving very keen. ‘I’ve just found this great story about rubbish collections and I really think it could be the lead on the programme!’

It probably will, dear. Like the weather, a dustbin is something that enters all our lives at one stage or another.

Such enthusiasm takes me back to my young reporting days when we literally chased fire engines down the street. Yes, if an emergency vehicle went by, lights flashing, the eager among us would follow it to see where the fire was. Or the accident.

Then I, too, had my share of journalistic youthful mishaps. Like the time I was chased off a housing estate by an irate householder. Or out of a field by a slightly cranky bull.

Or the morning I covered a press event in the town hall. I was wearing a pearl necklace, which was stupid, really. Who wears fancy jewellery to a press conference?

Anyhow, I was nervous and fiddling with the thing when the string snapped and 20 (fake) gemstones scattered all over the floor. I remember seasoned hacks trying not to slide on them. Then there was the mayor. Down on his hands and knees gallantly picking up pearls.

I was mortified. Then you cut your teeth and you grit your teeth. We all have to start somewhere.

Early days Fiona Armstrong relates to her daughter’s journalistic misadventures and remembers her own Illustration Bob Dewar

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24/10/2018 11:19:39

Senator Cosmopolite

A r g y l l A r c a d e , G l a s g o w G2 8BG | P r i n c e s S t r e e t , E d i n b u r g h EH2 2ER www.chisholmhunter.co.uk

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Halo

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F O R

A N G E L S

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ORKNEY | EDINBURGH | GLASGOW | LOCH LOMOND

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