Discover Scotland Issue 55

Pay per view to create opportunities

Holidays to relive childhood memories

Eyes on a spy’s whisky of choice

On the trail of Saint Columba

Exploring gardens of glorious colour

Glasgow’s infamous theatre of fear

Issue 55

p1

p2

Issue 55

Issue 55

p3

Photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam Edinburgh Castle seen from The Vennel leading to The Grassmarket in Edinburgh’s Old Town

p4

Issue 55

14

26

Paying it forward

History

Creating opportunities for people and communities

The history and tragedy of Corgarff castle

42

72

Travel

History

Where best to enjoy summer in the garden

Celebrating the birthday of a saint

Issue 55

p5

98 Travel

Conservation

Back in time for the holidays

Return to the Clyde for native species

124

p6

114

138

Culture

Arts

Uncovering Fife’s Gaelic past

Following in the footsteps of a great artist

Issue 55

166

174

Property

History

Chance to net an angler’s dream

Exhibition relives the Battle of Prestonpans

184

192

Arts

Enterprise

Showing off on the swings

Life changing food for thought

Issue 55

p7

202 History

Arts

Preserving a Celtic treasure

Scottish actress stars in Australian movie

222

p8

212

228

Conservation

Travel

Big leap for cat conservation

Discovering Loch Shiel

Issue 55

242

252

Travel

Literature

Wellbeing of water explored

New appreciation for iconic writer’s poetry

264

272

History

Travel

Campaign to save historic steamship

Is your ideal home here?

Issue 55

p9

Contributors

36

88

106

Musical Discoveries...

Skailg: A wee livener with…

Chef in a kilt…

Tom Morton presents another podcast celebrating Scottish musical talent

Tom Morton tries some Johnny Walker Black Label

Gordon Howe prepares a traditional berry harvest dish

146

156

234

Hunting antiques with…

An actor’s life for me with…

Folklore Scotland

Roo Irvine on the attractions of leftover glass

Scott Kyle on Glasgow’s infamous nightmare stage

Graeme Johncock on the legend of Storr

p10

Issue 55

1 Cover Photo Photo by Stewart Cunningham South Eriskay

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS On p299 of last month’s edition, issue 54, the photograph of filmmaker Steve Johnson should have been credited to photographer Sonja Blietscheau of https://sonjab-photography.com/

Issue 55

p11

Discover Scotland is an independent magazine published

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

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

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

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

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

General Enquiries info@discoverscotlandmagazine.com

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

Photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam Edinburgh Castle seen from The Vennel leading to The Grassmarket in Edinburgh’s Old Town

p12

Issue 55

Issue 55

p13

Paying it forward

Help us to help others

T

he coronavirus crisis has been tough for everyone.The heartbreak of watching family and friends get ill or even die has been devastating.

Many more people have suffered stress from a loss of income and jobs.

Young people especially, many of them school leavers or college and university graduates, have found it difficult to get on the career ladder.

At Discover Scotland our aim has only ever been to create opportunities for people, businesses and communities by promoting the best of Scotland, in an environmentally sustainable

p14

way, to consumers, visitors and investors from around the world.

As a social enterprise we have no shareholders demanding financial rewards, our profits are reinvested into improving Discover Scotland.

Since we launched the world’s only free, monthly, multimedia magazine about Scotland and all things Scottish in January 2017 we have created jobs.

We have also encouraged tourism, supported hospitality, promoted products, championed culture, arts, music, literature and charities - all while helping to raise the profile of Scotland in more than 120 countries.

Issue 55

From day one we have tried to innovate. We embed QR codes, links, video and audio in the magazine text to give readers a multimedia experience. We utilise social media, produce podcasts and provide a regular monthly internet radio show promoting Scottish musical talent - all for free!

Issue 55

In October 2019 we became the first Scottish themed magazine to launch a Chinese language issue and a Spanish edition is scheduled for later this year.

We’ve opened our first high street visitor information centre and retail shop promoting Scottish artists, products, places and events.

p15

But, we know we can do so much more!

With your help we can aid a new generation to get the experience and skills needed to get jobs and help rebuild the economy.

We are looking to raise £20,000 to launch a Discover Scotland Academy and help more communities. We want to give people the opportunity to develop skills in multimedia, journalism, marketing, tourism and retail.

Buy one of these spectacular canvas prints by renowned photographer Vinny Keenan, at a special discounted price, and you will have a view of Scotland on your wall forever. And, more importantly, you will help us to help others.

Choose one, or more, of any of these 12 fantastic images mounted on canvas. They come in three sizes, (a), (b) or (c).

(a) 40”x28” for £199.00* - a saving of £50.00 (b) 24”x16” for £125* - a saving of £40.0 (c) 18”x12 for £75*- a saving of £25.00

p16

Issue 55

* There is an additional £8 postage and packing on each order.

To order a print of your choice select one, or more, from the 12 featured on this and the following pages and contact shop@discoverscotland.today.

Let us know which one you want, what size you’d like and we will do the rest.

Every penny raised will be used to create opportunities to showcase

Issue 55

the places, culture, communities, organisations, artists, producers, entrepreneurs and ordinary people who make Scotland so special.

There are other ways to support Discover Scotland. Businesses can sponsor a page in the publication and individuals who enjoy the free magazine, podcasts and videos can ‘buy us a coffee’ or become patrons to enjoy some special perks.

p17

Bigger and better every issue When we launched in January 2017 some detractors thought there was no demand for a free, environmentally friendly, digital magazine about Scotland. They said it would be too difficult to sustain 100 pages of quality content every month without charging for it and we probably wouldn’t last more than three issues.

This month we celebrate our 55th issue with more than 300 pages and plans to do even more for Scotland and the global Scottish community.

Here’s what some of our readers from across Scotland, the rest of the UK, north America, Australasia, mainland Europe and further afield have had to say about Discover Scotland: “I love this magazine, so beautiful and informative! Awesome virtual vacation” “I thoroughly enjoyed the entire issue of @discoverscotmag. So much interesting material for everyone” “Great stories about people who matter” “It’s a great way for Scotland’s people to be informed about home when they live overseas” “Love Scotland and the fascinating history. So much to learn. Can’t get enough!”

“Every time I look at the beautiful and exciting places, I take a ‘dream vacation’ of Scotland with my eyes and imagination! I love this magazine.

“This magazine is a high quality Scottish loving feast for the eyes. It’s… just beautiful” “I hope to visit Scotland! It’s part of my ancestry, too. I always enjoy this virtual magazine.”

p18

Issue 55

Issue 55

p19

p20

Issue 55

Issue 55

p21

p22

Issue 55

Issue 55

p23

p24

Issue 55

Issue 55

p25

History

oe and wonder

by Scott Aitken

M

urder, mayhem, feuds, fires, smugglers, intrigue and jealousy all have one thing in common - Corgarff Castle.

The bleached white 16th century fortress with its peculiar star-

p26

shaped defences stands out starkly against the lush green Aberdeenshire hills that surround it. However, don’t let the colour of innocence fool you, this is a house mired in bloody history.

Issue 55

Walking through the gates of this former clan fortress turned military garrison is something akin to travelling back in time, not least because of the detailed display depicting what it was like to be a government soldier in the Highlands of the 18th century .

Situated outside the Aberdeenshire village of Corgarff, just off the Lecht road that navigates the pass between Strathdon and Tomintoul, the castle presents an imposing sight as it stands alone like a solitary sentry surveying the landscape around it.

Corgarff Castle from the Lecht Road Photo by Karora PD

Issue 55

p27

The estate on which the castle was built was gifted to Alexander Elphinstone in 1507 by King James IV but later leased to John Forbes of Towie, who is believed to have built the modest fortress.

p28

This area of Strathdon in the early 16th century was pretty lawless so it’s likely the tower house was built both as a symbol of prestige, albeit a bit smaller than other contemporary structures, and as a practical defence against marauding enemies.

Issue 55

Initially the three-storey castle would have had two stone vaulted cellars on the ground floor with a Great Hall above and bedrooms at the top. A walled courtyard around the castle provided protection for the stables, bakehouse and brewhouse.

Unfortunately, the Forbes were bitter rivals of the Gordon family. Feuding between the two clans reached a climax in 1571 when Adam Gordon, Laird of Auchindoun mounted a raid on Corgarff to capture John Forbes.

Corgarff’s distinctive defences would have been formidable Photo by BA Watson CC BY 2.0

Issue 55

p29

Corgarff Castle Photo by Damian Shields/VisitScotland

p30

Issue 55

Discovering the laird wasn’t at home he demanded Margaret Campbell, Lady Forbes, surrender the castle. When she refused and shot one of the Gordon men through the knee the building was put to the flame. Around 26 people perished in the blaze, including Lady Forbes and her three children. Such a tale of woe was later immortalised in the haunting ballad, ‘Edom o Gordon’, sung below on YouTube

by Iona Fyfe.

Although abandoned for a while the castle soon rose from the ashes. It was in a too strategically important location not to.

In early 1645 it was occupied by troops under the command of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose as a supply base. He was one of the most successful Royalist Generals of the Civil War, winning several battles until his luck ran out at the Battle of Philiphaugh in September 1645.

Issue 55

Corgarff courtyard Photo by Otter CC BY-SA 3.0

p31

Reconstruction of the old whisky still Photo by Otter CC BY-SA 3.0

Over next 100 years the castle was set ablaze at least twice more, in 1689 and 1716 by Jacobite supporters, before being reoccupied by the Stuart supporting Forbes family again in 1745. Unfortunately their allegiance to the defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie resulted in them having to forfeit the castle for good a short time later.

By the end of 1748 the castle was securely in the hands of British government troops sent to police the Highlands against suspected Jacobite sympathisers. It was a

p32

task that kept troops stationed here - a convenient base on the road between Braemar and Fort George - until 1831.

The building was largely remodelled to create a barracks for an officer, three noncommissioned officers and 42 men. They tore down the original courtyard perimeter and constructed a highly effective star-shaped wall, complete with musket loops to trap attackers in a deadly crossfire, and gave the castle its unique appearance.

Issue 55

In 1802 the property was returned to private ownership and for a while was used as a farmhouse and small whisky distillery, a recreation of which can be seen in the castle today.

However, in 1827 the authorities reoccupied it as a base from which to curb the activities of illicit spirt smugglers and numerous illegal whisky distilleries in the surrounding hills.

Five years later, in1831, the soldiers left for good and the castle was left to decay before being taken into state ownership in 1961. It is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and designated a scheduled ancient monument.

Corgarff Photo by Camer01 CC BY-SA 3.0

Reconstructed barrack room where soldiers slept two to a bed Photo by Otter CC BY-SA 3.0

Issue 55

Inside the courtyard Photo by Otter CC BY-SA 3.0

p33

Today the castle, which sits on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, is a much more peaceful place, surrounded by a beautiful landscape with an abundance of wildlife, including roe deer, mountain hares and skylarks.

A popular visitor attraction it is usually open daily from April 1 to September 30 and is worth the price of admission, even if just to see the recreation inside of how common foot soldiers lived in the 18th century.

Corgarff strikes a solitary figure dwarfed by the surrounding hills Photo by Gregor Dodson CC BY-SA 2.0

p34

Issue 55

Issue 55

p35

Musical Discoveries

Story behind the song….

Doddie’s Dream

I

n 2017 Scottish sporting hero Doddie Weir revealed he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a life shortening muscle degenerative condition that impacts more than 140,000 people a year around the world.

Rather than meekly accept his fate the 50-year-old former Scottish rugby international decided to fight the condition that affects folk from all walks of life and in different ways.

Weir, who was capped 61 times for Scotland and represented the British and Irish Lions on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997, launched a foundation to fight the disease and help others.

The ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’ has one simple vision: “A World Free of MND”.

Doddie Weir OBE

p36

Issue 55

Music to accompany reading Discover Scotland www.discoverscotlandmagazine.com 1: Karine Polwart - Follow the Heron 2: Primevals - The County Line 3: Del Amitri - It’s Feelings 4: Duncan Chisholm - The Gentle Light that Wakes Me 5: Blazin’ Fiddles - Doddie’s Dream 6: Proclaimers - Edinburgh 7: Big Country - Chance 8: Findlay Napier - Glasgow 9: Altered Images - Change of Heart 10: James King and the Lone Wolves - Pretty Blue Eyes 11: Saltfishforty - Whisky 12: Kris Drever - Harvest Gypsies 13: Alasdair Roberts - Ye Banks and Braes O’ Bonnie Doon 14: Silencers - Wild Mountain Thyme 15: Simple Minds - Dancing Barefoot 16: Lola in Slacks - Trocchi’s Canal 17: Calum Pearce - Missiles 18: Blue Rose Code - Over the Fields( For John)

with Tom Morton

Issue 55

p37

Bruce MacGregor

The charity takes it’s name, in part, from a reference to Doddie’s playing number for his clubs, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons, and the jersey he wore for Scotland during a sporting career that spanned more than 20 years.

Since it was launched four years ago thousands of people, including a large number of internationally renowned celebrities, have helped raise funds for the fight against MND in the name of the foundation.

It was while taking part in an event to raise money for the foundation that musician and broadcaster Bruce MacGregor came up with

p38

an idea to write a tune and record it with fellow performers to raise money for the cause.

The result was Doddie’s Dream, an inspiring piece of music, which can be heard on this month’s Musical Discoveries podcast, presented by Tom Morton exclusively for Discover Scotland magazine.

Bruce, founder of the world renowned Blazin’ Fiddles, recruited some of the biggest names in the international music scene to play on the charity single, including classical violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Issue 55

Recorded remotely in different locations throughout Scotland, Ireland and America the track also features Irish accordion legend Sharon Shannon, American Dobro master Jerry Douglas, revered songstress Julie Fowlis and fiddle and accordion duo Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham.

Other big names involved in the recording include composer and fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, musician and composer Donald Shaw, BBC Take the Floor Presenter and member of Mànran Gary Innes, Megan Henderson, Ewan Robertson and James Lindsay of Breabach.

“I have been so inspired by the big man’s approach to dealing with this disease, he’s incredible,” said Bruce.

There are also performances from Skerryvore’s Martin Gillespie and Scott Wood, BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad winner Ali Levack, piper and whistle player Ross Ainslie, fiddle and cello duo Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Iain Sandilands on percussion, harp and fiddle duo Iain MacFarlane and Ingrid Henderson, Douglas Montgomery and Brian Cromarty on fiddle and cittern, multi-award winning concertinist Mohsen Amini, member of Treacherous Orchestra and Session A9 Adam Sutherland and Scots fiddle maestro Paul Anderson.

“So, while cycling out by Loch Ness as part of Doddie Aid, I had this idea of doing a charity single with a whole host of fellow musicians playing along with me and the Blazers.

“All sales of the track are going to Doddie’s Charity so I hope everyone gets behind it and we can raise as much money as possible for this brilliant cause.”

Bruce MacGregor

Issue 55

p39

Nicola Benedetti

“It is a total honour to perform with such an incredible line up of folk musicians and for such an important cause. All the proceeds will go to Doddie’s Charity which helps fellow sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease and funds much needed research into this cruel illness. I hope everyone enjoys our wee tune and helps us to raise awareness of MND,” said Nicola Benedetti.

In addition to hearing the track on this month’s Musical Discoveries the song is available on Apple Music, Amazon and Spotify https://ffm.to/doddiesdream

p40

with all proceeds going to the charity.

Listen to Song

“What a beautiful piece of music – it really is special, and I am so humbled to think these world class and brilliantly talented musicians have all been part of this,” said Doddie Weir, OBE. Anyone wishing to be part of the cure and help those who are, and those who will be, impacted by this terrible disease can donate to the foundation at https://www. myname5doddie.co.uk/how-todonate/

Donate Here

Issue 55

Issue 55

p41

Travel

lamorous gardens

by Tracey Macintosh

S

cotland’s climate is, to say the least changeable. Many a true word is spoken in jest and there is more than a grain of accuracy to the old joke that if you don’t like the weather just wait a few minutes.

However, while the forecast may not be guaranteed the changeable weather has its upsides. For a start, it is one of the key factors in shaping Scotland’s stunning scenery.

p42

Long summer nights and regular rainfall works wonders for our green landscape and has helped create some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Here’s a just a few of the locations where visitors can enjoy a huge range of thriving can botanical specimens in stunning locations.

Issue 55

Inverewe Gardens, Poolewe Situated in the Western Highlands, Inverewe Gardens were initially created in 1862 by Osgood Mackenzie, a Scottish landowner who wrote a volume of memoirs documenting life in the Scottish Highlands over a number of generations.

Mackenzie bought a section of barren and rocky land in Wester Ross with his mother and first planted a number of trees to provide shelter from the wind.

Inverewe Garden Photo by Alexandre Dulaunoy CC BY-SA 2.0

Issue 55

p43

Inverewe Garden Photo by Bert K. from Roermond, Netherlands CC BY 2.0

p44

Issue 55

Over the next 40 years he painstakingly developed the land, planting a wide variety of exotic plants from around the world, transforming a bleak and barren area to a beautifully planned oasis featuring woodland paths, a walled garden and the most northerly planting of several species of trees and flowers that survive in Scotland’s Highlands.

Due to the Gulf Stream, as well as Mackenzie’s clever design with trees carefully planted to shelter the most vulnerable species from the prevailing winds, the garden has become a colourful wonder of nature.

When Mackenzie died in 1922 his only daughter, Mary, inherited Inverewe. Although she married and was widowed twice she died without any heirs in 1953.

Prior to her death she gifted Inverewe to the National Trust for Scotland along with an endowment for its maintenance.

Today Inverewe remains within the NTS portfolio and is a stunning garden of over 50 acres with a museum, a gallery and holiday accommodation available for visitors.

There is no charge for entry to the garden, although donations are welcome. The garden is also a great viewpoint for Loch Ewe where otters, seals and golden eagles can often be seen.

Issue 55

p45

Johnston Gardens, Aberdeen Towards the west of Aberdeen, Johnston Gardens provide a delightful escape from the city in the form of a stunning Japanese

p46

inspired retreat complete with waterfalls, ponds and a rustic bridge.

Issue 55

Donated to the city in 1936, by the Johnstone House Estate, the 2.5 acre garden has won the coveted Britain in Bloom award

several times and is particularly glorious throughout autumn when the carefully landscaped garden is ablaze with a riot of colours.

Johnston Gardens, Aberdeen Photo by Mkonikkara CC BY-SA 3.0

Issue 55

p47

With street parking nearby and a children’s play area the garden is a great draw for visitors and a wide variety of birdlife.

p48

Issue 55

Located amid the peaceful surroundings of the garden lies a black granite memorial. It is inscribed with the names of 16 men who lost their lives in a

helicopter crash in the North sea in April 2009. A fitting tribute to one of the worst disasters to befall the oil industry that is so entwined with the life of the city.

Johnston Gardens Photo by AlasdairW CC BY-SA 3.0

Issue 55

p49

Drummond Castle Gardens, Crieff Drummond Castle boasts one of the finest formal gardens in Europe. They have appeared in a number of film and television

p50

productions, including Outlander and the 1995 film version of Rob Roy starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange.

Issue 55

The first terraced gardens were constructed in the 1630s as the Drummond family developed both the castle and the grounds.

Drummond Castle gardens Photo by PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

p51

Over the following centuries the castle and its grounds managed to survive some of the most tumultuous periods in Scottish history. In the 17th century the estate was ransacked by Oliver

p52

Cromwell’s army and eventually taken out of the hands of the Drummond family in the 18th century due to their backing of the losing side in the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745.

Issue 55

Following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s followers at Culloden in 1746 the head of the Drummond family was exiled to France and the property forfeited.

It took almost 40 years before the Drummonds were able to buy back the estate in 1784 and begin extensive renovating to return the castle and gardens to their former glory.

Drummond Castle Photo by VisitScotland

Issue 55

p53

By the time Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited in 1842 the gardens were a sight to behold.

Indeed, the Queen is said to have

p54

been so impressed she described them as ‘very fine, with terraces, like an old French garden’.

Issue 55

Although the Castle is closed to visitors the gardens are normally open to the public for part of the year for a small admission fee.

Drummond Castle Photo by Julien Scavini CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

p55

Pitmedden Gardens, Ellon This spectacularly distinctive garden is a classic example of 17th century extravagance.

stood overlooking the estate, but was largely destroyed by fire in 1807 along with the original plans for the garden.

First established around 1675 to accompany the house that once

p56

Issue 55

Although Sir William Coote Seton built a new Pitmedden House on the same spot in 1853 the garden underwent quite a few changes to suit the evolving tastes and styles of the time.

However, in 1952 Pitmedden House and Garden were acquired by the National Trust for Scotland who set about trying to recreate, as much as possible, the 1675 vision of Sir Alexander Seton.

Flower border at Pitmedden garden Photo by Vashi Donsk Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

Issue 55

p57

Today, the grounds are laid out in breathtaking detail with a French style parterre garden at its heart.

It is calculated that there is more

p58

than six miles of clipped box hedging along with over 300 fruit trees and extensive herbaceous borders providing a riot of colour.

Issue 55

All of this is complimented by a series of fountains, ponds, sundials and more than 30,000 bedding plants. The surrounding

woodland is a haven for wildlife and provides an ideal opportunity to explore the estate and maybe even enjoy a picnic lunch.

Pitmedden Gardens Photo by Sagaciousphil CC BY-SA 3.0

Issue 55

p59

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Just a short walk from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the many jewels in the crown of Scotland’s beautiful capital city.

p60

Issue 55

Palm House, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Photo by Ham CC BY-SA 3.0

Issue 55

p61

Founded in 1670, the botanic garden was originally sited near the Palace of Holyrood house and created as a source of healing

p62

herbs and plants to provide natural treatments and train students in the art of medicinal botany.

Issue 55

Over the years the garden has moved to a number of locations within the city, settling in ts current location at Inverleith in the early 1820s. Since then

it has expanded to 72 acres to include the Chinese Hillside and the woodland garden, complete with giant redwood trees and a stunning rockery.

Edinburg Botanical Garden glasshouse Photo by Syrio CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

p63

Today the Botanic Garden is home to thousands of plant species and is considered among the best collection of specimens

p64

in the world. It is involved in crucial research exploring the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s plants.

Issue 55

Admission to the Botanic Gardens throughout the day is free of charge. However, during the festive season, the garden is brought to life at night with an enchanting trail throughout the

grounds illuminating the trees and plants with a series of stunning light and sound effects. Tickets for this annual event sell quickly so early booking is advisable.

Sunshine through the trees at Edinburgh Botanic Garden Photo by Gary Campbell-Hall CC BY 2.0

Issue 55

p65

Crathes Castle Gardens, Aberdeenshire Situated against a backdrop of rolling hills Crathes Castle is an iconic example of a 16th century tower house that has evolved throughout the centuries.

p66

Issue 55

Crathes Castle gardens Photo by Mihael Grmek CC BY-SA 3.0

Issue 55

p67

Originally designed as a symbol of power and influence the castle was built by the Burnett family who were granted the lands by King Robert the Bruce in 1323.

p68

As times changed and peace descended throughout the country the property became more of a country estate than a defensive fortress.

Issue 55

Visitors can now wander through the historic walled garden, to admire the ancient yew hedges believed to have been planted in 1702 and explore the landscaped grounds filled with sculpted

topiary, water features, colourfully themed herbaceous borders and an abundance of exotic species, including extremely rare conifers and the Malmaison carnation.

Small pond in the gardens at Crathes Castle Photo by Photo by Michael Garlick CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

p69

More than 300 years in the making Crathes Castle garden is considered one of the finest of its kind in Scotland.

Crashes Castle garden Photo by Ikiwaner CC BY-SA 3.0

p70

Issue 55

Issue 55

p71

History

Marking the 1,500th birthday of St Columba

by Scott Aitken

C

elebrations of the 1500th anniversary of the birth of St Columba are being marked with publication of a new collection of poems.

p72

Historic Environment Scotland has commissioned a book of poetry by writer in residence Alex Aldred to commemorate the life and legacy of the man credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland.

Issue 55

Alfred spent 20 weeks working with Scotland’s leading heritage body, exploring Columba’s relationship to some of its sites and the wider Scottish

landscape, to create a body of work celebrating the patron saint of poetry and his historic links to the country.

The Abbey, Iona Photo by Author Brian Gratwicke CC BY 2.0

Issue 55

p73

Approach path to Dunadd, Argyll Photo by IBM Ralston CC BY-SA 4.0

p74

Issue 55

In tandem with the collection, HES has also launched a new interactive digital map of the locations which inspired Alex’s work; enabling visitors to trace the paths and key sites the Saint visited across Scotland.

Locations include St Columba’s Cave where tradition dictates the saint spent several days waiting to visit with local king, Conall mac Comgaill. Conall is believed to be the man who gave Columba

permission to set up a monastery on the island of Iona.

Also featured is Dunadd Fort. It was the centre of power in the region ruled by Conall known as Dál Riata, now Argyll and a part of Ireland’s Country Antrim, between the 6t and 8th centuries.

Columba is said to have visited Conall here and he also attended the inauguration of the king’s successor, Áedán mac Gabráin to perform the first Christian anointment of a royal.

Stone carving of St Columba

St Columba’s Cave Photo by Anne Burgess CC BY-SA 2.0

Issue 55

p75

One of the locations most most closely associated with Columba is the island of Iona. It was here that he set up the foundations of a monastery in AD 563 from which

p76

sprang a number of churches and Christian settlements across Scotland. Even today the island is considered one of Scotland’s most sacred sites.

Issue 55

Back on the mainland Dumbarton Castle, which has a history that goes back more than 1,500 years, has its own Columba links. It is said the saint acted as an emissary

between the Britons and Dál Riata when the Rock of the Clyde, as it used to be called, was a major centre of power.

Across The Firth Of Clyde To Dumbarton Castle and Dumbarton Rock Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland

Issue 55

p77

Keills Chapel in the western Highlands near the picturesque village of Tayvallich dates from

only the 12th century but carved stones found around the chapel go back to the 700s at least.

Kiells Chapel and graveyard Photo by Hype Napungra CC BY 3.0

p78

Issue 55

The famous Keills Cross, the only one of its kind on the mainland, depicts the archangel St Michael standing over a serpent and

Christ on the Judgement Seat.

It’s believed the cross was moved here, possibly from Iona, after the chapel was built.

Carved stones inside Kiells Chapel Photo By HypeNapungra CC BY 3.0

Issue 55

p79

Shoreline at South End of Loch Ness Photo by Andrew Tryon CC BY-SA 2.0

p80

Issue 55

Loch Ness was another destination associated with Columba whose teachings took him across the country. In AD 565, while visiting a local chieftain in the area, he is supposed to have scared off a fierce water monster that had been terrorising the local community. Many claim this was the first recorded sighting of the Loch Ness Monster.

Although now little than a mile of stones Chapel Finian built in the 10th or 11th century was named after the Irish Saint and scholar Finnian, a tutor and mentor to Columba.

The tiny island of Eileach an Naoimh also has close links to Columba. It is best known as the site of a monastery created by St Brendan of Clontarf in about AD 542 and abandoned in the 800s. However, it is also thought Columba founded a second monastery here and that his own mother is buried on the island.

Today, the island is renowned for having some of the bestpreserved remains of early Christian monasteries in Scotland, including a very unusual 3m high beehive-shaped cell.

Chapel Finian, Dumfries & Galloway Photo by Rosser1954 CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

p81

Finally, Dunkeld Cathedral was where the relics of St Columba were taken by King Kenneth MacAlpin in AD849 to protect them from Viking raiders pillaging communities throughout the west coast. As a result Columba became the patron saint of Dunkeld and although it is generally accepted his remains were taken to Ireland after the

p82

Reformation there is a belief that some of him is still hidden in the cathedral grounds.

Now, as part of the 2021 HES birthday commemorations, the new poems will be recorded and made available via QR codes on interpretation materials at each of the sites for visitors to hear on their smart phones.

Issue 55

In addition, Alex will also lead a programme of digital creative writing and poetry workshops, which will be open to the public.

These workshops will focus on various aspects of Columba’s legacy to encourage people to think about heritage differently and enable them to use history as

a tool of inspiration and connect it with their creativity.

“It’s my hope that the collection, and the accompanying map, will provide readers with a fresh perspective on Columba and historic Scottish landmarks,” said Alex.

Dunkeld Cathedral Photo by Michael Garlick CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

p83

St Columba was a self-imposed exile from Ireland, where he is known as Colmcille, and was a key figure in the early Christianity of the Scottish mainland and western isles and left an indelible mark on the landscape.

After St Columba founded Iona

p84

Abbey, it became a vital institution in the production of literature in Scotland. Like other monasteries, the monks of Iona would have taught reading and writing to the brothers within their community.

They also curated libraries, bringing together, and copying books from across Christendom.

Issue 55

“As the patron saint of poetry, it seems fitting to celebrate Columba with this wonderful new collection and the associated creative workshops,” said Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at HES.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to think about different methods of interpretation and the different meanings sites can have for different people and how they can resonate with people’s individual memories and experiences.”

Iona Abbey Photo by August Schwerdfeger CC BY 4.0

Issue 55

p85

Sculpture of St Columba at Iona.

Photo by Tom Parnell CC BY-SA 4.00

p86

Issue 55

Issue 55

p87

Food & Beverage

Skailg: A wee livener with… Tom Morton

Against the grain?

Tom Morton allows an old spy to force a blended whisky upon him, and then looks at the question of single grain whiskies.

I

’m going to dig into the way whisky is made this month, and it’s all Johnny Worricker’s fault.

Worricker is the central character in David Hare’s trilogy of films about a renegade, disillusioned Mi5 agent who takes on what he sees as the corrupt political establishment in the USA and UK. Whisky is his tipple of choice, and

p88

periodically in the three made-forTV movies (Page Eight, Turks and Caicos, Salting the Battlefield) a bottle turns up of Johnnie Walker (similarity of name undoubtedly intended) Black Label. This is a premium blend, somewhat more expensive than your everyday “rubbing whisky, and famous for containing quite a dark jolt of Islay peatiness.

Issue 55

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Issue 55

p89

But a blend is a blend, and that means that it is mostly grain whisky, which tends towards the bland, given heft and character by the careful addition of various single malts. Malts are the products of one particular distillery.

I used to really like Black Label, and in my early dramming days considered its upmarket image rather a sophisticated feather in my drinking cap. Also, it was bottled in Kilmarnock, where the Johnnie Walker brand had its origins, and I was - am - an Ayrshire boy. Indeed for my 60th birthday I bought several bottles of ‘vintage’ Kilmarnock-bottled Black Label for the celebrations, in the certainty that it tasted better than the modern variety.

And in annoyance, too that Diageo, owners of the Johnnie Walker brand, had abandoned Kilmarnock entirely in 2012. What was once the biggest bottling plant in the world, and a massive local employer, closed.

p90

Issue 55

Coming soon: the Johhnie Walker Experience

Nowadays, Johnnie Walker, that striding, red-jacketed character, remains a potent symbol of what has been the most successful piece of whisky branding ever, and this summer sees the opening in Edinburgh’s Princes street of a visitor experience under the Johnnie Walker name which includes specialist whisky bars, an exhibition and performance space, and a rooftop restaurant

and bar called 1820. Which is the year John Walker opened a grocer’s shop selling wines and spirits in King Street, Kilmarnock.

There will, apparently, be 150 whiskies available to sample at this east-coast temple to what was once a very west-coast whisky.

Malts, grains and blends, no doubt.

The Johnnie Walker Experience opens this year

Issue 55

p91

Single malt whisky is made with nothing but malted barley - that is, barley that has been allowed to sprout, which releases sugar and various enzymes, and then the sprouting is halted by the application of heat and smoke.

Grain whisky, on the other hand, may contain a little bit of malted barley (and in Scotland, has to) but is made with any grain that comes to hand - corn, wheat, whatever. You need to make a mash, then a wort before you start distilling - you need, essentially to make a kind of beer in order to distill off the spirit by boiling it up and then collecting the alcohol which condenses at a lower temperature than water.

Grain whisky is usually made in a column still, originally designed in the 19th Century in Scotland by Robert Stein, but developed by Aeneas Coffey in Ireland.

Single malts are made, for the most part, in pot stills, made of copper, and shaped in a variety of ways which affect the flavour of the final spirit.

The copper also helps remove sulphurous elements which can add an unappetising, not say hellish flavour to some drams.

Pot stills are essentially kettles with a narrow top attached through a pipe to a condensing coil. As alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, what comes out of the end of that condenser is spirit.

p92

Issue 55

But not pure spirit. Pot stills are inherently inefficient, and that’s both their charm and challenge.

Alcohol coming off a pot still (and it usually takes two in the average distillery) ranges from 60 to 80 per cent and has to be made in batches, as the stills need regular cleaning. The inefficiency of the pot still means that congeners, chemical compounds which range from the tasty to the toxic, and

add character to a whisky, can reach the finished spirit.

A column or continuous still can be run all the time, is made mostly of steel (with some copper to try and eal with that sulphur) and is perhaps best thought of as a whole series of pot stills piled on top of each other. A column still can produce alcohol of up to 96 per cent purity.

Cardhu Distillery at Knockando, Moray is an important part of the Johnnie Walker blend Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland

Issue 55

p93

You can use anything that provides a source of sugar in a column still. Potatoes, for example, as in the production of vodka and some gins. It’s an alcohol machine. And the whiskies that come from column stills are often light, bland and even after the legally required ageing for at least three years in oak, lacking in character. Which is where the blending with pungent single malts comes in.

And that takes us back to Black.

Label, that is, and it’s labelled 12-year-old, which means that no whisky in that blend is less than 12 years old. It’s around £30 a bottle in most supermarkets, though Tesco was running a discount scheme a few weeks ago that brought it down to nearer £20.

This non-Kilmarnock version, is, it must be said, very good indeed.

It’s matured in sherry oak casks and that, with its considerable age for a blend, brings an immediate richness and depth.

There’s a sweetness and slight smokiness to follow, with a long, citrusy finish which remains very smooth despite that overtone of peatsmoke. What you don’t get is the raw worty maltiness that creeps into many cheaper blends, often based on very young spirit indeed, and which I’d always in the past put down to the grain content. But then ageing and quality of the original product tells.

p94

Issue 55

To illustrate that, I went to a whisky that’s now impossible to get Only 211 bottles were produced from one cask of the now-closed Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow’s 2004 single grain, marketed as Douglas Laing’s Old Particular at 12 years old and absolutely stunning value when it was available at just over £35 a bottle (bottled at 48.4%). I had a sample of it to try and it really is a superb dram, fresh and lemony on the nose, creamy and custardy on the palate and then with a very long, smooth, finish, all rich tea biscuits spread with lemon curd and honey. There are some very expensive Port Dundas bottlings but a good alternative to the Old Particular might be Signatory’s 13-year-old Port Dundas, again at around £35 a bottle, or the North British 2007 at less than £30. Both are part of the Signatory Grain Collection, which is well worth exploring if you fancy de-malting yourself. Or comparing and contrasting with some of Johnny Worricker’s Johnnie Walker.

Issue 55

p95

p96

Issue 55

Issue 55

p97

Travel

Breathing

new life into old memories

by Scott Aitken

H

olidaymakers across the country are being urged to relive some of their fondest memories and make new ones with a trip to somewhere in Scotland this summer.

Tourism experts hope that as thousands of people stay at home for the holidays the magic of memories will encourage them to relive childhood experiences or seek ‘modern twists on old favourites’ north of the border.

According to VisitScotland, the national tourism organisation,

p98

staycations look set to be popular this year and it’s hoped an increasing number of visitors will turn to reliving their best holiday experiences from the past.

New figures suggest almost two thirds of people are keen to revisit places in Scotland that they haven’t been to for years with some doing so in a different way, for example, revisiting a favourite holiday destination from childhood but swapping the family game of rounders on the beach to an adrenaline fuelled kayaking experience.

Issue 55

Ashton Lane, Glasgow Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland

Issue 55

p99

Strathisla Distillery, Speyside is only 10 years younger than the USA Photo by Paul Kelbie

p100

Issue 55

Suidhe viewpoint Photo by VisitScotland

Laggan Locks Photo by VisitScotland

The findings coincided with the launch of a new UK wide marketing campaign aimed at inspiring people from each of the four nations to take a muchneeded break with a day out, weekend away or longer holiday to enjoy all Scotland has to offer.

“We want to inspire new and repeat visitors to experience some of the things they have missed most this past year – days out, family get-togethers and holidays,” said Vicki Miller, VisitScotland’s Director of Marketing and Digital.

Issue 55

p101

Ballindalloch Castle Photo by VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

p102

Issue 55

“With so many people staying in the UK this year there has never been a better time to appreciate all the wonderful locations and attractions we have on our doorstep. Whether it’s discovering somewhere new or experiencing an old favourite in a completely new way, now is your time to enjoy the unique experiences that a holiday in Scotland offers.”

The Now is Your Time campaign covers five themes ranging from days out, short stays and city breaks to family gatherings and escape & connect experiences which benefit physical and mental wellbeing.

It is hoped the campaign will encourage Scots to rediscover their own country, supporting local businesses and the recovery of tourism in a safe and responsible way.

The island of Arran Photo by VisitScotland

Issue 55

p103

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we travel, for some people this might be their first holiday at home for several years. We know that in times of uncertainty people naturally gravitate towards the familiar.

Reminiscing with fondness to past times or a reflective desire to re-live the past can be a magnet to travellers to previously

visited destinations,” said Chris Greenwood, VisitScotland Senior Insight Manager.

“In 2014 we identified the trend Mod-stalgia - embracing the past through the comforts of today and this is something we expect to come into the fore during the 2021 season.”

Arisaig beach Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland

p104

Issue 55

Issue 55

p105

Food & Beverage

Chef in a kilt with… Gordon Howe

C

ranachan is the uncontested king of desserts - a traditional Scottish dish originally served as celebration of the much anticipated and loved raspberry harvest in June.

It’s a summer festival on a plate, fit for almost any occasion, and easy to create. It blends the succulent fruits of the season with those other culinary staples of Scots cuisine - oats and whisky, plus a good dollop of fresh cream, made

p106

from milk produced by cows fed on lush green pastures.

It is derived from a traditional breakfast feast of years gone by. Fortunate crofters would combine crowdie cheese - a soft, curd delicacy dating back to Viking times - with lightly toasted oatmeal, honey and cream.

Whenever the season allowed, raspberries or other berries would be added to the mix.

Issue 55

Photo by Gordon Howe

Issue 55

p107

Photo by Gordon Howe

p108

Issue 55

As with many traditional Scottish dishes there are various recipes and numerous versions, some old and some new, but all have been built upon the original centuries old concept.

In this recipe I’ve taken the ancient delicacy and added a modern twist to create a dessert to treat the tastebuds and sweeten anyone’s day.

Cranachan Scottish Berry Dessert Bowl Ingredients: 600ml double cream 100g crowdie cheese (softened) 250g mix of fresh Scottish raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries 50g oatmeal 70g demerara (brown) sugar 2 tbsp Harris Gin 2 tbsp honey (heather honey if possible)

Issue 55

p109

Method: Start by toasting the oatmeal in a heavy bottomed saucepan or frying pan on a medium heat.

Shake the oatmeal over the heat until crisp. Take off the heat and sprinkle over the sugar. Leave to rest and cool and the sugar to caramelise over the oatmeal.

In a small bowl beat the Crowdie Cheese into a soft cream, add the cool oatmeal and sugar and beat in.

In a mixing bowl beat the cream to a thick stiff whip then stir in the Harris Gin, berries (but keep a few nice raspberries or blackberries in reserve for decoration) and toasted, sugar coated oatmeal and crowdie cheese.

Once fully mixed serve it layered in small bowls with some of the whole fruit you set aside earlier and a drizzling of honey over the top.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

p110

Issue 55

Photo by Gordon Howe

Issue 55

p111

p112

Issue 55

Issue 55

p113

Conservation

Native Oysters restored to the Clyde

p114

Issue 55

by Paul Watson

A

n ambitious restoration project to bring back native oysters from the brink of extinction has seen 1,300 of the ‘ocean superheroes’ returned to waters in the Firth of Clyde.

The Wild Oysters Project is a three-year initiative which aims to help restore healthy, resilient coastal waters around the UK. Native oysters (Ostrea edulis) provide great benefits to the health of the oceans, including filtering pollutants from our seas and acting as an important habitat for marine wildlife.

Native oysters are being returned to the Clyde as part of The Wild Oysters Project.

Photo (c) ZSL

Issue 55

p115

Declining by 95 per cent due to human activities the number of native oyster populations have steadily decreased since the 1800s, meaning their benefits to the ocean have been lost.

Now, in a bid to restore these creatures and in turn see the

p116

return of healthy coastal waters, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), along with Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and British Marine, have created a series of nurseries filled with oysters suspended underneath marina pontoons in Largs Yacht Haven and Fairlie Quay Marina.

Issue 55

The nurseries create a micro habitat where the oysters can reproduce, much like a maternity ward to the next generation of oysters. These oysters will begin reproducing over the next few months, releasing millions of baby oysters, known as larvae, into the ocean.

“We have an exciting opportunity contribute to the restoration of local native oyster populations in the West of Scotland,” said Celine Gamble, Wild Oysters Project Manager, ZSL.

Oyster nursery.

Photo (c) ZSL

Issue 55

p117

David Nairn, Project Officer. Celine Gamble, ZSL and Jacob Kean Hammerson, BLUE Photo (c) ZSL

p118

Issue 55

“Now the oysters are in their new home in the marinas, they will almost immediately begin their important work each filtering 200 litres of water a day. In the coming months, the oysters will start to produce the next generation of the oyster population, by releasing larvae which will then settle onto the seabed. It’s our ambition that the project will help to create cleaner water, healthier fisheries and plentiful marine biodiversity in Britain.”

“The Firth of Clyde is an important area for marine life and with just a handful of known oyster populations remaining across the 4000km2 sea area of The Clyde.”

The initiative has been awarded £1.18m by the Postcode Lottery’s Dream Trust Fund, which aims to bring ambitious, innovative and collaborative projects to life, and is being helped by the Clyde porpoise CIC and local working group Fairlie Coastal Trust. A local project officer will help to monitor and care for the newly placed oysters.

Issue 55

p119

“Inshore dredging, pollution, climate change and illegal shellfish harvesting have all contributed to the demise of the native oyster population here in the Firth of Clyde,” said David Nairn, The Wild Oysters Project Local Project Officer and Clyde porpoise CIC Founder

“Restoring this incredible species under marina pontoons will enable us to support healthy coastal waters in the Clyde and across Scotland, while also providing an outdoor classroom for local schools and communities, creating a ‘window’ into the ocean to inspire the next generation to protect and care for the marine environment,”

Native Oysters Photo (c) Celine Gamble, ZSL

p120

Issue 55

Photo (c) ZSL

Issue 55

p121

p122

Issue 55

Issue 55

p123

Culture

xploring Fife’s Gaelic connections

by Paul Watson

T

he fascinating history, scenic beauty and Gaelic connections of Fife are to be explored in a new five-part series made for BBC ALBA.

p124

Iagan MacNeil presents Slighe Chladach Fìobha/Fife Coastal Path as he walks sections of the 117 mile-long route from the Kincardine Bridge to Newburgh.

Issue 55

Barra man, Iagan, has lived the last 20 years in Edinburgh looking over to Fife but always dreamed of going across the water to investigate this beautiful part of the country.

On his journey Iagan encounters several Gaelic place names and finds out more about the area’s Gaelic connections.

Iagan MacNeil in Dysart Photo by BBC ALBA

Issue 55

p125

During the pre-recorded series he passes through industrial sites old and new, picturesque fishing towns in the East Neuk, St Andrews the home of golf, nature reserves and plenty of beautiful beaches.

“The Fife Coastal Path is a treasure trove of fascinating history, interesting culture, generous people and beautiful scenery. Every step of the path showcases the very best of the kingdom,” said Iaggan

Carving by Lower largo artist Alan Faulds Photo by BBC ALBA

p126

Issue 55

Carved gate by artist Alan Faulds Photo by BBC ALBA

Issue 55

p127

“Following the path was the ideal way to learn of Fife’s contribution to the world from lime kilns, linoleum and golf to reinvigorated industries such as whisky distilling and salt production which will help to sustain these coastal communities. I particularly enjoyed learning about Fife’s fishing heritage and seeing the beautiful harbours along the coastline, each with its own unique character and history.

“This walk taught me about Fife’s deep connections with Gaelic. It was fascinating to learn that the language I’ve spoken since birth has enduring connections, many miles from where I grew up. It was also exciting to hear of the work being done to keep the language alive across the kingdom. I hope my adventure inspires others to experience this interesting corner of Scotland for themselves.”

Carving by Lower largo artist Alan Faulds Photo by BBC ALBA

p128

Issue 55

Lower Largo statue to Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe Photo by BBC ALBA

Issue 55

p129

In the first episode Iagan starts off at the Kincardine Bridge, passes the now-decommissioned Longannet Power Station and the artificial island created from the ash it produced. He wanders through the historic village of Culross, and talks to author of Warriors & Witches and Damn Rebel Bitches, Mairi Kidd, about

p130

the only known grave site of someone accused of witchcraft in Scotland. He also visits the lime kilns in the cliffs at Charlestown and find out the history of this once vital industry at the Scottish Lime Centre, where he takes part in a demonstration of how the lime was made.

Issue 55

In programme two the presenter sees the magnificent Forth Bridges up close, visits the Carlingnose Nature Reserve, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay,

Aberdour and its Silver Sands, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy. He also enjoys the sunshine and gets a few shinty tips from the Aberdour Ladies’ Team.

Iagan MacNeil at the Forth Rail bridge Photo by BBC ALBA

Issue 55

p131

Pictish rock carving of a swan at Wemyss Photo by BBC ALBA

Iagan MacNeil on the Elie Chainwalk Photo by BBC ALBA

p132

Rock carving at Wemyss Photo by BBC ALBA

Issue 55

Episode three features the towns of Dysart and West Wemyss, where Iaggan finds out all about the ancient Pictish carvings in the Wemyss Caves. He also crosses the Bawbee Bridge into Leven, visits the town’s Silverburn Park and braves the Elie chain walk.

In part four, from Elie to Crail, Iagan visits the picturesque and quintessentially Fife fishing villages of St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke and Crail where he pans for garnets, goes fossilhunting and visits the incredible Caiplie Caves.

St Monans Kirk where Johnny Cash sang Photo by BBC ALBA

Issue 55

p133

In the final episode Iagan finds out why the area is synonymous with golf, sees the magnificent Rock and Spindle sea stack and finds out about the project to restore the sand dunes at the famous West Sands beach in St Andrews. He also sees the Tay Bridges up close and visits Lindores Abbey and Distillery.

p134

Issue 55

Slighe Chladach Fìobha/Fife Coastal Path starts on Tuesday, July 6 at 8.30pm and is on weekly until 3rd August. Each episode will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.

Announcement of the new series comes as the MG ALBA revealed

a huge uptake in an interest in Gaelic.

A rise in the number of new Gaelic learners during the Coronavirus lockdown has helped LearnGaelic, MG ALBA’s online Gaelic learning website, to report a 26 per cent increase in unique visitors.

Rock and Spindle near St Andrews Photo by BBC ALBA

Issue 55

p135

According to the organisation’s annual report BBC ALBA, LearnGaelic and FilmG all attracted increased engagement from audiences during the Covid pandemic lockdown.

BBC ALBA saw an increase in its core audience on both television and BBC iPlayer while FilmG, MG ALBA’s annual Gaelic short film competition, received a record number of entries.

FilmG Photo by BBC ALBA

p136

Issue 55

Issue 55

p137

Arts

Celebrating a great Scottish artist

by Paul Watson

T

he Borders cottage of celebrated celebrated painter, sculptor, musician and television presenter Rory McEwan has been turned into a residence for new generations of artists.

Friends and family of the man who influenced Van Morrison and Eric Burdon, among others, recently gathered for the unveiling of a plaque at the former cottage studio used by the folk musician.

Among them was artist and promoter Richard Demarco who described his friend as a “genius” with a “love of life expressed through the many and varied aspects of his creativity as an exceptional human being.”

p138

Issue 55

Fogo Cottage Studio Photo: Marchmont House

Friends and family at the opening of Fogo Cottage Studio Photo: Marchmont House

Issue 55

p139

Other guests included playwright and Commander of Clan MacEwen, Sir John McEwen.

Renowned for his skill on a 12-string guitar Rory was famed as a folk musician with a love of Scottish songs. Figures such as Van Morrison, Eric Burdon (of The Animals) and Billy Connolly have all cited him as an influence.

As a botanical artist he was described by Alistair Mackintosh as “probably the greatest living illustrator of the natural form”.

All of his music and artistic talents were on top of his skills as a presenter of the music programme Hullabaloo, a regular on Tonight, Britain’s most popular TV programme of the late 1950s.

He also hosted successive sell-

out Edinburgh Festival shows with guests including George Melly, Dave Swarbrick, of Fairport Convention fame, and Bob Davenport.

Fogo, near Marchmont House, close to Greenlaw in the Borders, is where McEwan was brought up and it was a place where he created some truly exceptional art during the 1970s.

A team led by former tech entrepreneur Hugo Burge is now turning the neighbouring country house of Marchmont into a hub for artists and creative businesses.

The Fogo cottage, two miles away, has been bought and restored as part of its suite of high quality Creative Spaces studios and workplaces.

Richard Goldsworthy Photo: Marchmont House

p140

Issue 55

Rory McEwan Photo: Marchmont House

Issue 55

p141

Rory McEwan Photo: Marchmont House

p142

Issue 55

Rory’s daughters believe the Studio Cottage initiative is one their father would have been thrilled about.

“Rory first began making etchings when he was at Fogo and I remember the excitement of the huge and heavy press arriving, and the trays of acid which I found terrifying. He showed me how you could use a feather to move the acid across a plate without it being eaten away,” said Christabel Holland, one of his four children.

“My memories of the Fogo studio are all very happy ones; the Manse was across the road and my siblings and I were encouraged to go and visit Rory at work. He even let us make etching plates of our own.

“I am thrilled that Hugo Burge has added the studio to the already thriving creative community at Marchmont, and cannot imagine a more appropriate use for it than to support and sustain present day artists and musicians.”

Fogo’s first artist to be based in the cottage is Richard Goldsworthy, who was awarded a month-long joint Marchmont and Borders Art Fair residency, and is using it to create drawings and preparatory work for sculptures.

“This is a wonderful place to work, the heritage is amazing – and thanks to the residency I have the time and the space I need to really focus on my work,” he said.

Issue 55

p143

Richard Demarco Photo: Marchmont House

p144

Issue 55

Issue 55

p145

Collecting

Antique Hunting with… Roo Irvine

lass in a class of its own A

lmost every area of antiques has a light-hearted novelty ‘range’ that teases a smile from the lips, ignites the imagination and brings out the child-like excitement at seeing an item of beauty.

Today’s demanding world means we easily forget those innocent joys where not everything needs to have a purpose - it can just be loved for what it is.

In the world of silver certain objects became known as ‘toys’ for grown-ups. Items such as

p146

animal shaped pincushions, or duck head decanters. ‘Toys’ was simply another name for novelties and Birmingham, the home of silver, became known as the toyshop of Europe!

Objets de Vertu or, to give them their English translation, Objects of Virtue are known for being perfect, beautiful, and a fine example of someone’s craftsmanship and skill - a calling card if you may, but the finest calling card you will see, Imperial Faberge Eggs are a fine example of this.

Issue 55

Glass paperweight circa 1800s Photo CC0 1.0

Issue 55

p147

Tumbler in End of Day glass made by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Co, circa 1860-1880, Photo Old Colony History Museum CC0 1.0

p148

Issue 55

Glass also has its own objects of virtue but they differ in a sense that they are often spontaneous, unique and purely decorative.

Many precious antiques, like a Faberge egg, take months of planning and craftsmanship whereas in this area of glass an item is merely born out of finding a solution to a common problem - leftover glass. It doesn’t sound terribly exciting but this is where the glassmaker sheds all inhibition, throws away the rule book or plans and just gets creative.

‘End-of-Day’ glass is exactly that.

It’s a term that refers to any item made at the end of the day with any leftover molten glass in the pots.

Glassmakers who produced factory pieces for a company often found at the end of the day there was some remnants of glass unused. It became quite commonplace for factory bosses to allow the craftsmen to put the leftovers to use, providing any items made didn’t compete with what the company were selling.

Sometimes these highly skilled craftsmen would make decorative items for their own home or maybe they chose to subsidise their wages by selling extra bits and pieces down the pub after a heavy shift. Either way they had complete creative control and could make whatever their hearts desired with the ‘leftovers’.

A Nailsea style glass rolling pin sold with a green glass rolling pin sold recently by McTears for £35

Issue 55

p149

These pieces, also called friggers, have been in existence ever since the beginning of glass. They’re often novelty items like decorative canes, rolling pins, pipes, miniature boots and even animals.

p150

In the 1800’s romantic sailors would inscribe hollow glass rolling pins with poems for their sweethearts or fill them with luxury treats such as rum or tea.

Issue 55

Most friggers aren’t intended to be used but rather appreciated as colourful works of art. They are easier to spot because of the variety of colours used to make them and no two pieces are ever identical. It was a practice that allowed the glassmaker to truly experiment with colour and imagination.

So, how do we decipher between ‘end of day’ items and friggers?

A frigger is a whimsical item, made as a one-off and never intended for production - very much a personal piece, hence why friggers are also called whimsies.

Glass rolling pin circa 1775-1810 Photo Brooklyn Museum CC0 1.0

Issue 55

p151

Historically, many date from around the 1790’s and they became increasingly popular as the tradition caught on among 19th century Victorian glassmakers. Today, such pieces have become very collectable.

The wonderful Salvador Ysart, of Ysart Glass, moved to the Moncrieff glassworks in Perth, Scotland in 1922 with his son Paul. Their intention was to create laboratory glassware but both men were talented friggers in their spare time and that was what would eventually make their name. Their hobby pieces caught the eye and imagination of the owners of the factory.

As a result they were encouraged to produce more works of art and soon afterwords Monart Glass, a combination of Moncrieff and

Ysart, was born. Within two years Monart was responsible for an impressive range of decorative glassware which is now highly collectable.

To add another term into the ‘mix’ spatter glass is also made of a variety of coloured glass and can often called End-of-Day Glass. It is hand-blown and rolled over a heated metal plate, picking up small chips of coloured crushed or powdered glass.

When blown these little nuggets of colour stretch and sway into beautiful patterns, making them instantly recognisable. However, they were made for general production and are not friggers or whimsies - these are terms that should remain reserved for those truly rare, one-off objects that created for fun to make us smile.

McTears sold a selection of glass figgers for £35 at auction in April this year

p152

Issue 55

A green glass rolling pin sold recently by McTears

Issue 55

p153

p154

Issue 55

Issue 55

p155

Arts

An actor’s life for me with… Scott Kyle

o turn unstoned F

or generations of entertainers the mere mention of the Glasgow Empire Theatre was enough to chill the blood. The city’s audiences are notorious for being a tough crowd. They could reduce a performer to a gibbering wreck in seconds or, in the case of at least one celebrated comedian, induce a fake fainting fit.

The famous Liverpool comic Ken Dodd, a master of the psychology of laughter, once said: “The trouble with Sigmund Freud is that he never played second house at the Glasgow Empire

p156

after both halves of the Old Firm had just lost!”

Known far and wide as the “English comic’s graveyard” it used to be considered a right of passage to have faced the Empire audience and survived. If an act wasn’t up to the standards expected the performer soon found out. Famously, singer and comedian Des O’Connor pretended to faint when the crowd started jeering him just so he could be dragged off stage and escape.

Issue 55

Des O’Connor on stage in 1974 Photo J. Waddington Archives New Zealand - Communicate New Zealand Collection CC BY 2.0

Issue 55

p157

Ken Dodd Photo by David A Ellis CC BY-SA 3.0

p158

Issue 55

Other performers who endured a similar ordeal included Morecambe and Wise, Roy Castle, Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and the one-time double act Mike and Bernie Winters. One story claims that when comedian Bernie Winters was having a particular hard time his brother Mike walked on stage to try and help rescue the situation only to be greeted by a heckler in the audience who shouted: “Oh ma god, there’s twa o’ them”.

Undoubtedly many performers would probably have preferred not to play the Empire but, back in the day, it was a necessary evil if they wanted to get on the circuit of top UK theatres.

Despite their difficult reputation the Empire crowd could also be very forgiving and supportive, especially to a performer willing to hold their own. In 1955 a young singer called Shirley Bassey made her Scottish debut on the Empire stage.

View from the stage of the Glasgow Empire in 1931

Issue 55

p159

She recalled standing in the wings, waiting to go on, and watching the two acts on the bill before her, a juggler and a comedian, suffer horrendous heckling from a crowd clearly baying for blood.

When the then 18-year-old Shirley went on she got so much abuse she struggled to keep singing.

In desperation she stopped her act, walked to the front of the stage and, in her strong Welsh accent, gave as good as she got.

“I’ve come to entertain you and if you don’t want to listen I might as well bloody go home,” she is reported to have shouted back at the crowd.

Almost immediately the auditorium fell silent. Shirley started singing again and finished her act to rousing applause. She never had any trouble with an Empire audience again.

Unfortunately the Glasgow Empire Theatre no longer exists but its memory and reputation lives on. They used to say: “if you could make it at the Empire you could make it anywhere”

Shirley Bassey Photo by Nyctc7 PD

p160

Issue 55

View of the theatre interior in 1931

Issue 55

p161

Designed by top theatre architect Frank Matcham it opened on the site of the old Gaiety Theatre on Sauchiehall Street in April 1897 as part of the Moss Empires chain of theatres under the chairmanship of Sir Edward Moss, Built at a cost of £30,000 the lavish four-storey high building, decorated in ornate French and Italian renaissance style with a luxurious marble staircase, could accommodate an audience of just over 2,000 people.

Popular Victorian music hall entertainer Vesta Tilley, whose act involved dressing as a man, headlined the opening night and over the following years many big names trod the boards of the Empire as it became one of the leading theatres in the UK. Major Scottish and international stars of the early 20th century all headlined at the Empire, including actress Lilly Langtry, Sir Harry Lauder, Will Fyffe, Harry Gordon, Robert Wilson and Andy Stewart. Incidentally Stewart holds the record for the longest running shows. His 1961 and 1962 Andy Stewart Shows each ran for 26 weeks, twice-nightly with a change of programme every six weeks. More than 400,000 people flocked to see him.

Harry Lauder in costume PD

p162

Issue 55

Lillie Langtry

Vesta Tilley, in and out of costume

Issue 55

p163

In 1931 the theatre was given a major Art-Deco redesign and continued attracting big names, such as American stars Frank Sinatra,Frankie Laine, Eartha Kitt, Eddie Cochran, Dorothy Lamour, Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland for another 32 years.

As television increased in popularity and began to take over from live theatre performances as the main source of public entertainment the Empire began to suffer.

The final curtain finally fell on 31 March 1963 and the site was turned into an office and shopping centre. It is always sad when a theatre closes but unlike many that have suffered a similar fate the name of the Glasgow Empire is embedded in theatrical legend. It may be gone but it will never be forgotten.

Scottish tenor Robert Wilson Photo by David Forbes CC BY-SA 2.5

1950s singer Eddie Cochran

p164

Glasgow Empire circa 1930 Photo Hwyndham CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

Issue 55

p165

Property

Fishing

for a buyer F

ishing enthusiasts are being offered a rare opportunity to acquire the rights to some of the best sea trout fishing in Scotland.

A four mile stretch of the Ythan Estuary, incorporating 670 acres of bank either side of the river, is up for sale at offers over £500,000.

The Newburgh and Foveran Fishings provides a unique location for the best sea trout fishing in Scotland at the mouth of the River Ythan.

p166

Issue 55

Newburgh & Forveran Fishings

Issue 55

p167

The extensive nature of this tidal fishery ensures plentiful bank and boat opportunities throughout the fishing season, which runs from 1st April to 31st October.

p168

Catch records show high returns with Newburgh & Foveran continuing to provide strong levels of sport in sea trout with consistent fishing throughout the season. In 2020, the catch record for sea trout stood at 836.

Issue 55

“This sale presents a rare opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to acquire the rights to a highly productive fishings in arguably one of the best places to enjoy sea trout fishing in Scotland,” said Stewart Johnston of selling agents Galbraith in Aberdeen.

Issue 55

“There are fly and spinning opportunities on the 17 main pools within this fishings and the bank and estuary are easily reachable on both sides of the river, allowing for all areas to be easily fished.

p169

“The rights have been held by the current owner for over five years, so this sale presents an exciting prospect for private individuals or alternatively corporate buyers interested in being able to host clients for a day’s fishing throughout the season.”

p170

The fishings are within easy distance of Aberdeen, just 13 miles away, and there are rights to use the car park at Newburgh beach and elsewhere throughout the extent of the fishings, enabling easy access to the river.

Issue 55

Corf House building sits within a 0.60 acre site adjacent to the fishings and is used for storage of equipment. The building and land, available by separate negotiation to the accompanying fishings sale, offers housing development opportunities on the enviable site.

Issue 55

Corf House building and 0.60 acre site is for sale at offers over £100,000.

p171

p172

Issue 55

Issue 55

p173

History

Marking a Jacobite victory A

new exhibition to commemorate a major Jacobite battle that took place at Prestonpans in 1745 is due to open this summer at the John Gray Centre in Haddington.

Taking place between 7 August and 29 October it will examine the cultural legacy of the Battle of Prestonpans with a display of 21st century paintings, Victorian engravings, 18th century artifacts, Jacobite songbooks and even a copy of the script of the 1948 film, Bonnie Prince Charlie, starring David Niven.

Two separate remnants of the famous thorn tree under which British army officer and local resident Colonel James Gardiner was mortally wounded during the battle will also be reunited and displayed together for the first time.

p174

Issue 55

Historic accounts of the battle Photo by Chris Watt Photography

Issue 55

p175

In addition, two supporting Gaelic cultural workshops with poetry and song will be convened by singer, actress, writer, broadcaster and campaigner, Dolina Maclennan.

p176

The new exhibition follows a temporary display held at Prestonpans Town Hall last month.

Issue 55

The Orders of Battle Exhibition and Open Day gave visitors a chance to find out about the clans and regiments of the rival armies that fought at the Battle of Prestonpans.

It also presented an opportunity to explore the different types of soldiers who fought for and against Bonnie Prince Charlie at his famous victory.

Artefacts relating to the battle go on display Photo by Chris Watt Photography

Issue 55

p177

Alongside newly commissioned bilingual Gaelic and English interpretation panels, visitors were treated to a spectacle of 5,000 paper soldiers being formed up for battle while costumed volunteers helped explain the clothing and equipment used.

The Battle of Prestonpans was the first major battle of the last Jacobite Rising. It took place on 21 September 1745 in fields between Prestonpans, Tranent, Cockenzie and Port Seton in East Lothian.

Photo by Chris Watt Photography

p178

Issue 55

The Jacobite army loyal to King James Francis Edward Stuart and led by his son Charles Edward Stuart, aka Bonnie Prince Charlie, achieved a dramatic victory over the Redcoat army loyal to the Hanoverian king, George II, which was led by Sir John Cope.

The victory was a huge morale boost for the Jacobites and, despite their ultimate defeat the following year, the battle left an important cultural legacy.

More than two centuries later the Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust works to mark this historical legacy through interpretation of the battlefield site, including signage in English and Gaelic.

Issue 55

p179

In recent years the Trust has installed new monuments to the fallen, commissioned major tapestries, opened a micromuseum, and developed on-site and digital interpretation for the battlefield, while touring its exhibitions around the world.

The Trust is working towards the launch of a world class living history centre on the battlefield site as a way of institutionalising this activity, which will be told in the context of the whole Jacobite story.

Although events to mark the 275th anniversary in 2020 were presented digitally they are now being re-scheduled to take place face-to-face across 2021 with a major re-enactment of the battle set to be the climax of the programme on 18 and 19 September this year.

p180

Issue 55

Photo by Chris Watt Photography

Issue 55

p181

Photo by Chris Watt Photography

p182

Issue 55

Issue 55

p183

Arts

winging for everyone E

dinburgh’s All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre, one of the UK’s leading aerial dance companies, is to tour Scotland with their new outdoor, interactive and family focused production, The Swings.

The Swings is part breathtaking aerial duet, staged on a magnificent, larger than life fivemetre-high swing set, and part installation, where the audience are invited to have a swing while listening to a sound installation of memories from childhood.

The Swings Photo by Suzanne Heffron

p184

Issue 55

As Scotland opens up for live performance The Swings will be performed at 23 outdoor venues across the country from 26 June to 18 August.

Outdoor venues include town, city and country parks and gardens, community centres, an old bowling green, a city centre public square, a rugby pitch, and a car park.

Using a giant set with two swings the 15-minute choreographed aerial dance duet will be performed at intervals throughout the day.

Photo by Suzanne Heffron

Issue 55

p185

Inspired by age old playground games and memories the playful dynamic between the two aerial artists is key. Using the long ropes and swing seats as their apparatus they begin by exploring this unfamiliar environment, swinging, and jumping off, climbing and hanging whichever way they can.

They gradually build the energy performing a range of stunning tricks, flipping, somersaulting, and tumbling, as they soar high above the socially distanced audience below.

Following every performance, audiences will be invited to have some time on the swings. As old and young experience the sheer joy of swinging they will be accompanied by a soundscape made up of memories, thoughts and feelings of being on a swing.

p186

Issue 55

Photo by Suzanne Heffron

Issue 55

p187

Photo by Suzanne Heffron

p188

Issue 55

“The inspiration for The Swings came from spending time in a playpark as a mum, being around swings again and seeing how much joy they bring,” said Jennifer Paterson, Artistic Director of All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre.

“Swings are so integral to childhood. They are in almost every park. The feeling of being on a swing and the excitement of building it up higher and higher never leaves you. It’s such a visceral feeling - the air rushing past your face, the laughing, the rise and fall of your stomach.”

Issue 55

p189

Photo by Suzanne Heffron

p190

Issue 55

Issue 55

p191

Enterprise

by Scott Aitken

A

social enterprise that aims to encourage young people to overcome poverty related challenges has opened a professional café to provide freshly made meals, drinks and other refreshments to frontline NHS workers.

p192

The Scran Cafe within NHS Lothian’s Comely Bank Centre has been planned, launched and run by youngsters aged between 13 and 21 from across Edinburgh.

Its initial focus is to create a welcoming, relaxing and safe haven for as many as 100 frontline NHS workers and clinical trainees on a daily basis.

Issue 55

This pioneering and innovative social business model involves a voluntary, private and public sector collaboration between Scran Academy - a bespoke education programme dedicated to young people not flourishing in mainstream school - and NHS

Lothian. It will see more than 100 young people, too often judged and failed by both their city and country, access dedicated employment experience and skills support over the coming three years.

Scones at Scran Café Photo: Scran Academy

Issue 55

p193

Through the charity’s existing community-based Academy School and Scransitions, a new 16 plus employability programme, this ground-breaking social venture will empower these young people with the skills and confidence to lead in the hospitality industry.

At the same time the programme will take a significant bite out of the poverty-related barriers, life challenges and injustices they face on a daily basis - being care-experienced, disengaged from mainstream school, at risk of homelessness, unemployed or suffering from poor mental health.

Scransitions is supported by The National Lottery Fund’s Young Start Project, the Edinburgh Thrive initiative and Walter Scott Giving Group, who have all generously enabled the £300,000 project to run for three years.

The Café will open to the public later in the year as restrictions are

p194

Issue 55

eased but there are already strong signs it will become an essential resource to the wider community.

Through the charity’s partnerships and intergenerational work including projects involving low-income family, elderly and homeless organisations, there are hundreds of individuals keen to access the cafe and get involved.

The cafe will also provide a free community library, with support from Edinburgh International Book Festival and other bookstores.

“At Scran we do hand-ups, not just hand-outs. We must all respond and adapt to what is an oncoming crisis for today’s generation that has resulted from education systems failures, a bleak employment context and the rising grip of poverty and mental health. It’s brutal for young people and our work has never been more needed,” said John Loughton BEM, the social entrepreneur behind the project.

Andrew, one of the Scran Young Participants Photo: Scran Academy

Issue 55

p195

Scran cafe food Photo: Scran Academy

p196

Issue 55

“What Scran’s story shows is that if we support local community organisations that are run with passion and authenticity, we can develop creative solutions to social inequality. It also shows that unlike the stereotypes so often in the media, young people make a real and positive contribution to society and your post code does not have to be your destiny.”

The team behind the North Edinburgh-based Scran Academy has been working grassroots for nearly four years, helping young people to overcome numerous challenges, including mental health, hunger, homelessness, family breakdown and school exclusion.

Founded by John Loughton, who was a young person who grew up struggling in North Edinburgh, the social enterprise focuses on building the confidence, skills, qualifications and relationships needed to thrive in learning, earning and wider life. Its ultimate aim is to close the poverty-related attainment gap.

“We not only challenge the deeply held notion that young people from certain areas are destined to fail but act as an example of how young people can drive their own change,” said John.

Some of the participants at the Scran Cafe Photo: Scran Academy

Issue 55

p197

Through their youth workbased Community School for those excluded or at risk of disengagement from mainstream services Scran has achieved some remarkable success. Some 80 per cent of youngsters that go through their doors go on to access education, training or employment, 85 per cent gain an SQA qualification Nat 4 or 5, and 100 per cent gain wider formal accreditation.

In the last year the social enterprise transformed into one of the largest support organisations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a rapid response, despite their modest size and lack of

resource, they recruited over 220 volunteers, six kitchens, a range of partner organisations in order to produce and deliver over 150,000 meals, feeding 3,500 people.

Continuing their grassroots support the charity recently set up Scran Van, a mobile catering van that trains young people to gain leadership skills in a safe environment with positive adult engagement. Since the Scran Van first became operational in late 2020, over 650 people have been fed at 28 different events across the city. The Scran Van has a further 25 events to help tackle holiday hunger for young people this summer.

John Loughton Photo by Hannah Bailey

p198

Issue 55

Paul (aged 13) enjoying his time at Scran Academy Photo: Scran Academy

Issue 55

p199

p200

Issue 55

Issue 55

p201

History

reasured manuscript saved for the nation

by Paul Watson

O

ne of the most important ancient manuscripts to provide a unique insight into life in the Highlands during the later Middle Ages has been saved for the nation.

The National Library of Scotland acquired the partially decayed and stained 36 pages of The Chronicle of Fortingall at auction for £25,000.

Compiled some time between 1554 and 1579 at Fortingall in Highland Perthshire it contains

p202

contemporary annals, poetry and other short texts in Latin, Scots and Gaelic.

The scribes who wrote the manuscripts are believed to have belonged to the MacGregor family. They also compiled the slightly earlier Book of the Dean of Lismore, the earliest surviving collection of Gaelic poetry compiled in Scotland. Scholarly research and evidence shows the two manuscripts were almost certainly compiled by members of the same family.

Issue 55

A page from The Chronicle of Fortingall Photo by NLS

Issue 55

p203

Curator Ulrike Hogg with the Fortingall Manuscript Photo by NLS

p204

Issue 55

“We consider the Chronicle of Fortingall a partner volume to the Book of the Dean of Lismore, the Library’s single most important Gaelic manuscript and one of our greatest treasures. The two manuscripts are so closely connected that it’s difficult to describe one without reference to the other. It’s a great privilege for us to be able to bring the manuscripts together again after their compilation some 450 years ago,” said Dr Ulrike Hogg, Manuscripts Curator.

“The Gaelic contents of the Chronicle of Fortingall make a significant addition to our Scottish Gaelic manuscripts collection, which is the largest in the world.

And securing the manuscript for the national collections means we can make the contents publicly accessible and ensure its professional preservation.”

Stained but valuable page of the manuscript Photo by NLS

Issue 55

p205

Senior Lecturer in Scottish History at the University of Glasgow, Dr Martin MacGregor, welcomed the acquisition.

“It is a relief that the National Library was successful in securing the Chronicle of Fortingall, especially as they hold the companion volume, the Book of the Dean of Lismore,” he said.

“The Chronicle of Fortingall is a highly significant manuscript which provides insight into public life in the Highlands in the later Middle Ages. It is an important source for the history of the Highlands – social, political, cultural, economic and religious.

It also has great linguistic importance as it embodies the interplay of Latin, Scots and Gaelic as written languages in then Gaelic-speaking Scotland.”

p206

Issue 55

The manuscript remains very delicate Photo by NLS

Issue 55

p207

Stained but still readable page of the manuscript Photo by NLS

p208

Issue 55

The contents of the manuscript include lists of kings of Scots and notes on their reigns in Latin; a list of battles from Bannockburn (1314) to Flodden (1513), also in Latin; a chronicle recording the deaths of prominent men and women within the Highlands from 1390–1579, written in Latin and Scots; and a Gaelic poem written in a writing system based on Middle Scots.

There is also poetry in Middle Scots by Robert Henryson and William Dunbar; verses, proverbs and aphorisms in Latin; as well as miscellaneous short prose texts in Latin and Scots covering everything from the size and divisions of Ireland to medicine and cures, religion and belief, and commentary against women and inebriation.

The manuscript was compiled at Fortingall, at the mouth of Glen Lyon in Highland Perthshire, near the eastern end of Loch Tay and is written in several hands.

It is believed to have been compiled between 1554 and 1579, although it may have begun earlier.

Detail of the handwritten manuscript Photo by NLS

Issue 55

p209

p210

Issue 55

Issue 55

p211

Arts

Love, longing and landscapes p212

Issue 55

by Helen Lloyd

A

ward winning actress Kelly Macdonald returns to smaller screens everywhere this month with the digital release of the romantic drama Dirt Music.

Made in 2019 the movie makes great use of the stunning Western Australia as an amazing backdrop for this impassioned tale of love and grief.

Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald

Issue 55

p213

Adapted by Gregor Jordan from the 2001 Miles Franklin Award winner and Man Booker prize shortlisted novel of the

p214

same name by Tim Winton the movie stars Glasgow-born Kelly Macdonald, Garrett Hedlund and David Wenham.

Issue 55

Dirt Music, a tale of love and redemption set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the

Australian West, is released

by Blue Finch Film on digital download from 19th July.

Garrett Hedlund and Kelly Macdonald

Issue 55

p215

The story follows sometime nurse, sailor and diver Georgie Jutland, played by Kelly Macdonald, who’s barely holding it together without a drink.

p216

Feeling trapped in a remote fishing town of Western Australia known as White Point where she lives in a loveless relationship with local crayfish baron, Jim Buckridge, played by David Wenham, and his two sons.

Issue 55

One hazy night she sees the lone figure of Lu Fox, played by Garrett Hedlund, appear in the mists of the bay. A long time ago he was a dirt musician, but now he survives as a poacher - an unwise choice given Buckridge’s iron-grip on the local fishing trade. Georgie

is instantly drawn to Lu, and the pair begin an intense and sexually charged affair.

But, what Georgie doesn’t realise is that the Foxes and the Buckridges have a long, murky history which rises to the surface.

David Wenham and Kelly Macdonald

Issue 55

p217

The resulting drama creates a gripping story of vulnerabilities, self exploration and the power of love to heal the deepest wounds.

Macdonald, who has a track record of top movies, including Trainspotting, Gosford Park and No Country for Old Men, as

well as hit television shows such Boardwalk Empire and Line of Duty, gives a captivating and thought provoking performance as the determined Georgie.

Dirt Music will be available on Digital Download from 19th July and is available on iTunes

Watch Dirt Music Trailer Here

p218

Issue 55

Issue 55

p219

p220

Issue 55

Issue 55

p221

Conservation

Help for endangered wildcats A

vital partnership to restore Scotland’s wildcat population has received a funding boost, with a £400,000 Scottish Government grant to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

Led by the wildlife conservation charity and based at Highland Wildlife Park, the Saving Wildcats project aims to prevent the extinction of the critically endangered species by breeding and releasing wildcats into the wild.

A report published in 2019 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Cat Specialist Group concluded there is no longer a viable wildcat population living wild in Scotland.

p222

Issue 55

Funding for the project was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the closures of Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, costing RZSS over £1.5 million.

RZSS has also received an additional £278,000 from the Scottish Government’s zoo and aquarium conservation fund to ensure efforts can continue to protect other threatened native species, including the pine hoverfly, pond mud snail and flapper skate.

“Every visit to Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo supports our work to protect threatened species around the world, including on our doorstep in the Cairngorms National Park,” said Dr Helen Senn, Head of Conservation and Science Programmes at RZSS. The Scottish Wildcat Photo by RZSS

Issue 55

p223

“The past year has been an incredibly difficult time for our charity, with the closure of our parks for a total of five months cutting off our main source of income.

“While we still face significant financial pressures, this £678,000 Scottish Government funding to help protect native species and support our work with partners is very welcome.”

A 1902 drawing of a Scottish Wildcat caught in Argyllshire Photo PD

p224

Issue 55

Saving Wildcats is a partnership between RZSS, NatureScot, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Forestry and Land Scotland, as well as European partners Norden’s Ark from Sweden and Spain’s Junta De Andalucía, which have led the successful recovery of the Iberian lynx.

The six-year project is supported by £3.2 million of EU funding. It is also co-funded by Scotland’s nature agency NatureScot and a wide variety of partners.

Conservation experts are hopeful the first wildcats can be released in 2023, with potential locations being explored in the Cairngorms.

“On top of the funding concerns, the project team have had to meet a series of practical challenges,” said Dr Senn.

“These included delays to the construction of the breeding for release centre at Highland Wildlife Park, caused by the pandemic and severe winter weather. The breeding facility is now up and running in a secluded, off-show area at Highland Wildlife Park.

“Releasing carnivores to the wild is incredibly complex but we are planning to release the first wildcats in 2023, which will be very exciting.”

Issue 55

p225

p226

Issue 55

Issue 55

p227

Travel

och of ages S

ome 276 years ago, on the 19th of August 1745, Loch Shiel, 12 miles west of Fort William and the fourth longest loch in Scotland, was the scene of one of the most famous days in Scottish history.

It was on this date that Prince Charles Edward Stuart, now known to millions the world over as Bonnie Prince Charlie, was rowed up the body of water from Glenaladale to Glenfinnan.

Here, at the head of the loch, he raised his standard and began the Jacobite rising of 1745 which, within less than a year, would fail tragically at the Battle of Culloden and change the Highland way of life forever.

p228

Issue 55

Today, a monument which marks the spot where the Prince began his fateful campaign attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to visit the memorial and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the loch.

Surrounded by mountains that rise to 2,915 feet the 17-mile-long loch is a popular destination for anglers attracted by its reputation as a source of salmon, grilse, seatrout and brown trout.

Formed at the end of the last ice age, about 12,000 years ago, the loch and much of its surrounding woodland hillsides and bare mountain peaks are designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Black-throated divers, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, red-throated divers, peregrine falcons, Eurasian sparrowhawks, kestrels, ospreys and hen harriers are among the wide variety of species that thrive in this area.

Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel Photo by Cayetano CC BY-SA 2.0

Issue 55

p229

Loch Shiel Photo by Kutsa CC BY-SA 4.0

Glen Shiel panorama taking in the monument and the famous railway viaduct Photo by Clementp.fr.CC BY-SA 4.0

p230

Issue 55

The surroundings and the islands dotted throughout the length of the loch are rich in history. The largest island, Eilean Fhianain, is named after a seventh century saint who is believed to have lived there. A ruined chapel, built by a chief of Clan Ranald, stands on the spot of his former cell. The clan used the island as a burial place until the end of the 16th century.

Following Culloden a few of the leading Jacobites, including Cameron of Lochiel, sought refuge from searching red coats by hiding out on the small island of Eilean Mhic Dhomnuill Dhuibh.

Issue 55

In more peaceful times, on 15 September 1873, Queen Victoria drove from Inverlochy to Loch Shiel, a journey she would never forget.

“I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot, or one which told its history so well,” she wrote in her diary soon after the visit.

Today, the loch is probably better known as a film location.

It appeared in The Master of Ballantrae starring Errol Flynn, the 1986 Highlander movie the Harry Potter series.

p231

p232

Issue 55

Issue 55

p233

Folklore

Folklore Scotland with… Graeme Johncock

egendary landscape T

he Old Man of Storr is one of Skye’s most iconic landmarks.

A feature as prominent as this huge rock deserves an equally impressive legend and the Storr doesn’t disappoint. It’s actually so popular that the Old Man has three different stories to choose from.

The simplest legend tells us that Skye was once a land full of Giants. With the spectacular, dramatic landscape of the Quiraing and the jagged peaks

p234

of the Cuillins it’s not hard to imagine these enormous figures roaming the island. One particularly impressive giant was slain here on the Trotternish peninsula and was left where he fell. Over time, the land swallowed most of him up apart from this one point that remained poking above ground. The tourist books today will explain that this is the giant’s thumb but older versions list the pillar as other parts of the body.

Issue 55

View from The Storr Photo by Graeme Johncock

Quiraing Photo by Graeme Johncock

Issue 55

p235

Old Man and Storr range Photo by Graeme Johncock

p236

Issue 55

The second story surrounds Skye’s fairies and their mischievous ways.

A local man and wife would climb to the top of these hills every day of their long and happy marriage.

The older they grew, the more the wife struggled to carry on climbing. Her husband refused to break the tradition and where she couldn’t climb, he would carry her on his back. Eventually it became too much for the old man to manage but he didn’t want to leave his love behind.

The fairies heard him wishing that his wife would still be able to go everywhere he went. They agreed to help and asked him to carry his partner up the hill one more time on his back. As a lifelong resident of Skye, the old man should have realised never to trust the fairy folk. At the top, the devious creatures turned the couple into this huge stone pillar.

As promised, the husband would no longer go anywhere without his wife.

Climbing up to the Old Man Photo by Graeme Johncock

Issue 55

p237

The last story relates to a much friendlier creature of folklore. A farmer on Skye had once saved the life of a kind and honourable Brownie. These small creatures usually help with chores around the house at night, but the farmer would never ask him for anything.

Instead of taking advantage of the Brownie as free labour, the two became close friends. Years down the line, the farmer’s wife got sick and tragically passed away. With a broken heart, the farmer died the very next day leaving the Brownie all alone. He was devastated at the loss and decided to honour their friendship by carving the

likeness of his good friend into the cliffs above their home, creating the Old Man of Storr.

These days, the Old Man is very unstable and the crumbling rock has changed in appearance greatly since these stories were first told. It’s possible to walk all the way around the pillar and admire the views from every angle although you might need to use your imagination to decide which story you believe. Whether giants, fairies or brownies, it’s no surprise that so many stories have been inspired by the incredible Old Man of Storr.

The cliffs of Storr Photo by Graeme Johncock

p238

Issue 55

The aptly named Cathedral, Storr Photo by Graeme Johncock

Issue 55

p239

Looking up to the Old Man of Storr Photo by Graeme Johncock

p240

Issue 55

Issue 55

p241

Travel

ater way to unwind

p242

Issue 55

by Paul Watson

W

ith a coastline of around 11,000 miles, over 120 rivers and more than 30,000 lochs Scotland is perfectly placed to ride the wave of a growing wellness trend.

Water Wellness, or Blue Mind as it is sometimes called, is linked to the positive influence water can have on a person’s physical and mental health; the feeling of calm or peacefulness that is sparked when in or near water.

Now, the country’s national tourism organisation believes

that due to its many lochs, rivers, canals and coastlines, Scotland is ideally placed to become one of the hottest destinations to embrace this movement.

According to research carried out by YouGov on behalf of VisitScotland, as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, almost three quarters of UK adults (73 per cent) think that being near water can reduce stress levels, while nearly two thirds (65 per cent) believe it can reduce anxiety and depression.

Wellbeing in Faskally Photo by VisitScotland

Issue 55

p243

The research also found that the most popular activity that UK adults would like to do on a holiday in Scotland to help them relax and unwind would be walking along a deserted beach (63 per cent), followed by a walk in woodland (59 per cent).

p244

Issue 55

Scotland’s abundance of coastal paths, river walks and scenic loch side locations has led travel experts to believe the trend for water associated holidays could provide a welcome boost to the country’s valuable tourism industry as it recovers from the devastating impact of COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, activities such as wild-swimming and paddle-boarding have grown in popularity as individuals consider new ways to look after their physical and mental health.

Increasing evidence about the benefits of ‘cold water therapy’ on the body have also led to growing interest around spending time in ‘blue space’.

Wild swimming in Cullykhan Bay Photo by VisitScotland

Issue 55

p245

With that in mind, VisitScotland has launched new activity which aims to inspire visitors to embark on their own water wellness journey throughout Scotland, showcasing businesses and locations which offer water-based wellbeing experiences.

“Similar to forest bathing, water wellness is that connection to our natural resources and its

p246

impact on our physical and mental health. The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted the wellbeing of people all across the country and over the past year we’ve seen evidence of people embracing activities that help address this, such as the increasing popularity of wild swimming,” said Chris Greenwood, VisitScotland Senior Insights Manager.

Issue 55

“With its remote lochs, breathtaking beaches and bustling waterways, Scotland is ideally placed to capitalise on the trend for water wellness and there is an exciting opportunity for businesses to benefit by promoting the experiences they can offer.

“Our research, inspired by the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, demonstrates a recognised appreciation of the positive

influence water can have on our wellbeing. Tourism has been one of the biggest economic casualties of COVID-19, and as the industry looks to recover, we will continue sharing inspiration and insights as to what visitors are looking for now travel is possible again. Tourism and events will help to rebuild the Scottish population’s well-being - everyone deserves a holiday, and Scotland, and all it offers, will be the perfect antidote after lockdown.”

Paddle-boarding at Oban Photo by VisitScotland

Issue 55

p247

Water Wellness experiences readily available in Scotland include wild swimming. Cold water therapy is a hot topic in the world of wellness thanks to its positive benefits on the mind, body and spirit but Scotland’s breath-taking beauty adds an extra special element to the experience.

p248

Other activities such as paddleboarding have become increasingly popular in recent months. Recognised as one of the fastest growing sports in the world, paddle-boarding is a great way to explore Scotland’s blue spaces, as well as keeping participants active.

Issue 55

More traditional water sports such as kayaking, canoeing and wakeboarding have also found a renewed popularity.

Regular exercise and staying active is the key to a healthy body and mind, fortunately Scotland is packed full of water-based adventures to help boost physical and mental wellbeing.

For those seeking a slightly less energetic and much drier activity Scotland is famous for its waterside walks amid stunning scenery. What better way to relax than to slow down and take time to enjoy the surroundings with a wonderful waterside walk by the coast, in the city or by the side of a quiet waterfall.

Walking one of Scotland’s many beautiful beaches Photo by VisitScotland

Issue 55

p249

2nd April 2022

p250

Issue 55

Issue 55

p251

Literature

£1million revival of Scott’s poetry

p252

T

he often forgotten work of one of Scotland’s greatest literary heroes is to be given a new lease of life with a £1million project to make his poetry accessible to new audiences.

However, the speed of publishing driven by an unquenchable thirst for his work - combined with his notoriously spidery handwriting – meant that many errors occurred during the printing process.

Sir Walter Scott has been credited with popularising tartan, saving the Scottish banknote, and rediscovering the nation’s Crown Jewels. His string of bestselling books dominated the 19th century, changing how the world saw Scotland and Scotland saw itself.

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have been awarded funding by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to revisit the original manuscripts of the author, who transformed Scottish literary culture, and create a new edition of his poems.

Issue 55

Sir Walter Scott by Sir Henry Raeburn

Issue 55

p253

The project will see researchers at the University of Aberdeen’s Walter Scott Research Centre return his poetry to a form which more closely reflects his original

p254

intentions and to create five volumes of what will eventually be a complete 10-volume edition of his verse published by Edinburgh University Press.

Issue 55

They will also bring to life the extensive notes that Scott added to his poems to offer readers a deeper insight and understanding of the meaning behind them. Few

of these notes survive in modern editions but Scott used them to provide fascinating pieces of background information for his poems.

Sir Walter Scott’s view. looking west over the River Tweed towards Melrose Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland

Issue 55

p255

The project will be led by Professor Alison Lumsden who has acquired unparalleled knowledge of Scott and his creative practices and developed expertise in reading his handwriting through her work in creating the Edinburgh Editions of his novels.

These scholarly editions revealed insights into social circumstances at the time, the way in which the text was produced, about vocabulary and about what people understood about history in the period. It is hoped that similar treatment of his poetry will also uncover deeper stories of Scotland’s past.

Professor Alison Lumsden Photo: University of Aberdeen

p256

Issue 55

“Unlike Walter Scott’s novels, which have never been out of publication since they were released, there are very few editions of his poetry and those which do exist are severely compromised by 19th century editing practices,” said Professor Lumsden.

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland

Issue 55

p257

“Scott was a prolific writer and as well as the poems themselves, he produced long notes which are almost like alternative stories.

“He wrote these to offer a greater insight into the characters, events and experiences contained within his verse but these almost always disappeared in modern printed versions.

“We want to reinstate Scott’s notes as part of the reading experience and to establish texts as close as possible to the author’s wishes.

“Scott continued to revise his poems between editions and for The Lady of the Lake, for example, six different versions were printed within six months so it is easy to see how errors begin to creep in.”

In addition to Scott’s own notes, the research team will also provide their own detailed explanations to support the modern reader and to help open up his work to new audiences.

p258

Issue 55

Scott’s study at Abbotsford House Photo by Michael D Beckwith CC0 1.0

Issue 55

p259

They will work with staff at Scott’s home, Abbotsford, now a living museum, to create teaching materials for schools which will introduce pupils to the stories in Scott’s poetry and the rich legacy they provide for Scotland.

“In the year that we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Scott’s birth, this award underlines his continued relevance not just in Scotland but on the international stage.

“In his poems he writes about the relationship between state and citizens, the marginalisation of certain groups and the role of women – all issues which continue to resonate today.

“The basis of the modern image of Scotland and our sense of Scotland is embedded in Scott’s writing.

“He is such an important part of our cultural heritage and this project will ensure that his legacy is preserved with the accuracy and detail it deserves.”

p260

Issue 55

Scotts library at Abbotsford House Photo by Michael D Beckwith CC0 1.0

Issue 55

p261

p262

Issue 55

Issue 55

p263

History

SoS

for national treasure

by Paul Watson

A

n urgent appeal to raise £400,000 to save an iconic Edwardian steamship and get her back sailing the waters of Loch Katrine is attracting interest from around the world.

Launched in 1900 the Sir Walter

p264

Scott Steamship is named after the novelist and poet, born exactly 250 years ago, whose ‘Lady of the Lake’ poem, published in 1810 put Loch Katrine and the Trossachs on the map, resulting in it becoming the ‘Birthplace of Scottish Tourism’.

Issue 55

Generations of visitors have flocked to Loch Katrine over the years to sail on the steamship and enjoy this special part of Scotland in the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

However, a routine inspection of the vessel in January last year revealed hairline cracks in the boiler which led to it being condemned and has threatened to put an end to the 121-yearcareer of the ship loved by millions.

Loch Katrine steamship Sir Walter Scott Photo Michael Garlick CC BY-SA 4.0

Issue 55

p265

In a bid to save her from further deterioration the charitable trust that looks after the steamship is appealing for help to fund the restoration of the historic steamer, which requires a new boiler and

p266

other significant repairs. These funds will have to be secured by the end of this year to allow work to begin in time to allow her to resume sailing during summer 2022.

Issue 55

“Our efforts to restore the Steamship have been severely hampered by the impact of Covid 19 lockdowns which meant we have not been able to generate enough trading income to repair and restore the steamship to full sailing. Sadly, as a result

of the prolonged cessation of sailings the Steamship has rapidly deteriorated and this is a situation we are anxious to reverse quickly as there is a real danger of us losing the boat permanently,” said James Fraser, Trustee and CEO of the Steamship Trust.

The Sir Walter Scott passes Ellan`s Isle in better days

Issue 55

p267

“Many generations of visitors have had enormous pleasure sailing on the historic Sir Water Scott Steamship. We have to act

p268

now to make sure that current and future generations will be able to enjoy cruises on this national maritime heritage treasure.”

Issue 55

The Steamship plays an important role in supporting the fragile Trossachs rural economy and is a significant local employer, with

many additional indirect jobs dependent on the Steamship being in operation.

Sir Walter Scott Steamship in all her glory

Issue 55

p269

As well as providing much needed transport links on the loch for sightseers, cyclists and walkers, the vessel can carry 220 passengers and is accessible for all levels of mobility and sensory needs. When restored the Steamship will also be a leading example of an eco-friendly water transport visitor experience in Scotland with low carbon emissions due to a groundbreaking hydrogen-based fuel mix that it is planned to use.

Financial support for help to save this important national maritime heritage asset which brings so much pleasure to so many people can be made on site at Loch Katrine or via the SOS appeal website:

www.saveoursteamship.com

Sailing the loch

p270

Issue 55

Issue 55

p271

Property

Old and New with a view

by Helen Lloyd

A

n impressive modern Highland Lodge with spectacular views to Ben Wyvis and the mountains of Strathconon is on the market for offers over £675,000.

p272

New Lodge, less than four miles from the village of Evanton, Easter Ross is a contemporary property built in the style of a Highland lodge. Completed in 2013 to the seller’s own design and

Issue 55

New Lodge

with careful attention to detail, the house offers spacious and luxurious accommodation with premium fixtures and fittings. All

Issue 55

four bedrooms are en-suite and the master bedroom also has its own sitting room.

p273

Laid out over 4,600 square feet the property, in 5.9 acres of land, includes two superb reception rooms, a library, a wonderful master-bedroom suite and a

p274

Issue 55

luxurious self-contained onebedroom apartment which has potential for use as a holiday let or by visiting family and friends.

Issue 55

p275

p276

Issue 55

“This is an impressive property in a secluded and private position enjoying captivating mountain views. The house combines the best traditional features with modern comforts and is presented to a very high standard.

The layout is ideal for modern family living, providing abundant space for entertaining and the main reception rooms all have French doors leading to the garden,” said Phiddy Robertson of selling agents Galbraith.

Issue 55

p277

“The owners will benefit from direct access to footpaths for hillwalking or wildlife watching in the beautiful surroundings which are home to many rare and protected species, or enjoying other leisure pursuits such as mountain biking or traditional country sports.”

p278

Issue 55

Issue 55

p279

For those looking for an older property the historic Ayrshire mansion of Kirkland, built in the 16th century, is up for sale for £685,000.

The enchanting A listed mansion in Dunlop is steeped in history with a wealth of period features.

p280

Issue 55

Kirkland

Issue 55

p281

A former Manse, built of sandstone and whinstone with a tower, steep crow-stepped gables and a Ballachulish slate roof, the property is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Scotland. It is believed that during the Reformation an

p282

Issue 55

underground tunnel was built between the house and Dunlop Kirk to enable anyone in danger to take refuge. The property was once home to John Major, the tutor of John Knox. There are two death masks at Kirkland, one is said to be cast in his image!

Issue 55

p283

“The history of this property is wonderful and the fact that it has endured unchanged over the centuries makes it a really special place to live. It is also a superb family home, with three attractive reception rooms with period features and spacious familyfriendly accommodation including five bedrooms,” said Fiona Fulton who is handling the sale of the property.

p284

Issue 55

“Kirkland’s situation is second to none - in the heart of the conservation village of Dunlop but tucked away amidst beautiful landscaped gardens and extensive grounds. The purchaser will enjoy a wonderful lifestyle in a thriving Ayrshire village.”

Issue 55

p285

The grounds extend to about 5.5 acres, including landscaped gardens, paddocks of about 3.85 acres and an area of woodland.

The gardens are stocked with an abundance of well-established trees and plants to provide yearround colour and privacy.

The Coach House, situated within the grounds and also A listed, offers considerable potential for development, subject to planning permission.

p286

Issue 55

Issue 55

p287

Mains of Buchlyvie

Enjoying a peaceful yet accessible location in rural Stirlingshire the Mains of Buchlyvie presents a fantastic lifestyle opportunity.

At offers over £900,000 the attractive four-bedroom farmhouse comes complete with a range of traditional and modern

p288

outbuildings with excellent equestrian facilities, including a floodlit outdoor riding arena.

The surrounding land of 53 acres is well suited for grazing livestock and horses as well as fodder production.

Issue 55

The house provides spacious accommodation over two floors while the adjoining outbuildings present a development opportunity to extend the residential offering, subject to the necessary consents.

Issue 55

One of the outbuildings is now a hot tub room complete with television and separate WC. There is also a bunk house, double garage, workshop, log store and a number of livestock sheds including cattle, sheep and two hay sheds. The riding arena is 50m x 28m in size and is fully floodlit.

p289

A modern bungalow on site, known as Baron House, is excluded from the sale but can be made available by separate negotiation. Baron House has four-bedrooms, all en-suite, and has been utilised for holiday rentals until recently.

“This property offers a wealth of accommodation for modern

p290

family living in a beautiful Scottish countryside setting. With a number of useful outbuildings, it’s the perfect location for equestrian lovers and anyone considering a move to the country to take advantage of the fantastic worklife balance on offer,” said Alistair Christie of the selling agents, Galbraith.

Issue 55

“The opportunity to purchase the additional property is highly appealing and would allow families to live side by side and enjoy precious time together, a popular choice for many who have reassessed their priorities in current circumstances.”

Issue 55

A range of exclusive homes created from the re-development of a Victorian primary school designed by the architect firm which employed the renowned Charles Rennie Mackintosh have gone on sale.

p291

PANACEA

A new show-home has been opened by luxury developer PANACEA to promote a bespoke 15-home development at the former St Agatha’s Primary School on Gartshore Road, Kirkintilloch where prices start from £375,000.

p292

Issue 55

The Primary comprises a luxury sandstone reconversion of the school, retaining original features, while contemporary styled new build semi and detached homes will take centre stage within the old playground.

Issue 55

p293

The school was built in 1897 by the architectural firm Honeyman & Keppie, which Mackintosh joined in April 1889 as a draughtsman before progressing to partner.

PANACEA has now converted the original building into six unique homes, incorporating the various classrooms, headmaster’s office and sports hall, to deliver two and three-bedroom properties.

A number of these feature easily maintained front and rear garden spaces or terraces, with the upperlevel apartments in particular benefitting from fantastic views of the rolling hills of the Campsies.

p294

Issue 55

Issue 55

p295

All the homes include carefully crafted kitchens designed with convenience, user friendliness and style in mind while incorporating many original features such as vaulted ceilings, timber eaves and the use of original stonework.

p296

A further nine new build homes are planned for the playground, comprising three and fourbedroom detached and semidetached properties.

Issue 55

Issue 55

p297

Each new home boasts the highest level of energy efficiency, with modern heating and insulation. Roof fitted solar panels also contribute to the high energy efficiency benefit of the new build homes.

“At The Primary we have endeavoured to create a stunning and unique development, while ensuring respect is paid to the traditional styling of the former much-loved school,” said Ross McMillan of PANACEA homes.

p298

Issue 55

“Providing quick access to the countryside, but also within easy reach of superb local amenities and transport links, The Primary is the ideal place for those seeking the perfect balance of quality, convenience, and peaceful living.”

Another new development of an old property is attracting a lot of interest in home buyers looking to settled down just outside Montrose.

Issue 55

p299

A new show home has opened and properties are on the market at the magnificent Sunnyside Estate. Located in the affluent Hillside area just outside of Montrose the former Sunnyside Royal Hospital building forms the centrepiece of the estate, which boasts a combination of luxury apartments and family homes in 64-acres of magnificent mature grounds.

p300

Issue 55

Sunnyside Estate Issue 55

p301

The development includes an exclusive offering of converted two and three-bedroom apartments / townhouses and bespoke two, three, four and fivebedroom new-build family homes.

All with excellent transport links to Dundee, Aberdeen and beyond.

p302

Issue 55

Issue 55

p303

The main former hospital building, Sunnyside Mansion, is being refurbished to the highest standards into spacious luxury apartments and townhouses suitable for retirement living.

The Grade A listed building

p304

Issue 55

dates back to 1781 and will comprise a selection of luxurious and spacious two, three, and four-bedroom townhouses and apartments available, priced from £220,000.

Issue 55

p305

Away from the main building two new mature woodland settings – The Woods and The Orchard offer a selection of family homes.

p306

Issue 55

The Woods comprises a selection of airy and spacious new build four and five-bedroom family homes offering a secluded and semi-rural setting from £359,000.

Issue 55

p307

The Orchard offers a selection of roomy and practical - bedroom bungalows and three bedroom, detached & semi-detached villas. It is bounded by mature woodlands with a woodland walk, offering a secluded, semi-rural setting within the development.

These spacious family homes start from £199,950

p308

Issue 55

Issue 55

p309

Whitedene

For anyone looking for something a little more exclusive Whitedene in the heart of Auchterarder, Perthshire is within walking distance of the world renowned Gleneagles Hotel and golf resort.

Tucked away on one of Scotland’s most desirable streets the property offers superb accommodation, beautiful mature gardens and great privacy.

p310

Issue 55

The house dates from 1969, with a striking contemporary design that provides light-filled reception and entertaining space, complemented by extensive accommodation.

Issue 55

p311

“Whitedene is an exceptional property, combining spacious and thoughtfully designed accommodation looking on to beautiful landscaped gardens fringed by mature trees. The location is very special, providing the purchaser with a completely private and tranquil setting while adjacent to all the amenities of Gleneagles Hotel and close to the centre of Auchterarder,” said Scott Holley of selling agents Galbraith.

p312

Issue 55

Whitedene has a wealth of attractive reception rooms, notably the sitting room, with elevated views over the gardens and tennis court, the dining hall for more formal entertaining and the sun room with glorious southerly and westerly views onto the grounds. There is also a separate games room with bar, this would have great potential to use as an alternative reception area or family room.

Issue 55

p313

The property has a well-appointed breakfasting kitchen with a separate utility room, as well as four generous bedrooms, (three en-suite). The master bedroom has an attractive dual aspect and integrated wardrobes.

The grounds of about 1.89 acres include established landscaped gardens with flowering shrubs and mature trees. There is a tennis court and a spacious summer house which would also make a perfect garden office or games room. The Lochy Burn runs through the grounds to the south and the gardens have access to an adjacent woodland, for peaceful walks.

p314

Issue 55

Whitedene, which is on the market for offers over £1,600,000, is located off a secluded private road which is renowned as one of Scotland’s premier addresses.

Issue 55

p315

p316

Issue 55

Issue 55

p317

July 2021

This month’s Discover Scotland multimedia magazine has been brought to you by: Sponsors Glenturret Distillery Loch Lomond Seaplanes

Thank you to all our donors, supporters, patrons and sponsors without whose help producing Discover Scotland and distributing it for free to a global audience would be much more difficult.

If you would like more information on how to help us fly the flag for Scotland and all things Scottish

Find out Here Photo by VisitScotland / Discover Clackmannanshire / Damian Shields Views of the Wallace Monument as seen from Dumyat at the western end of the main range of the Ochil hills

p318

Issue 55

Issue 55

p319

p320

Issue 55