Scotland

Emeli Sande changed because of Adele

Music Gossip

6 Jan 2012

Emeli Sande changed her name as soon as she heard Adele's music. The Scottish singer shares a first name with the 'Rolling in the Deep' hitmaker, but decided to adopt her middle name as a performer instead in order to distinguish herself from the…

Archive Trails - Artists making new work from old photos and songs from Scotland's past

Scottish folk ballads reworked via song, video and puppetry

21 Sep 2011

After months of delving through old photos and songs, three performers aim to bring to life Scotland’s long-lost folk ballads through experimental vocals, video and glove puppets. Rachel Devine reports

Scottish stunt cyclist Danny MacAskill in new bike video

Danny MacAskill: Way Back Home features more of the moves that earned him 21m YouTube views

18 Nov 2010

Extraordinary Scottish street trials cyclist Danny MacAskill's new video Way Back Home is grabbing lots of attention. The film includes more examples of the jaw-dropping moves that earned his original Inspired Bicycles film over 21 million views on…

Glasgow International - Mark Cousins meets Douglas Gordon

15 Apr 2010

Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art returns this fortnight with a mouth-watering programme of work by over 50 artists in venues across the city, based around the theme ‘past, present, future’. Opening the festival, internationally renowned…

The best winter hotel breaks in Scotland

4 Nov 2009

The Lovat, Loch Ness This beautifully restored hotel has been inspiring excellent reviews since refurbishment was finished in 2007. The Victorian main building is supplemented by studio annexes, with rooms done out in a hybrid of classic 19th century…

Songs of Home

We find out about a festival and a screening looking at the darker sides of the Scottish Diaspora

16 Oct 2009

Between the numerous gigs, gatherings and soap carving workshops (we kid you not) squeezing under its umbrella, ‘Homecoming’ itself has become a rather vague concept this year. It’s refreshing, then, that in their 20th anniversary year the Scottish…

Visiting Skye

Taking a trip to the idyllic isle

10 Sep 2009

‘If you’ve never been kissed on the Isle of the Mist, it’s a joy you must try before you die …’ The whole pub crowd joins in for the chorus of this jaunty tune; swaying to and fro along with local band, Bramax, in the tiny seaside village of Kyleakin…

Visiting Orkney

Having an adventure on this treasure island

10 Sep 2009

Orkney is a compelling place, with a rich history – but also plenty sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and fun activities to please the casual visitor. Simon Varwell digs beneath the surface

Discover what Scotland has to offer you

13 Aug 2009

From our history, culture and traditions and our contributions to the worlds of creativity, innovation and entertainment, through to our food and sport, Scotland has always punched above its weight... Find out more about our history and tradition or…

Going Across The Sea

1 Mar 2009

Let me tell you a little story. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin. There once was a handsome be-quiffed Scottish musician named Tim Matthew (front man of Mystery Juice and various solo projects) and in 2007 he and Betse Ellis, from Kansas…

Conflict and Resolution

8 Jan 2009

CELTIC CONNECTIONS The life of Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh will be celebrated in unusual fashion in this concert featuring a specially commissioned new work for musicians from Scotland and Catalonia, with the BBC…

FAQs

1 Dec 2008

This sweet orange fizz is Scotland's second drink, after whisky, and is so popular that this is one of the only countries in the world where Coca Cola is not the biggest selling soft beverage. No one knows quite what it's actually made from. Rumours…

Scotland: A Changing Nation

3 Jul 2008

‘I don’t want to blow our own trumpet, or anything,’ says Maureen Barrie, standing with her arms spread in front of a blank wall that will shortly be emblazoned with a giant replica of a Tunnock’s Teacake, ‘but we’re a hell of a nation if you think…

Kelburn Garden Party cancelled

3 Jun 2008

The Kelburn Garden Party, a music festival due to be held between Friday 4th and Sunday 6th July in Kelburn near Largs in Ayrshire, has been cancelled by the organisers. The cancellation followed a management meeting in which it emerge that…

T in the Park announces additional stage

22 May 2008

T in the Park is to have an additional stage this year and will also feature night-long DJ’s. The Relentless Energy Drink Stage will showcase up-and-coming British and International music. The Duracell Powerhouse is also set to make is fourth…

Airline announces direct flight from JFK to Edinburgh

8 May 2008

Delta Airline has launched a new direct service from New York JFK to Edinburgh, with its inaugural flight taking to the skies last week. Tourist agency VisitScotland said the move would help raise Scotland's profile as a holiday destination.

Scottish Surfing

10 Apr 2008

Even when the surf’s up in Scotland, chances are the temperatures won’t be. But with advancements in wetsuits over the past few years, it’s now possible to surf the Scottish coastline year-round. Fuelled I suspect by seeing one too many photos of…

Three others to try: Beach sports

10 Apr 2008

Body boarding If kids can catch waves by standing in the water with a polystyrene board and waiting, so can the most clumsy of adults. This is an ideal introduction to surfing, as body boards are smaller, lighter and cheaper than surf boards. Coast to…

A History of Scotland (In 60 Minutes or Less)

16 Aug 2007

The avowed intention of this whizz through Scotland’s turbulent past is to bypass the usual cheesy tartan and shortbread stereotypes in favour of something altogether grittier. While this is a noble aim, the trio of performers initially struggle to get…

Tutti Frutti - feature

Cult fiction

12 Sep 2006

Steve Cramer talks to John Byrne about history, our relationship with the past and his new stage adaptation of his cult television hit, Tutti Frutti.