Scotland Today
Since devolution in 1999, Scotland has made huge strides. Our economy is growing, our young people more ambitious for themselves and we are increasingly making our mark on the world.
Scotland's Greenhouse Gas Production Falls
The Scottish Executive Environment Minister, Ross Finnie, told the UN Climate Change Conference in Nairobi that Scotland's output of carbon dioxide has fallen by 14% since 1990. That was a greater reduction than any other part of the UK and better than 14 out of 15 European Union countries. A greenhouse gas inventory for Scotland shows a steady decline in the emissions which contribute to climate change. During this period, the EU had an overall increase. Much of the reduction in Scotland was as a result of reducing CO2 from coal-fired power stations – they have introduced improved technologies. But the amount of the gas being produced by road transport continues to rise. However, it is said that all these estimates are "subject to revision".
Biomass Renewable Energy Project for Highlands
A £24 million biomass project is to be constructed at the former Alcan aluminium smelter at Invergordon, north of Inverness. It will include a combined heat and power (CHP) plant generating green energy that will be supplied direct to the grid. Highlands and Islands Enterprise will provide £5.5 million towards the total project costs. The plant will create wood pellets from sawdust and woodchips which are then sold to businesses or domestic users with central heating boilers which can use them. Part of the output will also be utilised to generate power, on site.
Oban Life Science Company Secures Lucrative Deal
Oban life science company GlycoMar has secured a potentially lucrative agreement with a drug discovery company which could bring wider benefits to Argyll's burgeoning science community.
GlycoMar's managing director Dr Charlie Bavington announced this week that his firm has been selected to provide drug discovery company Verona Pharma plc with evaluation of a range of anti-inflammatory polysaccharides. Verona Pharma concentrates on developing new therapeutic drugs for the treatment of hay fever and other chronic respiratory and inflammatory diseases.
£25 Million Hotel Development for Aberdeen
The company that operates the Holiday Inn group of hotels has announced a £25 million plan to refurbish an existing hotel beside the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) and also build a new one nearby. The aim is to create a four-star resort to cater for the burgeoning conference market, while the other hotel would be aimed at the budget sector, such as concert-goers attending performances at the AECC. Aberdeen City Council have already approved another £10 million development, which is expected to feature a flagship five-star hotel, in the Bridge of Don area. So there will eventually be three major accommodation providers there, if they all go ahead.
New Air Service to Munich
Budget airline easyJet is to start the first air service between Scotland and Munich next April, when it begins daily flights from Edinburgh. easyJet will use Airbus A319 aircraft which has a capacity of 156 seats. The new route is being supported by the Scottish government's Route Development Fund (RDF), which supports new air links where airlines can demonstrate the services will have a direct economic benefit to Scotland. The flights must involve regular scheduled services and must not undermine existing flights. There are now over 30 routes currently operating which are supported by the RDF. Last year fund-supported routes carried around 1.4 million passengers.
Scotland's Top Visitor Attraction – By a Mile
Before the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow closed for a major refurbishment in 2003, it regularly welcomed over a million visitors a year, making it the most popular, free tourist attraction in the country. Only Edinburgh Castle (which charges an entry fee) had more visitors, with 1.2 million last year. Usually when these projects are in the formative stages, optimistic estimates are given for what the new numbers through the doors will be – and the City of Glasgow seemed to be following the same route when it suggested they would double. But four months after the re-opening, a staggering 1.8 million people have toured the attraction and now the gallery management is talking of reaching nearly 4 million by the end of the first twelve months. The modernisation increased the public areas in the building by 35% and increased the number of items on display from 3,000 to 8,000. But it's not just these hard facts that are attracting folk to Kelvingrove. The slick presentation of exhibits and the buzz around the place (partly due of course to the large number of people milling around) make for an exciting experience – and not many museums and art galleries can achieve that.
Toughest Anti-Smoking Laws in Europe?
It is being suggested that Scotland will have the toughest anti-smoking laws in Europe if a Scottish Executive proposal to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes from 16 to 18 goes ahead. A ban on smoking in all public buildings came into force at the end of March this year in Scotland. The ban also applies to all enclosed workplaces, therefore commercial vehicles are included – although smoking van drivers may feel that the police have other issues to pursue. Anyone breaking the ban faces an immediate fine and premises that do not stop smoking going ahead are liable for even heavier financial penalties. The legislation in England and Wales on smoking in public buildings does not come into force until next summer. An expert group on smoking prevention in Scotland has recommended to the Health Minister a ban on tobacco sales to under-18s and a tough approach on vendors who sell tobacco products to under-age customers. However, surveys suggest that currently 5% of boys and 7% of girls are regular smokers by the age of 13, so raising the minimum age is likely to have only a marginal effect.
Scotland's Most Ambitious Engineering Project for Generations
The design plans for the rail link under the main runway of Edinburgh Airport were published this week by the managers of the construction project. Two tunnels, each 1.5 kilometres long, will have their roofs 8 metres below the runway surface and part of the link will go under the River Almond. It has been described by the director of the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link (Earl) project as "Scotland's most ambitious engineering project for generations." A team of world-class tunnelling engineers is being assembled to mastermind the design and construction. Preliminary work will start by the end of 2007 but the main boring for the tunnels will not go ahead until 2009. The estimated capital cost of the scheme is approximately £610 million, with the rail service targeted to commence operation in 2010/11. Most of the cost is being met by the Scottish Executive .
Funding for Botanic Garden Showcase
The project to create a state-of-the-art Gateway Visitor Centre at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh took a major step forward this week as the Scottish Executive allocated another £4 million towards the development. That brings the amount committed by the government, the Heritage Lottery Fund and private donations to £14.7 million. Another million pounds will allow construction to go ahead. The plan for the Gateway will allow two-way communication between visitors and locations around the globe – meaning people can see sustainable working methods in Peru or an expedition to discover plants in South America or Japan.
Importance of Trump Golf Course
The chairman of the Scottish tourism agency, VisitScotland, has encouraged the north-east of Scotland to seize the potential benefits of the plans by the US tycoon Donald Trump to create "the world's greatest golf course" on the Aberdeenshire coast. Speaking after presenting the "Northern Lights" tourism awards, Peter Lederer said that when one of the world's most successful businessmen is looking to invest £300 million in tourism, then the community should work to accommodate him. The tourism chief also outlined VisitScotland's ambitious plans to expand Scotland's tourism by 50% in the next decade. Helped by the golf course plans, he predicted that the north-east could achieve that target in half the time. But he also warned that the region had to have the right infrastructure in place, with improvements to road, rail and air services.
For the latest news from Scotland, go to www.rampantscotland.com
Events in Scotland
Scottish Festival Orchestra Yuletide Classics, Perth – 21 December 2006
Perth Concert Hall 7.30pm
An evening of Yuletide Classics including popular favourites by Humperdinck, Tchaikovsky, Puccini and carols for all!
Tickets: £7.50-£23
Contact – Perth Concert Hall
Tel: 0845 612 6320
Email: tickets@horsecross.co.uk
Web: www.horsecross.co.uk
RSNO Christmas Concert, Edinburgh – 22 December 2006
A programme of Christmas music with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and chorus, including the Snowman.
Contact – Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh
Tel: 0141 226 3868
Email: info@rsno.org.uk
Web: www.rsno.org.uk
Kings of Swing – The Christmas Songbook, Perth – 23 December 2006
Perth Concert Hall 7.30pm Admission – Tickets £16 (Concessions £12)
Back due to huge demand . . . the swinging Christmas Songbook, featuring Marcus Pope's extraordinary 'Kings Of Swing' Big Band, returns to Perth with some very special guests, sleighfuls of nostalgia and seasonal cheer.
Contact – Perth Concert Hall – 0845 612 6320
Email: tickets@horsecross.co.uk
Web: www.horsecross.co.uk
Enjoy the festive sounds at a Christmas concert on December 22nd, at the Usher Hall.
Ride the Edinburgh Wheel, the Christmas and Flying Carousel and the Bungydome, open until January 7th.
Visit Santa in West Princes Street Gardens or in the Gyle, or at Santa's Grotto at Jenners.
Shop at the one of the seven markets across the city, including the traditional German market from November 23rd to December 24th on the Mound Precinct and a Christmas market until January 7th on Princes Street Gardens.
See Christmas shows including Pinocchio, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Cinderella, The Snowman, Green Whale and Puss in Boots.
National Library celebrates 'Sale of the Centuries', National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
Love it or loath it, shopping is part of our daily life. Shops dominate the high streets today as they have done for centuries. But where did the Scots go for their groceries in the days before supermarkets and online ordering? When did shopping on a Saturday afternoon become more of a leisure activity than a chore?
The National Library of Scotland's forthcoming exhibition Sale of the Centuries provides a glimpse of our changing relationship with shops and shopping, over more than three centuries, from the early markets and fairs, through the growth of the corner shop and the High Street, to the age of the grand department store and beyond.
Amongst the items on display is a Scotmid staff record slip, showing the employment record of milkman Thomas S Connery from Edinburgh – the Oscar-winning actor Sean Connery. The slip shows his name, address, salary over a number of years, and notes of him leaving for National Service.
Material on display from the National Library's collections will include items such as diaries, shopping bills, tradesmen's accounts, ledgers, catalogues, advertisements, photographs, maps and town plans. A variety of loaned artefacts, such as grocers' scales, a shop till, toys and a pricing printing press will also contribute to the story.
Drawing on the personal testimonies and accounts of Scotsmen and women the exhibition will allow the visitor to learn and experience what people bought, where they shopped, who did the shopping and the shift in attitudes towards shopping.
In ideal time for Christmas, the exhibition runs from Thursday 8 December until Sunday 12 February in the National Library of Scotland's George IV Bridge building. Entry is free. A series of free events and workshops has been organised to complement the exhibition.
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh
EH1 1EW
Tel: 0131 623 3700
'Black Bun' Special Trains – Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, Lothian – Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 December 2006
Mark the end of 2006 with a ride on the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway. The fare includes a slice of traditional Scottish Black Bun and tea or coffee, which are served on the train. (Black Bun is a rich fruit cake in a pastry case). Stronger drinks are available from the buffet car on the train.
Special timetable : Departures 11.00, 12.15 & 13.30
Fares : £6.00 (adult); £3.00 (child)
Please note that Birkhill Mine and the Scottish Railway Exhibition are not open
For further information:
The Scottish Railway Preservation Society
Bo'ness Station
Union Street
Bo'ness
West Lothian
EH51 9AQ
Tel: 01506 825855 (Mon–Fri, 10am–2pm)
Or email enquiries
New Lanark Christmas Experience, Lanark – weekends until 24 December
The New Lanark Christmas Experience is back for 2006 with an exciting new panto written specially for New Lanark by the Arkeen Theatre Company.
The Christmas Experience including the pantomime, Santa's Grotto and the Christmas Experience ride, as well as entry to all the attractions, will run on weekends until Sunday 24th December. Tickets are just £7.95 per person or family tickets are available for £27.50 (2+2) or £35.00 (2+4)
Join in the fun at New Lanark! New Lanark lies on a particularly attractive section of the Clyde Walkway, close to the Falls of Clyde.
For more details, contact Lanark Tourist Information Centre.
Tel: 01555 661661
Fax: 01555 666143
'The Snowman' Festive Cinema Experience, Lanark – Tuesday 26 to Sunday 31 December
The perfect way for the family to recover from the festivities! Relax in our AV theatre and join 'The Snowman' on his magical adventure.
FREE with a Visitor Centre ticket or £3 per person without. Shows at 1pm and 3pm in Robert Owen's School for Children.
New Lanark lies on a particularly attractive section of the Clyde Walkway, close to the Falls of Clyde.
For more details, contact Lanark Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01555 661661
Fax: 01555 666143
Glasgow on Ice – George Square, Glasgow – until 24th December
Glasgow City Council, DF Concerts and Scottish Events team up once more to create a magical winter wonderland in George Square. After entering the rink through a magnificent palace style façade, skaters will be greeted by staff in festive costume. Visitors will also be able to tell Santa exactly what they want for Christmas when they visit him at the Evening Times' best Santa's Grotto. And keep your eyes peeled for Mr. Claus taking a break from present-promising, and joining skaters on the ice from time to time! Meanwhile, if you're all skated-out, why not enjoy some hot chestnuts and mulled wine at the rinkside café?
For more information log onto: www.glasgow-on-ice.co.uk
Keeping Christmas at Pollok House, Glasgow – until Wed 3 Jan
Pollok House, All day
See the House lavishly decorated for Christmas with different periods represented in different rooms. Superb gift and food shops and special Christmas bazaar.
Traditional Music at the Burns National Heritage Park – Musical Recital, Ayr – until 22nd December 2006
Catherine Overdyking, our resident pianist, will be entertaining customers in the Tam O'Shanter Restaurant with her rendition of many well-loved tunes.
All Welcome
Tam O'Shanter Experience 2 – 3pm No charge
Burns National Heritage Park
Murdoch's Lone
Alloway
Ayr
KA7 4PQ
Tel: +44 (0)1292 443 700
Fax: +44 (0)1292 441 750
Email: info@burnsheritagepark.com
100 guided walks for Kinlochleven – 'The Walking Village', Argyll – until 31 December 2007
Web: walking.visitscotland.com/events/100-walks-kinlochleven
Midwinter Walk at the Ring of Brodgar, Orkney – 21 December 2006, 1pm to 2pm
Join the WHS Ranger Service on a guided walk around the Ring of Brodgar.
Meet at Brodgar Car Park. Bring waterproofs, warm clothing and suitable footwear.
Contact the WHS Ranger Service to book.
Web: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/rangerservice/rsevents.htm
Guided walks, Orkney – every Thursday 1.00pm
Explore the area around the Ring of Brodgar with the Ranger Service.
Meet at Ring of Brodgar Car Park. Bring waterproofs, warm clothing and suitable footwear.
Contact the WHS Ranger Service to book.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/rangerservice/rsevents.htm
Other News
Dundee Reunited
We are really pleased to be able to relaunch the www.dundee-reunited.com website. We've spent considerable effort putting together the new site which will allow you to:
- make contact with old friends
- update your contact details and decide how much you would like to make public to logged in–members of the site
- tell the community what you are doing now
- find out about alumni events and reunions
- set up an @dundee-reunited.com email for life address
- take advantage of promotional offers
- and much more . . .
I hope you enjoy the new site and find it useful.
Regards
Christine Grover
Website & Database Manager
© University of Dundee, Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland UK
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384000
Fax: +44 (0)1382 201604
On-line exhibitions:
These two albums of the Edinburgh Calotype Club, the first photographic club in the world, are among the earliest photograph albums in the world ever assembled. They contain over 300 images by a group of pioneering Scottish photographers working in Edinburgh and St. Andrews.
www.nls.uk/pencilsoflight/
Experience the First World War through the eyes of three very different Scottish people who took part in it.
General Douglas Haig (later Field Marshal Earl Haig) was British Commander in Chief for the greater part of the First World War. Follow his war through his diaries, letters, and photos by clicking on his photograph.
Nurse Mairi Chisholm knew more about the war and its horrors than most women. You can follow her wartime experiences by clicking on the photograph.
Lance Corporal George Ramage was an ordinary Scottish soldier or 'Jock' in the Gordon Highlanders. His perspective on the war was very different from General Haig's. Click on his photograph to read his diary and follow his experiences.
Web: www.nls.uk/experiencesofwar/
Hogmanay Events Across Scotland
Stonehaven Fireball Festival, Aberdeenshire – 31 December 2006
Stonehaven's Fireball Festival is a spectacular sight as local people process along the old town High Street swinging fireballs to ward off the darkness of winter and welcome in the new year in what is one of the few remaining traditional mid-winter fire festivals on the east coast.
Web: www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk/
Hogmanay at Perth Concert Hall, Perth – 31 December 2006
Come and join us for our exclusive Hogmanay dinner dance and welcome 2007 in style! Prepare for an evening of celebration and start your Hogmanay with a sparkling Cava reception in our foyer before feasting on a mouth watering four course dinner served in our stunning auditorium. This year the venue is open exclusively to diners who will enjoy table service and avoid bar crushes. Ceilidh band, Hot-Scotch, who have played for audiences worldwide, will be offering a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish music throughout the night; there's no better way to get guests dancing. There will be a piper to pipe in the New Year and then the celebrations continue into the 'wee sma' hours' to the sounds of the disco.
Perth Concert Hall
Perth
From 7.30pm
Admission – Tickets £75
Contact – Horsecross Events Team
Tel: 01738 472707
Email: tickets@horsecross.co.uk
Web: www.horsecross.co.uk
Hogmanay Flambeaux Procession, Comrie – 31 December 2006
Hogmanay Flambeaux Procession
Town Centre
From approx. 11.30pm onwards
The Flambeaux is an ancient torchlight procession originally performed to drive evil spirits from the village of Comrie.
Admission – Free
Contact – Crieff Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01764 652578
Email: criefftic@visitscotland.com
Taybank Hogmanay Party, Dunkeld – 31 December 2006
The Taybank
Come along and see live bands playing at the Taybank's outdoor event.
Contact – The Taybank
Tel: 01350 727340
Email: admin@thetaybank.com
Web: www.thetaybank.com
Blairgowrie Ne'er Day Fun Run, Blairgowrie – 1 January 2007
Start from Blairgowrie Town Hall, finish in the Wellmeadow
Registration in Blairgowrie Town Hall from 12 noon, Race starts at 1pm
The ideal way to start the new year, blow away the cobwebs, meet up with friends and wish them Happy New Year. The race and Fun Run is 3.7 miles and open to anyone up to 90 years of age. There will be prizes up for grabs, with soup and refreshments available at the Town Hall after the race.
Admission – Entry fee is £1
Contact – Blairgowrie Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01250 872960
Email: blairgowrietic@visitscotland.com
Pitlochry New Year's Day Afternoon Street Party, Pitlochry – 1 January 2007
Atholl Road (outside Fishers Bar)
1pm–4pm
What better way to start the new year than with a shindig bringing locals and visitors together for a ceilidh in the street? Food and refreshments will be available, includes a raffle and live music.
Admission – Free
Contact – Pitlochry Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01796 472215
Email: pitlochrytic@visitscotland.com
Edinburgh's Hogmanay, Edinburgh – 29 December 2006 to 1 January 2007
Four fabulous days and nights of amazing events kick off the world's greatest New Year party. With the traditional torch lit procession, street performers, fireworks, concerts, ceilidh, the big Hogmanay party itself and a New Year's Day run to blow the cobwebs away – Edinburgh's buzzing. Come along and experience the magic for yourself.
Web: www.edinburghshogmanay.org
The Loony Dook, South Queensferry – 1 January 2007
To celebrate the first day of every new year, a growing number of hardy souls leap into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry – fancy dress welcome, wetsuits not allowed and all monies collected go to local charities. You don't have to be loony to join in but it helps . . .
Read more about this event.
Biggar Hogmanay Bonfire, Lothian – 31 December 2006
The Hogmanay bonfire in the Borders town of Biggar dates back to pagan times when fire was worshipped and believed to ward of evil spirits for the New Year. The tradition has been kept alive for hundreds of years and no other town in the world celebrates the arrival of the New Year like Biggar.
Read more about this event.
Land, Lights, Locals – Scottish Borders Hogmanay Celebration, Scottish Borders – 31 December 2006
The Scottish Borders' New Year festival features over 100 musicians and performers from across the region in sessions, concerts and ceilidhs, as well as the numerous informal afternoon music sessions and other daytime events. A warm welcome awaits you at Hogmanay in traditional style. For full details visit Land, Light, Locals . . .
Web: www.borderevents.com/annual/24.html
Glasgow Hogmannay, Glasgow
The View . . . The Fratellis . . . Sandi Thom . . . Suspiciously Elvis . . . special guests and 25,000 people make one big party in George Square.
Join Glasgow's biggest party of the year with 25,000 other revellers to see in the New Year with a range of concerts and ceilidhs on several stages around the city centre. George Square is party central – come along and enjoy the fun.
Tickets cost 10.00 plus ticket charges based on a maximum of four per household
By phone:
Glasgow's Hogmanay Ticket Hotline – 0870 333 6205
In person:
Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Street
Glasgow
ABC
Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow
Web: www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Glasgow's Hogmanay Tickets must not be resold to any other person including via any online auction house either as a single item or as part of a package.
Felix Femina, Nationwide
This exquisite music from the St Andrews Music Book takes you back to the moment when Queen Margaret of Scotland was made a saint, and to a time when pilgrims journeyed to St Andrews to visit the Apostle's tomb. Take a magical, mystical, musical journey with us as we perform this wonderful programme – the latest in a long line of major discoveries from Scotland's rich cultural heritage.
Cappella Nova is Scotland's leading professional vocal ensemble specialising in early (medieval and renaissance) and contemporary music. The group was formed by Alan and Rebecca Tavener in 1982, and has just celebrated its twenty-first anniversary.
"Cappella Nova has raised choral singing to vertiginous heights in Scotland" Classical Music Magazine
Thu 22 February 2007 at 7.30pm Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
Fri 23 February 2007 at 7.30pm St Mary's RC Cathedral, Aberdeen
Sat 24 February 2007 at 7.30pm St Salvator's Chapel, St Andrews
(in association with St. Andrews University Music Centre)
Sun 25 February 2007 at 7.30pm St Andrews in the Square, Glasgow
Tickets: £12.50 and £10 (concession: £9.50 and £7)
Edinburgh – Queen's Hall Box Office: 0131 668 2019 Aberdeen – Aberdeen Box Office: 01224 641122 St. Andrews – Byre Theatre Box Office: 01334 475000 Glasgow – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall: 0141 353 8000
Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland – 30 January 2007
Britain's biggest and most spectacular fire festival features a torch-lit parade of almost 1000 people, dressed either as Vikings or in all manner of crazy fancy-dress costumes, the spectacular burning of a Viking galley, ceilidhs and all-night partying.
Read more about this event.
Marischall Museum: Lectures and Event – Aberdeen
New King's lecture theatre NK1.
New King's is beside High Street, Old Aberdeen near King's College Chapel.
9 January 2007
Reconstructing Hadrian's Wall; a lecture to mark the publication of the 14th edition of John Collingwood Bruce's Handbook to the Roman Wall
Professor David Breeze
Historic Scotland
Free Entry
30 January 2007
The Concert Party Tradition of North-East Scotland:
Understanding the Experience of Vernacular Performance
Dr Ian Russell
University of Aberdeen
Entry: £2.00
Winter Words Festival, Pitlochry – 25 to 28 January 2007
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
There's a distinctly Scottish feel to our Winter Words Festival for 2007, which is set to banish those winter blues with a host of events to warm the cockles of your book-loving heart! Confirmed lineup to date includes Magnus Magnusson, William McIlvanney, Kathleen Jamie, James Robertson, Richard Holloway, John Simpson, Shirley Spears & Mary Contini, Guy Grieve, Carl MacDougall, Jamie Jauncey, oh, and if we're very, very lucky, there might even be An Audience with Ronnie Corbett thrown in for good measure . . .
Contact – Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office
Tel: 01796 484626
Email: boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk
Web: www.pitlochry.org.uk
The Scots and the Union of 1707: a view from 2007 by Christopher Whatley, Dundee – 14 February 2007
The Dundee Afternoon Lectures
2:00–3:15pm at the D'arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, University of Dundee. Admission £2.00
2007 is the 300th anniversary of the Union of 1707, the reasons for which are still the subject of heated debate. Professor Whatley's lecture, based on his latest book The Scots and the Union, offers a radical new explanation for, and defence of, the Scottish MPs who voted for parliamentary union.
For more information contact: Mrs Joy Ingram
Tel: 01382 668193
Being There: Harry Benson's Fifty Years of Photojournalism, Edinburgh – until 7 January 2007
Harry Benson is responsible for some of the most iconic photographs of modern times. He covered some of the major news stories of the 20th century, from the collapse of the Berlin Wall to Martin Luther King's funeral.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen Street
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 624 6200
Email: nginfo@nationalgalleries.org
Web: www.natgalscot.ac.uk
Reflections: A Decade of North Lands Creative Glass, Edinburgh – until 7 January 2007
Over 60 works by internationally acclaimed glassmakers celebrates the Art Centre's tenth anniversary. Part of the Edinburgh Art Festival.
Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 247 4422
Email: info@nms.ac.uk
Web: www.nms.ac.uk
Energy: North Sea Portraits, Edinburgh – until 28 January 2007
This exhibition aims to capture the vibrant community of people who work in the North Sea oil industry. Scottish painter Fionna Carlisle has created 24 new portraits representing a cross-section of the people working in the oil industry.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen Street
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 624 6200
Email: pginfo@nationalgalleries.org
Web: www.nationalgalleries.org
Consider the Lilies: Works from Dundee's 20th Century Art Collection, Edinburgh – until 14 January 2007
The best of the City of Dundee's modern art collection will get a rare showing in the Scottish capital. The exhibition will consist of modern Scottish masterpieces, from the period 1910-1980, including works by Edward Baird, John Bellany, the Scottish colourists, Stanley Cursiter, John Duncan, Will Maclean, Alberto Morrocco and James McIntosh Patrick.
Dean Gallery
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
73 Belford Road
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 624 6200
Email: deaninfo@nationalgalleries.org
Web: www.natgalscot.ac.uk
Douglas Gordon, Edinburgh – until 14 January 2007
£6/£4 (free to children under 12)
The first major solo exhibition of former Turner prizewinner Douglas Gordon's work in Scotland since he presented his now celebrated work, 24 Hour Psycho, at Tramway in Glasgow in 1993.
Royal Scottish Academy Building
The Mound
Tel: 0131 225 6671
Email: nginfo@nationalgalleries.org
Web: www.natgalscot.ac.uk
Commando Country, Edinburgh – until 25 February 2008
Scotland's role in the formation and emergence of the Commandos during the Second World War is examined in this exhibition.
National War Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh Castle
Tel: 0131 247 4422
Email: info@nms.ac.uk
Web: www.nms.ac.uk
Scotland and The Union Events, Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is to present a series of four high profile public events to mark the tercentenary of the Anglo-Scottish Union of 1707.
1st May 2007 is the three hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England, which is arguably the single most important date in the modern history of these islands.
All events are FREE but ticketed. You can book online now.
Please note, all venues are to be confirmed.
Debating the Union of 1707
Wednesday 10 January 2007, 6:00pm
Dr Karin Bowie, University of Glasgow
Professor Macinnes, University of Aberdeen
Dr Alex Murdoch, University of Edinburgh
Professor Chris Whatley, University of Dundee
Chair: Professor Christopher Smout, Historiographer Royal in Scotland
Book online
Union and Empire: Good for Scotland?
Tuesday 13 February, 6:00pm
Professor Tom Devine, University of Edinburgh
Chair: Dr Richard Holloway, Chairman, Scottish Arts Council
Book online
Scots and the Union, Edinburgh – 9 February to 6th May 2006
The year 2007 is the tercentenary of the Treaty of Union, which joined Scotland to England and Wales to create the United Kingdom. This six-piece video exhibition – part historical and part contemporary – will examine the motives and the consequences of the union.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen Street
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 624 6200
Email: pginfo@nationalgalleries.org
Web: www.nationalgalleries.org
Gifted – an exhibition of Scottish Contemporary Craft, Edinburgh – until 21st January 2007
National Museums of Scotland
Gifte is an exhibition of work for sale by over 30 makers from Scotland covering a range of crafts including glass, ceramics and jewellery. Gifted is at the Royal Museum, Chambers Street, Edinburgh until 21st January 2007.
Scotland vs Wales at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh – 10 February 2007
Part of Six Nations Championships 2007.
Tel: 0131 346 5000
Web: www.scottishrugby.org
Entrepreneurial Scotland, Edinburgh – 13 February to 22 April 2007
Photographers Ross Gillespie and Tricia Malley have photographed 24 of Scotland's leading businessmen and women. The accompanying book records both the well-known figures of Scotland's thriving business world as well as less familiar names of the up and coming.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen Street
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 624 6200
Email: pginfo@nationalgalleries.org
Web: www.nationalgalleries.org
Scotland vs Italy at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh – 24 February 2007
Part of Six Nations Championships 2007.
Discussion Forum – Cultural Policy and National Identity in Post Devolution Scotland, Edinburgh – Monday 5 February 2007 at 6.00pm
Scottish Parliament
In Scotland, culture has been celebrated as a key factor on the road to devolution. Since 1999 debates and policies on culture – from the National Cultural Strategy to the Cultural Commission; the review of the national companies to the launch of the National Theatre; and "Creative Scotland the awards" to "Creative Scotland the agency" – have busied government. Drawing on the experience of key figures in Scotland's cultural life, this seminar explores our new engagement with cultural development and policy. How might a "policy-defined culture" impact on Scottish life and change the image that Scotland presents to a wider world?
Open to all and free to attend – tickets required
Click here to apply for tickets for Cultural Policy and National Identity
Celebrating 10 Years of Dolly the Sheep, Edinburgh – Wednesday 14 February 2007
The Royal Museum
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
11.00am–4.30pm
A day of activities for all ages to mark the life and death of Dolly the Sheep.
Meet the scientist who led the team that created Dolly, take part in family workshops, including art workshops (all ages) and extract your own DNA! (age 10+).
Talk to the vet who cared for Dolly and find out from Museum staff how she was prepared for display. See Dolly's bones and other objects on exclusive display for a limited time only.
More information on individual events (some of which require booking) will be available on the museum website. Tickets required for some events. To book call 0131 247 4422 or in person at the Royal Museum Ticket Desk.
Further information –
Email: info@nms.ac.uk
Web: www.nms.ac.uk
Discussion Forum – The 10 Years of Dolly: Past, Present and Future, Edinburgh – Wednesday 14 February 2007 at 6.30pm
The Royal Museum (Lothian Street entrance)
Edinburgh
Dr Donald Bruce, Director, Society, Religion & Technology Project, Church of Scotland
Professor Ian Wilmut, CBE, FRS, FRSE, Roslin Institute, Edinburgh
Keith Campbell, University of Nottingham
Professor Grahame Bulfield, CBE, FRSE, University of Edinburgh
Professor Harry Griffin, Director, Roslin Institute
Cloning
Ten years ago, Dolly became the world's most famous sheep. Looking back, what did her birth really mean for science and the society we live in? What can be done now and in the future with the technology? And what should be done?
Tickets are required and cost £4.00 full price and £3.00 concession. To book call 0131 247 4422 or in person at the Royal Museum Ticket Desk.
Further information –
Email: info@nms.ac.uk
Web: www.nms.ac.uk
Guided Tours of the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
We offer a guided tours service, run by professional tour guides and we are currently taking bookings until March 31 2007.
The tours take you from the Main Hall to the floor of the Chamber to see where the MSPs meet to debate and decide on the issues that matter to the people of Scotland. You will also visit a Committee Room and explore further into the building, to allow views of the MSPs office block and historic Queensberry House.
There is a charge for the guided tours to cover the cost of the professional tour guides.
Lasting one hour, our new tours will spend even more time exploring the Scottish Parliament building and your professional tour guide will explain how the Scottish Parliament works, its unique role and specific responsibilities and how you can get involved.
The very popular tour route will continue to include a visit to the Garden Lobby, Debating Chamber and Committee Rooms.
Booking for the Guided Tours is essential.
Adults: £5.00 / Concessions: £3.00 (children aged 5 to 16; people aged 60 and over; students; unemployed; disabled people) / Family: £15.20 / Children under 5: Free
Support workers/carers accompanying a disabled person: Free
Please ask for details of our family ticket rates and discounts for pre-booked groups of 20 or more people.
The tours run on non-business days, which means all weekends; Mondays and Fridays in weeks when Parliament is sitting; all weekdays when Parliament is in recess). There are no public tours on business days (most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays), which is when Parliament is sitting.
Please note that tours will not be available on the following dates due to the Parliament's major events programme.
4 December 2006
20 and 21 January 2007
26 to 29 January 2007
2 February 2007
12 February 2007
23 February 2007
Scotland vs Ireland at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh – 10 March 2007
Part of Six Nations Championships 2007.
Wintry Snowflake Workshops, Lanark – Tuesday 2nd to Sunday 7 January 2007
Blow away those Christmas cobwebs and get stuck into some wintry crafts in Robert Owen's School for Children.
FREE with a Visitor Centre Passport ticket (12 noon-4pm).
Glasgow Film Festival, Glasgow – 15 to 25 February 2007
Various venues celebrating Glasgow's love of film.
Tel: 0141 332 8128
Web: www.glasgowfilmfestival.org.uk
Celtic Connections, Glasgow – 17 January to 4 February 2007
The biggest winter music festival in the world, Celtic Connections features artists from around the globe alongside the very best Scottish talent at venues across the city. The Cowboy Junkies, Eddie Reader, Mary Chapin Carpenter, the McCalmans, Kate Rusby and Mike Harding join names including Rosanne Cash, Richie Havens, Clannad, Kathryn Williams, Idlewild and John Cale. From concerts, ceilidhs and club-nights to drums, drams and dancing, January evenings will never be dreich again!
Celtic Connections kicks off at 5pm on January 17 with a torchlight procession, followed by a charity concert, Hands Across the Water, which brings together many acts from both sides of the Atlantic. They're playing to raise money for child victims of the 2004 Tsunami in Asia.
As well as star concerts there are also interviews and open sessions, and invitations to try your hand at learning the small pipes, the accordion, the mandolin, the bhodran and everything from Scottish country dance to gospel music.
Themed nights cover music from the Orkneys, Lewis, the Scottish Highlands and from Nashville. It's a very impressive line-up, and tickets are going to be snapped up quickly.
UK's premier Celtic and traditional music festival in its 14th year at venues across Glasgow.
Tel: 0141 353 8000
Web: www.celticconnections.com
Showcase Scotland 2007, Glasgow – Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 January 2007
Showcase Scotland is the largest gathering of the international music community in Scotland, and will run for five days during Celtic Connections in January. Now in its eighth year, Showcase Scotland is organized by Active Events, and was initiated by the Scottish Arts Council and British Council Scotland to provide a platform for promoting Scottish music and artists to new audiences around the world.
New Territories, Glasgow – 7 February to 10 March 2007
Scotland's international festival of live arts, showcases cutting-edge dance and performance art in Glasgow's premier arthouses, including the National Review of Live Art at The Arches.
Read more about this event.
SITF Scotland's International Trade Fair incorporating Scotland's International Food Fair at SECC, Glasgow – 21 to 24 January 2007
A variety of Scottish products available for Scottish retail buyers worldwide.
Contact Clarion Events:
Tel: + 44 20 7370 8210
Email: sift@clarionevents.com
Scottish Food & Drink Conference 2007: Premium Dining, Glasgow – Thursday 15 February 2007
Scottish Food & Drink has annnounced that their 2007 conference will take place at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry on 15 February. The topic for the 2007 conference is Premium Dining and Foodservice in Scotland.
http://www.scottishfoodanddrink.com/view_item.aspx?item_id=48623&list_id=list1-18691&list_index=0">www.scottishfoodanddrink.com
Scotland's International Trade Fair Spring/ Food Fair, Glasgow – 21 to 24 January 2007
Formerly known as Scotland's International Trade Fair, Scotland's Trade Fair, Spring presents an unrivalled opportunity to source from over 500 exhibitors to fill your shelves with exciting new products for the busy spring/summer season ahead.
Featuring products from Scotland and all over the UK, Scotland's Trade Fair, Spring provides the perfect environment to discover thousands of products from gifts and fashion accessories to crafts and textiles.
Web: www.scotlandstradefairs.com
Featuring over 100 producers, Scotland's Food Fair, Spring presents the perfect opportunity to source a diverse range of regional delicacies, local specialities and international flavours. The show is packed with products of the highest quality from gift food and confectionery to beverages and preserves, guaranteeing you thousands of ideas to fill your shelves for the busy year ahead.
Sitting alongside is Scotland's Trade Fair, Spring which gives you a unique experience to source exciting gift products to complement your food ranges.
To register for your free ticket to enter both shows, please click here.
Aviemore Sled Dog Rally, Aviemore Glenmore Forest Park– dates to be confirmed
Every year, mushers from throughout the UK gather in the forests around Aviemore for one of the most challenging and prestigious of the British Siberian Husky Club's series of rallies – always hoping for plenty of the white stuff to make it a real arctic experience. And, even if there's no snow at ground level for the event, the races will still go on with mushers using a three-wheeled rig that looks like a bike without a seat.
Read more about this event.
The Fort William Mountain Festival at Nevis Centre and venues in Lochaber, Fort William – 16 February to 3 March 2007
Celebrating mountain culture in the Highlands. Furhter information:
Tel: 01397 700001
Email: info@mountainfilmfestival.co.uk
The Highland 2007 Launch and Lifescan Monster Street Party, Inverness – 12 January 2007, 7pm to 10pm
The opening event for Highland 2007, marking the 'Old New Year' with celebrations throughout the city of Inverness.
Marking an t-Seann Bhliadhn' Ùr, the Old New Year, the Highland 2007 Launch and Lifescan Monster Street Party is the first major event in the programme for Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture.
The Highland 2007 Launch and Lifescan Monster Street Party are open – and free – to everyone, providing family entertainment from 7pm until 10pm on 12 January 2007.
The first part of the evening, the Highland 2007 Launch, will commence at 7pm with First Minister Jack McConnell guest of honour at the celebrations. The event will feature a dazzling display of fireworks by Pyro1, winners of the UK firework company of the year; the award-winning Inverness Gaelic Choir in a dramatic presentation against the backdrop of Inverness Castle; the Massed Pipes and Drums of the Highlands in a stunning arrangement overlooking the River Ness; many other spectacular surprises!
Read more about this event.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery – Reopening, Inverness
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery has been closed since the middle of July, and will be reopening in January 2007, with major improvements to celebrate Highland 2007 – the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture.
Museum Curator Catharine Niven said: "We will have more space to display the wonderful collections that we have. Most of people's favourite exhibits will go out again – they are the best things in the collections – but the new displays will present new ways of looking at them and understanding them."
There will be a programme of changing exhibitions, and the programme will open with 'Fonn's Duthchas – Land and Legacy', an exhibition created by the National Museums of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and The Highland Council, with additional contributions from other Highland organisations and individuals. Fonn's Duthchas has been created to celebrate Scotland's year of Highland culture.
When it reopens in January, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery will be open from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and admission will continue to be free of charge.
Inverness Music Festival, Inverness – 19 February to 8 March 2007
Inverness's Music Festival is a competitive event attracting over 1000 entrants to venues throughout the city. Prizes are awarded in a multitude of styles across Vocal, Instrumental, Speech, Gaelic and Scottish disciplines.
Read more about this event.
Argyll Boxed Collection, Tobermory – 25 November to 31 December 2006 at 00.00
An Tobar showcases the work of selected artists and makers from throughout Argyll with the Argyll Boxed Collection, which brings together 28 individual pieces, each created in a 12"x12"x6" framed box and forming a collection that reflects the range of professional practice in Argyll.
The Argyll Boxed Collection opens in conjunction with An Tobar's Artists and Makers Market 2006, which offers an opportunity to purchase from 30 professional artists and makers.
A selected exhibition of artists and makers from Argyll in:
Gallery I
An Tobar
Argyll Terrace
Tobermory
Isle of Mull
PA75 6PB
until 31 December 2006
Web: www.antobar.co.uk
The Biggest Ceilidh Extravaganza, The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow – 1 January 2007 9.00am
Featuring three of the finest bands in Scotland – Fergie MacDonald & The Highland Ceilidh Band, Skipinnish and Alasdair MacCuish & The Black Rose Ceilidh Band. Don't miss the 2am ceilidh jamboree when they'll all be on stage together.
Tickets: £25
Tel: 0141 353 8000
Web: www.keltic-music.com
Burning of the Clavie, Burghead Village, nr Elgin – 11 January 2007
Pictish, Celtic, Viking or Roman in origin, the Burning of the Clavie is a celebrated Scottish Hogmanay festival.
Tickets: Free
Tel: 01343 835773
Web: www.hogmanay.net/events/burghead
Burns Night, The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen – 25 January 2007 7:00pm
Traditional Scottish food and fun with Vocal Moves and Theatre Serendipity performing Burns songs, poems and toasts.
Tickets: £12 (£12)
Tel: 01224 642230
Ceilidh, St Bride's Centre, Edinburgh – 26 January 2007 8:00pm
Join the Bella McNabb Band for a fun evening of traditional music and dance. Tickets available from the ALP Scots Music Group.
Tickets: £8 (£5)
Tel: 0131 555 7668
Web: www.alpscotsmusic.org
Aberdeen Jazz Festival, Aberdeen – 7 to 11 March 2007
Performers from around the world play at various venues across Aberdeen, in more formal concerts and intimate club settings. Instrument workshops for younger musicians and a programme of both famous and up-and-coming names from around the world ensure an all-inclusive festival catering for jazz enthusiasts of all ages.
Read more about this event.
The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Glasgow – 8 to 24 March 2007
Glasgow's International Comedy Festival expands on its past success with over 150 events covering stand-up, theatre, film and special shows for children. City-wide venues from local community centres to city-centre theatres will host dozens of performers from the already established to the next big thing.
Read more about this event.
StAnza Poetry Festival, St Andrews – 14 to 18 March 2007
Scotland's only regular festival dedicated to poetry presents world-class poets and writers performing in exciting and atmospheric venues in the ancient university town of St Andrews. With workshops, children's events, performances, readings and visual-arts displays to inspire, entertain and delight.
Read more about this event.
Country Living Magazine Spring Fair, Glasgow – 22 to 25 March 2007
The annual Country Living Magazine Spring Fair brings together for four days the very best in British crafts, garden and home accessories, jewellery and clothing, and homemade food and drink not available in the high street.
Read more about this event.
Hawick Reiver's Festival, Hawick – 23 to 25 March 2007
A unique and exciting festival of re-enactments, drama, music, crafts, walks, arts and horse, all recalling the 16th century Scotland-England borderlands, home of infamous and daring outlaws known as the Border Reivers.
Read more about this event.
Celtic Film & Television Festival, Portree, Skye – 28 to 30 March 2007
Who needs Hollywood when you've got the Highlands? Major players in the film and television industry from Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Scotland and beyond are heading for Skye for the gala screenings, special guests, networking, seminar discussions and awards.
Read more about this event.
Edinburgh International Harp Festival, Edinburgh – 30 March to 4 April 2007
The Edinburgh International Harp Festival features a dynamic programme, with an international line-up and Celtic nations featuring particularly strongly. Specially commissioned work features alongside more familiar favourites in a series of concerts, courses, workshops and an exhibition, all celebrating this oldest of Scottish instruments. Come along and take part in the fun.
Read more about this event.
Dreich End FestivalPerthshire
Covering all types of music and featuring a mix of internationally-acclaimed and local talent, open 'session' events and teaching workshops, the festival offers the opportunity to see legendary artists all doing what they do best – playing live music.
Read more about this event.
Canadian Food & Wine Festival, Throughout Scotland
Over 40 top Scottish chefs will be cooking in the shade of the maple leaf when the annual Canadian Food & Wine Festival gets underway at venues across the country. Restaurants and retailers feature Canadian produce and dishes, and there are sampling courses for anyone keen to sample the produce of Canada's respected wine industry.
Read more about this event.
The Blend, Stirling
The Blend is Scotland's roots and world music festival, boldly mixing the traditional and the contemporary and bringing together the best in music from Scotland and from around the world. Influences from our musical past are celebrated alongside a showcase of future musical developments. There's a wide range of events and activities, from master classes and informal sessions to outdoor performances, film screenings and drama.
Read more about this event.
Fort William Mountain Festival, Fort William – 16 February to 3 March 2007
A two-week celebration of mountains and the culture that surrounds them! During the best winter walking and climbing conditions of the year, the Festival offers a varied and very full programme of lectures, films, activities, exhibitions, plays and music to entertain visitors to the UK's outdoor capital.
Read more about this event.
Inverness Music Festival, Inverness – 19 February to 8 March 2007
Inverness's Music Festival is a competitive event attracting over 1000 entrants to venues throughout the city. Prizes are awarded in a multitude of styles across Vocal, Instrumental, Speech, Gaelic and Scottish disciplines.
Read more about this event.
Snowdrop Festival, Throughout Scotland – 1 February to 11 March 2007
VisitScotland has teamed up with National Trust for Scotland, Scotland's Gardens Scheme and gardens around the country to bring you the first ever Scottish Snowdrop Festival. Find time to head outdoors and marvel at these beautiful little plants, set against the backdrop of some of Scotland's most captivating castles, gardens and stately homes.
Read more about this event.
International Festival on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Edinburgh – 7 February to 11 March 2007
MESP aims to create a forum where all Middle Eastern spiritual traditions can listen to each other and learn from those working with spiritual tools in the fields of non-violent conflict resolution and world peace. Spiritual retreats, workshops and conferences, educational and cultural events plus all-women and community-led events will celebrate Middle Eastern diversity within the wider context of diversity in Scotland.
Read more about this event.
Glasgow Film Festival, Glasgow – 15 to 25 February 2007
Over one hundred films will be showing over ten days at this successful new festival. Alongside its previews and premieres, gala nights and guest appearances, the Film Festival showcases a range of innovative and exciting films as well as the best from some of the world's greatest filmmakers.
Read more about this event.
