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  • Orkney Is a Haunt of Wonders

    Traveling Savage
    Keith Savage
    14 May 2012 | 1:57 pm
    I rolled off the ferry at Stromness and entered a world of memories. There was Julia’s Bistro and the food co-op where Sarah and I bought Tennent’s tallboys on our honeymoon. I passed a road on the way out of town that led up to Thira, a B&B we stayed at in 2006 and 2007 with wide views of Hoy. The Flattie Bar, the Ferry Inn – so little had changed. Then, the Orkney countryside. All soft rolling pasture land rife with sheep and scores of spindly white and black lambs at this time of year. The old bones of stone crofts in various states of disrepair whistle in the…

  • A Peedie Nation

    Traveling Savage
    Keith Savage
    16 May 2012 | 11:00 am
    A word haunted every map, sign, and food cart I saw on Orkney. Peedie. What the hell? There was the Peedie Chippie (which made excellent fish and chips, incidentally), the Peedie Sea, Peedie anthems, and so on. “Peedie” isn’t English. I’m pretty sure it’s not Norse. It doesn’t sound much like Scots. Finally I asked an innocent woman working behind the counter at a gift shop across from St. Magnus Cathedral: “What does Peedie mean?” She seemed a bit embarrassed answering the question, like it wasn’t meant for the ears of visitors or that…

  • Steven Heddle elected as OIC convener

    The Orcadian Online
    newsroom
    16 May 2012 | 5:26 am
    Kirkwall East councillor Steven Heddle has been voted in as the new convener of Orkney Islands Council, by just one vote. He takes over from North Isles councillor Stephen Hagan who has held the post for the last nine years, after a vote of 11-10. He was elected by fellow councillors at the first statutory meeting of the new council since the election, which is taking place this morning. Councillor Heddle was nominated by David Tullock and seconded by Jack Moodie, while councillor Hagan was proposed by Andrew Drever and seconded by Harvey Johnston. There then followed a secret ballot to…

  • New convener is “humbled” by appointment

    The Orcadian Online
    newsroom
    16 May 2012 | 8:51 am
    The newly elected convener of Orkney Islands Council, Councillor Steven Heddle, has described his appointment as “humbling”. While congratulating his colleagues on their appointments, he added: “Obviously now there will be a period of consolidation. I am conscious of everything I said about inclusiveness and openness and I will work hard with my colleagues to achieve these aims. “I would like to pay tribute to Councillor Hagan for everything he has done over the last nine years. This morning when I woke up I just had to live up to being Steven Heddle, now I have to live up to being…

  • Dalglish sacked as Liverpool boss

    BBC News - Scotland
    16 May 2012 | 1:29 pm
    Kenny Dalglish is sacked as Liverpool manager after finishing eighth in a disappointing Premier League campaign.
 
 
 
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    The Campbeltown Courier

  • Campbeltown’s Royal Hotel re-opens in style

    cc
    14 May 2012 | 6:06 am
    Joe Deitch THE Royal Hotel in Campbeltown was re-opened in style on Saturday with hundreds of locals turning out to watch a special fireworks display to mark the occasion. As well as the celebrations on Saturday evening, on Sunday the hotel was opened to the public to give people a chance to look around. Joe Deitch, pictured, and business partner David Southworth of Southworth Development LLC, who have carried out the renovation, welcomed guests to a special dinner on Saturday. For more about the opening see Campbeltown Courier edition of May 18 2012 or on line at…

  • Four seriously injured in Campbeltown traffic accident

    cc
    14 May 2012 | 5:30 am
    TWO young children were amongst a family seriously injured in a road accident on Friday in Campbeltown. It happened just after 7.30pm when a Vauxhall Zafira collided with a stationary Ford Transit van on Lochend Street, Campbeltown, Argyll. Two girls, aged five and three, a 45-year-old woman, and a 14-year-old boy, were all seriously injured, whilst the 38-year-old driver sustained minor injuries. The woman and the boy were airlifted to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow whilst the two girls were taken to Yorkhill Hospital. Police ask any witnesses to contact them on 01586 862 200. For…

  • Novice pipe band march through Wee Toon

    cc
    9 May 2012 | 9:24 am
    A STRONG crowd turned out on Campbeltown’s Main Street on Saturday evening to watch the Kintyre Schools Novice Pipe band. Marching in perfect step, the young pipers and drummers gave a performance that was a credit to them all. For more news from Kintyre see the Campbeltown Courier, May 11 2012 or at www.campbeltowncourier.co.uk/digital

  • Lottery hopes for Campbeltown hall

    cc
    9 May 2012 | 9:20 am
    THE battle to save the town hall has moved to a critical stage this week as an application for a grant of nearly £1million was submitted to the Big Lottery Fund. A month ago The Courier reported that without urgent renovation the town hall risked deteriorating and being permanently lost as an asset to the community. If the application proves successful, its future should be assured as the lottery money would make up the bulk of the £1.3 million total cost. But with decisions from Big Lottery usually taking around six weeks to arrive, and no middle ground between a straightforward ‘yes or…

  • MOK Race numbers now allocated

    cc
    9 May 2012 | 9:14 am
    Runners in the 2011 MOK Race RACE numbers have now been allocated for next month’s Mull of Kintyre half marathon and 10k races. Race packs will be sent out in the next few weeks as well. For the top 20 finishers from last year’s race running the same race this year, the race number will reflect that. The packs will include race information, numbers and ceilidh and pasta party tickets, if ordered. There are now only three weeks to go until the event on June 3 with many different activities organised for across the weekend. There are still a few places left for the junior fun run races,…
 
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    Deeside Piper and Herald - News Feed

  • Donside shoot is a grand event!

    16 May 2012 | 4:34 am
    The Upper Donside Gamekeeper Gun club held its annual open clay pigeon shoot at Bellabeg Park, Strathdon on Sunday.

  • Food Forum dinner

    16 May 2012 | 3:55 am
    The Grampian Food Forum Dining Club took place at Raemoir House Hotel, near Banchory with 60 guests from the north east’s food and drink sector in attendance.

  • First on Scene is launched

    16 May 2012 | 3:32 am
    A series of films aimed at preparing young people to deal with emergency situations was launched by the South Marr Community Safety Group (SMCSG) this week.

  • £7,000 to the good!

    15 May 2012 | 3:52 am
    Banchory Primary School and PTA say they are delighted after raising £7,000 at their Summer Extravaganza on Saturday.

  • Pupils set to take on eight-day expedition

    15 May 2012 | 3:50 am
    More than a dozen Banchory Academy pupils are to take part in an eight-day expedition across Scotland by foot, mountain bike and canoe, at the end of the month.
 
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    The Oban Times

  • Funding lights the way for Dunollie project

    ot
    16 May 2012 | 8:44 am
    Curator Elaine McChesney and Volunteer Ian Cumming at Dunollie’s 1745 House Oban’s Dunollie Preservation Trust is facing up to a £25,000 short-fall in funding as it strives to install a lighting system and specialist canopy at Dunollie’s 1745 House. While the majority of £76,000 needed has been agreed and applications have been made to . . . → Read More: Funding lights the way for Dunollie project

  • Diver’s body recovered from wreck

    ot
    16 May 2012 | 8:00 am
    Photo courtesy Kevin McGlynn The body of a diver who went missing on the wreck of the Breda in Ardmicknish Bay in the Firth of Lorne has been recovered by police and Royal Navy divers. The deceased was 54-year-old Councillor John Skerry from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, who was a regular diver with the St Ives . . . → Read More: Diver’s body recovered from wreck

  • Model T Ben Nevis plaque finds a home

    ot
    16 May 2012 | 7:50 am
    An engraved plaque commemorating the centenary of the first ascent of Ben Nevis by motorcar 100 years ago has found a home at last – on the wall of a pub below the historic mountain. To read the full story behind the plaque and its origin see The Oban Times, May 17 2012 or on . . . → Read More: Model T Ben Nevis plaque finds a home

  • Glenborrodale road closed after tanker and lorry collide

    ot
    15 May 2012 | 12:14 pm
    The B8007 between Salen and Kilchoan has been closed this afternoon, May 15 2012, after a Calor Gas tanker and a lorry collided on the single track road a mile west of Glenborrodale. No-one was injured in the accident, which happened at around 2.45 pm.  Although recovery vehicles had arrived on the scene by . . . → Read More: Glenborrodale road closed after tanker and lorry collide

  • North Lorn business taps into passing trade

    ot
    15 May 2012 | 9:00 am
    A business on the shores of Loch Creran, North Lorn, is set to take advantage of its position, not only next to the loch but beside the SUSTRANS  Oban-Fort William cycle-path. Find out how this North Argyll inn is coining in on more than one kind of passing trade in The Oban Times, May 17 . . . → Read More: North Lorn business taps into passing trade
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    The Orcadian Online

  • New convener is “humbled” by appointment

    newsroom
    16 May 2012 | 8:51 am
    The newly elected convener of Orkney Islands Council, Councillor Steven Heddle, has described his appointment as “humbling”. While congratulating his colleagues on their appointments, he added: “Obviously now there will be a period of consolidation. I am conscious of everything I said about inclusiveness and openness and I will work hard with my colleagues to achieve these aims. “I would like to pay tribute to Councillor Hagan for everything he has done over the last nine years. This morning when I woke up I just had to live up to being Steven Heddle, now I have to live up to being…

  • Ross refused Supreme Court hearing

    newsroom
    16 May 2012 | 8:42 am
    An army sniper, jailed for life for gunning down waiter Shamsudden Mahmood in an Indian restaurant in Kirkwall, has been refused permission to take his case to the Supreme Court. Appeal judges in Edinburgh today, Wednesday,  heard that Black Watch sergeant Michael Ross, 33, felt he had been treated unfairly by police investigating the Mumutaz Indian Restaurant murder in June, 1994. Defence advocate Chris Shead said when they questioned Ross, who was 15 at the time, they did not take his age into consideration. The use of evidence gleaned from the interviews might have made his trial, years…

  • Steven Heddle elected as OIC convener

    newsroom
    16 May 2012 | 5:26 am
    Kirkwall East councillor Steven Heddle has been voted in as the new convener of Orkney Islands Council, by just one vote. He takes over from North Isles councillor Stephen Hagan who has held the post for the last nine years, after a vote of 11-10. He was elected by fellow councillors at the first statutory meeting of the new council since the election, which is taking place this morning. Councillor Heddle was nominated by David Tullock and seconded by Jack Moodie, while councillor Hagan was proposed by Andrew Drever and seconded by Harvey Johnston. There then followed a secret ballot to…

  • Pentarq to close Kirkwall office

    newsroom
    16 May 2012 | 3:49 am
    A lack of chartered professional staff is being blamed for Pentarq’s plans to close its Kirkwall office, with the loss of eight jobs. The architectural and quantity surveying business will now be run from its office in Thurso. On Tuesday, Pentarq director, Alan Gray, stressed all existing contracts would be honoured and that the firm will continue to do business throughout the Highlands and Islands. The office closure stems from the firm’s problem in recruiting and retaining chartered professionals. Over the past three years, three surveyors have left the firm. Although attempts…

  • Religious representatives needed for council committee

    newsroom
    16 May 2012 | 12:44 am
    Orkney Islands Council is calling for nominations from representatives of churches, or denominational bodies, to stand on the council’s education, leisure and housing committee for the next five years. Two representatives will be elected onto the committee following an OIC meeting on June 1, at 10.30am. Names of representatives who wish to be present at the vote, or to stand for election, should be lodged with the OIC chief executive by May 25. The register of bodies entitled to participate in the nomination and voting process will be available at www.orkney.gov.uk from May 17 to 24.
 
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    ShetlandTimes.co.uk

  • Norwegian PM arrives in Shetland for museum opening

    Neil Riddell
    16 May 2012 | 1:45 pm
    Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has arrived in Shetland on a visit which will see him open the new Scalloway Museum tomorrow morning and help further cement the close historical ties which bind islanders and Norwegians together.  Mr Stoltenberg flew in this afternoon and arrived in the village, where the Scalloway people are limbering up for three days of celebrations to mark the museum’s opening, shortly after 4pm. Several buildings were bedecked in Norwegian and Shetland flags on a bright, blustery afternoon as the Prime Minister and his wife were taken on a short stroll and…

  • Jail term for Aberdeen man who came off boat with £5,000-worth of heroin

    Shetland Times
    16 May 2012 | 11:30 am
    An Aberdeen man who brought £5,000-worth of heroin into Shetland was jailed for more than two-and-a-half years today when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court. Karl Mortimer, 45, of the city’s Linksfield Court, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin at Holmsgarth, Lerwick, on 2nd August last year and to failing to appear at court in Lerwick on 21st March. Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said that Mortimer, who had no connection with Shetland, brought two packs of heroin containing a total of 37.3 grammes into the isles concealed internally. Police, acting on…

  • Salmon farming restrictions lifted as isles are declared officially ISA-free

    John Robertson
    16 May 2012 | 11:15 am
    Two giant Norwegian salmon companies which own all the salmon farms south-west of the Mainland are to be freed of restrictions relating to the outbreak of infectious salmon anaemia in 2009. Scottish Sea Farms and Grieg Seafood Hjaltland have been subject to surveillance and controls on movement of fish in the area of their 14 farm sites between Skeld, Weisdale and Burra. Last year they became the only two operators in what has been Shetland’s most-intensively farmed area after Hjaltland bought up the local farms of Skelda Salmon and G Duncan. Since the ISA outbreak, which affected six…

  • Shetland boat lands what may be UK’s biggest ever oyster

    Shetland Times
    16 May 2012 | 11:00 am
    The Shetland fishing boat Fidelitas has caught what could be the largest oyster ever found in the UK. The boat was trawling 27 miles south-south-east of Bressay when it caught the shell, which measures 201mm across and weighed in at just over a kilogramme. Skipper Mark Anderson was very surprised to find an oyster in his nets and brought it to staff at the NAFC Marine Centre who confirmed its record-breaking potential. The previous record holder was reported in Cornwall in 2009 and measured 178mm across and weighed around 1.3kg. Dr Beth Leslie from the NAFC Marine Centre said: “Native…

  • Electrician who stole cash from client’s house ordered to do unpaid work

    Shetland Times
    16 May 2012 | 10:45 am
    An electrician with a history of stealing money from clients’ houses was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work for his latest offence. Stewart Robertson, 48, of Willial, Levenwick, took £40 from a house in Virkie on 31st October last year. Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said the nature of the offence and the previous convictions were “concerning”, adding “something’s going on”. Mr Allan said Robertson would have a “huge bridge to build” to get people to trust him again and the latest offence was a step back. The sum of money involved was…
 
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    scotland « WordPress.com Tag Feed

  • London - Day one

    Audra Volpi
    15 May 2012 | 10:24 am
    This past weekend, I went to London to visit some friends and to experience a city that I haven’t been in about 30 years.  It’s mind-blowing to think that it has been that long, but I think I really was 11 when I was last there and it certainly left an impression on me then.  This trip renewed my love for this city and I cannot wait to come back with Janine so she can experience it. So, I decided to take the long bus trip to get there because by plane or train was way too expensive.  I took the 4:30 bus out of Buchanan Street in Glasgow and began my 8 1/2-9 hour trip to…

  • Thinking it, not saying it

    jacqueline
    15 May 2012 | 10:04 am
    The craziest of things has happened.  It was pointed out to me that first thing in the morning I swear, lots.  Okay to be fair i obviously knew this fact I just wasnt aware anyone listened.  Anyway I am now on day 4 of not swearing.  Every time I hear a swear word from someone else i smile.  In work most people do it and I hadnt even realised before.  I smile a smug smile and just move away from whatever conversation is going on.  Its the women who are the worst offenders.  At home I can sit smuggly as my eldest child can be heard swearing at his Xbox.  A quick text and he goes to…

  • The Borders

    cliffordcd
    15 May 2012 | 10:00 am
    “Breathes there the man with soul so dead Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land!” - The Lay Of The Last Minstrel by Sir Walter Scott

  • May, England: Cold

    tarpon
    15 May 2012 | 9:26 am
    Unseasonal global cooling … In England. Just 17 days before summer starts, hail and sleet hit the morning rush-hour in Wolverhampton, West Mids, as well as Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and Durham. The Met Office said Scotland – where temperatures fell to a near record low for this time of year at -4C (25F) at Cairngorm, could see snow settling on the mountains and in the Pennines, Cumbria and southern Scotland, Temperatures could even get below freezing overnight in the south in sheltered spots as the “unusual but not unprecedented” mid-May weather continues. Usually…

  • Royal Numbering ~ Germany

    billfoley63
    15 May 2012 | 9:25 am
    Royal Numbering ~ Germany Germany is a unique example in the topic of monarchy and with numbering their rulers. Unlike Britain and France and other states of Europe, Germany was slow in become a centralized nation-state. For centuries Germany was more of a geographical term than a name attached to a centralized nation state. Similar to France German history has its roots in the old Kingdom of the Franks. The Treaty of Verdun in 843 divided the Charlemagne’s empire. The eastern half of the kingdom retained the imperial title and from this entity evolved the Holy Roman Empire. Even though…
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    The Scotland Blog

  • Tartan Day

    highlander
    24 Apr 2012 | 4:00 am
    Tartan Day celebrations vary from city to city and from country to country around the world. The festivities center around two separate events in Scotland’s history, the Declaration of Arbroath and the repeal of the Act of Proscription. Some communities fill a single day with a variety of events that typically begin with a parade comprised of individuals wearing kilts while marching and playing bagpipes and other instruments. Other cities extend the celebration over the span of an entire week, holding traditional Scottish competitions and various programs centered on the Scottish heritage.

  • Kilts for Kids – Fashion or Tradition?

    highlander
    12 Apr 2012 | 3:29 am
    Long ago, before typical tailoring began, people created garments by wrapping woven fabric around themselves. One piece of clothing that has changed very little over its existence is the kilt. What was once a way of locating family members, later developed into a source of pride among Scotland. You can find kilts everywhere from school grounds to labor unions to weddings and graduations, with the typically plaid skirts being worn by both adults and small children. When you see someone wearing a kilt, you can be sure that this is where the trend began. Now I ask you – are these articles…

  • Enjoy a Family Day Out at Edinburgh Zoo

    highlander
    26 Mar 2012 | 4:21 am
    Many people tend to think of zoos as a place for children to look at animals. That is – certainly true. Children enjoy the zoo. Many parents will be surprised to find how much they also enjoy the animals, attractions and events at the Edinburgh Zoo. [Martin Pettitt] The first animal to come to mind when thinking of the zoo is usually the Giant Panda. Two of the most popular inhabitants of the zoo, the pandas are beautiful and cute at the same time. Viewing for the Giant Pandas is free but tickets are required. Visitors must pre-book for the panda experience, and online tickets must be…

  • What people think about Kilt Wearer?

    highlander
    22 Mar 2012 | 3:32 am
    Meme “What people think I do/What I really do”  has been popping up everywhere.  So we decided to make our own for kilt wearers. Enjoy:

  • Kilts in Movies

    highlander
    13 Mar 2012 | 6:20 am
    There is something about Scotland that appeals to people all over the world, and particularly to Americans. Scotland represents the ultimate underdog; a small country that had to fight a world power to earn its independence. Scotland is a country full of interesting customs and traditions, from its unique language to its manner of dress. The traditional Scottish kilt is known the world over as a form of dress worn by men, with nothing worn underneath, even as the men prepare to enter battle. Many movies have been made showing Scottish men in kilts. This article will list the best (and worst)…
 
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    Traveling Savage

  • A Peedie Nation

    Keith Savage
    16 May 2012 | 11:00 am
    A word haunted every map, sign, and food cart I saw on Orkney. Peedie. What the hell? There was the Peedie Chippie (which made excellent fish and chips, incidentally), the Peedie Sea, Peedie anthems, and so on. “Peedie” isn’t English. I’m pretty sure it’s not Norse. It doesn’t sound much like Scots. Finally I asked an innocent woman working behind the counter at a gift shop across from St. Magnus Cathedral: “What does Peedie mean?” She seemed a bit embarrassed answering the question, like it wasn’t meant for the ears of visitors or that…

  • Orkney Is a Haunt of Wonders

    Keith Savage
    14 May 2012 | 1:57 pm
    I rolled off the ferry at Stromness and entered a world of memories. There was Julia’s Bistro and the food co-op where Sarah and I bought Tennent’s tallboys on our honeymoon. I passed a road on the way out of town that led up to Thira, a B&B we stayed at in 2006 and 2007 with wide views of Hoy. The Flattie Bar, the Ferry Inn – so little had changed. Then, the Orkney countryside. All soft rolling pasture land rife with sheep and scores of spindly white and black lambs at this time of year. The old bones of stone crofts in various states of disrepair whistle in the…

  • Picture This: Ben Vrackie Looms Over Pitlochry

    Keith Savage
    11 May 2012 | 12:22 pm
    The ribbon of payment curves left then dashes between columns of rowan trees toward towering Ben Vrackie, like a lamb to its mother. I step from the car and crane my neck. Snow turns the peak into a father’s stern face flickering in the firelight. Cold breath rolls off the mountain and through the pines to scour me. The air carries scents of cold, wet earth, livestock, and snow as delicate as a glass kilt pin. I can taste the malty sweetness of Edradour lingering on the back of my palate. Sheep prick the lush hillside like some inverse and earth-bound constellation. There is an enormous…

  • North of the Water

    Keith Savage
    9 May 2012 | 2:52 pm
    There’s a saying around this part of the Scottish highlands. It goes: “Are you from north of the water?” It’s a colloquial and kind way of calling someone crazy. What’s the water being referenced? Does it matter? It’s a perfect barb lancing through two apparently different peoples. My hosts, Chris and Stuart, here at Wemyss House shared the saying with me as we chatted away last night with some whisky before a blazing wood stove. I might have blushed at the story. After all, most folk I meet clearly think I’m from north of the water. Exhibit A:…

  • The Speyside Whisky Diaries

    Keith Savage
    7 May 2012 | 5:43 pm
    As we crossed from Perthshire into the Scottish Highlands, I stood on the edge of a whisky-filled abyss. The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival loomed before me – five solid days of whisky-splashed hikes, tours, rambles, quizes, and tastings around Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. I’d filled my calendar with a slate of events several months prior, and here I was in the area of Scotland with the highest concentration of distilleries. And I don’t believe in spitting. Somewhere Mickey Mantle shook his head in reproach. I write this post on Monday night just north of…
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