I'm always keen to read about the Arctic Convoys that sailed from the North of Scotland to Russia to deliver supplies to the Soviet Union during WWII, from August 1941 to May 1945 to be precise. My fascination has grown over the years due to the many times I've visited the very area and loch where they sailed from, Loch Ewe in Wester Ross. It's hard to overlook the many, mostly ruined, remains of the gun emplacements and other structures of this dark period when you are travelling around Loch Ewe. And if it's not for the structures, this period is still very much in the hearts and souls of the … [Read more...] about Arctic Convoys in Edinburgh Exhibition
The Story of Emigration from Berneray, Harris
Peter Kerr, a historical researcher with a particular interest in the Isle of Harris has worked on the Berneray Historical Society’s most recent project, ‘A’ tilleadh ar n-eachdraidh dhachaigh’ (Bringing Our History Home) which has run for the last 18 months. Mr Kerr has written an account of the worldwide emigration of local people from the island, mainly in the mid-19th century. Berneray is a small island in the Sound of Harris, between Harris to the north and North Uist to the south of the Western Isles. The island is joined to North Uist by a man-made causeway built in 1999, and also … [Read more...] about The Story of Emigration from Berneray, Harris
New Visitor Centre for Talisker Distillery on Skye
The world-famous Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye has opened its doors to its spectacular new visitor centre following a £1million redevelopment. Distillery manager Mark Lochhead officially opened the new centre in time for the Easter tourist season following a major revamp and expansion of the distillery’s visitor facilities. Talisker is the only distillery on Skye and is a leading tourist attraction on the island, welcoming almost 60,000 visitors last year. The major investment has significantly extended the visitor centre and dramatically enhanced the offering for visitors to the … [Read more...] about New Visitor Centre for Talisker Distillery on Skye
New Harris distillery gets government grant
The first legal whisky made on the Isle of Harris is on course to be produced next year. The Isle of Harris Distillery which is to be built at Tarbert has been awarded £1.9 million from the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grant scheme – one of five businesses to share £2.391 million in this round. A further three firms received £241,000 through the Marketing Development grant scheme. Work is due to begin on the distillery, which is expected to create around 20 jobs, by the end of this year. It will be built between a Harris Tweed craft workshop and the MV Hebrides ferry berth, to … [Read more...] about New Harris distillery gets government grant
Marquis of Montrose – Scotland’s greatest warrior
The ancient struggle between Campbells and MacDonalds to control Islay and Kintyre features heavily in BBC Scotland’s offering for St Andrew’s Day The film, Scotland’s Greatest Warrior (Friday November 30th on BBC2) reveals how the Marquis of Montrose, a military genius, led an outnumbered army to victory in six successive battles during the civil wars of the 17th century. Some call him the greatest general that Scotland has ever produced and General Montgomery, commander of the D-Day land forces in 1944, quoted Montrose’s poetry to his men on the eve of the Normandy landings: He either … [Read more...] about Marquis of Montrose – Scotland’s greatest warrior
Scotland From the Air Video
As much as I like photography, watching a video is another great way to learn more about a certain travel destination, in this case of course Scotland. STV Scotland has a huge amount of interesting videos on Youtube and Scotland Revealed is one of my favourites. Scotland Revealed celebrates Scotland's stunning landscape and landmarks from the air. In this first episode I've embedded here, presenter Vanessa Collingridge starts her journey in Edinburgh, from its volcanic beginnings to the building of the glorious New Town. She then travels through the agricultural Borders and follows Glasgow's … [Read more...] about Scotland From the Air Video
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