What's new in Scotland for the summer
There’s a lot happening in Scotland this summer, but luckily ‘VisitScotland’ have put together all the information you need to know if you’re planning a visit in July and August. A unique paint job for a castle
Lord and Lady Clyde, the owners of historic Kelburn Castle near Largs have invited four of the world’s top graffiti artists from Brazil to adorn the walls and turrets of the south side of the 13th century castle. The external render on the castle wall was applied in the 1950’s, but has recently been found to be damaging the original stonework of the castle. But before it’s removed the artists have free rein to paint what they want 0 the more colourful the better.
Info: Thegraffitiproject.net
There’s oil in the Borders
Oleifera, a new cold pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil is produced by a small group of Border farmers and is great for mayonnaise, soups, salads, cakes and roast potatoes.
Info: Oleifera.co.uk
Lennoxlove restoration
Lennoxlove House has moved into the final phase of a £3million restoration project to transform it into one of the most exclusive places to stay in Scotland. In July it will re-open its doors to visitors and guests who, for the first time will be able to sleep in the house in one of the newly created luxury suites.
Info: Lennoxlove.com
Prince saves Scottish furniture treasure hoard
The fight to save an 18th-century stately home and turn it into a leading Scottish tourist attraction reached an extraordinary climax as the Prince of Wales brokered a £45 million deal to save Dumfries House from the auction block.
The East Ayrshire mansion, Dumfries House holds a time-capsule collection of original Chippendale and Scottish furnishings, commissioned when the house was built in 1759. But they faced being scattered worldwide in an auction on 13 July.
Howgate unveils new look
In the past few weeks, the Howgate restaurant has installed new window lights, carpeting, curtains and soft furnishings throughout, introduced chic leather chairs in the Bistro for greater comfort and has completed a total refurbishment of the restaurant toilet facilities – including an extensive upgrade to the disabled facilities.
The menus of the Howgate Bar and Restaurant draws on the best of Scotland’s larder using locally sourced seasonal produce. As a result, menus in both the restaurant and bistro change regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients.
Info: Howgate.com
Highlands 2007 travels to Edinburgh
The collaborative exhibition Fonn ’s Duthchas: Land and Legacy, is opened at the National Museum of Scotland on Friday 29 June.
The exhibition, a partnership between National Museums Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland, celebrates aspects of Highland cultural life past and present. The exhibition has been funded by the Scottish Executive as part of their commitment to Highland 2007, a major project to showcase the Highlands during 2007 as a great place to live and to visit.
Info: Fonnisduthchas.com & Highland2007.com
New 5 night Orcadian adventure tour
Edinburgh based tour company Wild in Scotland has launched a new 5-night tour around the island of Orkney departing on Tuesdays from the and operating throughout the season until the 2 October 2007.
These unique Isles are so far removed from that of the mainland and the Western Isles that it provides a genuine contrast to the more commonly visited Scottish Islands and allows guests the chance to have some truly distinctive experiences.
Info: Wildinscotland.com
Home House Edinburgh serves up ‘Art on a Plate’
Home House Edinburgh, the prestigious private members club has teamed the renowned culinary expertise of their consultant chef Martin Wishart and the artistic talents of popular contemporary artist Julie Franchetti for their forthcoming launch event – ‘art on a plate’ which debuts at the club on 19 July 2007.
Info: Homehouseedinburgh.co.uk
Luxury accommodation for Nessie spotters!
Opening in summer 2007, Loch Ness Lodge is set to become a sought after luxury and special occasions venue offering a variety of romantic accommodation options for parties looking for a special venue for an unforgettable celebration.
The romantic Highland retreat with its traditional charm, provides the ultimate five star ‘home from home’ experience, a welcoming atmosphere and attentive and discreet personal service for up to 14 guests in the Lodge’s seven individually styled en-suite bedrooms All bedrooms are uniquely styled with luxury beds, soft linen, designer toiletries, power showers, flat screen television, CD and DVD player.
The pampering and personal treatment continues at Escape, Loch Ness Lodge’s spa and therapy suite providing sauna, hot tub and a full range of treatments to revive and replenish body and soul.
Activities range from traditional field sports such as fishing and shooting, golf on nearby championship courses and walking, kayaking and mountain biking in some of the UK’s finest settings.
Info: Loch-ness-lodge.com
Midnight meteorite mountain walks
A spectacular natural phenomenon will visit the night skies of Scotland on the 11th and 12th August and what better way to view the spectacle than from the pollution-free skies of the CairnGorm Mountains in the heart of the Scottish Highlands? CairnGorm Mountain Rangers will lead 2 very special midnight meteorite walks on Saturday 11th August and Sunday 12th August.
Setting off on foot from the Coire Cas Base Station at the CairnGorm Mountain Railway the Meteorite walk will take you to the high tops of the CairnGorm plateau. Free from light pollution (and weather permitting), you will be able to enjoy the meteorite shower before returning back to the Base Station. On Saturday evening the walk will include a midnight stop for soup and bacon rolls in the UK’s highest restaurant before returning back to the Base Station on the mountain railway. On Sunday the walk is all “al fresco” and will return to the Base Station on foot.
Info: Cairngormmountain.org
Kylie: The Exhibition
This exhibition, taking place at the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, will explore Kylie Minogue as a popular icon and international performer. Featuring costumes, accessories, photographs and awards, sound and video, the exhibition will look at Kylie's career and changing image. Kylie – The Exhibition will also give some insight into how a major international tour develops - from initial concept to first live performance.
Info: Glasgowmuseums.com
Shakespeare al fresco
ShakespeareBard in the Botanics, Scotland's only outdoor Shakespeare festival, returns for its sixth annual season in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Glasgow's Botanic Gardens. This year's festival will run from 27th July through to 4th August and will feature a range of productions and projects bringing Shakespeare to life amongst the flowers and trees. Headlining the festival will be an exciting new production of Othello staged in the magnificently refurbished Kibble Palace.
Info: Bardinthebotanics.org
Tour Scotland in a Scooby camper
Each one of the original 1960's split-screen, right-hand drive VW campervans and microbuses has been nurtured by a team of VW mechanics who have installed brand new engines, satellite navigation, state-of-the art sound system and DVD player - so you are guaranteed to travel in safety and style. The paintwork is polished, the chrome is gleaming, and the open road beckons.
Info: Scoobycampers.com
Live at Scone Palace
Jools Holland headlines the first night at ‘Live at Scone Palace’, a major new concert in the Scottish music scene. Jools and his acclaimed Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be joined by Scottish singing icon Lulu on their only Scottish summer tour date.
Saturday night is Proms at the Palace featuring the world-renowned British Philharmonic Orchestra; Icelandic soloist Gardar Cortes and All Angels, the world’s first female classical supergroup, for what promises to be Scotland’s biggest outdoor classical event of 2007. Bring your friends, pack a picnic and enjoy the most fabulous social event of the year!
Status Quo will then headline the last night at 'Live at Scone Palace'. 'The greatest rock 'n roll band in the world' will be bringing their 'Just Doin' It' tour to Scone Palace on their only Scottish summer tour date.
Info: Scone-palace.net
