Meditation may appear to be something that only the rich, famous or religious can do, but a new wave of research demonstrates that there are real, tangible health benefits if practised regularly. Continue reading Meditation – fad, fiction or fact
Gladhouse
The history of Edinburgh’s water supply is long and fascinating. As the South Loch (today’s Meadows) dried up, supplies from beyond the city limits were sought, first in the 18th century in the area of Comiston Springs and then in the Pentlands in the 19th century. These involved several on the northern edge of the Moorfoots. Talla followed in the early 20th century, to capture the abundant rainfall of upper Tweeddale, others nearby somewhat later. The huge schemes had long ceased to be exclusive to the city but involved the whole region.
Steven Osborne – A Festival Favourite
The rapturous applause that greeted Steven Osborne’s appearance at the first of the Edinburgh Festival’s Bank of Scotland Queen’s Hall concerts this year was as sincere as it comes. Not only is Steven making a name for himself in the rarified world of classical music, he is a local lad and a perennial favourite at the Festival. Continue reading Steven Osborne – A Festival Favourite
A Garden Fit for A Queen Mother
Horticulturists live with and (usually) love change and the latest change at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) sees the successful completion of a two-year £525,000 collaboration between The Queen Mother’s Memorial Fund for Scotland and RBGE, in association with architect Lachlan Stewart. The Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden is an evocative tribute featuring a Celtic labyrinth surrounded by four gardens containing plant species from the four corners of the world. Continue reading A Garden Fit for A Queen Mother
Good Weekend for Romance in Edinburgh
Often considered by those who know no better to be the “Cinderella†of writing, namely Romantic Fiction, the genre enjoyed a boost in its standing at events in Edinburgh over the weekend. Continue reading Good Weekend for Romance in Edinburgh
James Meek wins Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year
For the first time ever, the prestigious Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year winner was announced at a public session at this year’s Book Festival, chaired by Richard Holloway.
There were three contenders for the prize:Kathleen Jamie “Findingsâ€, James Meek “The People’s Act of Love†and Ali Smith “The Accidentalâ€.
Each of the contenders received a £2,000 cheque, but the outright winner was James Meek.
Continue reading James Meek wins Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year