Burke and Hare

As more set-jetters are expected to visit Edinburgh this year on the back of the latest Burke & Hare film, new research carried out by YouGov on behalf of VisitScotland shows that 64% of people across the UK are keen to learn about ghostly myths on an autumn break.

Burke and Hare came to prominence in 1820 when they started murdering and selling their victims bodies for use in Dr Knox’s infamous Edinburgh Medical school classes.

The Burke and Hare movie, starring Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher, Tim Curry and Ronnie Corbett, was filmed at a host of landmarks from around the city including Edinburgh Castle, Heriot Place, Old Fishmarket Close, Merchant Street, Milne Court and the Anatomy Museum at the Medical School of Edinburgh University. It gives a light hearted insight into the escapades of these two evil murders who originally came from Northern Ireland to work on Scotland’s Union Canal.

Photographed for VisitScotland with actors from Mercat Tours.

Are Ya Dancin?

Are Ya Dancin brought together the thriving professional and community dance organisations within Dundee to celebrate the Delhi Handover Ceremony taking place at this year’s Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony.

Comprising a series of experimental workshops for schools, community groups and the public, the event was a fun, social and healthy celebration accessible to all ages and backgrounds.

The ‘Great Big Dance Show’ finale event will also provided an exciting opportunity for amateur dance groups to perform alongside professional dance companies at the Dundee Rep Theatre.

BUY PRINTS HERE

Foraging with Amanda Hamilton

I spent the day recently with TV nutritionist Amanda Hamilton at the Ardanaiseig Hotel in Argyll who was taking part in a foraging activity. Foraging for food is becoming increasingly popular in Scotland and VisitScotland is promoting the activity as part of their Harvest campaign.

I have photographed Amanda several times over the years and she is always a joy to work with.

More photographs on my Facebook page.

Quarriers

YOUNG HOMELESS SCOTS CALL FOR MORE SUPPORT FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT.

YOUNG HOMELESS SCOTS INCLUDING SEAN RICE SUPPORTED BY QUARRIERS PRESENTED A SIGNED PETITION TO RHONA BRANKIN MSP, CONVENOR OF THE PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE CALLING FOR SUPPORT FOR 'OUR CHARTER' WHICH SEEKS CONSISTENT SUPPORT AND CHANGES TO THE HOUSING AND BENEFITS SYSTEM.

Making It All Add Up

Learning and Teaching Scotland's Connected Magazine with a special feature on how Craft Design and Technology fits in with the new Curriculum for Excellence.

Commissioned for LTS by White Light Media.

Oil Museum Hits The Mark

Museums Galleries Scotland announced today that a museum collection which tells the story of the Scottish shale oil industry has been unveiled as the 37th Recognised Collection of National Significance. The collection can be seen at the Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston which contains over 2,500 objects including the paraffin lamp and oil samples pictured above.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop visited the centre to mark the occassion.

Well worth a visit. More info here. And the full story on the BBC here.

Feeling Lucky?

Scottish golden girls Sarah Montgomery, Bo Kawczynska and Diana Strausa were dressed to impress in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens yesterday when they sported specially commissioned gold kilts to promote the EuroMillions Mega Jackpot draw, when one lucky Scot could scoop an estimated £82 million*.

The kilts were created by Edinburgh kilt designer, Howie Nicholsby of 21st Century Kilts.

All the photographs on the Facebook page here.