What's New

• 27 April 2009

  SPEA FIM Trial World Championships set for Scotland

  Nearly eighteen months after the idea was first born, Scotland have announced they have agreed an initial three-year deal with the FIM, to bring world-class trails to Scotland from 2010 onwards.

  The spectacular and scenic setting at Nevis Range just outside Fort William will host all three events, with the first of these being a round of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship taking place on 26 - 27 June.

  The fabulous venue at the foot the famous Ben Nevis mountain will the welcome the Trail des Nations in September 2011 - the first time ever that this inter-countries team competition has been hosted in the UK mainland during its history.

  The initial three year plan will then be brought to a close in 2012, when the Scottish Highlands enjoys yet another round of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship.

  Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, said: "Scotland has a rich history in motor sports and has hosted many outstanding competitions in the field. The Nevis Range is famous around the world as a backdrop for fast paced and spectator friendly sports and will provide the perfect stage to showcase motorcycle trials.

  "This will be the first time the UK has hosted the Trial des Nations and we are looking forward to an exciting three years of world championship motorsport action."

  Category: International Events
• 27 April 2009

  The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival Announces 2009 Line-up

  

  This year’s 22nd Isle of Bute Festival certainly has a different look about it.  Of course several bands are returning who can be classified as old favourites, including the hugely entertaining French show-band ‘Les Haricots Rouges’ and The Freetime Old Dixie Jass Band from Holland, plus some famous Scottish names like ex-Clyde Valley Stompers musicians in ‘Quattro McJazz’, George Penman and Bobby Wishart.

  In addition, the organisers have invited some groups who will provide some style not previously heard at the Festival.  The Swingcats are a trio of ladies singing close-harmony jazz – in their new show “Hold Tight” a Tribute to The Andrews Sisters; and another smashing all-girl group ‘GiveWay’, provide youthful folk at its best.

  The Last Gasp Spasm Band/Hokum Hotshots will delight and surprise audiences with their music played on jugs and a variety of instruments; jazz rock group ‘Chi Weapon’ from Glasgow will also please the younger audience.

  For the first time, also, the Festival offers a special dance afternoon devoted to Salsa, with a lesson beforehand by Shannon Shiell’s Academia De Salsa, followed by the irresistible rhythms of ‘Rumba Caliente’ (a slightly reduced version of Scotland’s best ‘Salsa Celtica’.

  With strong local groups backing the main programme, there should be something for everyone at Bute 2009!

  Bookings and accommodation enquiries can be made on-line via the Festival website at ButeJazz.com

  Image credit: Andy Walters Photography

  Category: National Events
• 27 April 2009

  Bequest! The Hunt is on to find Robbie Burns' Buried Love Token

  

  Somewhere in Scotland, a £10,000 gold and diamond mouse is buried, a love token seemingly hidden by Robbie Burns for his lover, ‘Clarinda’. Letters and a painting that give clues as to its whereabouts are published on a web site. The race is on to solve the bard’s cryptic billet doux and unearth the precious jewel!

  According to the creators of Bequest, Robbie Burns was given the keepsake by an unnamed Scottish Earl. During a journey around Scotland he hid it for the benefit of Agnes McLehose, the subject of his unconsummated love - the ‘Clarinda’ he wrote to as her ‘Sylvander’. The letters, giving the clues as to where it was buried, were intercepted by Burns’ wife Jean, and hidden. They have recently emerged from her armoire, bought at a furniture sale.

  Whether the story is fact or fantasy, the mouse is a reality. In order to find it, treasure seekers must log on to BurnsBequest.co.uk, pay a nominal £10 fee and make their deductions from the letters published on the site. Alongside the letters on the web site is a painting by Ross-shire pop artist Michael Forbes. The painting also contains clues which come and go during the life of the website.

  Bequest has been put together by Joe Gibbs, co-promoter of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (7 - 8 August 2009), a whacky, independent festival of music and performing arts in the Highlands (Beauly, Inverness-shire), now in its sixth year. This year’s festival goers will get an advantage over other Bequest treasure hunters, as the final clues and version of the painting will be unveiled at the festival 72 hours before they appear on the website.

  The gold and diamond mouse was designed and created by Susan Plowman - please click here to visit her website.

  Category: National Events