Latest news with #Brora
Graziadaily
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Goodbye Dresses – These Milkmaid Tops Couldn't Be More Perfect For Summer 2025
Last year, milkmaid dresses - essentially, a wafty piece of material that would very much suit a wildflower meadow (think: the best Dôen dresses) - almost overtook the floral dress as summer's most popular throw-on-and-go item. This hot-weather season's update, however, is slightly less immersive, with a top version of the once-ubiquitous dress that utilises its boho credentials without looking as though you've lost your milking stool. Nicole Stark ©@nicolekimberleystark You can't escape the rise of milkmaid tops. As well as Dôen, whose entire 'tops' category right now is practically an ode to being an off-duty milkmaid (Kaia Gerber just wore its Traveler Top), high street brands have discovered the blouse in a big way ahead of summer (H&M, Nobody's Child, you name it). It's not hard to see the appeal. Even if you're not an outdoorsy person, and would rather not get up close and personal with anything of a bovine persuasion, the milkmaid top is tempting. Usually white and made of cotton with details along the lines of lace inserts, bow-tied closures, sheer panels and a general sense of lightness that makes them suitable for sultry temperatures (if only!), it's a top that goes hand in glove with summer occasions like meeting a friend after work for a park date (wine included). Kaia Gerber in Dôen's Traveler Top The trick is perhaps not going head-to-toe milkmaid, which is hard to avoid with the dress version. A milkmaid top, on the other hand, can be paired with a variety of lo-fi bottoms to balance out, or at least temper, its cottagecore leanings, something like knee-length denim shorts, a cargo skirt or even tracksuit bottoms. Lucy Williams ©@lucywilliams02 Of course, if you're fond of the look (and dipped your toe into the milkmaid dress trend last time round), no one's stopping you from teaming your milkmaid top with a lace skirt, bloomers or, following in the very stylish footsteps of Nicole Stark, a similarly wafty skirt. 1. Free People Love Me Not Tank Price: £78 2. H&M Frill-Trimmed Cotton Blouse 3. DÔEN Henri Top 4. Damson Madder Mansi Shirred Blouse 5. Nobody's Child White Collar Broderie Anglaise Top 6. Brora The Organic Cotton Lace Blouse 7. Reformation Juliet Linen Top 8. Rixo Caserta Broderie Cotton Top Natalie Hammond is senior fashion news editor at Grazia. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Now Might Be The Perfect Time To Grab This Rare Islay Whisky
As original stocks dwindle, is now the last great chance to own a true piece of Islay history? The Port Ellen distillery is an icon of scotch whisky. Despite closing in 1983 its whisky went on to become so popular as a single malt that brand owners Diageo spent $246 million (£185 million) completely rebuilding it and the Brora distillery—that had also met the same fate in 1983. In 2024 Port Ellen officially began producing spirits once more and this year they celebrate 200 years of Port Ellen whisky. The 2024 relaunch was announced with the $60,000 Gemini; a pair of bottles of 44 year old single malt distilled before the old distillery closed. This year they have bought us more information on their ten part spirit safe and their experimental still where they are working on unlocking 'new and mysterious dimensions of smoke.' Whisky fans are now waiting patiently for the first spirit from the new Port Ellen. But if you want to taste—or collect—the iconic whisky from the original stills, you'd best act quickly. Or be willing to pay a handsome price. Port Ellen closed in 1983. It was one of 21 distilleries closed by its parent company DCL (now Diageo) during the 80s, and 12 in that year alone. It is important to understand that these distilleries weren't closed because they were bad, or boring. DCL closed them because at the time they thought of themselves solely as a blending company. The 1980s wasn't a great time to be making whisky thanks to a slow market and a lot of surplus stock. So as a company DCL looked at its distilleries and decided to close those that were surplus to requirements to them as blenders—as a business they simply assessed whether they could make something that would do the same thing, cheaper and easier elsewhere? Port Ellen's Gemini bottles offer a rare glimpse into the distillery's past—just 274 sets were released as part of its long-awaited relaunch. Port Ellen, Brora and Rosebank were amongst some of the (now) most prominent names that got the chop. Their complex styles were difficult to work with and/or the facilities themselves needed significant investment to bring them up to modern standards. These distilleries were seemingly confined to the history books, forever to be forgotten. Only, Diageo actually had warehouses full of whiskies that were no longer needed for their blending projects. In came the independent bottlers. 'I was the first to sell casks of Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Port Ellen in Italy around 1982, ' said Silvano Samarol in an Interview in Collecting Scotch Whisky, Emmanuel Dron, 2018. This was the heyday for these single malt whisky connoisseurs, who had almost free range into the forgotten depth of warehouses full of surplus stock. Some of you may remember 1983 in a more positive light as the launch of Macallan's Anniversary Malt series. In that light it seems strange that in the decade Macallan began its famous marketing push that is iconified with the Folio series, DCL closed almost half its distilleries. But while DCL was happy as a blender, managing its orchestra of whiskies to create harmonies, individual distilleries like Macallan were starting working to build themselves into soloists, carrying the reputation of single malt scotch with it. At the same time, independent bottlers like Samaroli, Cadenhead, Signatory Vintage were championing the 'pure' single cask style of single malt. Eventually Diageo realised that it didn't have to be all or nothing. In the 1990s we began to see some special single malt releases and in 1995 Diageo launched the Rare Cask Series. This specifically showcased exceptional single cask releases, from its open and closed distilleries. This became the precursor to its Annual and Special releases that would be key to the eventual reopening of Port Ellen. The Port Ellen Annual Release range was issued from 2001 to 2017 and compises 17 bottles aged from 22 to 37 years old. "When the first official Port Ellen was included in the Diageo Special Releases in 2001, it established a blueprint for reintroducing closed distilleries to whisky collectors. Until then, Port Ellen was only accessible through extremely limited independent bottlings. These new releases offered enthusiasts a chance to experience Port Ellen's distinctive smoky maritime character with the assurance of official provenance,' said David Mellor of London's wine and spirits mecca, Hedonism, in an email to me discussing the inherent collectability of Port Ellen 'More than two decades since that inaugural bottling, with Port Ellen's original stocks dwindling and new production still years from reaching maturity, these Special Releases remain among the most significant and collectible series for the distillery—both as historical artefacts and as exceptional examples of Islay whisky." 'Throughout this journey, our primary goal has always been to ensure that our releases live up to the legendary reputations of these historic distilleries, providing whisky enthusiasts with products of unparalleled quality and depth,' said Julie Bramham, Managing Director of Global Luxury and Marketing Transformation Director at Diageo, in an email exchange with me to discuss the opening of new and old distilleries across Scotland in 2024. Port Ellen reopened in 2024 and celebrated with Gemini, a $60,000 (£45,000) release of a pair of exceptional 44 year old single malts that showcase both the past and future of the distillery. This year they have introduced more information about the experimental work going on in the new Port Ellen still and one of a kind spirit safe. They have also announced a handful of exclusive distillery tours and tasting events at Fèis Ìle 2025 that range in price from £40 up to £600. If Brora is anything to go by we can expect another big release when Port Ellen's first distillate turns three. But I won't be expecting any kind of new core range Port Ellen release until the new spirit is at least five—if not considerably older. The Port Ellen distillery may be opperational again but when will we see the first official bottling of the new spirit? That means we have a minimum of five years of releases of increasingly scarce original stock. Realistically it'll be longer, as they will not want to exhaust that stock until they absolutely have to! All the while they are going to be pushing the Port Ellen brand—and if it doesn't go straight into super premium, I will be extremely surprised. That means that any new releases of Port Ellen from the original distillery are going to get more and more expensive and more and more scarce. Equally as the marketing for the new releases rolls out I'll be expecting the prices for the vintage releases to start climbing again too. Prices for Port Ellen have come down with the rest of the market, but not as steeply. If you're a fan of drinking Port Ellen it's unlikely to get any better value than right now. If you are a whisky collector, the profile of the Port Ellen value over the last few years makes it a sound purchase and the current prices make it a great time to buy. So what are you waiting for—get it before it's gone!
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate Middleton's beloved pink gingham Brora blouse is back in stock for summer - but it's selling fast
Royal fashion fans, rejoice - the Princess of Wales ' favourite Brora blouse is back, just in time for summer. When Kate was first spotted in the Cotton Gingham Chelsea Collar Blouse, it sold out almost instantly - and we expect the same this time around. Crafted from lightweight, breathable seersucker, the blouse features a charming Chelsea collar with squared tips and a flattering low V-neckline. Delicate frill accents, short puff sleeves and split side seams add to its feminine appeal, all in a peony pink hue that's ideal for warmer days. Available in sizes 6 to 18, this universally flattering piece combines comfort with effortless style. But be quick - it's unlikely to stay in stock for long. £129 Shop While Kate styled hers casually with high-waisted mom jeans, this blouse is endlessly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit a range of occasions. For a laidback weekend vibe, team it with denim shorts, espadrilles and a woven tote bag - perfect for brunch or a stroll through the park. To create a more refined aesthetic, tuck it into a tailored midi skirt and complete the look with classic ballet flats and minimal gold jewellery. Alternatively, elevate it further by pairing with wide-leg trousers, strappy heels and a statement clutch. Brora is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, working closely with skilled artisans in India to ensure every garment is made to the highest standards. Unsurprisingly, the blouse has received glowing reviews, boasting a full 5-star rating from every customer. Fans love its quality, fit, colour and finish. One shopper shared: 'Beautiful design and colour, great quality fabric and sewing work. Perfect for spring and summer!' Another raved: 'This is a very special little blouse. Fits perfectly and true to size.' A third said: 'I get lots of compliments when I wear it!' And a fourth noted: 'While gingham cotton may seem casual, you can easily dress it up and it looks great when joining a Zoom call for work. Pricey, but given how versatile it is, I think it's a good investment.' With hassle-free returns within 14 days, Brora makes shopping risk-free and rewarding.
Press and Journal
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Revealed: The Press and Journal's Breedon Highland League team of the season
Now another memorable Breedon Highland League campaign is over, it is time to pick a team of the season. Given the quality right across the division, it feels like an impossible undertaking, with a multitude of players being considered for each position. In my role with the Press and Journal, I've covered 66 games involving Highland League clubs during the 2024-25 season. After many hours agonising over selecting a squad, I've whittled it down to 18 – with a starting XI set-up in a 4-4-2 formation and seven substitutes on the bench. Selecting just one goalkeeper is never easy given the quality of custodians in north football, but the-now retired Joe Malin gets the nod. Malin has shown himself to be an outstanding goalkeeper at this level for more than a decade and that was again the case in his final season in the Highland League. Having joined Clachnacuddin last summer, Malin's impact when he played was clear to see as the Lilywhites recorded their best goals against figure in the league since season 2004-05. On some occasions – such as the North of Scotland Cup final – Malin even produced virtuoso displays when on the losing side, which further underlined his quality. Brora Rangers' treble-winner Cammy Mackay is named on the bench after enjoying a dream season with the Cattachs. Brechin's Lenny Wilson, Daniel Hoban at Banks o' Dee and Inverurie Locos' Zack Ellis also enjoyed good campaigns. Unsurprisingly after such a tremendous season, Brora players feature heavily in this side, and they occupy both full-back positions. On the right, Tom Kelly had a terrific season with his rampaging runs forward a key attacking outlet for the Cattachs, and beyond that Kelly showed on numerous occasions he's a diligent defender when up against good wingers. Colin Williamson is chosen on the other flank, and although he was deployed at centre-back in the closing weeks of the campaign, for most of the season the Brora stalwart did an excellent job at left-back with his consistently solid and reliable displays securing his spot. Paul Coutts of Inverurie Locos and Brechin City's Brad McKay line up at centre-back. The former's reading of the game and confidence in possession proved to be extremely valuable for the Railwaymen as they finished fourth, while McKay was a rock at the heart of the Hedgemen's miserly defence – and also popped up with nine goals. Banks o' Dee's Mark Reynolds and Fraserburgh's dependable duo Bryan Hay and Kieran Simpson were also considered – and Hay is named on the bench, while Wallace Duffy excelled after arriving at Brora at Christmas. The other defender on the bench is Formartine United full-back Stuart Smith. He's been a model of consistency over many years and his swansong season was no different. Beyond that, Deveronvale's Jayden Goldie, Mark McLauchan of Forres Mechanics and Turriff United's Kieran Yeats also impressed in the full-back positions. In central midfield, I've opted for a blend of grit and guile. Craig MacKenzie has been instrumental to everything good about Brora this season, bagging 11 goals and providing countless assists. Partnering him is Jamie Beagrie. A master at breaking up play and getting his team on the front foot, there's always an added steel to Fraserburgh when he's in their team. Two of the best technical players in the Highland League are chosen on the flanks in Dee's Michael Philipson and Tony Dingwall of Brora. Both players have been talismen for their respective clubs and possess the ability to unlock a defence with a mazy dribble or pinpoint pass. Philipson contributed 18 goals this season, while Dingwall weighed in with 12 and both always seem to deliver in big games. There are a plethora of excellent midfielders in the Highland League and Forres' Jordan Alonge can consider himself unlucky not to make the XI, but is named on the bench after a brilliant first season in the division. Meanwhile, after almost two years out injured, Buckie's Kevin Fraser showed he's back to his best, Brechin's Fraser MacLeod, Clach's Jack MacKay, Marc Lawrence of Formartine and Fraserburgh's Greg Buchan also performed with credit. In the wide areas, Brora duo Max Ewan and Connor Bunce, Clach's Troy Cooper, exciting youngsters Jack Mitchell (Deveronvale) and Calum Frame (Forres), and Buckie's Lyall Keir were all considered following stellar seasons. But it's Brechin's Ewan Loudon who gets a spot on the bench. He was a constant threat from a wide area and netted 18 goals. Selected up front are north football's top scorer, Angus Grant, and Shane Sutherland. Grant was deadly in front of goal for Huntly, scoring 31 times in all competitions – and he went through spells where it seemed like every chance he got ended up in the net. Returning to action after more than two years out injured, Sutherland contributed 24 goals, but apart from finding the net, his hold-up and link-up play was also a key part of Brora's success this season. There were plenty of other good options to choose from. James Anderson demonstrated his quality with 23 goals for Clach and is on the bench alongside Fraserburgh's Scott Barbour, who netted 24 times and again proved to be a nuisance for defences across the north. Elsewhere, Nairn County's Ben Barron, Kyle Henderson of Wick Academy, Brechin's Dayle Robertson and Liam Duell of Banks o' Dee enjoyed good seasons. Steven Mackay is the selection as manager. He returned for a second stint in charge of Brora last summer and rebuilt their squad before masterminding the first Highland League clean sweep since 1954. Elsewhere, Banks o' Dee duo Josh Winton and Paul Lawson, and Fraserburgh's Mark Cowie, delivered silverware for their clubs again this term, while Dean Donaldson at Inverurie, Clach's Conor Gethins, Steven MacDonald of Forres and Deveronvale's Garry Wood all deserve credit for the progress their clubs made. Starting XI (4-4-2) – Joe Malin (Clachnacuddin); Tom Kelly (Brora Rangers), Paul Coutts (Inverurie Locos), Brad McKay (Brechin City), Colin Williamson (Brora Rangers); Michael Philipson (Banks o' Dee), Jamie Beagrie (Fraserburgh), Craig MacKenzie (Brora Rangers), Tony Dingwall (Brora Rangers); Angus Grant (Huntly), Shane Sutherland (Brora Rangers). Subs – Cammy Mackay (Brora Rangers), Bryan Hay (Fraserburgh), Stuart Smith (Formartine United), Jordan Alonge (Forres Mechanics), Ewan Loudon (Brechin City), James Anderson (Clachnacuddin), Scott Barbour (Fraserburgh). Manager – Steven Mackay (Brora Rangers).
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Brora Rangers 3 East Kilbride 3 (Agg: 4-7): Progress was never in doubt in pyramid play-off, says Kennedy
Brora got the tie back to within one goal of being level, but the Kilby gaffer says he never felt the game would get away from his side Mick Kennedy insists East Kilbride's progress was never in doubt in the pyramid play-off, even when his side trailed 3-1 in Saturday's second leg. Holding a 4-1 advantage from last week's first leg at K-Park, Kilby looked like they would be home and dry. But the Highland League champions made a fist of it, with Tony Dingwall's opener after 13 minutes sparking hopes of a comeback. John Robertson quickly levelled for EK, but Alex Cooper's 26th minute effort direct from a corner kick and Shane Sutherland's strike after 57 minutes made it 3-1 on the day and 5-4 in EK's favour in the tie. However, Joao Balde struck two minutes later for the visitors before a David Ferguson penalty 10 minutes from time ensured EK went through to face Bonnyrigg Rose in the final for promotion to the SPFL. And Kennedy said it was never in doubt. 'They were 3-1 up on the day but at no point was I concerned because of how comfortable we were in the game,' he insisted. 'I always felt we could keep going and score more goals. 'This might sound crazy, but outside the three goals, Chris Truesdale [the EK keeper] didn't have one save to make in the game. 'Every time we went forward we looked dangerous and there was never a time in the game where we were being dominated or looked penned in. 'It was difficult at times because of the wind and the conditions, but I always felt we would score. We got it back to 3-3 and we looked like the team that was going to go on and win the game on the day, but the draw was more than good enough to get us through.' Kennedy added: 'I'm not the kind of coach to sit back. It is not in my skill set to be hard to beat and defensive. My strength is to dominate the ball and be attacking. I'm glad we stuck to those principles. 'In Brora's case, they had nothing to lose and sometimes when that is the case you are at your most dangerous. 'They were a lot more attacking than the first leg but I didn't think we were ever under constant pressure. I was still comfortable even at 3-1 down.' East Kilbride now host Bonnyrigg at K-Park on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, followed by the second leg at New Dundas Park on May 17, also a 3pm kick-off.
