Latest news with #Caithness
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Honouring a little piece of Scotland in a not so foreign field
Contalmaison Cairn, France, honouring the 16th Royal Scots, McCrae's Battalion who died on July 1, 1916 Last week I bumped into Jack Alexander. Jack is the author of an extremely informative book about the First World War's McCrae's Battalion and is vice-chairman of the McCrae's Battalion Trust. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... He told me that he was in the throes of organising this year's visit to the commerative cairn in Contalmaison, France, which is undertaken every year and which, once again, is fully booked. He wrote yesterday to inform me that 'this year the first of July falls on a Tuesday and on that date, the tiny village of Contalmaison will be welcoming a host of bleary-eyed visitors from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia and Germany. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The focus of everyone's attention is a humble cairn, built from Elgin Sandstone by Scottish craftsmen and adorned with four handsome bronze plaques, designed in Edinburgh, sculpted in Kirkwall and cast in a foundry in Nairn. 'The cairn stands on a platform of Caithness slate, imported from Scotland just over 20 years ago with the rest of the materials. Truly a little piece of Scotland in a not so foreign field.' I was lucky to represent the city at the unveiling of the Cairn in 2004, which was attended by a crowd of over 1000 people, all to see the memorial to the 16th Royal Scots, first proposed in 1919 and finally completed more than 80 years later. Jack said that 'The 16th Royal Scots was McCrae's Battalion and was raised from volunteers in 1914 during the opening months of the Great War. Players and supporters from Hearts and Hibs joined the ranks, along with others from Raith Rovers, Falkirk and Dunfermline. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'McCrae's was the original 'Football Battalion' and was tragically destroyed in less than an hour on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme. 'In spite of dreadful losses McCrae's penetrated further into the German trenches than any other unit, reaching the outskirts of Contalmaison before they were pushed back.' Since the unveiling of the cairn in 2004 the McCrae's Battalion Trust, based in Edinburgh, sends a full coach of 'pilgrims' out to France to the ceremony, which is held in the village every year on 1 July to remember those who fell. Jack reminded me that an agreement between Edinburgh and Contalmaison was forged 'which cemented the friendship of a city of 500,000 with a village of 100 souls. The people of Contalmaison are unfazed by that and care for the Cairn as if it commemorates their own sons.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I have always been impressed by the commitment and passion demonstrated by the McCrae's Battalion when managing these events, particularly when it comes down to 'engaging with the locals.' Jack writes on the Trust's website that 'The Battle of the Somme has become synonymous with slaughter. On the opening morning alone nearly 20,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers gave their lives. A further 40,000 were wounded. The first of July 1916 is often referred to as the blackest day in the history of the British Army.' The service lives long in the memory and a more moving ceremony I have yet to witness. Standing alongside supporters from other football clubs and villagers from the picturesque village of Contalmaison, as the sound of the piper's lament was carried by the breeze across the fields of France, was a truly emotional experience.
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major Scots city's ‘only nightclub' hits the market after almost 30 years in business
The iconic riverside venue has been a staple in the city's nightlife since 1997 LAST ORDERS Major Scots city's 'only nightclub' hits the market after almost 30 years in business Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE only nightclub in a major Scots city has hit the market after nearly three decades in business. Johnny Foxes and The Den, two of Inverness's most beloved nightlife hotspots, are now up for grabs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Johnny Foxes and The Den in Inverness have hit the market Situated along the banks of the picturesque River Ness, Johnny Foxes first opened its doors in 1997. This iconic riverside venue has become a cornerstone of the city's social scene. It is famed for its live music seven days a week, buzzing atmosphere and extensive menu of food and drinks The award-winning Irish-themed bar and restaurant features interiors crafted from Caithness stone and Ballachulish slate, accented with pine and oak wood. A doorway links the cosy, traditional vibes of Johnny Foxes to the vibrant, modern atmosphere of The Den. Opened in 2009, The Den quickly established itself as the nightclub of Inverness, offering a lively and upbeat experience. It's often said that no trip to Inverness is complete without a visit to Johnny Foxes & The Den, proudly known as the 'Home to the best Craic in the city.' With a combined capacity of 520, the venue has played a major role in Inverness nightlife. Dubbed the "capital of the Highlands," Inverness is a city steeped in history and culture. The sale of Johnny Foxes and The Den is being handled by agents Christie & Co. Iconic Scottish Pub for Sale: The Market Bar in Inverness The remaining 25 years of the lease are on offer, with pricing details available upon request. Simon Watson, Business Agent at Christie & Co, shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity: 'Having been a frequent visitor to Inverness over the past 25 years, I've always enjoyed a night out at Foxes! 'I'm thrilled to work on behalf of Don Lawson and his team to market Johnny Foxes and The Den, without question one of the most iconic and exciting opportunities on the Scottish hospitality scene. 'We are confident there will be no shortage of interest.'
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Castle of Maze! King unveils grand design for the Queen Mother's former home
It was a home beloved of his grandmother who would spend hours walking around her Highland estate. And now King Charles is to add to the beauty of the Castle of Mey, in Caithness, as he bids to attract tourists with a new maze. A garden maze is being created in the grounds of the castles which is owned by the King's Foundation. The royal residence became a favourite haunt of the late Queen Mother as she visited friends in the Highlands after the death of her husband, King George VI, in 1952. The monarch developed a love of mazes as a child. The one at Castle of Mey, which will have an ornamental tower in the middle, is aimed at attracting more visitors, particularly children and teenagers, to the site. A planning application for the development has been submitted to Highland Council and the local authority is due to make a decision by August. A design statement accompanying the application reads: 'The project proposes a new maze garden and folly located within a clearing in the woodland to the south east of the castle. 'The folly and maze will form part of the visitor attraction. The construction project itself will provide training in traditional skills with the opportunity for public demonstration and interaction. 'The hedges to the maze would be made from fuchsia like some of the hedges within the walled garden. The hedges would be grown to 1.2m height. This would be above the eye level of a child but would allow an adult to see over the hedges. 'The role of the new building is to be the central focal point of a new maze within the woodland. It is ornamental and provides seating for people at the completion of their visit to the maze. 'It should appeal to all visitors to the maze including children and teenagers and it should be accessible for people with various types of impairments, such as mobility, sight, hearing and autism.' As a child, King Charles spent hours hiding and playing in a maze on the Royal Family's Sandringham estate. In recent years he has had new mazes built at Sandringham and his other Scottish residences at Balmoral and Dumfries House. Speaking at the opening of the Dumfries House maze, he said: 'I'm afraid to say I'm rather indulging in my childhood fantasy of mazes. There's nothing more enjoyable than getting lost in a maze.' The Queen Mother first saw the 16th century Castle of Mey in 1952, when she was staying nearby with Commander Clare and Lady Doris Vyner. She was still mourning her husband, King George VI, but was immediately charmed by the building, then known as Barrogill Castle, despite half its roof having been torn off in storms. She purchased the castle, along with its walled garden and 24 acres of land.. The castle was opened to the public in 2002. Along with other local tourist businesses, it has benefitted from the success of the North Coast 500 driving route, around the north coast of Scotland.
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow's medieval roots commemorated in stone
In collaboration with the Merchants House, Trades House, and City of Glasgow College, the project honours Glasgow's past and engages young people in preserving this heritage, while working on a practical project with valuable learning opportunities. The project involved the design and production of the port stones by students from the City of Glasgow. Each stone, designed by construction apprentices, after discussions with students and senior pupils as part of the college's Schools' Partnership Programme, incorporates Glasgow City Council's coat of arms as well as the crests of Trades House and Merchants House of Glasgow, Glasgow Dean of Guild Court Trust and City of Glasgow College. READ MORE: Each Caithness stone marker is also engraved with a compass point denoting the 'port gate', the Glasgow 850 logo, a brief historical description and the year it was laid. Medieval Glasgow ran from the River Clyde, up through the Saltmarket, along High Street and up to the Cathedral. The historical locations for the stones, installed by the council, are based on the approximate sites of the original medieval city gates. These locations were chosen based on historical documents and maps, including the "Medieval City Map: Glasgow's Medieval City development between 1150 and 1550" produced by Glasgow City Council in conjunction with West of Scotland Archaeology Service. The markers are located at: Glasgow Cathedral Precinct; Saltmarket at Jocelyn Square; Gallowgate opposite Molindinar Street and Trongate opposite Trongate 103. (L-R) Lord Dean of Guild, Lord Provost, Deacon Convenor, Andy Pollok, City of Glasgow College (Image: Glasgow 850) Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said: 'This project symbolises the unity and collaboration of three historic civic institutions in Glasgow, and one that reflects a shared commitment to civic pride and legacy.'Together, with the College, this project has allowed the students to contribute something tangible in this special year – something that they can be proud of and that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.' Lord Dean of Guild Merchants House of Glasgow, Andrew McFarlane, said: 'The marker stones are intended to be a reminder to future generations of both the development of the city and the celebrations to mark its 850th birthday." Deacon Convenor Trades House of Glasgow Richard Paterson, said; 'The marker stones are a legacy to the city's past and a reminder that 'People Make Glasgow.' The Glasgow 850 celebrations mark a significant milestone in the city's history, commemorating 850 years since Glasgow was granted burgh status, in 1175. The year-long programme includes a variety of events and activities designed to engage and inspire people of all ages, reflecting Glasgow's dynamic past, present, and future.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Tiny UK village is home to shortest road in the entire WORLD – it's barely length of a person & takes 3 steps to cross
A TINY village in the UK is home to the world's shortest road, which takes just three steps to cross. The road, which is shorter than some people, is officially credited by Guinness World Records as being the shortest street in the world. 2 Ebenezer Place, in Wick, Scotland, measures just six feet and nine inches, and has just one building on it, a hotel located on the corner of the tarmac. The world's tallest man, Sultan Kösen, is eight feet and two inches tall, meaning that if he lay down, he wouldn't be able to fit on the street. Explaining the history of the street, Mackays Hotel revealed: "When Alexander Sinclair returned from America in 1883, after making his fortune, he built Mackays Hotel on the corner of Union Street and River Street. "The council instructed him to put a name on the short end of the building, as they deemed it a separate street. "Ebenezer Place then appeared in the town's records from 1887.' "Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent time in Wick while his father built a new breakwater in the bay, referred to our location in his 1883 book, Treasure Island." Guinness World Records said: 'The record for the shortest street is held by Ebenezer Place in Wick, Caithness, Scotland, which measured 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) long, when checked on 28 October 2006.' The tiny street has now become a tourist attraction, with people flocking from all over to marvel at it. Posting to Tripadvisor, one visitor said: "Well, don't bli n k or you'll miss it. "And don't get run down either whilst looking for it, as it's on a busy junction." UK's 'shortest dual carriageway' and everyone's saying same thing A second person said: "It's worth going to see if you're visiting Wick. "There is a sign, buts it's quite faded and could be done with being replaced." A third person said: "We went looking for this place and walked straight past it into Union Street. "At 2.09m long it's no wonder we missed it. "Not often we get to see a world record." A fourth added: "Didn't even realise we had witnessed a world record until reading these reviews. "I just remember getting frustrated that we couldn't find the place we were looking for. "But there it was, straight in front of us all the time."
