Latest news with #Doune
Daily Record
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Doune festival supremo praises "heart-warming" response as revamped event looms
Brian Harkin - who is the man behind Back Doune the Rabbit Hole - has praised the response from music fans and locals as the countdown to next week's festival ticks on. The brains behind the revamped Back Doune the Rabbit Hole admits it has been a 'long road' back for the once-famous festival - but the excitement is building as the event takes shape. The festival takes place back at the Cardross Estate near Port of Menteith from August 1-3, with new ownership after the previous event collapsed amid controversial circumstances. Helensburgh businessman and musician Brian Harkin has been busy at the festival site coordinating the various stages and amenities as the final preparations kick into gear. Speaking to the Observer this week, he reflected on the support offered by both music fans online and the local community - as well as the body blow of headliners The Fratellis being forced to pull out after the third-party promoters in charge of their booking fell into liquidation. He said: 'We're all buzzing for things to get underway and everyone involved within the local community has been so friendly and supportive which is a really heart-warming thing. 'The build hasn't been without its issues because of the problems with the previous event, but it feels as if we've surpassed that. 'The ticket sales so far have been very good and as good as we expected them to be. 'We kept the brand of Doune The Rabbit Hole because it was much-loved for some time, while recognising how things were handled previously were obviously questionable and not done very well at all, to say the least. 'I know a lot of people who came to this festival before - all of my kids have been for example - and it saddens me that it all got so tarnished, but I know there is a lot of excitement about next week.' The line-up includes some big beasts in the music world, such as Liverpool indie favourites The Zutons, who top the bill on the Sunday evening, and Marc Almond - who headlines on Friday. Scouting for Girls, the Bay City Rollers, The Skids and Newton Faulkner will also be performing. But the Saturday evening showcase was forced to be changed after third-party promoter Wannasee Ltd entered financial trouble - leading to the 'Chelsea Dagger'-hitmakers cancelling four planned summer appearances - including at BDTRH. That spot has been filled by legendary space rockers Hawkwind, with the London group set to delight fans in attendance with a blend of styles from the progressive to the psychedelic. 'Getting Hawkwind in as a legends set was a bit of a blinder for us,' Mr Harkin adds. 'They're on fire at the moment and since it's been about 35 years since I've seen them live, I've told the team that I'll be tapping out when that set is on, although I won't be able to enjoy a pint. 'The first I knew on the Fratellis situation was straight after the liquidation was announced and it was an awful hurdle to overcome for us. 'We were injured by the Wannasee liquidation, just the same as the promoters and a long line of suppliers. 'Being honest, my heart sunk at that point but the online community really rallied behind us and our social team were really honest with the statement we put out and pointing out that we were victims and it wasn't anything to do with us.' As those dramas are finally put in the rear view mirror and the countdown ticking away, Mr Harkin is promising a return to the warm vibe associated with the Doune festival in the past. 'It's all about the family-friendly vibe and the programme we have on site for people is amazing. 'It will be a great event for those coming along - I've got a large family myself and all of my kids and grandkids are coming along, they've been buzzing about it as much as me!'
BBC News
06-07-2025
- BBC News
Man, 27, taken to hospital after street disturbance in Doune
A 27-year-old man has been treated in hospital after he was injured in a street disturbance near Scotland said officers were called to Main Street, Doune, at about 17:35 on force declined to comment on local reports that the man was stabbed. A 27-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear before Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday
Forbes
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Today's ‘Wordle' #1446 Hints, Clues And Answer For Wednesday, June 4th
How to solve today's Wordle. Looking for Tuesday's Wordle hints, clues and answer? You can find them here: It's Odin's Day again, which means it's Wordle Wednesday and I have a special riddle for you to solve before we get to taking a crack at the Wordle. I found this one in a cafe in Doune Village while traveling in Scotland. The nearby Doune Castle is the filming location for both Monty Python and the Holy Grail as well as Winterfell from Game Of Thrones. Here's the riddle: What's a bird but also a fruit but also a person? I'll post the answer in Thursday's Wordle guide. Let's solve today's! FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The Hint: Stop at once. The Clue: This Wordle has a double letter in it. Okay, spoilers below! The answer is coming! . . . Today's Wordle Every day I check Wordle Bot to help analyze my guessing game. You can check your Wordles with Wordle Bot right here. I'm frustrated because I had such a strong start but couldn't pull it off in three today. CRIME left me with just 26 words and SHOAL cut that number to three. I almost guessed CEASE on my third try but went with CAUSE because it had more letter diversity. Oh well! Today's Wordle Bot I think every day of the month so far, the Bot and I have traded wins, leaving us neck-and-neck for June. I get -1 today for guessing in four and losing to the Bot, while it gets 1 point for guessing in three and 1 for beating me. Our totals are once again a tie: Erik: 2 points Wordle Bot: 2 points The verb cease comes into English via Old French cesser 'to leave off, stop,' itself from Vulgar Latin *cessāre (a frequentative form) of Latin cedere 'to go, yield.' Over time, cesser became ceasen in Middle English before settling as cease in Modern English. Let me know how you fared with your Wordle today on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog where I write about games, TV shows and movies when I'm not writing puzzle guides. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Rediscover magic as Back Doune The Rabbit Hole returns with new owners
To mark its triumphant return to the festival circuit, the event has been dubbed Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, with the revival coming under a new and experienced management team appointed to oversee the organisation of the 2025 festival. The event is now being led by musician and festival organiser Brian Harkin, alongside Rock Artist Management's Colin Black and Paul Aspey. Managing bookings for over 70 bands, including Bay City Rollers, Bad Manners, and Big Country, Rock Artist Management is a company run by musicians, for musicians, and currently supplies acts for festivals and venues across the UK. Strengthening the expertise of the new management line up is a wider team of music industry leaders who have a combined experience of over 45 years in running festivals. The team has organised over 150 festivals in the last 10 years. The new team's goal is simple: take what people loved about Doune in the early days, and build something solid, imaginative and inclusive. "We're buzzing to bring Doune the Rabbit Hole back to life," said Brian Harkin. "The response and support so far have been incredible, and we're so grateful to everyone who's placed their trust in us to carry this festival forward. This event has always been about bringing people together through a love of music, and we've worked hard to put together a lineup that reflects that spirit. We can't wait to welcome festivalgoers back to Cardross Estate in August for a weekend that stays true to what has made the festival special, while bringing new energy to lead it into this new chapter." The festival, which ran successfully for 10 years before taking a two-year hiatus, has long been known for its diverse programming and laid-back atmosphere. The 2025 edition promises to build on this legacy while offering a revitalised and inclusive experience for festivalgoers of all ages. The connection between the festival and its community has always been a defining feature. Many attendees return year after year, not just for the music, but for the eclectic atmosphere that sets it apart. Families, long-time fans, first-timers, and artists alike have spoken about the unique sense of place that Doune offers. With the 2025 edition, organisers are hoping to rebuild that same sense of trust and belonging, while opening the gates to a new generation of attendees. Headlining the weekend are Marc Almond on Friday, The Fratellis on Saturday, and The Zutons on Sunday, delivering high-energy performances that will frame a weekend packed with diverse musical talent. The lineup reflects the festival's commitment to celebrating a wide range of genres, featuring chart-topping pop from Scouting for Girls, feel-good anthems from The Feeling, the soulful acoustics of Newton Faulkner, and the unique tribute act Elvana. Adding to the mix are acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan, folk-punk favourites Ferocious Dog, and the legendary Undertones, with more than 60 acts set to perform across five distinctive stages. Pictured: Sunday's headliner, The Zutons Each of the five stages brings something different to the table. The Garden is the main outdoor stage and the beating heart of the festival, perfect for those sunlit headline sets and crowd singalongs. The Big Top offers a covered space with big energy from morning to night. Mad Hatters, created in collaboration with Passenger, brings the best of Scotland's electronic and club scene into the wee hours. Burrowlands highlights alternative and emerging acts, giving new voices and experimental performances a platform. Jabbers, the newest addition, introduces comedy and spoken word, with sets hosted by Elaine Robertson and Lee Kyle and a lineup drawn from the spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe. For families, the festival continues to be one of the most welcoming around. Wacky Warren, run by the returning Kidding Around team, is the dedicated kids' area with programming from 10am to 10pm. Children can expect a mix of imaginative and active play, from giant sandpits and train sets to craft zones, a teen space, an on-site library, and more. It's designed not only for kids to get stuck in but for grown-ups to enjoy time and space to relax too. Food and drink have always played a big part in the festival experience, and Back Doune aims to get the balance just right. From locally sourced dishes and veggie-friendly options to late-night bites and proper coffee, there's something for every taste and budget. The bars will be stocked with a mix of craft favourites and familiar staples, all at fair prices. Meanwhile, the new wellness and healing area will offer a slower pace for those looking to reset between sets. Expect everything from yoga sessions to creative workshops, guided meditation, and more. Volunteer applications are open, offering a great opportunity for people to get involved behind the scenes. Volunteers contribute three shifts over the weekend and in return receive meals, access to crew camping, and all the perks of the full festival experience. This is a great chance for anyone interested in events or looking to experience the festival from a different angle while helping make it all happen. Many volunteers return year after year, and the team welcomes both new and familiar faces. The 2025 edition will include a range of changes designed to make the festival experience as smooth and welcoming as possible. From layout tweaks to on-site facilities, the team is working behind the scenes to create an environment that's inclusive for everyone. For those not bringing a car, travel partners Happy Bus are offering return coach services from key Scottish cities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling, as well as a shuttle from Stirling city centre. The festival's new management team have made it clear that this isn't just a return, it's a rebuild. The cancellation of the 2023 edition understandably shook the trust of many, but the new organisers of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole are committed to transparency and good communication. FAQ pages on the website aim to keep everyone informed about planning and improvements, and the team has already begun reaching out to the community, inviting feedback and ideas for the future. "This is about more than putting on a good weekend," commented Brian. "It's about rebuilding something meaningful that people feel proud to be part of. That means getting the details right, being honest about the past, and listening to what people actually want from a festival like this. We're not here to replicate what came before, we're here to honour what made it special and make it stronger for the future." The full line-up is now live, along with the day splits. Weekend and day tickets are available now at Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will run from Friday to Sunday, August 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2025.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
300-year-old ‘Doune pistols' finally return to their hometown in Scotland
A set of historic 300-year-old guns have finally returned to their Scottish hometown after years spent in a private collection. According to a recent announcement, 10 Doune flintlock pistols are now on permanent public display at the tiny city in eastern Scotland's Information and Heritage Center. Crafted by six different hammermen (gunsmiths) during the 1700's, the weapons also showcase well-preserved examples of makers' intricate artistry techniques such as finely engraved Celtic patterns and silver wire inlays. Doune pistols are remarkable pieces of firearm history. The recognizable curvehandled flintlock weapons date back to 1646, when blacksmith Thomas Caddell began repurposing discarded horseshoe nails due to the scarcity of iron. Apart from their comparative reliability for the era, the pistols were soon also sought after for their decorative adornments. While expensive and often favored by wealthier English customers, Highland locals were often known to save their funds in order to also purchase the weapons. Doune pistol decorative designs evolved as their reputation grew in the ensuing decades, while their popularity extended across mainland England and even over the Atlantic to the British colonies. Although never confirmed, it has long been suggested that a Doune pistol fired the 'shot heard around the world' at the American Revolution's outset in 1775. Ironically, the British had already banned Highlanders from owning firearms for almost three decades by the time of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The 1746 Act of Proscription was part of a wider attempt to break apart the Scottish clan system following the prior year's failed Jacobite rising. Punishment for violators included fines, imprisonment for late payments, and even as long as seven years at 'any of his Majesty's plantations beyond the seas.' The Doune pistol's influence had already begun to wane by the time the Act of Proscription was repealed in 1782. By the end of the 18th century, customers began opting for cheaper imports as well as weaponry made in other regions across England. Today, only a few hundred examples of genuine Doune pistols are known to exist.'While having a practical function, the pistols really are fine works of art and would have taken countless hours of craftsmanship by candlelight to bring to fruition,' Kilmadock Development Trust chair Karen Ross said in a statement. 'We are thrilled that such a unique part of Doune's history is now on display in the village where they were made.'
