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Scotsman
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Legends of historic Fife cave inhabited by saint to be told in film screened in cave itself
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... It is a natural cave carved by an underground river thousands of years ago and was the home of a miracle-working saint, whose arm bone is believed to have helped Robert the Bruce's army win the Battle of Bannockburn. Now a film telling the story, mystery and legends of Saint Fillan's cave in the East Neuk of Fife is to be shown in the tiny cave itself. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Light, the Bell & the Burden explores mysteries around belief, folklore and healing through St Fillan and the relics connected to him. Amongst these relics are eight river stones which are said to have specific healing properties; the saint's bronze bell known as the Bernane, also used for healing and the arm and hand of the saint himself, which is said to have glowed with light allowing the saint to write sermons in the cave, in the village of Pittenweem. Commissioned by ENF with support from Event Scotland's National Events Programme, the video will be installed inside the coastal cave measuring around 10 metres by six metres, where St Fillan is said to have lived as a hermit towards the end of his life in the eighth century. It features a recorded performance of The Witch of Leanachan, a dramatic and haunting piece written by fiddle player and composer Donald Grant, who is joined by 'maverick', genre-bending cellist Su-A-Lee of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Filmmaker Andy McGregor, whose previous audio-visual work includes creative direction of the annual Castle of Light show at Edinburgh Castle, large scale video installations for Walter Scott 250th anniversary and a long association with the East Neuk Festival, which commissioned the film, said: 'It's an honour to be invited to make this work for this the 20th year of the Festival and for this unique and hallowed space. The story of St Fillan and the wider history of Pittenweem establish themes which resonate for me personally, and – I hope – universally when expressed in the work. 'I have always been drawn to the area where belief and ritual overlap and to spaces, objects, stories and sounds.' Robert the Bruce is said to have had a reliquary containing St Fillan's arm bone, which he brought to the Battle of Bannockburn. Legend claims the bone fell out, indicating a 'miraculous sign', which was credited with victory in the battle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad St Fillan's Cave is embedded in a natural rock behind the small town of Pittenweem. Svend McEwan-Brown, director of East Neuk Festival, said: 'Festivals happen in special places for a reason – it's the magic combination of place and performances that give them the edge when it comes to leaving audiences with incredible memories of magical experiences. 'Andy McGregor has been involved with ENF since the very beginning and it is wonderful to welcome him back to create what I am sure will be a special work in a wonderfully atmospheric space.' Rebecca Edser, head of EventScotland said: 'The Light, the Bell & the Burden installation utilises the power of events to showcase one of Scotland's many fascinating tales from our history. EventScotland is delighted to support the East Neuk Festival in their 21st year, where a range of talented artists are set to gather in some of the most charming villages, and venues in Scotland. 'The festival is part of an exciting portfolio of events taking place across the country that we are supporting to deliver a wide range of economic and social benefits and strengthen our position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.'
Daily Record
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
13th century colourful castle to host summer fest that promises music and adventure
Scotland's most enchanting festival returns this July transforming a colourful castle glen into a vibrant world of art and music Scotland's most enchanting festival is making a vibrant return this summer, transforming the grounds of Kelburn Castle into a living work of art and imagination. Set within a coastal glen near Fairlie, just an hour from Glasgow, the Kelburn Garden Party will mark its 15th year from July 3 to 7 with a bold programme of music, performance and site-specific installations, all nestled beneath the brightly painted turrets of a 13th-century castle. The event's centrepiece, The Neverending Glen , is back to lead audiences deep into the estate's ancient woodland, where art and nature blur into one surreal, immersive trail. This year's theme, Relics , invites festival-goers to reflect on time, memory and transformation through performances, sculptures and workshops scattered throughout the forest, Glasgow Live reports. 'The magic of the Neverending Glen isn't quite like anywhere else,' said Marina Renee-Cemmick, the trail's Creative Director. 'It's a place where the wild wooded glen meets the dynamism and energy of a festival. "To have such an expanse of art installations, performance and workshops interwoven with music and a sense of exploration, right at the heart of the festival, creates a truly unique experience.' Supported by EventScotland's National Events Funding Programme, the festival will feature more than 150 acts across ten stages, with everything from underground club sounds and global live bands to experimental performance and thought-provoking art. Yet it's in the woodland where Kelburn's spirit truly comes alive. Earlier this year, six artists were invited to take part in the Kelburn Glen Arts Residency, living and working on-site to develop pieces rooted in the glen's unique ecology and history. The resulting works by Finnian Croy, Imogen Hero, Melissa Rankin, Ruaridh Litster-Campbell, Sally Price and Suzi Cunningham, along with a collaborative installation developed under the mentorship of Sue Hill, range from interactive ceramics and organic sculptures to ritualistic journeys and sound meditations beneath Kelburn's legendary Yoko Yew tree. Elsewhere in the forest, a surreal troop of recycled apes by David Cemmick swing from the trees, while Delululand returns with Titty TV , a cheeky outdoor drag talk show. Emmaly Crimmel and Doug Thomas invite visitors to carve walking sticks from storm-felled trees, and Forget This Tree Collective will unveil a glowing tent that doubles as a reliquary of nature and rebellion. Also responding to the Relics theme, artist Lola Evelyn Ives constructs a Shrine to Anima Mundi , complete with bells, ribbons and ceramic tokens of gratitude, while returning sculptor Marcin Krupa adds three new carved wooden heads to his haunting series hidden in the woods. Visitors can seek out Neve Pearce's cyanotype-adorned puppet, or join eco-focused workshops hosted by Seamus Killick and Maya Rose Edwards to explore the stories and future of Scotland's peat bogs. Stuart Murdoch contributes a spinning sycamore seed sculpture suspended in the canopy, symbolising natural cycles and ancient wisdom. Alongside the visual works, Kelburn presents a packed programme of performances. Highlights include sound artist Axel van der Waal, sculptor Ashley Dudley-Smith, and the genre-bending Oceanallover, known for blending ritual, live art and theatre. Isla Greenwood's new piece, Landscapes of Trust , staged at Kelburn's iconic waterfall, will examine land rights, mental health and collective resistance. Festival-goers can join Maria McCavana's weekend of letter-writing workshops, which ends with a floating boat ritual, or explore contemplative sculpture paths by Sophia Blee and Annie Donaldson. Their daily boat-making workshops will encourage visitors of all ages to reflect and create. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Other standout installations include Jamie Temple's scorched wind turbine blades rising from the earth as warnings from a possible future, and Mia McGregor's evolving Cube Project , a collaborative sculpture inviting all to leave their mark across the weekend. The Neverending Glen will open with a special preview on Thursday 3 July, featuring a curator-led walk and live performances. Entry to the trail is included with a festival ticket, and audiences are encouraged to arrive early to explore the full experience. The full Kelburn Garden Party programme and workshop schedule can be found on the official website. With its stunning setting, eclectic line-up and surreal woodland world, this year's event promises to be the most magical yet.
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Spirit of Speyside whisky festival breaks ticket records - and looks to further growth in 2026
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced another year of increased sales, with nearly 9,000 tickets sold for the first time. Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the festival has grown in stature, establishing itself as one of the world's largest and is a major contributor to the local economy. It is supported by 74 members and 43 partners, including EventScotland, part of VisitScotland - and there are over 600 events across the six days. In 2024 the festival announced a 23 per cent increase in sales from the year before. However, this year will be the first time the festival will come close to a record-breaking £450,000 of sales, including its Whisky School which takes place over four days. Visitors from 37 countries descend on Speyside, contributing to over 50 per cent of overseas ticket sales with Germany, the US, Netherlands and Canada purchasing the most, outside of the UK. Billed as one of the largest international events of its kind anywhere in the world, organisers said the festival relies on the Speyside businesses and community to create a programme of unique experiences for visitors who are not just whisky aficionados. The festival is packed with a range of diverse events, from coopering masterclasses and BBQs to wildlife walks, the Dram Train, music events and canoeing down the river whilst stopping for a Speyside malt. New chairman Henry Angus New chairman Henry Angus said: 'We can't do this festival without the support of the local community. It's vital not just for the businesses but also it's there for the locals to enjoy the buzz for six days. With visitors coming from all over the world, it's an opportunity to meet new people, have some fun, enjoy the stunning scenery along with a brilliant week of events.' The festival kicked off in style on Wednesday April 30 with 91 events taking place, and concluding in the evening with the renowned Touch of Tartan opening event, co-hosted by Speyside Distillers. This year it was held at the Macdonald Highlands Hotels in Aviemore. Over 300 guests gathered for an evening of celebration, where the winners of the prestigious annual whisky awards were also announced. Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, said: 'The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival shows the vital role events play in Scotland's visitor economy - supporting communities, creating jobs, and showcasing our culture to the world. "It is part of an exciting portfolio of events taking place across the country that we are supporting to deliver a wide range of economic and social benefits and strengthen Scotland's position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.' The opening dinner heralded the whisky and festival award winners, and it was a big night for Aberlour distillery. The whisky winners for 2025 were: the Gold winner of the 12-year-old and under category was The Glen Grant 12-year-old; the Gold winner of the 13-17 category was Aberlour 15-year-old; the Gold winner of the 18 years old over category was Aberlour 18-year-old Double Sherry Cask and the Gold winner of the non-age statement category was Aberlour Triple Cask Matured. The overall winner of the 2025 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Award was Aberlour 18-year-old Double Sherry Cask. The festival winners were: Ambassador – Karen McGillivray; International Ambassador – Stuart Baxter; Unsung Heroes – The Whisky Awards Team: Linda Mellis, Carol Inch, Helen Mellis and Pat Brazil; and Spirit of Speyside Award – James Campbell (previous Chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival). At the opening dinner, outgoing chairman George McNeil explained that former co-chair, Sarah Burgess was due to take over the role of chairperson but now could not due to a change in circumstances. However, a new chairperson had been found in Henry Angus. Mr McNeil said: 'We were delighted when Henry Angus accepted the role as your Spirit of Speyside chairman.' Mr McNeil thanked the current and past executive team members as he handed over the reins to Mr Angus. Mr Angus was attracted to the role of chairman given his history with the area and love of whisky. He said: 'Whisky has been a passion for life since my early school days in Aberlour and smelling malted barley in the air. I have worked in Moray for the past 25 years and made positive connections in the business and local community. "I really want to give something back and my work and career has given me a lot of engagement with the whisky industry who are all of course, very supportive of the festival. I am keen to try and help the festival grow nationally and internationally with my export experience in various roles.' When asked what his plans for the festival were going forward, Mr Angus said: 'The vision is to get more eyes on the festival UK-wide and globally and to engage with more businesses but with over 500 events already lined up, it's about quality of events over quantity. "We want to showcase the very best of what's in Speyside – not just from the distilleries, but also from the hotels, restaurants, cafes and venues in the area. 'We already know that last year, visitors came from 39 countries and the biggest numbers were from the US, Canada and Europe but not so much Japan. We are certainly recognised as an international whisky festival and we are the first festival to kick off World Whisky Month. "Since we launched the festival, Event Scotland and Visit Scotland have supported us, helping to grow our international market and that's why we are in such a good position with roughly 50% of visitors from overseas each year.' Find out more about the Spirit of Speyside whisky festival, including events for next year as they are announced, at
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Thousands of cyclists from around the world head to Dumfries and Galloway for The Gralloch
The Gatehouse-based event is being held for the third time and has become one of the UK's leading gravel events. Nearly 3,000 riders from around the world are descending on Dumfries and Galloway. The Gralloch is being held for the third time in Gatehouse and the Galloway Forest Park and it has become one of the UK's leading gravel events. Riders from more than 35 nations, as well as spectators, teams and industry exhibitors, are coming to the event, which is part of the UCI Gravel World Series. That means elite athletes have the chance to qualify for this year's UCI Gravel World Championships. Saturday's race will be followed by a non-competitive Gravel Sportive on Sunday, giving hundreds more riders the chance to tackle the course. Event director and co-founder, Maximilian Wussler, said: 'This weekend is a milestone for the south of Scotland. 'We're showcasing Galloway not just as a world-class gravel cycling destination, but as a region full of community spirit, natural beauty, and potential for adventure tourism. It's incredible to see the global cycling community discovering what we've known all along — this place is special.' The special event village will be open from 9am on Friday with a shakeout ride starting from the clubhouse at 10am. This is a chance to join event co-founder Malcolm Smith for a group ride along the first 30km of the Gralloch route. Another ride follows at 2pm, with the 32km route including the final 10km of the race route. In the evening there will be rider talks and interviews from 4pm on the main stage in Garries Park, with the elite riders being presented at 6.30pm. Live music follow from 7pm. The big day on Saturday sees the main Gralloch UCI race, with waves from 9.15am until around 11.15am. The leading men are expected back around 1pm with the elite women around 3.20pm. Ahead of the finish line celebrations, the kids race will take place at 12noon, with more entertainment in the evening. The focus switches to the sportive the following day, with riders setting off from 8.30am. The event is supported by Event Scotland, part of VisitScotland, and Dumfries and Galloway Council. Head of EventScotland, Rebecca Edser, said: 'We are pleased to be supporting The Gralloch through our national events programme. Events like it play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland's visitor economy. 'They bring people together, support local businesses, and create unforgettable experiences for all involved. We are delighted to welcome riders and spectators from across Scotland, the UK, and around the world to Britain's first UCI Gravel World Series event.' Chair of the council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, added: 'Gatehouse of Fleet and the UCI Gralloch Gravel World Cup are a perfect match. The Council is delighted to support this world class event and showcase our region's wonderful cycling trails. 'Cycling is such a healthy way to keep fit, take exercise and get out and explore. I welcome the many competitors and visitors to Dumfries and Galloway who have been inspired to come to south west Scotland due to this exciting event.'
Glasgow Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Visitors turn out for first day of Paisley Food and Drink Festival
The festival, which is one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink events, is taking place on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 in the surroundings of Paisley Abbey. This year's line-up sees more than 50 traders showcasing the finest street food along with a host of licensed bars, live music and foodie fun for all ages. (Image: Jamie Simpson) The festival is one of the highlights in Renfrewshire Council's annual events calendar and this year's event is bigger than ever with a larger event site supported by finding from EventScotland. Day two of the festival is taking place today from 12-9pm. (Image: Jamie Simpson) (Image: Jamie Simpson) (Image: Jamie Simpson)
