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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Stunning Scottish park home to historic landmark that once stood in Glasgow
A historic bandstand that once stood in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park has been restored to glory in a scenic South Lanarkshire park A once-forgotten piece of Glasgow's heritage has been brought back to life in the rolling countryside of South Lanarkshire. Overlooking the lush Avon Water valley and framed by the towering remains of an old railway viaduct, the bandstand at Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park in Stonehouse has been fully restored after a £250,000 community-led campaign. Nestled in a dramatic natural amphitheatre, the ornate structure is now a proud centrepiece once again, and few know it once stood in the heart of Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Live reports. The intricately detailed bandstand was originally built for the 1911 Scottish Exhibition of Natural History, Art and Industry, which drew nearly ten million visitors to Kelvingrove Park. The exhibition included everything from boat trips on the River Kelvin to an aerial railway, a scale Highland village and now-controversial displays of people from Lapland and West Africa. Following the exhibition, the bandstand was purchased by the Fourth District Council and relocated to Stonehouse, where it was officially opened in 1924. The park went on to become famous for another reason too, its enormous chute, said to have been the longest in Scotland. Local historian and Friends of Stonehouse Park committee member John Young, 58, has spent years researching the bandstand's remarkable story and leading the restoration efforts. 'It's one of the iconic features of the village,' said John. 'It stands out. It's set in the Avon valley, overlooking the River Avon and the old viaduct.' He added: 'Folks would come from all over Lanarkshire to come to the park, because not only did it have the bandstand, it had the longest chute in Scotland. Through the thirties, there were always four figures there at weekends during the summers. It must have been quite the sight in those days.' The restoration, which uncovered intricate ironwork long hidden beneath layers of old paint, has sparked a revival in the park's fortunes. 'It was only when it was restored that we realised the detail in the metalwork,' said John. 'There are cherubs and a lion's head and all these other things we hadn't seen because they were buried under 100 coats of paint over 100 years. It looks outstanding.' Much of the funding came from windfarm-linked community benefit funds, and the bandstand finally reopened in May 2023. Although some work is still ongoing, including rendering at the base, the site has already begun hosting live music and events once more, often with large and enthusiastic crowds. 'There has been a revival in the park over the last ten years,' said John. 'Like so many parks across Scotland, it was getting run down. There wasn't the money there from the council.' Now, Friends of Stonehouse Park runs all events in the park, with live performances returning to the bandstand — from gigs to community celebrations. 'There were a good few hundred at an event last week, and folk are already saying that it's amazing and that we should be doing more for it,' John added. 'Where it is at Stonehouse, it's in a natural amphitheatre. It's a great place to play music and to see music.' 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. He believes few people know there was another bandstand in Kelvingrove Park before the one currently hosting big-name acts such as Elbow, Public Image Ltd, Billy Ocean and Teenage Fanclub this summer. 'You can see what an impetus live music has given the current bandstand at Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, and we're trying to do the same in a rural setting,' he said. 'It looks magnificent, and there's no finer setting to see music.' Recent performers have included Glasgow-based Spanish rock band Clay Rings and Ewan McFarlane, former frontman of Grim Northern Social, with all gigs free to attend. The Friends have also launched a food tent to raise further funds and secured an additional £300,000 to restore the park's old pavilion into a café. Meanwhile, the bandstand is being woven into the life of the village, from gigs to craft sessions during the Stonehouse Art Trail.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- 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.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scotland's Home of the Year property placed on market before BBC showdown
The sandstone bungalow in Giffnock is a finalist in Scotland's Home of the Year 2025 and will compete alongside five other homes. A stunning Glasgow home in the running to be crowned BBC Scotland's Home of the Year has gone on the market ahead of the finale. The 1930s sandstone bungalow in Giffnock, which featured in the first episode of this year's edition of the popular TV show, is is now on sale as it prepares to compete in the grand finale of the hit property series, reports Glasgow Live. Currently home to graphic designer Pamela Bain and business consultant husband Gordon, both 38, their son Caleb, 8, and Irish Setter Rosa, the plush home stoof out with its charming mix of 'granny-style with a modern twist'. The home will compete against other properties across the country after it was crowned the best of three homes in the West to feature on the show. The owners will face off in the finale of the popular BBC series, filmed in Glasgow at the Mackintosh-designed House for an Art Lover in the southside of the city. The finale will be broadcast on Monday, June 2, and will show the homeowners meeting the judges for the first time as they also get a chance to explore each other's properties. Ahead of the final episode, property firm Rerrie has announced the home's upcoming sale in a teaser post on Facebook, saying: "A beautiful home coming to the market soon... So beautiful it's a finalist on Scotland's Home of the Year 2025 ." The family moved into the property in 2020, Pamela said she loved the house from the first viewing. 'The house had really good bones: lovely big rooms; a really nice, easy layout, and the original features it had were really unique and striking.' As for the property's striking decor, Pamela said: 'I've always loved old furniture, and we were lucky to inherit some furniture from my gran and my husband's gran. When we first saw this house, my first thought was my gran's furniture was going to look great in there.' The property is now one of six that judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell will choose from to be named Scotland's Home of the Year 2025. This year's search showcased a variety of styles from period properties to modern new-builds, cosy cottages to bespoke flats, farm steadings to contemporary abodes. This year's finalists are: SANDSTONE BUNGALOW, Giffnock ( Ep1, West). Home to Pamela and Gordon, their son Caleb and Rosa the Irish Setter, the 'Sandstone Bungalow' blends together old with new, whilst retaining the beautiful original 1930s details. The couple design choices bring the 'Sandstone Bungalow' up-to-date with a bright and modern kitchen, dining and living spaces. HILLTOP HOUSE, Aberdeenshire ( Ep2, North East & Northern Isles). Situated on the outskirts of Pitmedden in rural Aberdeenshire, 'Hilltop House' is home to Chris, Jessica, their son Chase and dogs Enzo and Dino. The couple designed their bright, contemporary house around the original footprint of the farm steading, fusing mid-century and Californian cool style to create their dream home. WEE CITY NOOK, Edinburgh ( Ep3, East). A first-floor traditional tenement in Edinburgh's Stockbridge area, 'Wee City Nook' is home to Devin and Max. The couple combined their creative skills to design and rebuild each room in this small-but-perfectly-formed home, creating clever storage solutions, maximising every nook and cranny. Together, they have created a bold, bright and colourful abode which truly packs a design punch. THE TREE HOUSE, Broughty Ferry ( Ep4, Central & Tayside). A modernist 1960s property in Broughty Ferry, 'The Tree House' is home to Jackie, Paul and their cats Mirren and Kaja. The couple fell in love with this neglected house which had laid empty for five years, lovingly breathing new life into it whilst preserving the original architect's vision. Amongst their changes, they reworked the upstairs space to create their bedroom of dreams overlooking the treetops. AN CALA COTTAGE, Isle of Skye ( Ep5, Highlands & Islands). A cosy cottage, 'An Cala Cottage' is home to Caroline, Lee and their dog, Nuala. This traditional cottage was brought back to life on a budget, with the couple incorporating charming charity shop finds with a creative use of colour throughout. They took inspiration for their interior design from the coastal and mountain views which surround, creating a cosy and relaxing home. CRAIGMOUNT, Near Dalbeattie ( Ep6, South). A Victorian semi-detached house near Dalbeattie, home to Ozzy, Laura, daughter Grace and Ethel the pug. The property's coastal views won the family over and they made it their own by renovating and adding a tasteful extension to the original granite building. Boasting a bold and colourful interior, the family entered Craigmount as Grace's late gran loved SHOTY. Judge and interior designer Anna Campbell-Jones said: 'As always, we have a set of finalists that are each uniquely different from each other, from restored modernist dreams to handcrafted miniature perfection there's inspiration for everyone. 'When we film the final we are never sure who the winner will be - it could genuinely be any of these amazing homes. Through debate, much discussion and not a little heartbreak, we gradually whittle them down to one that we all agree has that magical edge - the home that best exemplifies what home means.' Isle of Mull-based judge and interior designer Banjo Beale said: 'Each home's bursting with personality - bold, beautiful, and a real labour of love. The finale of SHOTY is the big emotional payoff - surprises, stories, and a stunning winner that'll take your breath away.' Architect Danny Campbell added: 'This year's finalists are an eclectic celebration of design adventures — bold, heartfelt, and unapologetically individual. Each home tells a story of its owner's passions, priorities and aesthetic DNA, from slick architectural statements to soulful reimagining of traditional spaces. The finale is always a head-spin - equal parts tension and celebration. Viewers can expect impassioned debates, inspiring interior insights and that brilliant moment where we finally agree on a winner!' Faced with six unforgettable and unique homes, Anna, Banjo and Danny cast their votes based on architectural merit, distinctive design, original style and what makes a house a home. The finale of Scotland's Home of the Year will air on BBC One Scotland on Monday 2 nd June at 8.30pm and on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Scots grandfather completes incredible 200-mile cycling fundraiser
Robert 'Uncle Bob' Taylor has taken on the task of raising cash for The Benevolent Society of Scotland every year since 1985. A SUPER-FIT Scots grandfather has has just clocked up another 200-miles on his bike for charity. Robert 'Uncle Bob' Taylor recently completed his 40th annual challenge around the Italian hills of Tuscany at the age of 80. Glasgow man Bob has taken on the task of raising cash for The Benevolent Society of Scotland every year since 1985. With a long career in the hospitality trade behind him, Bob toasted his success after crossing the finishing line in the small town of Barga on Thursday night. Cycling since the age of 15, Bob has twice been named Scottish junior champion, and set the over-60 ten-mile Scottish cycle record in 2005. He began fundraising for The Ben in 1985 with a ride from Pitlochry to Brighton. The charity supports individuals in the drinks industry with practical, financial, and emotional assistance. Bob said: 'It then became a tradition and I love it – and now I am still keeping fit for and with our Tour of Tuscany. 'It's exciting to see cultures connecting in this way and long may it continue. There are 10 of us, eight Scottish cyclists and two Italian cyclists who live in Tuscany. 'Italy is a cycling country and the drivers give great respect. 'The roads are perfect for the cycling. This special event is close to my heart as I've built up a brilliant relationship with the Italians in the hospitality trade. To visit their homeland is a special moment for me personally.' Bob's arrival in Barga comes after the local mayor signed a friendship agreement with Glasgow last year. Bob says he has no plans to slow down, and is now working towards beating the over-80s ten-mile Scottish cycle record, after his over 60s record was recently beaten. The record stands at 25 minutes and 30 seconds. He told Glasgow Live: 'I keep fit, I have always been conscious to look after myself, everything in moderation; food and drink etc. 'I've trained five days a week for many years. Twenty years ago I broke the 10-mile Scottish cycle record while cycling with the Glasgow Wheelies, it was great fun to put myself under pressure. 'Am I proud? I'm grateful – I've only been able to do this due to the help and support I've received over the years. Cycling is a unique sport so I've been blessed.' Former president of The Ben charity Warren Paul helped organise the challenge. Warren, who organises the Italian Awards, is closely involved in many major links between the countries and is passionate about introducing Scots to the joys of Italy. He said: 'The Italian Awards were created to recognise excellence in the Scottish Italian community. We are delighted to be able to support this event, taking place in many of the Italian Scots' homeland. 'I am passionate about bringing Scotland and Italy even closer together – the links between the two are incredible and very natural, so it feels right to help the connections grow and deepen. The mayor of Barga signed a friendship agreement with Glasgow last year and this reinforces the special links Scotland has with Italy. 'Uncle Bob is a legend in Scottish hospitality and The Ben are a charity very close to my heart – I am proud to be their former president – so this felt like an opportunity to bring charities in each country together too for a great cause.' The cycling challenge was supported by the charity Italian Scotland. Ronnie Convery, President of Italian Scotland, said: 'As the official charity of the Italian community in Scotland, we are delighted to support the charity cycling event taking place in our beloved land this month through the hills of Tuscany for The Ben. 'The Italian community has a deeply-felt link to the hospitality industry in Scotland. So many of our families migrated from the little hill towns near Florence, Lucca, Rome and Naples to this land of opportunity over a century ago in search of a better life and set about bringing their cuisine, their welcoming spirit and their ethos of hard work to Scottish consumers. 'As the generations pass, the support given to current and former employees of the hospitality industry in Scotland is ever more appreciated by the members and friends of the Italian community. 'For that reason, we are proud to make our own donation to the Benevolent Society of Scotland - a sincere 'grazie' to the charity for all it has done, and continues to do to support those in need.'
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Immersive exhibition brings ancient Egypt and its secrets to Scotland this summer
Lovers of Egyptian history are in for a treat as an immersive exhibition taking visitors back thousands of years comes to Glasgow History lovers are in for a treat this summer as Glasgow prepares to welcome Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, an extraordinary journey through ancient Egypt that promises to captivate with both authentic artefacts and cutting-edge technology. Opening at the SEC on July 24, this spectacular show follows a sell-out 14-week run in London and invites visitors to explore the mysteries of the famous pharaoh and his era like never before. Spanning six creatively designed galleries, the exhibition showcases a remarkable collection of original artefacts dating back as far as 4000 BC, Glasgow Live reports. Highlights include a funerary shabti from the 20th Dynasty that was once part of Howard Carter's private collection, alongside statuettes and vases from the reigns of Tutankhamun and Ramses II and III. Visitors will also encounter meticulously crafted replicas and facsimiles displayed in a curated 'treasure room' that brings Egypt's ancient heritage vividly to life. One of the exhibition's standout features is a vast 360-degree projection covering 1,200 square metres, transporting guests through Egypt's rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage. A virtual reality experience allows visitors to journey into the mystical Egyptian afterlife, while a hologram room vividly reveals the entire mummification process of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The exhibition's immersive narrative is further enriched by a recorded interview with Howard Carter, the famed British archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. An interactive digital metaverse walk-through of the Valley of the Kings completes the experience, offering a chance to explore Carter's basecamp and relive the monumental discovery in full glory. To top off the journey, visitors can have their photograph taken in an AI photo booth that transforms them into a citizen of ancient Egypt, a perfect memento of a remarkable day. Designed with families, schools, history enthusiasts and tech fans in mind, the 90-minute experience blends educational displays, historical documents, original artefacts and immersive storytelling. The bespoke soundtrack, performed by an orchestra, further enhances the magic, drawing visitors into the world of ancient Egypt like never before. Having already dazzled over 1.9 million visitors across cities including Madrid, Hamburg, Cairo, Sao Paulo, Barcelona, Vienna and Malmö, this award-winning exhibition has earned three Telly Awards and is a product of a unique collaboration with the History Channel. It effortlessly combines historical authenticity with modern technology to offer an unforgettable adventure. 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. The exhibition will run for a limited 14-week season from July 24 to October 26, before continuing its European tour. Tickets for Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition in Glasgow start at £22.50 for adults and £16.45 for children. For those seeking an extra special experience, the Pharaoh Package is available from £52.50 and includes queue jump and exclusive merchandise. A £2.50 booking fee applies. Schools interested in group bookings can apply for special rates by emailing exhibition@ The waitlist for exclusive pre-sale access is now open on the exhibition website. General ticket sales will begin on Friday, June 6, 2025.
