Latest news with #JockTamson
Scotsman
06-08-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Edinburgh festivals diary: Edinburgh, I am ashamed of you after experiencing anti-Fringe aggression
An experience of anti-English prejudice results in our diarist Jane Bradley feeling unwelcome in her own home town. 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... Edinburgh, I was ashamed of you last night. I was ashamed of us. I had my first experience of anti-Fringe, anti-English aggression. I was sitting at a picnic bench in George Square Gardens when a couple asked if they could take the two empty seats opposite me. I explained that my daughter and my cousin were sitting there, but had gone to pick up their food from a nearby truck. The pair went on their way to look for different seats, perfectly happy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad George Square Garden. Half an hour later, a woman who had been sitting further down the same bench got up to leave and stumbled her way over to us, her male companion hovering sheepishly behind her. "Why did you not let that couple sit there before?" she asked aggressively, indicating the two inches of spare bench between my teenage daughter and the people sitting next to us. I explained again, somewhat unnecessarily now as they were both right there, that my companions were using the seats. "They could have squeezed up," she argued, shouting in my face (they couldn't). And here came the kicker: "This is NOT how we do things in Edinburgh." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I can see why she assumed I wasn't local. I have a (northern) English accent. I was, having come straight from work, wearing a Fringe lanyard. My cousin is American and, like many Fringe performers, under 30. To this woman, we must have looked like a fly-by-night, probably London-based Fringe show team having the time of our lives 'doing Edinburgh'. The kind she, despite the fact she was choosing to spend her own evening at the Fringe, clearly hates. In reality, I have lived in Scotland for more than 25 years: far longer than I ever lived in England and almost my entire adult life. My daughter is Edinburgh born and bred. None of this should matter. We are all Jock Tamson's bairns. But for the single reason that we appeared to belong to a non-Scottish, visiting, Fringe show, she chose to attack us. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some of us locals love it, others - particularly understandable, those who live close to a busy Fringe venue with constant noise and disruption throughout August - hate it. But whatever we think of the Fringe, or of any of the other festivals, this kind of personal abuse is unacceptable. If I had actually been an English Fringe performer visiting Edinburgh for the first time, I would have felt horribly unwelcome. As it was, I felt horribly unwelcome in my own home town. This is not how we do things in Edinburgh. Polo on the big screen at the Pleasance Dome. | Contributed How many people actually play polo? The TV sports entertainment on the big screen in the Pleasance Dome on Tuesday was somewhat unusual, particularly for (weather postponed) 2-4-1 ticket day, when the whole point is inclusivity and accessibility - an affordable Fringe for all.
Scotsman
06-08-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Festivals diary: Edinburgh, I am ashamed of you over anti-Fringe aggression
An experience of anti-English prejudice results in our diarist Jane Bradley feeling unwelcome in her home town 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... Edinburgh, I was ashamed of you last night. I was ashamed of us. I had my first experience of anti-Fringe, anti-English aggression. I was sitting at a picnic bench in George Square Gardens when a couple asked if they could take the two empty seats opposite me. I explained that my daughter and my cousin were sitting there, but had gone to pick up their food from a nearby truck. The pair went on their way to look for different seats, perfectly happy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Half an hour later, a woman who had been sitting further down the same bench got up to leave and stumbled her way over to us, her male companion hovering sheepishly behind her. "Why did you not let that couple sit there before?" she asked aggressively, indicating the two inches of spare bench between my teenage daughter and the people sitting next to us. I explained again, somewhat unnecessarily now as they were both right there, that my companions were using the seats. "They could have squeezed up," she argued, shouting in my face (they couldn't). And here came the kicker: "This is NOT how we do things in Edinburgh." I can see why she assumed I wasn't local. I have a (northern) English accent. I was, having come straight from work, wearing a Fringe lanyard. My cousin is American and, like many Fringe performers, under 30. To this woman, we must have looked like a fly-by-night, probably London-based Fringe show team having the time of our lives 'doing Edinburgh'. The kind she, despite the fact she was choosing to spend her own evening at the Fringe, clearly hates. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In reality, I have lived in Scotland for more than 25 years: far longer than I ever lived in England and almost my entire adult life. My daughter is Edinburgh born and bred. None of this should matter. We are all Jock Tamson's bairns. But for the single reason that we appeared to belong to a non-Scottish, visiting, Fringe show, she chose to attack us. Some of us locals love it, others - particularly understandable, those who live close to a busy Fringe venue with constant noise and disruption throughout August - hate it. But whatever we think of the Fringe, or of any of the other festivals, this kind of personal abuse is unacceptable. If I had actually been an English Fringe performer visiting Edinburgh for the first time, I would have felt horribly unwelcome. As it was, I felt horribly unwelcome in my own home town. This is not how we do things in Edinburgh. Polo on the big screen at the Pleasance Dome. | Contributed How many people actually play polo? The TV sports entertainment on the big screen in the Pleasance Dome yesterday was somewhat unusual, particularly for (weather postponed) 2-4-1 ticket day, when the whole point is inclusivity and accessibility - an affordable Fringe for all. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
06-08-2025
- Scotsman
Steve Cardownie: Even on a low budget city has something to offer
Only a short walk away from the city centre is Dean Village, a peaceful and pretty village next to the Water of Leith. It's brilliant for getting out and stretching your legs over the summer I can fully understand why residents in the Old Town and parts of the New Town might get fed up to the back teeth with Edinburgh's festivals. 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... After all, it can't be easy trying to follow your normal daily routine when you are confronted with thousands of pedestrians blocking the pavements and roads that you would normally be able to traverse unimpeded. But such is life and the consequences of living in the centre of a city like Edinburgh. However, it escapes me why some Edinburgh residents, who do not live in the centre, continue to rabbit on about how they are inconvenienced by the festivals and the huge number of visitors they attract. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We all know that the city's population doubles in size in the month of August, rising from approximately half a million to a million, which should come as no surprise, given that only the Olympics and the World Cup sell more tickets than the Fringe. I like that we attract so many international visitors to our city, but unfortunately I can only converse with our 'guests' in English (as a result of spending too much time in The Palace snooker hall in Duke Street, rather than attending language lessons at Leith Academy). But, nevertheless, to hear so many languages spoken in a matter of a few yards always lifts my spirits. So I will make a beeline for the High Street, Bristo Square and the like to soak up the friendly atmosphere and remind myself that humanity is good, despite the genocidal attacks on Palestinians by israel in Gaza and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you ever need reminding that 'we're a' Jock Tamson's bairns" then Edinburgh in August is the place to be. But what of those that would rather live at a more sedate pace? Well, there is no shortage of places to go that are devoid of street performers and throngs of people. For instance, a walk from the Dean Village along The Water of Leith down to the port itself offers a pleasant saunter down a picturesque route, which too many people are unaware of. You can stop off at Stockbridge for a bite to eat and a drink in pleasant surroundings in one of the many bars, restaurants and cafes that populate the area and from there you can rejoin the walkway and stroll down to Leith, where you can while away a couple of hours before catching a bus 'back up tae Edinburgh.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cramond, where you can visit the site of a Roman fort, also provides a peaceful break, as does nearby Lauriston Castle, with its tranquil Japanese garden and splendid views over The Firth of Forth to Fife. Porty (Portobello) is also a great place to visit, with a stroll along the promenade being a must, where fish and chips and ice cream can be had at one of the many eateries situated along 'the prom.' Even on a low budget Edinburgh has something to offer - you just need to look!
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Explore 15 charming Scottish words and phrases that will brighten your day
Life is hard and sometimes we all need a bit of cheering up - and nothing will lift your spirits quite like the Scots language and some of the quirkly words and phrases we use. Life can be tough, and we all need that little pick-me-up from time-to-time to get us through the day. If you're in need of a smile, the Scots language is your go-to. For hundreds of years, Scots have crafted some of the most beautiful and unforgettable words and phrases that continue to resonate today. Whether you're craving a 'coorie' with a loved one or simply need to remind yourself that 'whit's fur ye'll no go by ye', here are 15 Scottish words and phrases that will hopefully lift your spirits. If you're from Scotland, chances are you've heard at least a few of these expressions - you might even know them all. Even so, nothing quite brightens your day like reciting these charming Scottish words and phrases you might use daily or haven't heard in years. Here's a few Scottish words and phrases that will hopefully bring a smile to your face. It's gaein be awricht ance the pain has gane awa This literally translates to 'it is going to be alright once the pain has gone away'. It basically means that everything is going to be ok, and you are going to get through whatever difficulty you are currently dealing with. Coorie This cute Scots word means 'to cuddle or nestle in', especially when it is cold. With the temperature dropping lately, you may be using this one more than you thought you would in the middle of spring. Smeddum Meaning 'mettle', 'determination', 'drive', or 'spirit', this is a good word to remember if you are currently going through hard times and need to pick yourself up. We're a' Jock Tamson's bairns Believed to originate in the Lowlands of Scotland, this phrase translates to 'We are all Jack Tamson's - or John Thomson - children'. If you're confused, Reverend John Thomson was a beloved minister of Duddingston Kirk in the 19th century who called his congregation 'ma bairns' - so the phrase basically means that we're all human beings. Gloaming Sometimes nothing can put a smile on your face quite like taking in some pretty scenery - and we're obviously not short of that in Scotland. The word 'gloaming' refers to twilight or dusk when things are particularly picturesque. Smourich If you say 'smourich' really fast, it sounds a bit like 'smooch' - and that is exactly what this word means. Failin means yer playin If you are feeling like a failure or that you can't get anything right, this phrase is an important one to remember. Translating to 'failing means you're playing', it means that even taking part or making an attempt at something is impressive. Scran If you've spent any time in Scotland at all, you'll surely know that scran means food. Sometimes, it is the little joys that get you through the day, so if you are feeling low why not make or buy yourself a nice meal - or scran? Stravaig For those times when the world can get to be too much, maybe some stravaiging is what you need. This means 'to wander about aimlessly' and it is certainly true that some fresh air can clear your head. Keep the heid You will have no doubt have heard the phrase 'keep calm and carry on' or seen it plastered on cushions or mugs. This phrase basically means the same thing - to not let circumstances get the best of you. Dinnae Fash Yersel This phrase simply means 'don't worry yourself'. It's a good one to use when a loved one seems overwhelmed or stressed as a way of comforting them. Crouss To be 'crouss' means to be happy or cheerful. It's okay to be sad but remember that things will get better and you will be crouss once again! It's a lang road that's no goat a turnin This tells us not to lose heart when things seem bleak, as things can't go in the same direction forever. Basically, things have to change at some point - even if it's not today. Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye If you miss out on an opportunity to do something or didn't get that all-important promotion you had your heart set on, this is a great phrase to remember. Translating to 'what is for you will not go by you', it means that everything always happens for a reason. Lang may yer lum reek Traditionally this phrase is uttered at Hogmanay and translates to 'long may your chimney smoke'. It's an expression of good wishes that you tell someone when you wish them all the best, particularly at the New Year.
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Top 20 phrases only said by Scots grans that you'll definitely heard as a child
We've all had those childhood moments where we've been left puzzled by our granny's pearls of wisdom. Whether she was predicting future events, or spinning little white lies to coax you into finishing your dinner, one thing is certain - Scottish grannies have a unique way with words. So, in tribute to all the grannies, grans, nannas, nonnas and grandmas out there, we've compiled a list of 20 of their most memorable sayings. When it comes to Scots, everyone is full of their own little sayings. Some you still here today, while there are plenty that you don't hear much of anymore like Awa' an bile yer heid. This Scots slang phrase translates to 'go away and boil your head', though it is not quite as violent as it sounds. In practice, it simply means 'get lost' or 'stop your nonsense'. There are even Scottish phrases that baffle the Scots themselves, such as Mony a mickle maks a muckle'. The phrase means 'a lot of small amounts combine to make a large amount', but still often leaves Scots scratching their head. If you're visiting Scotland , other phrases will be sure to catch you off-guard. The phrase We're a' Jock Tamson's bairns will be sure to have you questioning which language we speak here. It basically means 'we're all the same' or 'we're all equal'. Jock and Tamson - or Thomson- are both generic names, furthering the idea that we are all the same under the skin.
