Heritage

V&A Dundee's new exhibition Tartan runs from 1 April till 14 January. Picture: Michael McGurk

Scotland's biggest celebration of tartan unveiled at V&A Dundee

Alan Cumming wore tartan to pick up his OBE at Buckingham Palace in 2009. He decided to hand back the honour several months ago. Picture: Dominic Lipinski

Alan Cumming hails power and ‘subversive’ nature of tartan

"He made it quite clear that if I didn’t play the role, I would be dead within a week. As you can imagine, the guy who turned down Hagrid would be like the guy who called the Beatles a guitar band. So I couldn’t possibly refuse, really."

Robbie Coltrane in Quotes: 12 Quotes in memory of the Scottish actor of Hagrid

Alternate versions of the capital city of Scotland (Edinburgh) can be found all over the globe from Canada to the most remote regions of the South Atlantic.

Edinburgh around the Globe: 12 Worldwide locations named after Edinburgh

Found in Stornoway, the sign reads: "a broken Gaelic is better than a Gaelic in the chest (coffin)". Encouraging people to use what they've got regardless of any imperfections.

Stornoway Gaelic Cafe ignites new hope for Gaelic's prosperity in Scotland

A decanter of whisky rescued by divers from a 130-year-old shipwreck in the Firth of Clyde will be the top lot at an auction in Glasgow next month.

Decanter of whisky recovered from 130-year-old shipwreck to go under the hammer

Take a look through our photo gallery to see 19 amazing images of Edinburgh's North Bridge down the decades.

In pictures: North Bridge down the decades

Environmentalists and outdoors groups, including Ramblers Scotland, have raised concerns over plans to build an 18-hole golf course at Coul Links, warning that important natural features and wildlife could be lost or damaged and access to the spectacular area will be restricted to avoid interference with play

‘Fake’ locals used to promote US billionaire's Highland golf resort plan

A facial reconstruction of Lilias Adie, of Torryburn in Fife, who died in prison in 1704 after being accused of witchcraft. Interest in her case led to the formation of Remembering Accused Witches of Scotland, who are now pressing on with plans to build a national monument for 4,000 people accused of witchcraft in Scotland between the 16th and 18th Century. PIC: Dundee University.

Monument for accused witches 'should be like Kelpies and Angel of the North'

Who will take top spot in our reader's list of best Scottish bands and musicians? Cr: Getty Images

These are the 25 best Scottish bands or artists ever

A scene from Scotch on the Rocks. Picture: BBC

Scotch on the Rocks: 50 years since TV thriller 'banned' after SNP outrage

John McLeish, chair of the Scottish Tartans authority, V&A Dundee curator James Wylie and tartan historian Peter MacDonald have a close look at the Glen Affric tartan. Picture: Alan Richardson

Research reveals Scotland's oldest tartan was found in Highland peatbog

The future of the 1930s Marks & Spencers building on Sauchiehall Street, which closed last year, is unknown. PIC: Contributed.

'Fight is on' to protect Glasgow heritage amid quest to save buildings

The observation car 1719E was restored for the Strathspey Railway by engineers Nemesis Rail. Picture: Nemesis Rail

Historic rail observation car returns to Highlands after 55 years

Some of Scotland's longest lochs.

The 10 longest Scottish lochs - from Loch Awe to Loch Morar

Here are the 10 best poets from Scotland, according to our readers. Cr: Getty Imags/Canva Pro

10 of the best poets to have ever come from Scotland (that aren’t Robert Burns!)

Here is our readers vote on the best 10 places to live in Scotland. Cr: Getty Images/Canva Pro

These locations are the 10 best places to live in Scotland - as per our readers

Scotland's largest islands feature a range of stunning landscapes.

The 10 largest islands in Scotland - from Lewis and Harris to North Uist

Some of the deepest lochs in Scotland.

The 10 deepest lochs in Scotland - from Loch Morar to Loch Maree

How much do you know about the history behind the street names of Morningside?

The fascinating stories behind 10 Morningside street names

Views of some of Scotland's largest lochs.

The 10 largest Scottish lochs by area - from Loch Lomond to Loch Ericht

Actress Tilda Swinton. Picture: Marc Piasecki

Tilda Swinton: 'Invaluable' Filmhouse should not be sold to highest bidder

There's no question about the longest river in Scotland. Rising in Argyll and Bute and flowing past Dundee into the North Sea at the Firth of Tay. Along the way it travels nearly 120 miles.

Scotland’s 10 longest rivers in pictures - from the Tay to the Deveron

The sale of Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum has fallen through after a multi-millionaire businessman withdrew his interest. PIC: Creative Commons.

Millionaire pulls out of buying island castle - and blames government minister

Sightings of the stonechat in spring carried particular superstitions in Scotland. PIC: Ziva & Amir/Flickr/CC.

Spring equinox: the ancient beliefs of the new season in Scotland

Do you know how these Scottish towns got their names?

How Scotland's 11 largest towns got their names - from Paisley to Airdrie

Protesters gathered outside the boarded-up cinema on Sunday to call for the Filmhouse to be saved and not sold for a pub. Picture: Annabelle Gauntlett.

Edinburgh Filmhouse: SNP demands building reopens as art house cinema

Have a look through our photo galllery to see what Edinburgh life was like back in 1995.

17 incredible photos of Edinburgh in 1995

Bonnie Prince Charlie meets Flora MacDonald: his time on the run after Culloden has now been reimagined by novelist Alan Warner in his new book Nothing Left to Fear From Hell.

Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape after Culloden reimagined by novelist Alan Warner

St Patrick's day commemorates the Patron Saint of Ireland who is credited for introducing the country to Christianity.

St Patrick’s Day 2023: Who was Saint Patrick and why do people wear green?

Cybermen at the entrance to the National Museum Of Scotland at a preview for the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition at National Museum of Scotland in December. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

National Museum crowned Scotland’s most popular attraction

The Clan Fraser at Culloden Battlefield, pictured in 2016. It has now been temporarily sealed off given wear and tear to the area caused by high visitor numbers. PIC: Flickr/Jennofarc/CC.

Outlander pilgrimage site sealed off amid plea to 'respect' Culloden graves

Actors Peter Riegert, who plays Mac, and Chris Rozycki as Viktor in Local Hero which had its Scottish premiere in Glasgow 40 years ago today, on March 16 1983. PIC: Moviestore/Shutterstock.

Local Hero at 40: 'It felt a little bit like jazz. It just felt right'

Here are the 10 best Scottish footballers of all time, according to our readers. Cr: SNS Group.

Here are Scotland's 10 best footballers of all time - according to our readers

The Old Man of Storr is one of the Skye landmarks where people and traffic sensors are now providing real-time data to tourists to allow them to avoid congestion at island beauty spots. Picture: Modes Rodríguez/Flickr/CC

Scottish island follows Amsterdam and Barcelona in managing tourist numbers

Who is the Hebridean Baker and why is the Scottish Tiktoker famous?

“An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment.”

Best of David Attenborough: 28 epic quotes in honour of his new 2023 series

Beltane is said to refer to the Celtic sun god, Belenus, and ancient Celts would light two bonfires on this day (May 1) as it was said to increase their fertility and encourage their crops to grow. It was said this date was chosen as it marks the midway point between the Vernal (Spring) equinox and summer solstice. Many other traditions on May 1 have been observed in Scotland for centuries, such as young girls who would rise early that day to wash their faces in the May dew as it was said to offer them good luck.

Spring in Scotland: 9 ancient traditions and Celtic customs of Scottish Spring

There are some Scottish clans that include ‘visible relics’ of their Norse ancestors. For example, the MacIvors were originally the sons of Ivar, Macaulay the songs of Olaf, MacAskill the sons of Asgeir and MacSween the sons of Swein. The ‘Mac’ surname prefix meaning ‘son’ is Scottish in origin as a Gaelic term.

Vikings & Scotland: 9 Incredible facts about ancient Vikings in Scotland

Gaelic is one of Scotland's native tongues that - despite being endangered - has managed to influence the language of the modern world.

12 American place names rooted in Scottish Gaelic starting with Dallas, Texas

The former Royal High School on Edinburgh's Calton Hill is set to be turned into a new 'world-class centre for music education and public performance.' Image: Richard Murphy Architects

Work to begin 'immediately' on £55m music centre vision for Edinburgh landmark

This refers to something being drenched or if your clothes are totally soaked through - if you find yourself drookit then you probably forget your umbrella.

Top 37 Scottish words to describe Scots weather starting with drookit 🌧️

St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. Picture: Greg Macvean

Visitors to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh set to be charged for entry

Lews Castle, Stornoway, where the giant poppy sculpture will be place to mark the island's links to the 19th Century opium trade in the Far East. PIC: Contibuted.

Giant poppy sculpture to mark Scottish island's link with opium trade

Try out quiz and see how many of the 12 questions you can get correct. Answers are in the final photo.

Quiz: Match 12 features to the landmarks they belong to

How much to you know about where the names of areas of Edinburgh come from?

How 12 areas of Edinburgh got their names – from Sciennes to Stockbridge

The statue has stood behind the Lord Provost's chair in the old council chamber, now known as the Diamond Jubilee Room, for more than 200 years. PIC: Contributed.

'Lost' statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie found standing in City Chambers

How much do you know about the history of the street names of Stockbridge?

The stories behind 10 Stockbridge and Comely Bank street names

The Ness of Brodgar site

Key Neolithic site on Orkney to be covered over by field after 20 years of digs

How much do you know about the history behind Edinburgh's road names?

The fascinating stories behind the names of 10 of Edinburgh’s streets

Cellist Su-a Lee. Picture: Andrew Milligan

15 women recognised for their contribution to traditional Scottish culture

Joan Eardley is among the painters who will be featured in the Dovecot Studios exhibition Scottish Women Artists - 250 Years of Challenging Perception.

Exhibition to celebrate 250 years of trailblazing female artists in Scotland

The boat shed at Loch Vaa, near Aviemore has been locked up after the tenant ended his fishing business given the disturbance caused by wild swimmers and paddle boarders. PIC: Kay Durden.

Wild swimming disturbance brings fishing to an end on Highland loch

Accounts of the Clydebank Blitz have failed to acknowledge the full devastation of the Luftwaffe attack of March 1941 on the rest of Clydeside, including Glasgow, it has been claimed. PIC: Contributed.

Clydebank was 'not the primary target' for horrific blitz of 1941

Inside a 19th Century Edinburgh tavern. Scotland's fondness of drinking has been curbed by authorities for more than 600 years but attempt to limit consumption have often created more harmful environments PIC: Creative Commons.

Scotland's long love of the pub - and a 600-year mission to control our drinking

Laphroaig distillery (founded in 1815) is located on the south coast of the Isle of Islay. The Gaelic behind its name means ‘the beautiful hollow by the broad bay’ although it has also been associated with the Norse “breid-vik” which means broad bay. You pronounce its name like “la-froyg”.

17 Most mispronounced Scotch Whisky names, Gaelic meaning & pronunciation

Kate Forbes is a member of the Scottish Parliament who has served as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy since 2020. Born in Dingwall, Forbes was educated at a Gaelic-medium school where she became fluent in the language.

10 Famous People that speak or study Scottish Gaelic that may surprise you

The influence of languages like Gaelic, Norse and Pictish, from Scottish history can still be seen in the world we live in today.

11 Interesting Scottish place names & their origins in Gaelic, Norse and Pictish

Looking down Leith Street in Edinburgh towards Picardy Place in 1958. Picture shows (left hand side) the Top Deck restaurant, John Collier menswear and Timpson's shoe shop. All these shops were demolished to make way for St James Centre and King James Hotel in 1969.

In pictures: 17 incredible buildings we lost

The interior basement level of the Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Glasgow School of Art back to drawing board over Mackintosh Building architect

Founded in the 12th century, St Giles’ Cathedral can be considered one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings. In its early days, St Giles’ was just a small stone kirk, which stood roughly on the site of the present-day nave. This church was burned down by an attacking English army in the 14th century and subsequently rebuilt in spectacular fashion, owing the building its current look with distinct crown steeple. Although most of the church dates from later centuries, there are elements contained deep within which are considerably ancient. St Giles’ original 12th century doorway survived until just 200 years ago. Despite not having been a seat of bishops since 1638, St Giles’, similar to Glasgow Cathedral, has retained its title as a cathedral.

Edinburgh’s Oldest Buildings: 9 of the capital’s most ancient buildings

The toppled statue of Edward Colston now lies on display in M Shed museum in Bristol (Picture: Polly Thomas/Getty Images)

British empire can be looked at afresh after debate over slavers' statues

The Scotsman Top Stories

The deposit return scheme (DRS) could be paused by Humza Yousaf. Picture: PA

Humza Yousaf considering pausing deposit return scheme

New First Minister Humza Yousaf. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Analysis: Pity the poor schoolkids forced to stay and watch this FMQs

V&A Dundee's new exhibition Tartan runs from 1 April till 14 January. Picture: Michael McGurk

Scotland's biggest celebration of tartan unveiled at V&A Dundee