Latest news with #HistoricScotland
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
The tiny Scots village where a Saint 'slew a dragon' and 20ft shrine honours witch
This small village has roots in the Iron Age, with a Roman camp and a name linked to an ancient hillfort Just 10 miles from the city of Perth lies a village with fewer than 1,000 residents and a past packed with myth, mystery, and moments of destruction and rebirth. Dunning may be small, but its history stretches back to the Iron Age and encompasses the Roman invasion of Britain, the Jacobite rebellions, and early Christian legends and stories of powerful relics and lost lives. The village's name is thought to come from the Old Irish word dúnán, meaning 'little fort', likely referring to an ancient hillfort that once stood in the area, The Express reports. By the first century AD, the Romans had established a camp here, marking it as a place of strategic importance. Part of a rampart from the encampment still survives to this day in Kincladie Wood. One of the most enduring legends tells of Saint Serf, a key figure in Catholic, Scottish Episcopal and Eastern Orthodox tradition from the 6th Century. The second son of the King of Canaan, he moved to Rome where he served as Pope for seven years before vacating the Holy See. He travelled to Britain and settled in Scotland, with his ministry centred in Culross, according to tradition. And legend tells that he slew a dragon in Dunning, using his pastoral staff, It is a tale that still echoes through the region, with the parish church being named St Serf's Kirk in his honour. The church, originally built in the 12th century and mostly rebuilt in the early 1800s, closed in 1972 and is now managed by Historic Scotland. It is open to the public and houses the Dupplin Cross, a towering and intricately carved Pictish stone dating from around 800 AD. Locals fought to keep the cross in the village when proposals were made to relocate it, and their efforts paid off. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Dunning's long-standing spiritual and cultural identity. But Dunning's past is not only marked by legend, it has also endured real trauma. On the night of January 28, 1716, amid the collapse of the 1715 Jacobite uprising, Jacobite troops, reportedly under orders from John Erskine, 23rd Earl of Mar, set fire to the village, destroying homes, farms and barns. Why Dunning was targeted remains unclear, especially as the rebellion was faltering rapidly after the inconclusive Battle of Sheriffmuir months earlier. Just two days after the attack, the Jacobites abandoned their stronghold in Perth, and within a week, James Stuart, 'The Old Pretender', and the Earl of Mar fled Scotland for France. Neither would ever return. The village's recovery was slow, but a major turning point came in 1792, when a new village plan was laid out for Lord Rollo. Dunning began to flourish once again, and by the 1850s it was thriving. Today, it boasts 108 listed buildings, a testament to its architectural and historical importance. Among Dunning's most intriguing features is a stone monument just outside the village. Built on what was once the parkland of Duncrub Castle, it stands nearly 20ft high and bears the chilling inscription: 'Maggie Wall burnt here 1657 as a witch.' 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 Maggie Wall memorial has become something of a shrine, with visitors leaving flowers, candles and trinkets. Yet her story is shrouded in uncertainty. Although an estimated 1,500 people, mostly women, were executed as witches in Scotland between the 1500s and 1700s, there is no record of anyone named Maggie Wall being tried or executed. Some believe she symbolises all women accused of witchcraft, while others think her story may simply have been lost to history. Today, getting to Dunning requires a car or a bus from Perth, as the local railway station closed in 1956, more than a century after it opened. Although a section of the Scottish Central Railway still runs nearby, trains no longer stop in the village.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Daily Record
Magnificent Scots railway station considered to be one of world's most beautiful
Built in the 19th century Wemyss Bay became home to what many call the world's most beautiful station In the 19th century, Scotland underwent a leisure revolution. With the arrival of the railways and improvements in workers' rights, many Scots found themselves with both the time and the means to explore their own country for the first time. It was during this golden era that some of the nation's favourite holiday spots were born, either emerging as new resorts or growing from existing coastal towns. For Glaswegians, one of the most popular pastimes was heading "doon the watter", a trip to the Ayrshire coast or the islands of the Firth of Clyde. Back then, the journey was traditionally made by steamer. But with the rise of the railway, travellers could reach the coast far quicker before hopping aboard a connecting boat to destinations like Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. The departure point for this journey was the now-iconic Wemyss Bay in what is today Inverclyde. Though still a relatively small village, Wemyss Bay is home to what many believe to be the most beautiful railway station in the world. The original building, constructed in 1865 by Irish labourers, was a plain, square structure. But in 1903, it was replaced by a breathtaking architectural gem that still stands proudly today. Designed by architect James Miller in the elegant Queen Anne style, the station is crowned with a 60-foot Italianate clock tower. Step inside and you'll find a concourse bathed in natural light through a magnificent glazed, steel-trussed roof. VisitScotland describes it as a 'wrought-iron and glass palace'. Sunshine floods the circular booking office, while a gracefully curved ramp leads passengers down to the pier and the ferry across to Bute. Despite being granted Category A listing by Historic Scotland, the station was neglected for many years. Fortunately, it has undergone a full restoration and now also features a charming bar and bookshop. It continues to dazzle visitors, with many taking to review sites to sing its praises. On TripAdvisor, the station holds a glowing 4.8 rating, higher even than Edinburgh Castle. One reviewer wrote: 'One of the hidden gems on the national network. The architecture of this quiet station is stunning. "Sweeping curves and canopies. Connects with trains to Glasgow and ferries to the isles. Add in the cafe and bookshop and it is worth a visit in itself.' 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. Undiscovered Scotland goes even further, calling it 'the most beautiful railway station (and pier) in the world', noting: 'The station is beautiful not so much for its half-timbered mock Tudor exterior as for its glorious interior, which... is absolutely spellbinding.' Another visitor put it simply: 'This Grade A listed railway station is up there with the architectural best. It is a gorgeous example of Victorian engineering with a curved platform sweeping down to the ferry terminal. Don't miss the bookshop, café, bar or curved urinals.' The village of Wemyss Bay itself lies just to the north of the station, while Skelmorlie in North Ayrshire sits to the south. According to VisitScotland, Wemyss Bay boasts 'a selection of local shops and places to eat' and offers 'opportunities to go sailing in the bay'. For city dwellers looking to escape, it's less than 30 miles from the centre of Glasgow and takes just an hour by train, making it an easy trip to one of Scotland's most beautiful and underrated destinations.
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Rural Stirling 'Outlander' site also has plenty to offer for walkers and wildlife fans
Doune Castle has also drawn visitors with its links to TV shows such as Monty Python and Game of Thrones. A new recommended walk for visitors to Doune Castle has been published as part of Historic Environment Scotland's (HES) Historic Places, Breathing Spaces campaign. The campaign is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to help boost their wellbeing, after a recent HES survey found a majority of people (60 per cent) reported improved wellbeing because of visiting a HES site, and 74 per cent of people felt a sense of connection to the sites after visiting. The new trail at Doune Castle, created by Suzee Gibson, Roving Steward with HES, focuses on places to pause, reflect and encourages visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the castle's natural setting. While many recognise Doune Castle from its appearances in TV favourites like Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the grounds offer walks along the river, secluded spots for moments of calm, and an abundance of wildlife to see. Visitors to the castle grounds can enjoy the circular walk, taking in the Ardoch Burn and the River Teith, as well as the historic icehouse and wildflower meadow. In summer, there is a chance to spot kingfishers, red squirrels and butterflies, while the blackthorn arched tunnel is often alive with firecrest birds. For those with a little more time, Suzee recommends extending the walk by starting at Draggie Burn Park and Stride. This scenic route to the castle takes visitors past the Doune Ponds, home to ducks and swans, and the community-run woodland, where visitors can pause at the bird hides and picnic tables on their way to the castle. Suzee said: 'Working at Doune Castle means I've been able to discover all these hidden places around the grounds, and this is a fantastic opportunity to get more people to explore what's on their doorstep – and recommend their favourite spots to others! 'Pausing on the wooden bridge and listening to the Ardoch burn bubbling below me always makes me feel grounded. 'Walking or spending time in this setting, whether you have 30 minutes or two hours, invites you to step away from the everyday, breathe deeply, and find a connection to the landscape, Scotland's heritage and yourself.' Full details of the walk, as well as others around the country, are available at Visitors are encouraged to share their stories, videos and photographs from Historic Scotland sites to help build an online exhibition that illustrates the link between wellbeing and heritage sites, and how it supports the country's wider wellbeing agenda. A video with a voiceover from Suzee to show highlights from the route at Doune is available on YouTube:
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Visitors to Linlithgow Palace live Renaissance music and discover the world of embroidery this summer
Visitors to Linlithgow Palace can enjoy live Renaissance music and discover the world of embroidery this summer. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme on Mondays and Tuesdays from Monday, June 30, until Tuesday, August 12. On Mondays, the palace will echo with the sounds of period instruments performed by the 'lauter', who shares stories behind Renaissance music and its place in court life. On Tuesdays, the 'broidster' will take over, offering insight into embroidery, fashion and stories of early Black Britons in royal households. Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager at HES, said: 'Living History is a much-loved part of our summer programme - kids absolutely love meeting the characters, and adults do too. 'From knights and musicians to skilled craftspeople and colourful courtiers, these interactive encounters bring Scotland's history to life in a way that's hands-on, entertaining and completely unique. We look forward to welcoming visitors this summer to experience it for themselves.' Part of a nationwide programme at 16 historic sites across Scotland, the Living History programme features dynamic costumed performers who bring Scotland's past vividly to life and is included in admission. To view the full programme, visit the HES website. Entry is free for Historic Scotland members. The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass also allows visitors to explore 5,000 years of history over just 14 days. Entry to Linlithgow Palace, as well as sites across Scotland, is free for Explorer Pass holders.
The Courier
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Will Broughty Ferry's 'Tree House' be crowned Scotland's Home of the Year?
A striking house in Broughty Ferry features in the finale of Scotland's Home of the Year. Built in the 1960s, the Tree House has been sensitively refurbished and updated by its current owners. It was designed by architect Bruce Walker, who lectured at Duncan of Jordanstone and worked for Historic Scotland. Walker built the Tree House in 1962 when he was in his 20s and lived there until his death in around 2015. Paul Durrant and his wife Jackie McKenzie bought the Tree House in 2021 and spent 18 months transforming it into their dream home. They kept irreplaceable original features such as the 4cm thick beech flooring and exposed brickwork. They also expanded into the attic, creating an en suite master bedroom with a private living area beside it. The ground floor has a kitchen/diner, a lounge, three bedrooms and a bathroom. Upstairs there's a snug, bedroom, shower room, and dressing room. The L-shaped living room and kitchen are semi-open plan, with a brick column creating a divider. Meanwhile the bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and an enormous window giving views over the garden. The Tree House featured in episode four of Scotland's Home of the Year. It was up against a farm steading conversion in Deanstone called the Dairy and the Carriage House, a Victorian conversion in Auchterarder. With a score of 29/30 it edged out the Dairy and the Carriage House, which were both given scores of 24/30 by the judges. Paul, 70, and Jackie, 60, are delighted to have reached the final. Paul said: 'We were delighted to make the final and really enjoyed our day in Glasgow. 'We met the other finalists and the judges, who all claimed to be able to match the people to the homes at first sight. 'When we saw the amazing houses that were in the final we were quite humbled that ours had made it. We know it's a bit of a Marmite house that isn't for everyone.' Paul said he and Jackie thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the show: 'The film crew came over and did an interview with us. They were lovely. Then we had to leave the house for a few hours while the judges went in. 'It was a strange feeling leaving a film crew in your house but we hopped on our bikes and cycled to Tayport while they got on with things.' The couple left a little surprise for the judges: 'Jackie is a keen baker and she left some treats out for them. When we got home there was a nice little note from Banjo thanking her.' The final episode of Scotland's Home of the Year airs on Monday evening. Filmed at Glasgow's House for an Art Lover – designed by the iconic architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh – it sees the six finalists come face-to-face and meet the judges for the first time. The six SHOTY finalists are: 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. 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. 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 apartment that packs a design punch. 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. A cosy little home, 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 them, creating a cosy and relaxing home. This Victorian semi-detached house near Dalbeattie is 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. The SHOTY judges are excited about the series finale. 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 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!' The finale of Scotland's Home of the Year is on BBC One Scotland tonight at 8.30pm and then available on iPlayer.
