Latest news with #WalterScott
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish Borders village that was once called 'most beautiful' by Walter Scott
The legendary writer also described it as Scotland's "most romantic" settlement. Scotland is home to countless picturesque and peaceful towns that often fly under the radar. If you are looking for a quiet staycation, these make for a great destination. If you are stuck on where to head for a day out, there is one Scottish Borders town that is definitely a hidden gem. The settlement is so pretty that it was even once named the best-looking town in Scotland by a legendary writer. As previously reported by the Daily Record, Kelso was described as the "most beautiful, if not the most romantic town in Scotland" by legendary Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Born in Edinburgh in 1771, Scott is one of Scotland's most prolific novelists, poets, and historians—known for works such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. Nestled at the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot, Kelso is ideal for a quiet retreat. When looking at the town's many beauty spots and historic attractions, it is easy to see why Walter Scott heaped praise upon it. At the centre of Kelso is The Square, which was once a bustling market place and the hub of the town dating back to the Middle Ages. Claimed to be the largest in Scotland, the square is surrounded by impressive Georgian and Victorian buildings. Today, visitors to Kelso will find a range of charming and quirky independent businesses around the historic town square. At its centre is the Bull Ring, where bulls would have been tethered during cattle markets. Another of the most picturesque spots in Kelso is the ruins of Kelso Abbey. While the site is currently closed due to high level masonry inspections, it provides a spectacular and historic backdrop. Kelso Abbey dates back to the 12th century, and was once one of the country's biggest and richest religious houses. According to Historic Environment Scotland, what remains of the church is "one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in medieval Scotland". Elsewhere, visitors to Kelso should make time to head to Floors Castle. The castle, situated just out of town within idyllic parkland overlooking the River Tweed, is Scotland's biggest inhabited house. Dating back to the 18th century, Floors Castle and the surrounding grounds are open to the public. Inside, visitors will find everything from fine art to porcelain and tapestries, while the grounds include Victorian Walled Gardens and a beautiful riverside trail. Another historic attraction is the Kelso Racecourse, which is a thoroughbred horse racing venue that dates back to 1822. Thanks to its polite and helpful staff, it has earned the reputation of being Britain's "friendliest racecourse". Kelso also features a wide range of delicious food spots. Whether you are looking for a light bite to eat at lunch or a full three-course dinner, the town's culinary scene has something to offer everybody. One of the most popular eateries in Kelso is The Cobbles Inn, which is a modern gastropub with a varied menu. Among the dishes that visitors can enjoy are Eyemouth fish and chips, beef pie, and southern fried chicken waffle. Elsewhere, The Waggon is an award-winning family restaurant that serves up freshly cooked and locally sourced produce. It has earned praise amongst customers on Google for its "reasonably priced" menu and "excellent customer service". If you are looking to stay in Kelso, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation. Popular choices include the Cross Keys Hotel and the Ednam House Hotel. For those interested in a day out in Kelso, the town can be reached in just over an hour from Edinburgh by car. More information about the town can be found on the Visit Kelso website.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Scotsman
US Presidents in Scotland: Here are all 16 Presidents to have visited Scotland - from Ulysses S. Grant to Donald Trump
1 . Ulysses S. Grant (President from 1869-1877) Ulysses S. Grant was the first US President to visit Scotland - as part of a world tour he undertook after leaving office in 1877. He visited several locations including Glasgow, where he was given the Freedom of the City, Edinburgh and Stirling, where he was given a reception at the Golden Lion hotel. He also toured the Scottish Highlands, Ayr and took in Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott. On his visit to Dundee he described the Tay Road Bridge - at that point the longest bridge in the world - as a "mighty long bridge to such a mighty little old town". | Getty Images
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK town looks exactly like the Cotswolds but is 99-miles away
A tiny but stunning UK town surrounded by lush countryside and dripping in history is just like the Cotswolds - just without the coach-loads of selfie-stick-waving tourists A quaint town touted as one of the UK's 'best-kept secrets' makes for the perfect alternative to the tourist-riddled hotspots. Enveloped in rolling Lincolnshire countryside and conveniently located just off the A1 lies the quintessential parish of Stamford. Here, you can expect the same standard of natural beauty, cobbled alleys and ubiquitous history as you'll find in the Cotswolds - which have garnered swathes of criticism for becoming insufferably busy and overcrowded. In the words of Sir Walter Scott, Stamford is 'the finest sight on the road between Edinburgh and London'. And if you're still not convinced, the town was also crowned 'Britain's top place to live' back in 2021. Despite its long list of accolades, the market town has managed to avoid the blinding tourist limelight - perfectly preserving its Georgian architecture, limestone buildings, and peaceful atmosphere. But historically, Stamford has always been quick to recognise its unique past and appearance - and became England's first-ever conservation area back in 1967. "There are over 600 listed buildings in and around the town: largely 17th and 18th century mellow limestone buildings with some older timber framed buildings," explains Visit Lincolnshire. "Stamford has the finest collection of medieval churches – five in all – of any small town in England. The area is also known for its stone and slate quarries and the Collyweston stone slate is found on the roofs of many Stamford buildings." With a bustling high street filled with independent cafes and shops, Stamford has also embraced the modern. Head over to The Drawing Room for a caffeine pick-me-up and delicious slice of cake, or check out The Slanted Door for an evening of fine dining and cocktails - and don't forget to call in at St Martins Antiques Centre for a truly unique souvenir. Of course, no trip to Stamford is complete without visiting Burghley House - a gorgeous Elizabethan mansion built by the First Minister of Elizabeth I. Built between 1555 and 1587 Burghley has its original Tudor kitchen, 18 magnificent State Rooms and priceless works of art - as well as perfectly manicured gardens you can roam around. Last year, the stately home was temporarily closed for the filming of a Netflix adaptation of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein. The film is set to be released this year, which means you still have time to visit the grand building before it gets overwhelmingly popular. How to get to Stamford Located just over 90 miles from central London, it takes around two hours and seven minutes to drive up to Stamford - if you're lucky enough to avoid any traffic. Indirect trains, which usually include a stop at Peterborough, can however slash the journey time down to just over one hour. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £21.20. If you have a rail card - this can bring the price down to £17.15. Unlike the Cotswolds, staying in Stamford doesn't have to break the bank. Despite its small size, there is still a range of accommodation types to suit varying budgets - from no-frills hotels to luxury suites. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, August 15 -17) at the stunning and centrally-located Crown Hotel will set you back £404. This is based on two adults sharing a Double Room, and includes breakfast. If you're not wanting to splurge out, check out this cosy one-bedroom apartment that costs just £217 on the exact same nights. It has an equally good location, and comes with a fully-equipped kitchen which can help you avoid costs by cooking at home.
Los Angeles Times
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Walter Scott of R&B group the Whispers dies at 81
Walter Scott, who with his twin brother Wallace founded the Los Angeles-based R&B group the Whispers — a hit-making force in the 1970s and '80s with songs like 'And the Beat Goes On,' 'Rock Steady,' 'Lady' and 'Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong' — died Thursday, according to multiple media outlets, including Billboard and the Los Angeles Sentinel. He was 81. The Sentinel reported that Scott's family said he died in Northridge after a six-month bout with cancer. With a smooth, danceable sound built on sturdy post-disco rhythms and carefully arranged group vocals, the Whispers put 15 songs inside the Top 10 of Billboard's R&B chart; 'And the Beat Goes On' reached No. 1 in 1980, followed by 'Rock Steady,' which topped the tally in 1987. The band's music was widely sampled in later years, including by 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, J. Cole and Will Smith, the last of whom used 'And the Beat Goes On' as the basis for his late-'90s hit 'Miami.' In a post on Instagram, the musician and filmmaker Questlove described Scott as 'one of the most trusted voices in '70s soul music' and compared him to 'the talented uncle in the family….who btw could DUST you inna min w his dizzying blink & you lost him squiggle gee doo dweedy scatlibs.' Scott was born in 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas, and later moved to L.A. with his family; he and his brother started singing as students at Jordan High School, according to the Sentinel, and formed the Whispers in the mid-'60s with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon. The group spent time in San Francisco before Scott was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. The group recorded for a series of record companies but found its biggest success on Dick Griffey's Solar label. The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Billboard said Scott is survived by his wife, Jan; two sons; three grandchildren and his brother.
Black America Web
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Walter Scott, Founding Member of The Whispers, Passes Away at 81
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Walter Scott, a founding member of the legendary R&B vocal group The Whispers, has passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that spans over five decades. His family confirmed his passing to the LA Sentinel on June 26, following a six-month battle with cancer. In a statement to SoulTracks, Whispers Promotional Team member, Desirae L. Benson, said the following: We all are incredibly heartbroken. It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Walter Scott, beloved member of the legendary R&B group The Whispers. His voice, presence, and contributions helped shape a musical legacy that touched millions. Walter's impact on the industry and in the hearts of fans will never be forgotten. Memorial details will be shared at a later date. Sending love and light to his family, friends, and all of the millions of fans around the world. We lost a legend! Scott, alongside his twin brother Wallace 'Scotty' Scott, formed The Whispers in 1963 in Los Angeles. The group, known for their smooth harmonies, impeccable style, and timeless hits, became one of the defining sounds of R&B and soul music. Though Walter was often regarded as the more reserved of the Scott brothers, his contributions to the group were immeasurable, from his distinct baritone to his passion for perfection in their performances. The Whispers gained a reputation during the 1970s and 1980s as one of the most consistent and beloved acts in R&B. Their breakthrough came in 1979 with the hit 'And the Beat Goes On,' which topped the R&B charts and earned them widespread acclaim. The song, with its infectious groove and flawless vocal arrangement, remains a staple of the genre to this day. Another of their major hits, 'Rock Steady,' released in 1987, showcased their ability to adapt to evolving musical trends while staying true to their soulful roots. Beyond commercial success, The Whispers' music stood out for its themes of love, heartache, and perseverance. Tracks like 'Lady' and 'It's a Love Thing' resonated with generations of fans, cementing their place in the pantheon of R&B greats. Walter Scott performed with the group well into his later years, showing remarkable dedication to the craft. The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003, a testament to their enduring impact on the music world. Along with his brother, Scott leaves behind his wife, Jan, two sons, and three grandchildren. SEE ALSO Walter Scott, Founding Member of The Whispers, Passes Away at 81 was originally published on
