Features
The Butler Did It: The story of serial killer Archibald Hall
Serial killer Archibald Hall, the ‘Monster Butler’, hoped screenwriter Paul Pender would write his story. Their relationship turned ugly, forcing Pender to flee to America. Ten years after Hall’s death, the tale is told in a new book by Pender and, soon, a film starring Malcolm McDowell. By Stephen McGinty
Album review: PiL; This is PiL
John Lydon sounds very relaxed on PiL’s first album in 20 years – as much as is possible while sounding like a deranged children’s entertainer
Interview: Josh Brolin, actor
After decades of bit parts Josh Brolin hit the big time at 40 with no country for old men. now he turns galaxy
defender with a comic role as a young Tommy Lee Jones in mib3
Interview: Gemma Chan, star of True Love
Gemma Chan studied law at Oxford but only ever wanted to be an actress. Modelling proved a means to that end and now she’s about to star in a challenging BBC drama
Food: Cottage industry
Meet the Edinburgh chefs keen to invite you into their fairy-tale abode for a magical feast
City guide: 48 hours in Oslo
Friday, 8pm Check into the Bristol Hotel (Kristian IV’s Gate 7, www.thonhotels.com, rooms from £160 per night) which is situated in the city centre.
Radio listener by Jim Gilchrist
“That is no country for old men,” declared WB Yeats in the first line of Sailing to Byzantium, coining a quote that has taken on a life of its own.
TV preview: Punk Britannia | We Who Wait: TV Smith and the Adverts | Evidently... John Cooper Clarke
God save the Queen! I mean it, man. In this week of Jubilee ma’amageddon, during which every other programme seems to have a royal theme – Coronation Jubilee, 8 Out Of 10 Jubilees, Pointless Jubilee, The Hairy Jubilees etc – BBC 4 have chosen, rather cheekily I suppose, to present an alternative celebration marking the 35th anniversary of the outbreak of punk.
Fishing and shooting: His fish is now swimming about with a radio transmitter in its dorsal fin
I suppose if anyone should be able to catch a fish it is a “senior fisheries biologist,” in this case Alan Kettle-White, of the Argyll Fisheries Trust, who has landed a 30lb 10oz wild brownie on Loch Awe.
Walk of the week: The Fara
At long last a good day, forecasting blue skies and a gentle breeze, which coincided with convenient travel arrangements. I met Rhona at Dalwhinnie – our target a trip to The Fara that overlooks the northern end of Loch Ericht.
Outdoors: Road tip - the new Seed Truck
When is a truck not a truck? When it’s a Seed Truck. This one-off invention is soon to become one of the most celebrated vehicles on the road.
Travel: Enhance Body Boot Camp, Green Craigs, East Lothian.
Many people’s idea of a holiday is a nice relaxing break on a beach, with wonderful company, great food, luxurious accommodation and perhaps some fun activities to pass the time.
City guide: Florence
I love Florence, it’s a fabulous place. Birthplace of the Renaissance and a cultural jewel for centuries, home to many precious art treasures and source of some of Italy’s best-loved culinary delights, it is also very probably the most beautiful city in the world.
Game review: Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention, PS Vita
First appearing on PlayStation 3 back in 2009, Disgaea 3 is a superb role-playing game that stars Mao, the most diabolical demon student in the netherworld.
Gardens: Airlie risers
Even after a couple of visits it was hard to define the charm of the garden at Cortachy, Lord and Lady Airlie’s garden tucked away in an Angus glen north of Kirriemuir.
Gadget: Dragon Naturally Speaking Premium Version 11.5
The last time I used voice recognition software it was a frustrating experience. Every five seconds I had to correct a word or manually edit another sentence. It was about as much fun as tickling a rattlesnake.
Recipe: Trout with almonds and grapes
There’s nothing like a good trout for lunch to inspire. Mine was eaten a week ago, on a glorious day in rural Bavaria, on a terrace high up a hillside overlooking the Chiemsee surrounded by snowy mountains.
Wine: Naked Wines is bringing wine lovers and growers together
The internet is changing the way we work, think and play. In the wine world, there is a revolution taking place, breaking down traditional barriers in this age-old industry and offering consumers a sense of empowerment and involvement.
Restaurant review: Mimi’s Bakehouse, 63 Shore, Edinburgh
What was the matter with Mimi’s? Well, nothing really, apart from the regular queues to get in. I’d given up trying to get a table whenever I was craving one of their sausage sarnies or raspberry and coconut slices. No longer. Thanks to public demand, they’ve supersized and spread into the adjoining building.
Outdoors: Have wheels will travel
Nothing is more natural and healthy than walking with your family. But surely the most beautiful countryside is too rugged to buggy in? Not so – here are three stunning walks you can do with even the tiniest tot.
Beauty: Soothe away stress with a treatment that smells as good as it feels
Despite their rather corporate sounding name, I’m a sucker for Aromatherapy Associates’ products.
Interview: Delilah, singer songwriter
What’s the last piece of clothing you bought? I bought a few T-shirts from Urban Outfitters. They’re perfect for the festivals this year.
Janet Christie: Histrionics. What is it with girls?
It’s school fair day so Youngest Child is up at seven, ready for her Highland Dancing demonstration which flings off in only four and a half hours.
Roger Cox: Passion for cycling brought new life to Peebles and the Tweed Valley
What would the Tweed Valley be like if mountain biking had never taken off as a mainstream sport? Quieter and less prosperous, no doubt, but according to Neil Dalgleish, director of the TweedLove Bike Festival, probably home to a much more elderly population as well.
Interview: Paul French, author of Midnight in China
Pamela Werner was 19 when her heart and her body were left under a ‘haunted watchtower’ in Peking in 1937. Paul French tells David Robinson how he can finally name the killer
The Scottish salmon run
Top quality Scottish salmon is a delicacy appreciated the world over, but how does it get from sea to foreign plate? Nick Drainey follows the progress of fish set for some of the most discerning diners of all – in Paris
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Image of Scotland: St Kilda
The island of Boreray can be seen in the distance as the Swan, a 112-year-old restored herring drifter, leaves St Kilda bound for Shetland last week in this picture taken by reader Brian Coull
Image of Scotland: Port Seton harbour
Tony Jones took this photograph of Ferry Lass the South Queensferry skiff competing in the first Scottish Coastal Rowing regatta, held in Port Seton harbour.
Everest: surviving the death zone
Four mountaineers died this week on Everest but still another 200 will bid to reach the summit this weekend. Dani Garavelli asks two Scots about their experiences on the mountain and why many climbers continue to ignore warnings with tragic consequences.
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Preview: Oliver! the Musical
Cameron Mackintosh’s musical production of Oliver! – a perennial favourite in London’s West End – is coming to Scotland on a tour that requires meticulous planning, chaperones, frequent cast rotations – and enough food to feed an army of children. By Kelly Apter
Film review: Moonrise Kingdom (12A)
Here’s another film only Wes Anderson could make, with great, against-type performances by Bruce Willis and Edward Norton
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FIlm reviews: What to Expect When You’re Expecting | Free Men | North Sea Texas | The Source | Men in Black 3
The Scotsman’s film critics cast their eye over the latest cinematic releases
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Interview: Tahar Rahim, actor in A Prophet and Free Men
French-Algerian Tahar Rahim has the acting world at his feet, but, finds Alistair Harkness, he’s in no rush to work in America
Visual art review: Masterpieces from Mount Stuart: The Bute Collection
In bringing Dutch and Flemish art to Scotland, the 3rd Marquis of Bute was reflecting the exchange of art and ideas between Protestant nations that ushered in a new age of empiricism based on experience of the world around us
Interview: Furnace Mountain, Americana band
Furnace Mountain, who tour Scotland next week, have built a loyal following with their Americana and warm, open personalities. By Simon Stephenson
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Interview: Englebert Humperdink, singer
FORGET the Olympics, the Queen’s Jubilee and Euro 2012, there’s one event this year that’s set to eclipse all of those in its sheer level of camp revelry, let alone drama and politics – the Eurovision Song Contest.
Theatre reviews: One Day in Spring | The Fashion Floor | 27
David Greig’s collaboration with Arab writers is creating exhilarating results at Oran Mor, while Abi Morgan’s 27 is back – shorter, leaner and magnificently performed
A Glass Apart: Composer Philip Glass on his past
He’s been celebrating his 75th birthday for four months now, but Philip Glass says it’s still “exhilarating” revisiting his past
Folk, jazz etc.: ‘It’s about the way people go away smiling and uplifted’
REVERED Dixieland elders such as W C Handy or Jelly Roll Morton tend not to crop up in the same breath as those Skye folk-fusionists the Peatbog Faeries.
Preview: Scottish Opera’s 50th anniversary celebrations
Scottish Opera is talking up its 50th anniversary programme as a dynamic return to its roots, but there are compromises too
Critics’ choice: The arts events you need to see
The Scotsman’s arts team offer their tips for thes best event in each field of the arts
Images of Scotland: Balgray, Lockerbie
George Porteous took this cute photograph of a red squirrel and friend in his garden in Balgray, Lockerbie
Cannes film festival: What Pete Doherty and Ronan Keating have in common
You wouldn’t normally expect to see Ronan Keating and Pete Doherty mentioned in the same sentence. But then it isn’t every day that the Boyzone star and former Libertine come to Cannes to talk up their film acting debuts.
Images of Scotland: Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline
Iain Wilkinson’s photograph of spring blossoms at Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline indicates that winter might finally be behind us.
Why I can’t stay away from Eurovision
THERE’S usually an awkward pause, followed by the word “really?” (whilst trying to stifle a giggle) when I explain to folk that I’m about to set off to spend the next fortnight amidst diva-esque singers, nymph-like dancers, camp choreographers, overtly fey stylists and a plethora of “hugely important” delegates at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Coming clean: Michael Clark’s no-singing, all-dancing rock and roll tribute
MICHAEL Clark, the one-time enfant terrible of modern dance, has come a long way in the past decade. Now the Scot is heading home with his latest production – a homage to three rock greats – and a piece for the Cultural Olympiad in which members of the public get the chance to work with one of the finest choreographers Scotland has ever produced
Images of Scotland: Bass Rock, Firth of Forth
This photograph of the Bass Rock lighthouse in the Firth of Forth with gannets flying overhead was taken by Walter Baxter from Galashiels
Welcome to the ‘aparthotel’: Luxury accommodation proves a class apart
A CLUSTER of luxury apartments located in Georgian townhouses has trumped traditional hotels to claim one of the hospitality industry’s most prestigious awards.
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Images of Scotland: Portobello beach, Edinburgh
Eighteen-month-old Ben McMurtrie from Leith takes his wellies for a toddle on chilly Portobello beach, as photographed by his father, John
Quiet storm: How one man’s solitude became the toast of British cinema
JAKE Williams lives a hermit-like existence with only his two cats for company in a remote, ramshackle house in the Cairngorms. He is also the star of a near-silent documentary of his own daily life that has made him the toast of film festivals
2 comments- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- Craig Levein insists Scotland will recover from US thrashing
- Call for sleaze inquiry into peer’s expenses
- Man arrested after woman found dead in subway pool of blood
- USA 5 - 1 Scotland: US take a sledgehammer to Scotland’s credibility
- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- Craig Levein insists Scotland will recover from US thrashing
- Scottish independence: Labour voters ‘will deliver independence’
- Rangers administration: End game nears for fallen icon
- Scotland’s weather: Scots enjoy record temperatures over weekend
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Weather for Edinburgh
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
