Articles

Ghost Hunting in Loch Lomond

Who needs Derek Acorah when you have Colin Sykes?

10 Sep 2009

Greetings dear reader, and welcome to another grim tale of mystery, madness and trouser-filling terror. This being our Halloween issue, I thought I would go all out and investigate a genuine haunted castle or an authentic creepy mouldering ruin, so I…

Skydiving in Scotland

Our guide to jumping out of planes. With a parachute, natch

10 Sep 2009

To jump or not to jump, that is the question. Read on for our comprehensive guide to parachute jumping as we speak to a qualified instructor and grill our brave writer as she prepares to plunge

Edinburgh: Roller Derby

We meet the Auld Reekie Roller Girls

10 Sep 2009

‘This is not a roller disco!’ yells the coach, as a blur of fishnets and emerald green flies past. I’m here to meet Edinburgh’s roller derby squad, the Auld Reekie Roller Girls, if I can catch one … If you haven’t yet heard of roller derby, your days…

Drams in the Field

We preview the autumn music festival

10 Sep 2009

Drams in the Field, Glenelg’s annual music festival, is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and, if previous years are anything to go by, it should be one hell of a hoolie. In a nutshell; be prepared to dance like a lunatic, make loads of new…

Out of Africa

Neil Radley takes us on a trek around South Africa

10 Sep 2009

‘Bump bump. Ouch my ass, my balls, my ass, my balls. But ooh wow, what amazing scenery’. This is generally how my journey through South Africa, on pony-back, proceeds. Nonchalantly we wave to fellow musketeers and others whose path we cross, smiling…

A Polish Adventure

A mini-trip to make you fall in love

10 Sep 2009

As the anticipation builds for visiting an unknown foreign land, my brain often starts making its own mental images. These are usually a deconstructed, or reconstructed, mish-mash of images already gleaned from travel brochures, the internet and similar…

Edinburgh: International Storytelling Festival

With the literature celebration coming up, we explore why everyone loves a good story

10 Sep 2009

There are few people who can turn down an intimate offer of: ‘Can I tell you a story?’ They can be fanciful, creepy, true-to-life or utterly ridiculous tales – but, then, it’s not so much the content we thrive on, it’s the physical and emotional act of…

MOBO Awards Come to Glasgow

Celebrating Music of Black Origin in Scotland

10 Sep 2009

‘We’ve been at every major venue in London: the Royal Albert Hall, Alexandra Palace, Wembley Arena, London Arena and we were the first multi-artist show to appear at the O2 Arena, so we thought it was time to take the unprecedented step of moving the…

Glasgow: Paolo Nutini's Top Spots

The solo star takes us around his Glasgow

10 Sep 2009

Becoming a global music star is hard work on the way up. When The Midgie tracks down Scots singer Paolo Nutini he’s just waking up in a hotel room in Indianapolis, midway through a punishing summer-long touring and promotion schedule of the States which…

All About the Dram-a

Looking for the real Scottish whisky experience

10 Sep 2009

Two years after Columbus discovered America, a Scottish friar made an equally important discovery: whisky. However, his was not the golden delight that we now know as Scotch whisky. What Friar John Cor concocted was brutal and raw, and were it to be…

Visiting Skye

Taking a trip to the idyllic isle

10 Sep 2009

‘If you’ve never been kissed on the Isle of the Mist, it’s a joy you must try before you die …’ The whole pub crowd joins in for the chorus of this jaunty tune; swaying to and fro along with local band, Bramax, in the tiny seaside village of Kyleakin…

Glasgow: Glasgay!

From politics to partying, the history of the LGBT festival

10 Sep 2009

There aren’t many arts festivals that could celebrate Maw Broon (one of the most traditional of Scots comic strip characters in Dundee’s DC Thomson stable, which also produces The Beano, The Dandy and Oor Wullie), take on board a diverse programme of…

Wheels on Fire

A day at Knockhill racing track

10 Sep 2009

Nothing brings out the little boy in a fully grown man quite like shiny fast cars. We send our adventure sports correspondent, Ren Deakin, for a day at Knockhill. Needless to say he enjoys every last minute of it

The Enchanted Forest

Myths and legends in Faskally Wood

10 Sep 2009

‘ We thought it would be fun to set a fire-breathing dragon loose in the forest,’ says Tricia Fox, one of the organisers for The Enchanted Forest autumn event. She is referring to this year’s Scottish myths and legends theme, for the annual light and…

Go Ape

Become king of the swingers with this adventure amongst the tree tops

10 Sep 2009

So here I am, standing in front of a group of strangers – a strapping great harness hitched around my nether regions – trying to remember which karabiner attaches on to which safety line and which foot to put where. Welcome to Go Ape, the high-wire…

Glasgow: Merchant City Festival

The celebration of cutting-edge Scottish arts, music and live performance

10 Sep 2009

The Merchant City is all of Glasgow in a few square blocks. At its most north-westerly point, as it merges into the city centre around George Square, it’s all about opulent buildings, trendy boutique shops and a range of desirable restaurants and delis.

Visiting Orkney

Having an adventure on this treasure island

10 Sep 2009

Orkney is a compelling place, with a rich history – but also plenty sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and fun activities to please the casual visitor. Simon Varwell digs beneath the surface

A Traveller's Guide to Wales

It's not all just Tom Jones and rugby

10 Sep 2009

Just a short journey from central Scotland, Wales is an ideal spot for those of you who want to do a little bit of exploring without leaving the United Kingdom. Here’s our traveller’s guide of top things to see and do  Bright lights, big city A…

5 Reasons To Love Cornwall

Why the final days of summer are best spent on the Cornish coast

10 Sep 2009

As the summer fades on British shores, we automatically start thinking about woolly jumpers, cosy nights in and what colour of thermal pants we’ll go for this year. We can’t help it; it’s in-built that we prepare for cold weather every year like it was…

Hubble Bubble

The ugly history of witch trials in Scotland

10 Sep 2009

Since it’s Halloween, Kirsty Gibbins decides to delve into Scotland’s witch culling history. What she uncovers ain’t pretty, in fact, it’s decidedly gruesome

Scottish Watersports

Ahead of the Tiree Wave Classic, we prepare to get wet

10 Sep 2009

Scotland’s plentiful supplies of wind and water make it a fantastic destination for windsurfing. ‘But isn’t it cold?’ I hear you ask. My dear readers, don’t be so defeatist. All you need is a decent wet suit, rock-solid determination, and an acceptance…

Kilmarten Glen

Visiting one of Scotland's most important historical sites

10 Sep 2009

The Scots do history pretty well. Perhaps you even learnt a little about it at school? But, if you fell asleep during that lesson, let us give you a little re-cap: Scotland’s history is one of immigration, its people forged through waves of invaders…

Going for Gold

The world championship events held in Scotland

10 Sep 2009

You may not be the next Mohammed Ali, but here in Scotland we offer some quainter – and less punishing – ways to become a world champion. Simon Varwell tells you how

Talk to the Tour Guide

We chat to Stevie Christie from Wilderness Scotland

10 Sep 2009

Name Stevie Christie Age 33 Hometown Edinburgh How long have you been working as a tour guide Eight years Interests The outdoors and adventure travel What sort of people come on your tours? We get all sorts of people from all over the world.

Edinburgh: The Bowery

Our guide on the capital's innovative new art bar

10 Sep 2009

Buzzing away in the basement of an old church, at the heart of the old Roxy Art House, the eager city explorer might find discovering The Bowery an adventure in itself. Whilst, like at the end of every treasure hunt, there awaits an irresistible reward…

My Top 5 Travelling Tunes: David Gow

The Sons and Daughters drummer picks his favourite touring playlist

10 Sep 2009

David Gow, drummer in Scottish band Sons and Daughters, is constantly on the road touring. He tells Anna Docherty what keeps him bopping when he’s travel hopping

It's A Weird World

A round-up of autumns most interesting global events

10 Sep 2009

Woolly Worm Festival in North Carolina, Cabbage Festival in Germany, Bald-Headed Men of America Convention, Gorilla Run in London, Rubber Duckie Race in Surrey, Santa Claus Championships in Switzerland

Edinburgh: Riding of the Marches

History on horseback

10 Sep 2009

There are many areas of the city that you can easily walk by without really realising their historical importance. But if a great big shiny-maned horse was to suddenly step into view and offer to teach you something about Edinburgh’s history, you’d…

Homecoming Scotland Finale

The big events lined up to close a year of celebration

10 Sep 2009

The Homecoming Scotland year has been jam-packed with events and, as it draws to a close, we highlight the best finale celebrations

Glasgow: Things To Do

Escaping the regular way of city life

10 Sep 2009

Akhe & Derevo, Arches Live, Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, Winterfest

Glasgow: Bonfire Night

Fireworks on Glasgow Green

10 Sep 2009

Those of you who’ve seen the V For Vendetta film might be forgiven for thinking that the design of the lead character V was an original piece of work. In fact, the cape, stovepipe hat and bearded facemask look was borrowed by V’s creators, the…

Samhain

Investigating the inspiration for Halloween

10 Sep 2009

Halloween is about more than just pumpkin lanterns, apple dooking and dubious fancy dress. The true meaning of All Hallow's Eve harks back to the ancient fire festival of Samhain, the celebration of the final harvest and the beginning of the Celtic New…

Edinburgh: The Illuminated Car Parade

Pimping that ride

10 Sep 2009

We all get car envy every now and again: cars that are extra shiny, ones with futuristic looking lights or those extra special ones that are two-tone and seem to shimmer like diamonds. But the ones on show at Edinburgh’s first Illuminated Art Car Parade…

Edinburgh: Food From Home

Where to get your country's culinary treats

10 Sep 2009

If you’re feeling homesick, there’s nothing like one of your favourite foods from home to perk you up. Anna Docherty tells you where to find them in Edinburgh. A&W Root Beer, Mike and Ike, Cola Cao, Biltong

Gizmos: Green Special

The best in environmentally friendly gadgets

10 Sep 2009

The key to this whole backpacking lark is to leave behind nothing but your footprints. Here’s our guide to the best environmentally friendly gadgets – all under £20!

Glasgow: Food From Home

Where to get your country's culinary treats

10 Sep 2009

Gjetost Cheese, Mithai sweets, Hershey's Kisses, Pierogi

Auntie Midgie

Answering all your travel queries

10 Sep 2009

She’s here to answer all your niggling travelling queries and questions. But she’d rather not know about your love life problems …

Our Favourite (Old) Scottish Band: The Proclaimers

We celebrate their upcoming tour in figures

10 Sep 2009

Usually this spot is dedicated to our favourite new Scottish band, but in honour of The Proclaimers UK tour, we’re dedicating it to a Proclaimers-by-numbers special

Auntie Midgie's Guide To: Scottish Cuisine

10 Sep 2009

What’s best? Things like Scotch beef, Scotch lamb and Scottish salmon are real local delicacies and guaranteed to be of superior taste, protected as they are by strict quality guidelines. And many seaside towns offer locally caught fish that is second…

Sweden's Jumbo Jet Hostel

It's a little easier to get to sleep on this plane

10 Sep 2009

Jumbo jet heaven isn’t a nice place. The poor jumbos are torn limb for limb and their parts are used for scrap metal. It’s enough to bring a tear to a glass eye. But this jet has a happier tale, because Swedish entrepreneur Oscar Diös took pity on this…

White Knuckle Adventures

1 Jun 2009

There’s something about summer that makes us embrace all kinds of wild adrenalin sports. We send our very own macho man, Ren Deakin, for a day of white knuckle adventures

Surfing

1 Jun 2009

There are several surf schools situated along Scotland’s coastline. Here’s our guide for taking to the waves.

Sea Kayaking

1 Jun 2009

For a proper sporting adventure, you can’t beat sea kayaking. Flitting around Scotland’s coastline, ducking in and out of caves and getting to grips with nature. Ren Deakin offers his personal guide.

Mountain Bike World Cup

1 Jun 2009

With the legendary Mountain Bike World Cup talking place in Fort William this June, we give you a sneaky preview of what’s in store for the 2009 championships.

Wild Camping

1 Jun 2009

Wild camping is one of the best ways to get up-close and personal with Scotland’s hills, glens and coastlines. Here Jo Morgan, the self proclaimed ‘Queen of Camping’, gives us her tips on enjoying the outdoors without causing a riot.

The Outer Hebrides

1 Jun 2009

When Ren Deakin felt in need of some peace, he simply packed up his trusty Volkswagen camper and together they went in search of solitude in the idyllic Outer Hebrides.

Summer Work

1 Jun 2009

Many travellers like to secure a part-time job so as they can fund their trip more successfully. Here’s some useful information on finding work.

Swamp Soccer

1 Jun 2009

Most people grow out of their love of playing in the mud. But, as the Swamp Soccer World Championships hit Argyll this June, Anna Docherty discovers it’s still fun to get down and dirty.

Rockness

1 Jun 2009

RockNess boasts beautiful scenery, top bands and a chilled vibe. Kirsty Gibbins tells us why it’s become her festival of choice.

Festival Fever

1 Jun 2009

Each year, the glow of summer brings with it a particularly exciting string of events - the live music festivals! Here’s the low-down on the big Scottish ones you won’t want to miss