#the national trust for scotland

[claraameliapond]

Lynx reintroduction in need of public support: the National Trust is restoring parts of Northumberland that could support a lynx population.

Wild lynx have been extinct in the UK for 1,300 years due to hunting and habitat destruction.

In an effort to rewild and rejuvenate the land, a family of beavers were reintroduced in 2023. Europe has had success with reintroducing both species.

Anyone who lives near should go to these exhibitions and voice their public support! It's such an amazing opportunity ❤

"We've lost so much wildlife, and the jigsaw of life is really quite broken, so bringing back species like beaver and lynx could really help restore nature," Mr Pratt, of Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

"The lynx has been successfully reintroduced in countries like Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and Slovenia."

"Lynx were once widespread in the UK but disappeared in medieval times because they were hunted for their fur."

It's literally called The Missing Lynx Project !!!! 😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

[gaytobymeres]

people on here are so... uninformed about scottish politics. believe it or not some scottish people dont want independence... there was a whole referendum and 55% of ppl voted to remain in the union. also not everyone in scotland hates being called british, and i know people who refer to themselves as british because of the indyref movement. you dont have to understand you just have to like trust me when i say its maybe a bit more varied in scotland than tumblr would have you believe. lol.

[mightywellfan]

The Old Leanach Cottage, Culloden Battlefield.

Leanach Cottage was originally built in the early 18th century but has seen many changes since then. The traditional thatched cottage was lived in until 1912 but fell into disrepair shortly afterwards.

The cottage was later restored and served as the first visitor centre for people coming to see Culloden Battlefield. Now the cottage is a temporary exhibition space to discover more about Culloden’s heritage.

Thatching on the cottage is made from heather that was collected from the battlefield and then crafted together by local tradesmen, whilst the walls are a mixture of stone and turf.

On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,500 men were slain – more than 1,000 of them Jacobites.

[streetsofsalem]

Holiday Tables

If I’m hosting for Christmas or any other holiday, I spend more time thinking about the table than the menu: much more time. I love setting the table, and once I attain my “vision” we’re all relegated to eating in the kitchen, no matter how many days before the big meal. Here it is, December 22, and I am hosting Christmas dinner and the table is not set! I just finished my grading, however, so…

[lucydacusgirl]

The giants causeway story on the national trust website is one that I have never heard before wdym he was trying to reach his love in Scotland what the fuck are you talking about.

[arthistoryanimalia]

For #WorldBeeDay 🐝 + #BearAwarenessWeek 🐻:

John Bucknell Russell (Scottish, 1819–1893) The #Bear and the #Beehives oil on canvas, H 149.2 x W 73.5 cm National Trust for Scotland, Haddo House 79.1.2 via Art UK

[brian-in-finance]

Jackie Bird welcomes Diana Gabaldon to start season six of the Love Scotland podcast.

OUTLANDER AUTHOR DIANA GABALDON TO STAR ON LOVE SCOTLAND PODCAST

Her novels have brought the romance and drama of Scottish history to life for more than 50 million readers worldwide.

And now Outlander author Diana Gabaldon is set to feature on the upcoming season of Jackie Bird’s podcast.

Series six of Love Scotland will kick off with Gabaldon, bestselling author of the iconic Outlander series – which begins its new season on the same day.

Broadcaster Jackie sits down for an emotional interview with the American author as they unwrap the origins of Outlander and Diana’s connections to Scotland.

Gabaldon will talk about the Outlander effect which has seen hoard of tourists flock to popular Scottish spots in the hit TV series.

‘The only thing I like more than talking about Scotland is being there,’ Gabaldon said.

‘When I was writing Outlander I read everything I could get my hands on that was written by Scottish authors to get a feeling for the speech.

‘The Outlander effect is quite incredible, things happen that you never think of or expect.’

Her commitment to Scottish heritage saw her honoured as the 2022 Great Scot, awarded by the NTS USA Foundation, an independent charity who support the work of the National Trust for Scotland.

Launching on 16 June, the upcoming season of Love Scotland is packed with fascinating stories from Scotland’s history.

With help from trusted experts Jackie will uncover more of Scotland’s lesser-known stories.

Highlights including a deep dive into the unknown early years of James VI, and a captivating conversation at Edinburgh’s Gladstone’s Land.

With more than 60 episodes recorded, Love Scotland has already explored world-famous National Trust for Scotland locations such as Glencoe and Robert Burns Birthplace, as well as uncovering some of the fascinating and obscure stories of Scotland’s history, such as the life of Flora MacDonald.

National Trust for Scotland president Jackie said: ‘Bringing the incredible stories of Scotland’s heritage to new audiences and sharing the rich history of the people and places of the National Trust for Scotland is a huge joy and privilege.

‘There is so much nature, beauty and heritage to enjoy and explore.

‘I’m thrilled to kickstart the sixth season of Love Scotland with none other than Diana Gabaldon to hear the in-depth story of her ties to Scotland, and how it inspired her world-famous Outlander book series.

‘It is an episode filled with emotion and Diana’s sentimentality for Scotland.

‘It has been fantastic to see the podcast grow and develop, and I hope listeners are as thrilled as I am with the new series.

‘From James VI to Raeburn, we are exploring some of Scotland’s most famous people and places, resulting in a fascinating line up of episodes to come.’

You can listen and subscribe to Love Scotland on all the usual podcast channels, including Apple and Spotify.

Season six of Love Scotland begins on 16 June.

Scottish Field

Spotify Apple

Remember… with more than 60 episodes recorded, Love Scotland has already explored world-famous National Trust for Scotland locations such as Glencoe and Robert Burns Birthplace, as well as uncovering some of the fascinating and obscure stories of Scotland’s history, such as the life of Flora MacDonald. — Scottish Field

[paulofcongleton]

Kirkcudbright, October 2023

[photosbyjez]

Exploring Rabbie Burns Cottage and Gardens: A Historical Scottish Delight -- Fan Of...

Exploring Rabbie Burns Cottage and Gardens: A Historical Scottish Delight -- Fan Of...

Hi all 😁 Feel free to join this weekly challenge whenever you think, “I’m a fan of…” (see below for how-to). 👇 Join the fun 👇 Create a Fan Of… Photo Post. Add a link to your Fan of… blog post in my comment box or create a pingback by linking to my post. Title your post Fan Of… or add a Fan Of… tag. Here we are in the wee town of Alloway, Ayr, at Rabbie Burns Cottage. For more information,…

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Scotsman:

The bumblebee population has made an impressive comeback in a developed area by increasing to 116 times what it was two years ago thanks to a nature restoration group.

Rewilding Denmarkfield, a 90-acre project based just north of Perth, has been working to restore nature to green spaces in an increasingly built up area for the past two years.

Statistics from the charity show in 2021, when some of the fields managed by the project were still barley monoculture, only 35 bumblebees were counted.

But by 2023, after just two years of nature restoration work in the same fields, the population increased to 4,056. The diversity of bumblebee also doubled, according to the charity, from five to ten different species.

Weekly pollinator surveys using the BeeWalk method, a national recording scheme run by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to monitor the abundance of bumblebees on transects across the country, enabled Rewilding Denmarkfield to quantify some of the changes happening.

Ecologist Ellie Corsie, who has been managing the project since it began in 2021, said: “Letting nature lead has had a massive positive impact for bumblebees. Within two years, the bare soil and barley stubble was naturally colonised by 84 different plant species.

[ayeforscotland]

National Trust of Scotland has lodged a legal challenge after the local Labour/Tory administration approves a *horse racing track* (why???) on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn.

Genuinely outrageous decision, councillors deserve to be crucified over it.

[pitchsidestories]

Girlfriend Material II Jen Beattie x Reader

masterlist I word count: 3223

summary: in which Jen Beattie falls in love with a sports journalist who is also a single mother.

A/N: based off this request here. We hope you enjoy this one and we agree with you that Jen Beattie is really underrated. As always this is just fiction.

audio transcript of the interview with Jen Beattie for the bookproject

Jen: sips on her coffee So, how did you..?

Reader: laughs amused do I have to remind you Jen Beattie that I'm the person here asking the questions and it's about the Scottish Women’s national team?

Jen: I thought we weren’t starting yet!

Reader: You said you got your coffee in front of you and that we can start recording that conversation.

Jen: I didn’t know you meant immediately.

Reader: So now you know.

Jen: okay, sorry. I’ll let you talk now.

Reader: Thank you can see jen lifting her finger Yes?

Jen: No, sorry. I forgot I’m not allowed to ask questions.

Reader: Maybe you can ask a few so it feels more like a natural conversation? Maybe that works better for you too.

Jen: Okay, fine with me. How did you get the idea to write this?

Reader: Easy your team’s story is very intriguing and inspiring. I really wanted to cover more than a story, and, in a book, you get the chance to tell multiple of stories.

Jen: I like that. But I always think, we’re just Scotland, you know? There are more interesting teams to write about.

Reader: Yes, I get that but it might sound like a stupid reason, but I grew up in Edinburgh, so Scotland is very dear to my heart, also everyone loves the underdog.

Jen: I like that.

Reader: So, what I’m trying to say with this is you can trust me.

Jen: I do. Why would I not trust you with this topic?

Reader: Good point

Jen: See.

Reader: going back to our topic, when and how did you feel when you were getting your first call up for Scotland?

Jen: chuckles Oh that was a long time ago but as a football player you always dream of that call so as you can imagine I was very excited.

Reader: Do you remember that exact moment?

Jen: Yes, I do. I still played for Glasgow, and I almost missed the call because I started at the phone for too long.

Reader: You did?

Jen: Yes, I’m not sure what would have happened if I missed it.

Reader: I guess they would have tried it again.

Jen: Who knows, right?

Reader: I think it was meant to be.

Jen: It probably was. I’m glad I took the call though. It changed a lot for me.

Reader: This must have been a big step forward in your career.

Jen: It is. I don’t know if Arsenal would have wanted me if it hadn’t been for that call.

Reader: but Arsenal did want you. Lily entering the room Oh sorry this is my daughter Lily.

Jen: She’s adorable. Hi Lily.

Lily: Hello, are you mum’s new friend?

Reader: Actually, I’m interviewing Jen for my book.

Jen: But it’s almost something like that.

Reader: True. Can you give me five more minutes, Lil? And when we’ll go to the park to play football like I promised you earlier.

Lily: Okay.

Reader: Thanks love. Sorry, so where were we Jen?

Jen: Uhm.. oh, Arsenal.

Reader: Yes, right, you got the chance to play there.

Jen: I did. Together with my Scotland teammate.

Reader: So, you must have been very young when you made your move to London?

Jen: I was 18.

Reader: Right.

Jen: Kim was 18 too when she moved to London the year before, so I was glad to have her there too.

Reader: That’s really sweet.

Jen: We both were the youngest and now we’re the grandmas.

Reader: protests You’re not grandmas !

Jen: No but we like to joke about it.

Reader: I can see that.

Jen: With all the youngsters here.

Lily: wears a Scotland jersey Mum, I’m ready !

Reader: Shit, the five minutes are over.

Jen: You probably shouldn’t let her wait.

Reader: Sorry, that’s so unprofessional.

Jen: No worries. I understand that.

Reader: Thank you.

Jen: Have fun.

Lily: Do you want to play with us?

Jen: I would love to, but I have training. Another time, I promise.

Lily: Oh okay.

Jen: Lily?

Lily: Yes?

Jen: I mean it.

Lily: I trust you.

Jen: I’ll see you soon.

Reader: Goodbye, Jen. Thank you for taking your time.

Jen: Thank you for inviting me. And don’t forget to call me, so Lily and I can play some football.

Reader: I’ll call you. Promise.

Lily: whispers Mum, she likes you.

Reader: I think she likes you more.

Lily: But she likes you too!

Reader: Do you think so?

Lily: Yes!

Reader: When it must be true.

Lily: Its true.

The London Derby was about to start. The crowd at the Emirates was roaring with excitement. Amazed, you took in the atmosphere from the side of the pitch alongside some of the other jounalists.

Across the grass, you caught Jen’s gaze who was standing next to the tunnel in a big puffer jacket. She subtly waved at you which you answered with a small smile.

Kim Little appeared next to Jen, telling her something with a stern face. You knew the game was about to start so you turned back to your work.

“Has anyone seen Lily? Jen, you were supposed to look after the daughter of your girlfriend. “, Kim scolded Jen on the other side of the pitch. Reluctantly, Jen turned away from you and towards her teammate; “You said you would babysit.“ “After the match! I’m in the starting line up, remember?“, Kim replied, more amused than annoyed.

Laughing, Jen rolled her eyes; “Ugh, show-off.“ Her smaller team mate gave her playfully offended look; “Hey, you’re still talking to your captain here.“ “Yeh, sure. I’ll go find Lily.“, Jen answered with a grin and brushed past Kim into the dressing rooms. “Good!“, the Arsenal captain called after her.

Jen opened the door of the dressing room where the Arsenal players were just getting ready for the important game against Chelsea; “Lil?“ “Here!“, the voice of a child piped up. The little girl waved with one hand from her place between Alessia Russo and Kyra Cooney-Cross. In the other hand, she held a crumbly granola bar. Jen walked towards her, a big grin on her face; “What are you doing here? Having a snack?“

“Yes, Lessie gave me something. And Wally promised to do my hair.“, Lily nodded with pure joy. Jen ruffled her hair; “Lucky girl.“ “Comes from the one who only ever wears a bun on match days.“, Lia laughed while she pushed past Jen and took Kyras place.

Carefully, she started brushing Lilys hair. “It’s the least complicated and most effective hairstyle.“, the Scot defended herself with a shrug. Kim rolled her eyes; “And it makes you even taller than you are.“

With raised eyebrows, Jen made a point to look down at her captain; “How can you even tell that from down there?“ “Rude.“, she replied before turning towards the toddler whose hair was now in a high ponytail, “Lil?“ “Yes?“ “Tell her to stop making fun of small girls.“

Lily nodded determinedly, causing Lia to start over with braiding her little ponytail; “I’ll.“ “We’re done.“, Lia smiled a minute later, satisfied with her finished work. Lily happily jumped up on the bench, standing on her toes to eye her new hairstyle in a mirror. Laughing, Jen picked her up; “Good. Because these girls have to go out and play and important game now.“

“Good luck!”, Lily hummed. Gratefully Lia patted the shoulder of the little girl:” Thank you, Lily.” “Can you give me a hug as an extra motivation?”, Alessia asked her with a big smirk on her face. Enthusiastically Lily nodded, opening her arms up to hug the tall forward:  “Of course.” That sight alone melted Jen’s heart in the blink of an eye.

In her bossy tone which was such a contrast to her relatively smallness Kim clapped motivated into her hands:” Alright girls, time to get out there.” While the playing footballers went on to the field Jen and the toddler took their seats on the bench.

Big eyed Lily pulled on the defender’s jacket: ”Jen?” “Yes?”, attentively the Scottish player put her little hand into hers. Deeply amazed Lily whispered: “This is huge.”  “I know, right?”, Jen solemnly agreed. Not long into the game Beth Mead scored the first goal which made Lily jump from her seat shouting happily:” Yes, Meado!”

“Good job, Beth! She’ll be so happy about that girl.”, the defender commented with a satisfied smile. A bit less enthusiastic the girl added:” Mum told me she had a bad injury.”  “Yes, she didn’t play football for almost one year.”, the Scottish Woman replied seriously.

Quite taken by that she mumbled: “ That’s forever.” “And her girlfriend Viv had the same injury.”, Jen explained the past situation to her.  Moved by those words Lily observed: “That’s not fair.” “No but it happens in football.”, the defender reminded her.

The mood was lightened when the little girl was catching where the older woman’s eyes were wandering:” Jen, you keep staring at mum!” Caught of guard the Arsenal player’s cheek turned red:” I’m not I was just looking if she’s looking.” “Sure.”, Lily giggled.

After the match she ran to Alessia, telling her visibly very animated:” Lessi, your goals were soo cool!” “Thank you, Lily! You were our lucky charm today.”, the forward declared beaming.

After the live recording ended you greeted Jen with a huge grin, while she was wrapping her strong arms around you::” Hi love, did Lil behave?” “You know her of course she did. She’s too focused on the game in front of her.”, the Scottish woman answered cheerfully.

Glad about that news you changed the topic easily: “Good. Remind me, where are you taking me out tonight, again?” “You’ll see when we’re there.”, Jen smiled mysteriously. Excited about what the evening would contain you said: “I’ll be right back I’ll be just saying goodbye to Lily and tell her that it might get a bit later tonight, so she doesn’t need to try to stay awake until we’re back.” “Alright.”, with that word the Arsenal player let go of you for now.

A few minutes prior Kim wanted to know from the toddler:” Have you decided whose jersey you want, Lily?” “Can I have yours?”, she asked innocently. The captain was surprised by that wish:” Mine?” “Yes, please.”, Lily nodded quickly.

Flustered the older woman gave the little girl her jersey:” Oh, sure. Here you go.” “Thank you.”, the toddler gratefully pressed the shirt onto her.  Trying not to show how touched she was Kim waved it off:” You’re welcome.”

Lily was already wearing the oversized jersey when you entered the dressing room. Your daughter happily ran into your arms. You wrapped her into a tight hug while you told her; “Hi Lily, I just wanted to say goodbye for now and that Jen and I’ll be back tonight. But I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun with Kimmy.“

You shared a quick smile with Arsenals team captain. “Okay, have fun, Mum.“, Lily replied, obviously already distracted by what was happening around her in the dressing room. You pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before saying goodbye; “Love you, Lily.“ You could feel your daughters eyes on you while you caught up Jen outside.

Kim realized that Lily was confused by the situation so she kneeled down in front of the toddler; “Tell me, Lily, what do you want to eat now?“ “Can we eat pizza?“, the little girl asked with big eyes.

While Kim nodded, Leah Williamson joined the conversation; “Can we join the pizza party?“ “Please?“, Laura Wienroither added, her facial expression almost identical to Lilys. Kim nodded with a sigh before turning back the toddler; “Sure. How about we make our own pizzas, Lily?“ “Yes!“ “Alright, let’s go.“, the captain decided and got up to grab her bag. She took Lilys hand in hers while Leah and Laura followed them.

At Kims home, they immediately got to work, making small individual pizzas. “I’m jealous. Yours and Kims pizza looks so good.“, Leah complained, eyeing the ham and mozzarella pizza that Kim just took out of the oven. “It’s because Lily and I are a good team.“, she replied, holding up her hand for Lily to high-five. “True.“, the little girl agreed.

Laura laughed; “Not bad, Little team.“ “Thanks.“, Kim said, only partly annoyed by the pun. Excitedly, Leah took her pizza out of the oven next; “Time to eat our pizzas.“ But there was a loud bang that told everyone in the room that Leahs pizza did not even make it to the table. “Oh no.“ “Leah!“, Lily yelled, amused by the mess the tomato sauce and hot cheese made on the tile floor. “Yeah, I know, very funny.“, the defender sighed.

Kim immediately turned back to the kitchen table; “It’s okay, we can make a new one.“ “Lee, you can have a bit of mine.“, Lily offered, gently pushing a piece of pizza towards the defender. Gratefully, Leah picked it up and took a bite; “Thank you, Lily, you’re very sweet.“ “You don’t need to tell her that, she knows.“, Kim grinned while making more pizza. “Still. She shared her pizza with me!“

Finally, the captain admitted; “Yes, okay, it’s cute.“ “See, that’s adorable.“, Leah said. Laura disrupted their conversation, pointing towards the toddler; “Oh my god, girls. She fell asleep with her head next to her plate.“

A soft smile appeared on Kims lips as she watched the child sleep, a piece of pizza still in her tiny hand; “I think it was a long day for her. Winning against Chelsea is exhausting.“ “Very true.“, Leah agreed with a laugh. Carefully, Kim picked the girl up; “I’ll bring her to bed.“ “Good night, Lil.“, Laura whispered. Lily blinked tiredly and yawned against Kims shoulder; “Nighty.“

Meanwhile, you looked at your surroundings being in awe of the restaurant your girlfriend chose:” Jen, this is so fancy here.” “I told you; I’d take you somewhere nice.”, the Arsenal player replied with a warm smile.  Proudly she kept holding your hand until you reached your table and took a seat each. “Yes, you weren’t lying about you.”, you had to admit delighted.

In an honest tone she stated: “As much as I love Lily, you also deserve to be treated to something nice.” “She loves you too, in her kindergarten she refers to you as her mum.”, you confessed, cheeks flushing. Surprised but flattered Jen asked:” She does?” “Yes.”, you nodded cautiously, unsure if this information was too much for your girlfriend.  

The defender let out a shaky breath: “Wow.” “Sorry, if that was too much.”, you stammered an apology. Immediately she reassured you:” No, I like that.” “Anything you would recommend from the menu?”, you tried to lighten up the mood, but the football player was taking your hand meaning you to pause for a second.

Softly the Scottish woman said:” Love..”  “Yes?”, you looked up to her, your free hand was nervously putting a loose string of your hair behind your ear. A deep sigh escaped Jen’s lips, before she confessed: “I want to be honest with you. I never wanted to be a mum; it just wasn’t one of my life goals like it is for other women. But I’d love nothing more than being Lily’s mum.”  

“You’re already a great one.”, you confirmed visibly moved by her words. Equally touched Jen answered: “Thanks. That means a lot.” Because words couldn’t encompass how much her confession meant to you, you kissed her, hoping the kiss could encompass everything you felt in that moment. “I love you.”, the Arsenal player whispered. “I love you too.”  Her voice was filled with gratitude:” I’m so glad you were writing that book.” “It’s coming out soon.”, you announced happily.

Hopefully Jen wanted to know: “Can I read it first?” “Of course, I’ll leave you a copy on your nightstand.”, you promised her excited. A bright grin was on your girlfriend’s face: “Thank you. I can’t wait to read it.”  “I hope you and the team will like it.”, you bit your lip.  “I’m sure we will.” From that on you two had a very pleasant date night.

After the dinner you gratefully greeted Kim in her home:” Hi Kim, thanks for watching after Lily.”  “You’re welcome. She was really tired and already fell asleep at dinner.”, the Arsenal Captain told you. Understandingly you nodded:” To be fair it was a long, exciting day for her.” “That’s true. I hope you had a good date night.”, Kim smiled at you both. Beaming Jen replied:“ We did.” “That’s good.”, the midfielder seemed pleased by the happy faces in front of her.

“Mums?“, Lilys voice interrupted your small talk. The little girl stumbled into your direction, her eyes were barely open. “Yes?“, Jen answered. “You’re back.“, your daughter yawned. You crouched down, your arms outstretched and Lily let herself against your chest. “We are.“, you confirmed as you carefully picked her up. Jen reached over, ruffling the little girls hair; “Yes, and we’re going home now.“ “Okay.“, Lily mumbled, almost asleep again. Jen chuckled quietly; “She is so cute.“

You said your goodbyes to Kim and made your way back home. You placed the sleeping Lily in her bed, carefully tucking her in and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead; “Good night, Lil.“ “I think she had fun today.“, Jen commented from where she leaned on the door frame. You grinned; “Yes, they had pizzas together.“

“Oh, Kim just texted.“, Jen said in surprise. You watched her read something on her phone; “What did she write?“ “That she hopes we got Lily home without waking her up.“, your girlfriend summarized the message quickly. You shrugged; “Kind of. She’s asleep now.“

With a smile on your lips, you took Jens phone out of her hand to snap a photo of your daughter, fast asleep with her favourite plushie in her arm. Grinning, Jen followed up her message to Kim with the photo while you both left Lilys room. “She and the girls seem to like being aunties.“, Jen thought out loud. You nodded happily; “They do. Even though Kim always pretends to be annoyed when you ask her to babysit.“ “Yes, but she secretly loves it.“, Jen replied with a laugh. “Oh yes.“, you agreed while you both slipped into your bed.

Only as your head hit your pillow, you realized how tired you were. Yawning, Jen slipped an arm around your waist and gently kissed your neck once. Just before you two were about to fall asleep, Jens phone screen lit up again.

As she held up the phone and blinked against the brightness of the screen, you caught a glimpse of the message. It was from Kim, reading; “Haven’t seen you that happy in a long time. You deserve this, Jen.“ You could feel a smile spread on your face, similar to the one on your girlfriends and you couldn’t deny that you felt a little bit honoured by that message.

Jen put her phone back on the nightstand and pulled you closer to her. You both didn’t need any words to express how right it felt to be there in each others arms.

[safedistancefrombeingsmart]

The Fifth Step

Exciting news!

The Fifth Step @sohoplace By David Ireland Starring Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions and National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) are delighted to announce that David Ireland’s acclaimed new play The Fifth Step will transfer to London’s West End for a strictly limited season from 10 May until 26 July 2025. Originally performed as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2024, this NTS production has been further developed for this West End premiere and the new opportunities for restaging that @sohoplace offers. Directed by rising star Finn den Hertog, associate artist at NTS, it will be a rare chance to see two of the UK’s most exciting acting talents in the intimacy of the in-the-round space @sohoplace. Jack Lowden reprises his performance as Luka and Martin Freeman will play the role of James in David Ireland’s funny and unflinchingly honest drama about addiction, masculinity and faith. Step 1: honesty. Step 2: faith. Step 3: surrender. Step 4: self-examination. After many years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James agrees to become the sponsor of newcomer Luka. On the journey to sobriety, the pair bond over black coffee, trade stories, and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. On the cusp of Step 5, their conversations must turn to confessionals, with progress hinging on Luka revealing secrets that could lead back to alcohol. But it’s clear that James also has dangerous truths in his past, truths that threaten the trust on which both their recoveries depend. @sohoplace 4 Soho Pl, Charing Cross Rd, London W1D 3BG 10 May-26 July Mon-Sat at 7.30pm Thu and Sat at 2.30pm Tickets from £25 (plus fees) available from 10am 23rd Jan www.thefifthstep.co.uk

I want to see this. 😵

And hey, didn't I get an ask about Martin doing theatre again a while ago? There is your answer. 😁

[mightywellfan]

Royal Burgh of Culross

Culross, a picturesque village bordered by the flint-hued River Forth, is the most complete example of a seventeenth and eighteenth-century burgh in Scotland.

Its unique appearance has remained relatively unchanged in the last three hundred years or so and today, Culross is camera fodder – a charming patchwork of storybook-like buildings that are loved by visitors, photographers and location scouts alike.

The white-harled houses with red-tiled roofs line the steep, cobbled streets that run from the market cross to the hilltop abbey.

In the centre is the ochre-coloured palace with its original painted woodwork and beautifully reconstructed period garden.

[ginandoldlace]

Craigievar Castle.

Craigievar Castle is a harled castle or fortified country house 6 miles south of Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was the seat of Clan Sempill, and the Forbes family resided here for 350 years until 1963, when the property was sold to the National Trust for Scotland by the 19th Lord Sempill.

Thank you to my Followers for correcting me on the mislabeling

[capricorn-season]