McCauley ‘Mac’ Conner, described as the real Mad Man of 1950s Manhattan, now 101 years old and still lives in his Fifth Avenue apartment. He moved to Manhattan in 1950 and became a successful illustrator working on the major advertising campaigns of the day. Indeed he was so successful that he set up a creative agency representing illustrators. The New York Times observed: ‘Mr Conner and other commercial artists helped
Leakey’s Bookshop on Church Street in Inverness looks like it might be worth a visit. Housed in an old Gaelic church dating back to 1793, the second-hand book shop has a log burning stove and a cafe.
Here is the latest recipe from Elaine Hardie at the Fyfe Smokery and fish shop in Bruce Street, Dunfermline. “This lovely salmon recipe has gone down really well with our customers, as it is colourful, healthy and easy to prepare. Everyone is looking to improve their health and well-being in January, and oily fish such as salmon, trout and char are excellent for the immune system and even emotional well being
With fantastic views over Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker in Argyll these 70 square metre Ecopods are available to rent. Both have log burning stoves and Japanese cedar wood hot tubs on the decking. The Ecopods, which are from Berlin, were chosen by the couple, Joe and Nicola, who run the holiday accommodation because they leave no permanent footprint on the landscape. If you stay in the summer you’ll be
These beautiful paintings, described by artist, Jessica Brilli as combining ‘American realism with Appropriation Art’, are inspired by her finds at flea markets and in antique shops. Casting a contemporary eye on technologies from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, she says: ‘I always enjoy evoking the beauty in everyday scenes and objects’. Equally appealing are the swimming pool scenes at the end which were inspired by old photographic slides found at
Corbie and Cheip, the deli in Auchterarder, which opened on the 16th of September, has now opened as a wine bar and enotheque in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday. Wine with charcuterie and cheese platters are available 5pm till 10pm. If you’re there during the day, you might spot Andrew Fairlie, the well-known chef from Gleneagles Hotel, who pops into the deli once or twice a week.
In part five of our local Christmas shopping guide we’re looking at fashion and beauty present ideas. Sophie Alexis, who is based in Dunfermline, is usually busy making brides look beautiful on their special day, but your could buy a voucher towards her two-hour make up masterclasses for £35. Or, for the bathing beauties in your life, try Beatitude bath and body oils. Started by Rebecca O’Connor, who is
Instead of buying a ready-made hamper for someone for this Christmas, you could make up your own hamper with foods from Fife. Ardross Farm Shop, near Elie in Fife is a nice place to visit anyway, and their home-made steak pie would be great for a New Year’s Day dinner, or a ham on the bone from Puddledub Pork in Auchtertool (£42) would go down well on Boxing Day. Balance
Now here’s a challenge. Is it possible to buy all your Christmas presents locally? Many people might try to buy local the rest of the year but probably assume it can’t be done at Christmas. In Fife, like many parts of the country, there are interesting shops, food and drink producers, artists, designers and makers that can help you with your Christmas list. Over the next couple of weeks Avocado
Artists at the Fire Station Creative in Dunfermline, Fife opened their studios to the public and welcomed over 1,000 visitors to the venue over the weekend, 27 November-29 November. The organisers clearly wanted to create a sense of occasion to welcome the general public. On the first opening night, Friday 27 November, live music played while canapes were served by the cafe. Gin and vodka tastings were sponsored by Arbikie,