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THE NATIONAL Theatre of Scotland are a busy bunch, and now add another string to their bow in launching their first book, Our Teacher’s a Troll, at the Wigtown Book Festival. The book’s author, British Comedy Award winner Dennis Kelly, will be joined at the Festival by his BBC Pulling co- creator/writer Sharon Horgan on Sat 3 Oct to read through the script. The book is illustrated by Edinburgh based illustrator Joanne Nethercott. See www.nationalthe atreofscotland. com
THE BRITISH COUNCIL Scotland has announced a Scottish tour of Bengali films by acclaimed Director Satyajit Ray as part of Scotland- Kolkata Connections. As part of the tour, three films will be shown across four Scottish cities until 24 Oct. The films are Agantuk (The Stranger) (1991); Devi (The Goddess) (1960) and Company Ltd (Seemabaddha) (1971).
AND FINALLY, controversy continues over the decision to axe the Glasgow Airport Link. Plans involved moves to upgrade five and a half miles of track between Paisley St James Station and Glasgow Airport.
PICTURE THIS Two Scottish galleries are to exhibit work at one of the largest art fairs in the UK. The Alpha Art Gallery, located in Stockbridge, Edinburgh and online gallery redbusart.com based in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, will join galleries from around the UK and abroad to take part in the Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair 09, held in the landmark Norman Foster designed building The Sage Gateshead from 2–4 Oct.
CASTLES REVISTIED ■ Details of Scottish castles and tower- houses that are suitable for future restoration and reuse are to be listed online for the first time. Led by Historic Scotland, the initiative aims to encourage financial investment in the refurbishment of Scotland’s heritage. Michael Russell said of the move: ‘We have a great tradition in Scotland of successfully bringing these historic buildings back into use. It requires investment, determination and an understanding of the character, history and archaeology of the building.’
Hope and glory
As the John Hope Gateway prepares to open its doors, it seems autumn’s in bloom for Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens Words: Anna Millar
The new John Hope Gateway visitor centre at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has been given a boost as Prestige Scotland have announced they will be injecting their own environmentally friendly flair into the visitor facility, which opens in early October.
Prestige already caters for both corporate and private events within the 70 acres of landscaped Garden, and will now manage services at the new 120-seat day visitor restaurant and 40-seat VIP room as part of the £15.7 million development project. The new Gateway facility was built to commemorate RBGE's 18th century Regius Keeper, Professor John Hope, a leading botanist and teacher who was also responsible for unifying the Garden at one site on Leith Walk. The centre will allow those visiting to discover the world of plants through a set of interactive experiences and activities. In the evening the venue will turn into an event space with views overlooking the spectacular Biodiversity Garden and beyond.
Designed as the centre is, according to principles of green construction and sustainability, Prestige is set to put in place a variety of environmentally friendly and healthy eating initiatives. These include sourcing food locally where possible; ensuring the use of only biodegradable packaging; and organising educational programmes for children to teach them the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. Bespoke chairs and tables have been designed for the restaurant with the timber for the tabletops coming from trees previously felled from the four Gardens of RBGE – Edinburgh; Benmore in Argyll; Logan in Dumfries & Galloway and Dawyck in the Borders. Alyson Cawley, managing director of Prestige Scotland, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh at such an exciting time.
The John Hope Gateway opens on Wed 7 Oct.
SINGH FOR YOUR COFFEE ■ Top Edinburgh chef Tony Singh is hosting a coffee morning at Oloroso in a bid to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of the charity’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Said Singh: ‘There can’t be many people in Edinburgh who haven’t been affected by cancer. Macmillan is there for people when they need help the most, so I am delighted to support the cause.’
8 THE LIST 24 Sep–8 Oct 2009