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Four new galleries dedicated to Welsh art launched

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:36:00 GMT

The National Museum of Wales has launched four galleries dedicated to Welsh art. The move has cost £350,000 and more galleries will open in 2009 and 2010.

The changes are part of plans to transform the museum into an establishment that focuses solely on art. The institution will then be renamed the National Museum of Art in Cardiff.

The four galleries have been divided by theme and period. The Welsh Landscape Gallery explores artistic impressions of the development of Wales over the last 300 years. Another is dedicated to the lives of 18th century Welsh artists John Downman, Thomas Jones, William Parry and Richard Wilson.

The third of the new galleries displays 18th century collections and the final contains oil sketches of Wales and Italy.

The BBC reports that the museum's keeper of art, Oliver Fairclough, called the collection "inspirational". He also spoke about activities that would allow younger people to interact with the exhibits.

"New wall texts and introductory graphics are complemented by learning points which provide sophisticated hands-on activity for younger people.

"This is a huge step forward for National Museum Cardiff in the way in which we interpret our collections."

In December, two extra galleries will open to exhibit Victorian painting and sculpture and images of 19th and 20th century Welsh societies.

If the plans to transform the National Museum of Wales into a National Art Gallery continue, the archeological exhibits will be moved to the St. Fagans National History Museum in.Cardiff.

The art gallery would also join other British National Art Galleries in London and Edinburgh.

British Museum sees its most successful year ever

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:24:00 GMT

The British Museum has been revealed as the most visited cultural attraction in the UK 2007-08 - touted to be its most successful year since it started counting visitors.

A record six million people visited the London museum, beating the Tate Modern and adding one million visitors onto its previous year's figures.

On Chinese New Year 2008, 35,000 people turned up at the museum's gates to take part in a special day of events and activities. Attendance was so great that the museum had to close its doors to any more people.

The Guardian reports that the museum's director, Neil MacGregor, said: "We had to shut the main gates on Great Russell Street to prevent more people from coming in.

"It was the first time we did that since the Chartist riots of 1848 - although on that occasion the staff were actually on the roof, armed with stones."

The First Emperor Chinese Terracotta Army exhibition proved to be the museum's main attraction, bringing in 850,000 visitors.

The exhibition, which showcased lifesize terracotta warriors that were rediscovered in 1974, brought the London museum its highest attendance levels since 1972's Tutankhamun display and has allowed it to overtake various other popular British attractions, such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Edinburgh Castle and York Minster.

It was so popular that the high demand for tickets caused the museum to extend its opening hours.

The box office was flooded with up to 180 phone calls an hour and hopeful visitors queued from 5:30am to ensure they would obtain one of the 500 day tickets to the exhibition.

Niall FitzGerald, chairman of the museum, admitted that the exhibition had witnessed a full capacity for its entire duration.

Public invited to comment on Stonehenge initiatives

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:13:00 GMT

The public have been invited to express their opinions on the future of ancient tourist attraction Stonehenge.

According to the BBC, a three-month consultation period will allow people to give feedback on the location of proposed visitor facilities and nearby roads. Renee Fok, the spokesman for English Heritage Corporate Communications, told the BBC that global interest in the site meant that the public deserved to have a say in its future.

A public inquiry was set up in 2004 to look at ways of improving traffic flow around Stonehenge in the south west of England, but government plans to build a tunnel were scrapped in December last year following spiralling costs. Now public approval is being sought on alternative options to improve the visitor experience of the world-famous attraction.

The consultation period will begin in mid-July. Ms Fok added that the consultation was crucial at this time as English Heritage expects that people travelling to England for 2012 Olympics in London will visit famous tourist sites like Stonehenge during their stay.

The Stonehenge plans in question will be on display at Antrobus House, Amesbury; the Society of Antiquaries, London and Wyndham House, Sailsbury for the public to peruse.

Thousands of revellers flocked to Stonehenge for the summer solstice in June - the one day of the year that tourists are allowed access throughout the night. The stone circle is one of Britian's most popular tourist attractions and draws more than 750,000 visitors a year.

Cash boost for popular Scottish Science centres

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT

£250,000 of extra funding will be shared between Scotland's four science centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, the BBC reports.

Popular Scottish science centres Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, Glasgow Science Centre, Sensation in Dundee and Aberdeen's Stratosphere will have access to funds intended to encourage more young people to explore the world of physics, engineering and technology.

The money has been awarded by the SNP-led Scottish Government, with the Scottish Labour Party intimating that public anger following claims of a 40% funding cut at the Glasgow centre was the reason behind the decision. Opposition politicians have claimed that government funding for the Glasgow Science Centre will be cut from £1.7 million last year to £1.4 million this year, and that more cuts should be expected in the next few years.

Speaking to the BBC, Labour's culture spokesman Malcolm Chisholm said: "This funding doesn`t cover what Glasgow Science Centre is losing in direct support from the Scottish Government."

However the future of the Glasgow attraction has been described as "bright" by ministers. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Nicol Stephen, told the BBC: "This centre has got international standing, hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, a mission to inspire children about science."

To receive a share of the fund, the centres will apply to the Scottish schools equipment research centre. The cutting edge science centres are a draw to locals and tourists alike - providing interactive learning experiences and entertainment attractions in central and north Scotland.

Adam Smith statue to be unveiled in Edinburgh

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:01:00 GMT

A statue of the "father of economics", Adam Smith, is to be unveiled on Friday at 1215 BST in Edinburgh.

The sculpture will be placed beside St. Giles Cathedral, opposite Edinburgh's City Chambers, on the Royal Mile and is to be unveiled by Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith.

Adam Smith was born in 1723 in Kirkcaldy, Fife, and became a pioneering political economist. His great work, The Wealth of Nations, is considered to be one of the most influential books ever written.

An eminent figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith attended Glasgow University but left to go to Oxford after being awarded the Snell Exhibition, a post-graduate scholarship.

However, he found his Oxford education inferior to that of Glasgow and left before his scholarship was over. Afterwards, he began lecturing in Edinburgh, which is when he began to focus on economics.

The statue, created by Paisley sculptor Sandy Stoddard, will also be positioned closely to another of the High Street's renowned monuments, the statue of philosopher David Hume. Hume and Smith were close friends in the 18th century, sharing many intellectual and moral opinions.

The BBC reports that the statue has been paid for by private subscription, which was arranged by the Director of the Adam Smith Institute, Dr. Eamonn Butler.

The construction of the landmark follows another tribute to Smith: the introduction of a new £20 note featuring his profile that was brought into circulation last year.

Famous names appearing at Edinburgh Art Festival

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:48:00 GMT

Prominent names in the art world, including Tracey Emin, Turner Prize-winner Mark Wallinger and Elizabeth Blackadder, are to appear at this year's Edinburgh Art Festival.

Edinburgh's celebration of visual arts was set up five years ago to increase the prominence of the medium in the festival calendar - the central Scotland event is now one of the best of its kind in the UK.

According to the BBC, the work of controversial English artist Tracy Emin, Essex-born Mark Wallinger and Edinburgh-educated painter and printmaker Elizabeth Blackadder will be on display as part of a 20-year retrospective at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

This exhibition will join 50 others taking place in public and private galleries across Edinburgh from 31 July. The Edinburgh Art Festival has inspired more than 120 associated events and will also feature work by celebrated Canadian artists Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, as well as London-born Richard Hamilton.

Galleries across the city will also host late-night events involving artists, DJs, poets and comedians following the success of last year's pilot programme.

Speaking to the BBC, Joanne Brown, the director of the Edinburgh Art Festival said:

"It is no secret that Edinburgh has a vibrant visual arts community. The EAF is a catalyst for the development of new and exciting work, showcasing the full range of the city's galleries and artists at a time when the eyes of the world are on the city. This year features new work by leading international artists, new galleries, some participating in the festival for the first time."

In related news, Mark Wallinger is currently seen to be the frontrunner in a competition to build a large public sculpture in Ebbsfleet. His proposal involves constructing an enormous White Horse, which - if successful - would be the largest piece of public art in Britain.

4000-year-old settlement unearthed near Wrexham

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:01:00 GMT

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 4000-year-old Neolithic settlement at Borras Quarry in Wrexham.

The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) began digging after areas resembling cooking pits were revealed during an expansion of the quarry.

Tarmac, the owner of the quarry, has suspended work while the area is being excavated. The company's estates and geology manager, Richard Hulse, said: "It appears that these are cooking pits typically used to heat water in order to prepare food.

"As a result we have ceased topsoil removal in the immediate vicinity in order to retrieve any further artefacts which may be present."

According to the BBC, Nigel Jones, Project Manager of CPAT said: "This is an important discovery as we currently have very little evidence of Neolithic settlement in this part of Wales."

Other evidence exists in Abergele, a town in North Wales, where another quarry site containing Neolithic remains was discovered in 2004. It was also excavated by CPAT.

Mr Jones further stated: "There are probably Neolithic settlements right across the landscape but it is only when you get large-scale developments like this that you pick them up because there are no surface traces."

Remains from Neolithic settlements are spread across the UK, with some of the most famous including Skara Brae on the Orkney islands in the North of Scotland and Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Cutty Sark receives £3.3 million gift

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:01:00 GMT

The Cutty Sark, a 140-year-old clipper ship, will be fully restored after a £3.3 million donation from shipping magnate and philanthropist Sammy Ofer.

The ship, currently based in Greenwich, London, was built in 1869 at Dumbarton, near Glasgow. The custom-built dry dock has been its home since 1954, where it is preserved as a museum and popular tourist attraction.

In May 2007, disaster struck when the ship caught fire and was badly damaged. It had already been undergoing an extensive renovation project when the blaze caused additional estimated £5-10 million damage, bringing the restoration cost up to £30-35 million.

Thanks to the £23 million donation by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Mr. Ofer's charitable contribution, the Cutty Sark Trust is now able to achieve the ship's restoration, which is expected to be completed by 2010.

The Times reports that Andy Burnham, the Culture Secretary, said: "Mr Ofer's donation towards the conservation of the Cutty Sark is both extremely generous and enormously appreciated."

The Cutty Sark was named after Ayrshire-born Robert Burns' poem, Tam O'Shanter, where a suggestive scene involving a woman dancing in the undersized garment inspired both the ship's title and the name of its figurehead - Nannie.

In March, Ofer also donated £20 million to the National Maritime Museum in London. He is reputed to be one of the 10 biggest art collectors in the world.

Nottingham erects UK's tallest freestanding public artwork

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:25:00 GMT

The tallest freestanding structure of public art in the UK was completed today, as cranes ceremoniously lifted the final piece into place.

The Nottingham University sculpture, named Aspire, towers over the university's campus and is the tallest independently-standing structure in Britain.

At 197ft (60m) high, the £800,000 structure is taller than the Statue of Liberty and is said to represent a combination of things: from Nottingham's heritage in the lace industry to the creation of bicycles and the colour of sandstone.

It also pays homage to the 60 years that have passed since the university received its Royal Charter, with each of its 60 metres representing one year.

The sculpture is three times taller than North East England's Angel of the North and beats the previous tallest piece, Manchester's B of the Bang, by 13ft (4m). It also exceeds London's Nelson's Column by 28ft (8.5m).

The BBC reports that university spokesman Jonathan Ray said: "It represents limitless ambition, the power to change your life through education.

"It also says something positive about Nottingham and it reminds people there is a lot of good stuff about the city.

"A few years ago we had a hard time but this is about the future and a really positive vision for the city."

Plans for other large public sculptures are well underway across the country, one of which shows promise to be Britain's largest sculpture, to be situated on a hilltop in Kent.

The Scotland-England border will also see its own Angel of the North created in the future, as officials aim to mark Gretna's status as the gateway between the two countries.

Lack of sheep could cause 'disappearance' of Cerne Abbas

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:12:00 GMT

The decline in sheep farming in South West England has endangered one of Dorset's proudest assets - the Cerne Abbas chalk giant.

The famous chalk figure has stood prominent on the hillside for hundreds of years, but a lack of sheep this year has meant that the wet start to the summer months encouraged rapid growth of vegetation, rendering the figure almost invisible.

Usually, local farmers lend a flock of 100 sheep to graze on the land in May to keep the grass around the giant cropped to maintain his visibility, but the degeneration of sheep-farming has meant that no such loan was made this year.

According to the BBC, Rob Rhodes, the National Trust's head warden for Dorset, stated: "Every year we have sheep on the hillside eating the grass to keep the giant visible.

"We rely on local farmers and the way agriculture is going at the moment, there's hardly any sheep left in that part of Dorset."

The National Trust, however, promises to have the Cerne Abbas giant re-chalked in September, bringing him back into full view for the many tourists that travel to visit the site.

The earliest records of the giant date back to 1694 and legends dictate that the outline exists because a real giant was slain in that spot and drawn around by locals to mark the site.

As the giant was such a prominent landmark, it was covered in brushwood during WWII in order to prevent it from being used as an aerial marker.

The Cerne Abbas giant is one of many chalk figures in the English countryside. Others include The Long Man of Wilmington, the Alton Barnes White Horse of Wiltshire, the Lenham Memorial Cross in Kent, Whipsnade Zoo's White Lion in Bedfordshire and The Whitehawk in Brighton.

Officials to monitor effects of climate change in the Highlands

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:48:00 GMT

Scottish National Heritage (SNH) has launched the Snowbed Project, an attempt to discover how climate change is affecting fauna and flora traditionally native to Scottish mountains.

Through the scheme, 'corries' - large, hollow depressions found on mountainsides - will become lookout points for official observers.

Sites to be surveyed will be established in the Cairngorms and on Aonach Moor near Fort William, as well as in Ben Dearg, Wester Ross, Ben Alder and Ben Wyvis in the Highlands.

The project will explore the effects of less snowfall and warmer temperatures on selected plants, including moss and liverwort, and their impact on certain species of birds, particularly the arctic snow bunting.

The research will be based on valuable work undertaken by scientist and mountaineer Gordon Rothero, who began his studies of the area nearly 20 years ago.

According to the BBC, Mr. Rothero said: "Comparison of the photographs I took of various snowbed sites in 1989 with those taken during this project last summer show clear changes in the pattern of vegetation."

The SNH currently estimates that Scotland is home to 2470 acres of snowbed habitat. Dr David Genney, from SNH, commented: "... these areas of Scotland could be said to have more in common with the mountains of Scandinavia, the high arctic of Spitzbergen and parts of Greenland than they do with the Carse of Stirling for example."

The Highlands attract thousands of visitors every year, so preserving its biodiversity for future Scots and travellers is a priority for the Scottish Government.

Scottish National Heritage is based in Inverness. In addition to SNH, the University of Bergen in Norway and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh are also involved in the research.

Iconic bridge to redefine Hull skyline

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:13:00 GMT

Plans for a new, iconic swing bridge to be built in Hull have been approved by the government.

The £6.6 million swing footbridge will connect Hull's Old Town to The Boom, a new residential and business development on the east bank of the River Humber.

The Boom, a £100 million complex, is home to new apartments, offices and a range of cafes and bars.

The hi-tech footbridge will be 60m (197ft) wide and is expected to become a visitor attraction in its own right.

According to the Hull Daily Mail, the bridge will be designed in a whale-like shape and will also feature its own restaurant.

Director of Hull Forward, John Haynes, stated: "Confirmation from the government was necessary because it is going to be a new physical structure over a navigable waterway.

"After being granted planning permission, it marks the last part of the administrative process behind securing formal approval...

"If everything goes to plan, we are looking at lifting the bridge into position at the back end of May next year."

The structure of bridge will be manufactured in South Yorkshire, but preparation for the bridge's arrival is expected to begin at the start of next year.

Mr Haynes further stated that the bridge will be lifted into place in May 2009, and is likely to be officially opened in September or October.

Once the bridge is unveiled, its unique design means that hundreds of people will be able 'ride' it when it opens to river traffic.

Six more historic sites to be protected by English Heritage

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

English Heritage has added six more historic sites to its "at risk" register, in order to protect the landmarks now and in the future.

The six sites include: Uxbridge Lido in west London, Newbury Battlefield in Berkshire, the Salcombe Cannon site in Devon, a seventeenth century lead mine in Derbyshire, Lowther Castle and Birkrigg Stone Circle, both in Cumbria.

Until now, only Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings have been included on English Heritage's "at risk" list.

However, according to the BBC, the new Heritage at Risk Register will also incorporate buildings, monuments, landscapes, archaeology, places of worship and maritime wrecks.

Uxbridge Lido is one of the highest profile additions to English Heritage's watch list, as it is the last remaining example of a 12-sided 'star' swimming pool in England and the second longest open air pool in London, measuring 220ft (67m).

Plans could soon be put in motion to refurbish the lido and clean its graffiti-strewed walls, as part of a £22 million sports development in Uxbridge.

Lowther Castle near Penrith in the Lake District, on the other hand, dates back to the early nineteenth century, while Birkrigg Stone Circle near Morecambe Bay places its origins from between 1700 and 1400 BC.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, stated: "Heritage at Risk is not a name and shame exercise.

"The new register will focus everyone's attention on the neediest cases, bringing the owners, councils and others together and harnessing the nation's huge enthusiasm for its rich, varied but sometimes fragile past."

The six sites announced this week are said to have been chosen because of their "special interest", while the full list will be revealed in July.

Scotland-England border to get its own Angel of the North

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:25:00 GMT

The Scotland-England border looks likely to get its own Angel of the North in the future, as funds are agreed to support a landmark artwork in Gretna.

According to officials, the aim of the project is to recognise Gretna's role as the "gateway" between Scotland and England, as well as creating a piece of public art to rival Newcastle/Gateshead's Angel of the North.

The cost of the construction is expected to fall into the region of £2-3 million. The BBC states that £50, 000 will be put forward by Dumfries and Galloway Council for the first stage of the artwork.

The rest of the money will be put forward by Scottish Enterprise and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, as part of a strategy to encourage regeneration in the south Scotland area following the closure of the Chapelcross power plant near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Angel of the North, designed by sculptor Anthony Gormley, is one of the most viewed pieces of art in the world, with more 33 million paying homage annually.

Over 10 million vehicles pass the A74(M) motorway near Gretna every year, so officials are hopeful that this success can be repeated in Scotland.

Planning committee chairman, Roger Grant, said: "The project would offer a fantastic opportunity to put the area on the map and raise our profile.

"It would be landmark icon that would be identified with the region and, like the Angel of the North, become a destination in its own right."

Ebbsfleet in Kent is also in the process of constructing its own rival to the Angel of the North.

The five proposals for the public artwork are currently on display at the Bluewater shopping centre, and will be announced in autumn this year.

Beach huts return to Devon after 20 years

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:12:00 GMT

The iconic British beach hut has returned to the Devon coast after an absence of 20 years.

The BBC states that 15 new and improved beach huts have been revealed by Teignbridge Council in the south west England region along the promenade at Dawlish Warren.

Out of the 15 huts, 11 will be offered up by the council on three-year leases, while three will be available for daily or weekly hire. The last hut will be used for storage purposes.

With great views over Lyme Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a result of its Jurassic age geological features, the brightly coloured huts are expected to appeal to tourists from all over Britain and beyond.

According to the BBC, Councillor David Corney-Walker, executive member for Economic Development and Tourism, stated: "The humble beach hut is an iconic part of the British seaside tradition.

"These beach huts are the icing on the Dawlish Warren cake, and it's fantastic to see them open in time for the peak summer season."

The old beach huts in Dawlish Warren were removed 20 years ago after falling into disrepair.

With the south of England enjoying excellent temperatures in these early summer months, the outlook for Britain's beaches in 2008 looks bright.

This weekend, for instance, Bournemouth in the south west experienced high temperatures of 23.5C.

What's more, this year's Good Beach Guide, released last month, awarded the south west's beaches its highest accolades, giving it the highest number of recommended beaches in the country.

Stirling Castle to see £12m makeover of its royal lodgings

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:48:00 GMT

The Royal Lodgings of Stirling Castle will be rejuvenated in a £12 million restoration project.

The scheme hopes to return the Royal Lodgings to their 16th century glory with the help of Sally Rush, an art historian at Glasgow University. Dr Rush has conducted in-depth research into the furniture, fittings and fashions that were popular during the period to recreate the renaissance appearance of the royal chambers.

Additionally, the priceless Stirling Heads, a collection of hand-carved oak medallions depicting king, queens imps and other mythological creatures, will go on permanent public display.

Speaking to the BBC, Chris Watkins, who will head up the team, said the project would "mark the culmination of many years of research and skilled conservation and craft work".

"We have so far completed the refurbishment of the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal. This phase will help emphasise the grandeur of the palace, the royal lodgings and James V's aspiration to create a Scottish court of European importance."

Historic Scotland stated that the scheme was the most ambitious phase of its restoration plans for the castle, which was considered one of the finest palaces in Europe in its heyday. The organisation has contributed £9 million to the cost of the project, with the other £3 million provided by the Scottish Government. According to the Evening Times, Scottish Culture minister Linda Fabiani said:

"This is a bold and imaginative project that the Scottish Government is delighted to support."

While Edinburgh Castle remains the most visited paid-for Scottish attraction, Stirling Castle draws around 386,000 visitors a year. It is hoped that the makeover will draw an extra 100,000 to the attraction, which will be closed to the public from August 2008 until 2011.

Prince Charles to unveil 'unique' historic Scottish mansion

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:01:00 GMT

rinces Charles will visit Ayrshire to open a unique stately home that he helped save to the public.

Dumfries House, near Cumnock in Ayrshire, sits in nearly 2,000 acres and was designed 250 years ago. The former home of the Marquises of Bute, it was last occupied in 1993.

The Prince helped to arrange a deal to save the house and preserve its collection of Chippendale furniture after the 7th Marquess of Bute put it up for sale early last year. It was on the market for around £25 million and a consortium of charities and the Scottish Government, based in Edinburgh, purchased it last summer. The Prince's Charities Foundation contributed £20 million to the fund.

It was a last minute reprieve for the furniture collection, made especially for the house by Thomas Chippendale, which was close to being auctioned separately and spread across the globe.

Restoration work to make the A-listed property suitable for the public began in January this year. Renovation tasks included building a new access road, ensuring the house was able to meet Health and Safety regulations and cleaning furniture. The chief executive of the Great Steward of Scotland's Dumfries House Trust, Mike Schafer, told the BBC:

"The building was in good condition and the collections are in relatively good condition.

"But taking the property from a private residence to a visitor attraction is a 180 degree turn and it is a massive task."

It is now hoped that the Georgian mansion will encourage tourists to visit Ayrshire, central Scotland, and help regenerate the local economy. Mr Schafer said:

"We already have Culzean Castle and the Burns attractions in Alloway and this will be another destination nearby. I am looking forward to developing the estate and contributing to the social regeneration of the area."

New heritage trail to be established in Basildon

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:24:00 GMT

Basildon will be home to a brand new heritage trail this autumn, as plans get underway to create a new way for guests to explore the town.

Lottery funding has been awarded to fashion a 10km heritage trail in the east England town, according to the Guardian. The city will benefit from £100,000 worth of signposts, maps and information panels designed to aid navigation.

Vin Harrop, the project's leader, is currently establishing what will be included in the trail following in-depth research into local history. He told the Guardian:

"If you stand with your back to Toys'R'Us and look back along that straight line of shops towards the Town Square and Brooke House, that to me is the classic view of Basildon, I think it's a magnificent sight. That's Basildon, that's '60s architecture."

Harrop has reportedly experienced apathetic reactions from some residents - when he asked local schoolchildren to take photographs of local landmarks, he was met with bemusement until he told them to look up and their eyes were opened to mosaics, tile decorations, and sculptures gracing building exteriors.

Certain to feature in the tour is Brooke house, a 14 storey tower of flats designed by Sir Basil Spence - the architect of the Coventry Cathedral - in 1962. The building has a Grade II listing and graces the town centre. Gloucester park, boasting streams, fishing ponds and boating lakes, will be another highlight of the trail.

Basildon's new heritage trail will join a plethora of established trails in some of the UK's most popular cities, including numerous exploration opportunities in Edinburgh, Oxford and Bristol.

Scottish coast sees rise in recognised 'bathing waters'

Fri, 30 May 2008 08:01:00 GMT

Scotland's profile as a prime seaside destination in the UK was raised today, as 20 more sites were added to its number of officially recognised bathing waters.

These additions bring the total number of officially-recognised bathing waters in Scotland to 80 - a rise of a third on 2007's figures.

Out of the 20 new bathing spots, 19 are coastal sites. These include Broad Sands, east of North Berwick, Rosemarkie Beach on the Black Isle and several beaches in the Lothians, including Portobello on the fringes of Edinburgh.

However, one new bathing spot out of the 20 is a freshwater site at Loch Morlich, situated in the Cairngorms.

Michael Russell, the Environment Minister, said: "The public need to have the confidence that they are swimming in the highest quality of water, even if at times the Scottish climate can make swimming a bit bracing...

"After last year's rather miserable summer I hope the 2008 bathing water season brings with it plenty of warmth, sunshine and the chance to take a dip in Scottish waters."

He also called Scotland's beaches "a wonderful natural resource".

According to the Edinburgh Evening News, a beach is officially-recognised as a bathing spot when 150 people or more are seen using the area in one day.

Last week, the Marine Conservation Society released its yearly Good Beach Guide, awarding the south west of England the highest number of recommended beaches in the country.

Tourists flock to Perth's new family history centre

Thu, 29 May 2008 07:37:00 GMT

A new Family History Centre has been opened in Perth, offering people hungry to learn about their ancestors access to a range of old records.

The centre, launched by Perth & Kinross Council, holds parish records from across the central Scotland area.

According to the BBC, the earliest document is dated at 1553 and is from Errol - a village situated between Dundee and Perth.

In addition, the centre offers digitised records of births, deaths and marriages dating from 1855 up to the present day.

The BBC states that the region has already attracted tourists from around the world, including Australia, the USA and Canada, hoping to find out more about their family history.

The Family History Centre was launched by Provost John Hulbert on Wednesday 28 May. He said: "Researching family history has become an increasingly popular pastime in recent years. This dedicated centre will be a valuable resource for people looking for information about their family tree.

"I am sure it will be a very well-used facility."

Access to the Perth centre is by appointment only, and trained staff members are on hand to assist budding genealogists with their research.

Ancestral tourism plays a large part in the Scottish travel industry, with the tourist board operating a variety of travel packages dedicated to genealogical research. Family research centres can be found across the country, especially in the Western Isles and Glasgow.

The Hayward Gallery celebrates its 40th anniversary

Wed, 28 May 2008 07:01:00 GMT

The Hayward Gallery on London's South Bank has launched a new exhibition to mark its 40th anniversary.

'Psycho Buildings: Artists Take on Architecture' incorporates work from ten different artists, situated inside and outside the London gallery.

One of the major highlights of the exhibition is a one-metre deep boating pond, which has been constructed on the terrace of the London gallery by Austrian art collective Gelitin.

Other contributions include an inflatable air dome that visitors can climb on or enter from ground level, and a disorientating passageway running through two galleries.

According to The Times, Turner Prize winner Rachel Whiteread, a native of Essex, has created a feature of more than 200 individually-lit doll's houses set against an "eerie hillside scene" for the exhibition, entitled 'Place'.

Whiteread is currently in the running to create a huge public sculpture in Ebbsfleet in Kent, along with four other artists.

Other contributors to the Hayward's anniversary exhibition include Korean artist Do Ho Suh and German artist Michael Beutler.

Ralph Rugoff, The Hayward's director and exhibition curator, said: "The Gallery's 'brutalist' concrete exterior and the sculptural quality of its spaces have always proved an inspiration for artists.

"The extraordinary international artistic response to Psycho Buildings shows just how challenging, exciting and playful The Hayward can be.

"It is a fitting way to celebrate our 40th birthday."

'Psycho Buildings' opens today (Wednesday 28 May) and runs until Monday 25 August 2008.

Glasgow plans new WW2 garden

Wed, 28 May 2008 06:49:00 GMT

An appeal fund is being launched to fund a new World War 2 memorial in Glasgow.

According to the BBC, there are plans to commemorate one of WW2's many tragedies with an Italian-style cloister garden in Glasgow. In July 1940, the Arandora Star, a ship carrying Italian and German internees, was sunk off the coast of Ireland. Almost 700 people died and 446 of them were Italian nationals who had made Britain their home. The proposed garden will be the first permanent memorial to these victims.

First Minister Alex Salmond and Archbishop Mario Conti are due to announce further details; it's anticipated that work on the project will begin in winter and continue for approximately a year.

Campaigners hope to raise £1.5m to create a memorial encompassing a café, exhibition space, meeting rooms, a gathering area and a central courtyard.

Archbishop Conti said: "The monument itself will be a fitting symbol of the great bonds of friendship between Scotland and Italy.

"This will be a garden for everyone. We plan a wall of names to remember those who have died and those who help build the cloister."

The memorial will be constructed next to St Andrew's Cathedral in Clyde Street and will join other famous Glasgow war monuments, such as the Cameronians in Kelvingrove Park and Glasgow University's Memorial Chapel.

This is the second war memorial that central Scotland will see constructed in the coming years. Last month, an international competition was launched to select a design for a new memorial in the centre of Edinburgh.

Wales needs to 'maximise' cultural holidays

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:37:00 GMT

A review of Welsh heritage tourism has recommended that the country should "maximise its cultural icons", the BBC reports.

Officials estimate that cultural holidays in Wales are worth £120 million alone, and that culture should be a primary aspect of tourism development and marketing.

The 165-page report was commissioned by the Welsh assembly government and undertaken by Stevens and Associates. It comes just a week after figures revealed that Wales received three-quarters of a million fewer visitors in 2007 compared to 2006, with poor weather being blamed for the drop.

Welsh officials, however, seem dedicated to reversing this trend. According to the BBC, Rhodri Glyn Thomas - Wales' Heritage Minister - has said that each tourist in Wales should enjoy "a genuinely Welsh [experience] in its content, spirit and sense of place".

Essentially, the report asserts that Wales has a limited number of cultural icons, and should work harder to ensure that the impact of those that do exist are maximised.

Some of Wales' most famous cultural icons are the Millennium Stadium and the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Attractions dedicated to popular Welsh figures, like the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, have also sparked the imagination of holidaymakers.

In addition, Wales is home to several national parks, including Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, and high profile summer festivals like the Guardian Hay Festival, held in Hay-on-Wye in Powys.

Mr Thomas further stated: "For tourism in Wales to prosper the country's unique national, regional and local culture has to be fully embedded in all aspects of the tourism economy."

He will meet a group dedicated to promoting cultural tourism in Wales at the Hay Festival, and then monthly over the summer, in order to compile an "action plan" for the country.

Test flights for new tourist balloon - a fresh way to see Devon

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:49:00 GMT

Tourists will soon have the opportunity to experience Devon from the air, as a sightseeing hot air balloon undergoes final test flights.

The balloon can carry up to 30 tourists at a time and is designed to fly 400ft above the ground - offering a bird's eye view of the Torbay area. Councillor Derek Mills from Torbay Council told the BBC:

"You can see Torbay from a completely different angle, all the streets, the hotels, the landmarks. I think this will be a real plus for the bay."

Tom Spalding of the Torbay HiFlyer Balloon described the massive balloon as a fully functioning aircraft, adding:

"We've been checked by the Civil Aviation Authority, we have our certificate of airworthiness, which we're very happy about."

The 82ft balloon is tethered at Torre Abbey Gardens in Torquay at the moment, but some critics would like to see it moved. Opponents claim that the balloon's proximity to a pedestrian crossing is in danger of distracting pedestrians and drivers. The BBC reported that there are plans to mount a court challenge to see the balloon moved to a different location.

While the balloon will be a first for Devon, it will be the third attraction of its kind in the UK - Bournemouth and Leeds Castle in Kent also offer tourists the chance to appreciate the cities from the air.

The new attraction will be open to the public at the end of the week, weather permitting, and will cost £14 for a 15 minute panoramic flight.

Public given chance to bid for historic London tours

Tue, 20 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The public are being given the rare chance to see some of London's hidden historic sites by bidding for the privilege on eBay.

Through the online auction site, people can bid for prizes like a rooftop walk on Hampton Court Palace or a personal tour of the crown jewels, which are kept in the Tower of London.

Other prizes include a tour of hidden areas of the Tower of London, a personal tour of Kew Palace, a private tour of the Royal Ceremonial dress collection and "Attack the Tower of London with Dan Snow", through which a lucky auction winner will get to fire a siege engine at the Tower of London with the TV presenter.

According to the BBC, the money raised by the auction will go to Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity that is responsible for the upkeep of the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House and Kew Palace.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Members of the public are being invited to bid on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities where they could find themselves on a private tour of the Crown Jewels or firing a siege engine in the Tower of London moat with TV presenter Dan Snow."

The auction will take place through eBay until June 15 2008.

Last month, it was revealed that the Tower of London's famous White Tower would undergo a £2 million facelift, in the largest piece of restoration work ever to be undertaken at the ancient site.

The work is expected to be completed in 2011 - the year of the Tower's 225th birthday.

Visitors explore one of Britain's largest caves in Yorkshire

Mon, 19 May 2008 03:48:00 GMT

Potholing enthusiasts were given the opportunity to explore one of Britain's largest known underground caverns this weekend.

Gaping Gill in the Yorkshire Dales is 145 metres long, 25 metres wide and 35 metres tall - a space that's large enough to contain York Minster, according to The Times.

During the Whitsun Gaping Gill Winch Meet, the Bradford Potholing Club managed to lower more than 100 people into the cave, with visitors paying £10 for the opportunity. It reportedly took around a minute for each visitor to reach the bottom of the chamber.

The club has been organising the meet for over 50 years, in order for people with no potholing experience to be able to explore the cave safely and in the right conditions. The Craven Pothole Club, which is based in Skipton, organises a similar meet around the time of the August Bank Holiday.

Gaping Gill was formed by the Fell Beck stream, which flows from the mountain of Ingleborough in North Yorkshire and forms Britain's highest unbroken waterfall at 360ft high - twice the height of Niagara Falls.

Until 2006, it was widely believed that the cave was Britain's largest known underground chamber. However, at this time it was revealed that Titan in Derbyshire, which was discovered in 1999, was actually larger than Gaping Gill.

Wallace Monument to see facilities improve

Mon, 19 May 2008 03:36:00 GMT

One of Scotland's finest landmarks, the Wallace Monument, is set to see its facilities improve as new building work gets underway.

The Wallace Monument, which is located near Stirling and attracts over 125, 000 visitors each year, will have a new visitor centre, restaurant and ticket office when the work is completed.

The 220ft historical landmark was unveiled in 1869 in commemoration of William Wallace, the 13th century Scottish hero. It sits at the apex of Abbey Craig, a hill in Stirlingshire, and the current developments at the site will also feature a new viewing area for visitors.

Financial backing for the construction comes from Stirling District Tourism and Scottish Enterprise, while the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environmental Trust will provide additional support.

According to the BBC, Ken Thomson from Stirling District Tourism said: "The expectations of visitors are continually increasing and it has been some time since there was work done to improve car parking and restaurant facilities at the site.

"It also makes sure the first impression people have when arriving at the monument is really good."

The work is expected to be complete early in 2009, in preparation for the main tourist season.

Earlier this month, VisitScotland released its figures for the top free and paid visitor attractions in Scotland in 2007.

While the Wallace Monument narrowly missed out on a place in the list of the top 20 paid attractions, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park near Stirling and Stirling Castle came in fifth and sixth place respectively.

Edinburgh Zoo urged to halt panda scheme

Fri, 16 May 2008 02:49:00 GMT

One of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions, Edinburgh Zoo, has come under fire from MPs and animal rights groups over plans to bring a pair of giant pandas from China to the Scottish capital.

Under the scheme, the two Chinese pandas would be brought to Edinburgh by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) - the zoo's owners - for ten years, during which time it is hoped that the pair will give birth to cubs.

However, animal campaigners have spoken out against the idea of breeding pandas in captivity, rather than protecting them in their natural habitat. According to the BBC, Ross Minett, campaigns director for Advocates for Animals, said:

"Edinburgh Zoo seems to be putting money, visitor numbers and the prestige of having unusual animals in its collection above concerns for animal welfare and conservation."

Politicians in Edinburgh and London have been speaking out against the scheme, with key figures such as Robin Harper, a Green Party MSP for the Lothians, and Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock expressing their disapproval.

However, the RZSS have defended their position, with chief executive David Windmill stating: "Zoos are able to invest valuable resources into researching the biology of this species.

"This information is then shared with conservationists in China to help them gain a greater understanding of the wild population."

Last week, a study released by VisitScotland showed that Edinburgh Zoo was the second most popular paid-for attraction in Scotland in 2007, following Edinburgh Castle.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow was revealed to be the most popular free Scottish attraction last year.

Kelvingrove is Scotland's most popular attraction

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:36:00 GMT

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow has been revealed as Scotland's busiest tourist attraction in 2007.

According to VisitScotland, who carried out the research, 2.23 million visitors descended on the free Glasgow museum last year, while 45 million visits in total were made to all of Scotland's attractions.

The second and third most popular free Scottish attractions were the National Gallery of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh.

On the other hand, the most visited paid-for attraction in Scotland in 2007 was Edinburgh Castle, with Edinburgh Zoo and Edinburgh Bus Tours following close behind.

Other top performing Scottish visitor attractions last year included the Scottish Sea Bird Centre in North Berwick and St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, which is situated on the famous Royal Mile.

In addition, the Falkirk Wheel - a rotating boat lift that links the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal - saw a 17.5% increase in visitors from 2006.

Chief executive of VisitScotland, Philip Riddle, stated: "Scotland has some of the best visitor attractions in the world, attracting millions of visitors from home and abroad each year.

"Visitor attractions are a crucial part of our tourism sector, and will play a significant role in helping the industry achieve its shared ambition of 50 per cent growth in tourism revenue by 2015."

In 2003, the Kelvingrove closed for three years to undergo a major refurbishment. Since its re-opening in 2006, it has remained Scotland's favourite museum and art gallery.

'White Horse' could be Britain's largest public sculpture

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:24:00 GMT

Proposals for what is likely to be Britain's largest piece of public sculpture have been unveiled.

The five artists competing for the privilege of having their work exhibited at the apex of a hilltop in Ebbsfleet, Kent, are former Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger, Rachel Whiteread, Richard Deacon, Christopher Le Brun and French artist Daniel Buren.

The planned artwork, the idea of which was first announced in January this year, is to mark the construction of Ebbsfleet International station in north Kent, as well as the launch of Ebbsfleet Valley, a development of 10, 000 new homes on land between Dartford and Gravesend. The structure will also be visible to motorists driving to and from Dover.

According to the Guardian, Wallinger's proposal - which involves a giant, 50-metre tall white horse, costing £2 million - is the current favourite among critics. Rachel Campbell-Johnston, Chief Art Critic for The Times, stated in a column today:

"The horse will articulate the landscape, and a work on this scale is as much about the landscape as the piece itself.

"Its location is not only astride the Garden of England, but also the Gateway to England - to be seen by people in their thousands every week, in minutes, even moments, as they travel by train, and road, between London and the Continent."

The Ebbsfleet sculpture is being touted as the south of England's answer to the Angel of the North, Anthony Gormley's 20-metre structure outside Newcastle/Gateshead.

However, while the Angel of the North was publically funded, the Ebbsfleet sculpture will be paid for by Eurostar, London & Continental Railways and Land Securities, who are the key developers in Ebbsfleet Valley.

All five proposals will be displayed at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent from May 27, and the winner will be announced in autumn this year. The building of the artwork is expected to be completed in 2010.

New Lego tower could be world's tallest

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A 100ft (30.4 metres) tall structure made entirely of Lego bricks has been unveiled at the Legoland theme park in Windsor, Berkshire.

Park officials hope the feature, which was created by thousands of children and their families over the Bank holiday weekend, will be declared the world's tallest Lego tower by the Guinness Book of Records.

Currently, the record for the world's highest Lego tower is held by a 96ft structure built in Toronto, Canada in August last year.

The new Lego tower at Legoland Windsor - approximately 26 miles west of Central London - was built to resemble a Viking longboat mast, in order to mark the launch of the new Land of the Vikings section of the theme park.

What's more, 2008 sees the 50th anniversary of the Lego brick, which was patented by Danish creator Ole Kirk Christiansen in January 1958.

Penny Jenkins, special events manager at Legoland, said: "We are thrilled to [hopefully] bring the world record to Legoland Windsor after four days of hard work, not to mention nearly 500,000 bricks.

"It has been a great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lego bricks."

According to the Telegraph, Bank Holiday visitors at Legoland helped build the 100ft tower in 20cm sections, with each section put into place by a crane.

Guinness World Records judges are yet to verify the structure as the world's tallest Lego tower.

Capital of Culture remains England's "most deprived place"

Thu, 01 May 2008 08:12:00 GMT

Despite being this year's European Capital of Culture, Liverpool is still England's most deprived region, according to two recent reports.

According to the BBC, a study carried out by the University of Liverpool shows that the Merseyside city is ranked as the most deprived out of 354 towns and cities surveyed in England.

Research for this particular report was compiled from formal evidence taken over a year - during which time Liverpool has seen the investment of millions of pounds in aid of its Capital of Culture festivities.

As a result of this investment, Liverpool revealed a 30 per cent rise in visitors to its major Capital of Culture venues in April this year.

However, the Guardian also reports that official figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) show that Liverpool remains the most deprived city in England - barely moving from its 2004 position.

Local Futures - DCLG's consultants on the report - highlighted that people in Liverpool are ill-placed to benefit from its new investment as workforce skills are below average.

A spokesman for Local Futures stated: "As the city embarks on its year's reign as the European capital of culture, Liverpool appears at a crossroads.

"The title may provide the catalyst for change and the sustained regeneration needed to turn the city around; however, it is vital that the new opportunities are equally shared among the residential population as among those commuting into and investing in the city from elsewhere."

Liverpool Council has launched a range of schemes to tackle problems of entrenched poverty and unemployment, the Guardian states.

Though Liverpool may be the most deprived, the report also highlighted serious problems in London, the north east and the wider north-west area.

War memorial to be built in Edinburgh gardens

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:49:00 GMT

An international competition to create a significant new war memorial in central Edinburgh was launched this weekend.

According to the Scotsman, the memorial will be erected in West Princes Street Gardens and will commemorate people from Edinburgh who have been killed in battle.

The newspaper states that officials at Edinburgh council have looked to war memorials across the globe for inspiration, including those in Washington, Paris, Amsterdam and Australia.

Ultimately, a worldwide competition to design the war memorial in the Scottish Capital was settled upon. It is hoped that the planned structure will be the country's equivalent of England's Armed Forces Memorial, which was unveiled in Staffordshire last year.

Chief executive of Edinburgh City Council, Tom Aitchison, told the Scotsman: "Any move to create a new memorial is sensitive and will need to be the subject of further consultation with representatives of veterans organisations and families."

Currently, Edinburgh's most famous war memorial is perhaps the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.

Last week, Prince Charles unveiled a set of memorial gates for the Queen Mother at Glamis Castle in Angus.

The castle, which dates back to the fourteenth century, was also used as a military hospital during World War One, during which time the Queen Mother helped to care for injured soldiers recovering there.

Cutty Sark restoration passes "major milestone"

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:13:00 GMT

One of the Britain's most famous historic ships, the Cutty Sark, has passed a "major milestone" in its restoration plans, according to the Chief Executive of the Cutty Sark Trust.

In May 2007, the nineteenth century tea clipper was ravaged by a vicious fire in Greenwich, its current London abode. The effects of the fire - which all but destroyed the ship's three decks - added another £10 million to the £25 million budget initially estimated for its restoration, although its masts, riggings, cabins and figureheads remain unharmed in a storage facility in Kent.

According to the Independent, the Heritage Lottery Fund granted the Cutty Sark Trust £10 million in January this year, but the organisation still remains £3.7 million short of its target.

Nevertheless, its recent restoration achievement is sure to add some cheer to the construction team currently working on the Cutty Sark. The Independent states that the ship's counter - one of its most important but most fragile components - has been rescued. It will now be restored through electrolysis treatment before being reattached to the stern.

Stephen Archer from the Cutty Sark Trust told the newspaper: "We're trying to combine conservation with restoration. Every nut, bolt and plank, charred or otherwise, will be put back into its original place. It's the same with the counter: the cheaper, easier option would be to just replace it with a brand new one. But that wouldn't be the Cutty Sark. We're determined to keep its authenticity."

The Cutty Sark was first built in 1869 and was designed to be the fastest ship to deliver tea from Shanghai to London. Since then, it has become one of the most well-known ships in British naval history.

Plan for new Aberdeenshire golf course gets approval

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:00:00 GMT

A new plan for a £115 million golf course in Scotland has been granted approval by Aberdeenshire Council.

The golf course, designed by Scottish golfing pro Paul Lawrie, has been proposed on the site of Blairs Seminary in Aberdeenshire, which was once the country's only seminary for training Catholic priests.

According to the BBC, the development will stimulate the building of hundreds of houses and a hotel on the site, as well as the preservation of existing listed buildings like the former seminary and Blairs Museum.

Aberdeenshire Council are said to have approved the plans on the basis that it will bring substantial economic benefits, with both employment and tourism opportunities being created.

Now, in order for the plans to go ahead, they need national approval from the Scottish Government in Edinburgh.

Mr Lawrie is an Aberdeen-native and is currently the last British golfer to win a major tournament - the Open in 1999, which was held in Carnoustie in Angus. He said:

"Aberdeen has truly the potential to become one of the world's top golfing destinations and Blairs provides the ideal golf course setting.

"I am delighted with today's support from the full council and now wholeheartedly urge the Scottish Government to use its power to allow this development to go ahead and help me deliver to my local community an international championship golf course they can be proud of."

Aberdeenshire Council caused a stir at the end of last year when they rejected a lucrative £1 billion proposal for a golf complex put forward by American tycoon Donald Trump in November.

In December, however, the council sacked its chairman - who had been instrumental in rejecting Trump's plan - and reversed the decision.

Queen Mother memorial gates unveiled in Scotland

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:36:00 GMT

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, visited northern Scotland yesterday to unveil a set of memorial gates in honour of the Queen Mother.

The gates, which took six months to build and feature the deceased royal's coat of arms, were revealed to a crowd of around 200 people outside Glamis Castle in Angus, the Queen Mother's childhood home.

According to the BBC, Glamis Castle has had royal links since 1372. During World War One, it was also used as a military hospital, during which time the Queen Mother helped care for injured soldiers. She is also said to have spent her honeymoon in the castle.

Speaking to audience gathered to watch the unveiling of the gates, Prince Charles said: "Like many here, I suspect, I miss my grandmother every day.

"I miss her vitality, her interest in the lives of others, her courage and determination, her perceptive wisdom, her calm in the face of all difficulties, her steadfast belief in the British people and above all her sense of mischievous humour.

"These are all qualities and characteristics we recall with love, pride and gratitude and the physical presence of these gates provide a fitting memorial in the most fitting family place."

The gates were erected by the Queen Mother Memorial Fund, which was launched in 2003 by former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell.

The fund has received over £1 million in donations from Scotland and the world over, and was also instrumental in the creation of the Queen Mother's Memorial at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.

Britain's smaller art galleries dominate Art Fund prize shortlist

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:24:00 GMT

The 2008 shortlist for the largest arts prize in the nation is dominated by small regional galleries and art exhibitions.

According to the Independent, the Art Fund award - previously known as the Gulbenkian Prize - aims to stimulate originality and excellence and recognises the best new galleries emerging in Britain, as well as renovated galleries and shows that have taken place in the past 12 months. The prize is open to all accredited galleries and museums in the UK.

The shortlist includes the Lightbox Gallery and Museum in Woking, north west England, the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick, an anti-slavery exhibition at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol and the Wellcome Collection in central London.

The shortlist was selected from a longlist of 10 museums and galleries from around the country and will be judged by an independent panel.

Aside from the Wellcome Collection, the shortlisted organisations are all small scale establishments who have triumphed against longlisted forerunners of the art exhibition world, including 'Sacred', The British Libraries' exhibition of religious scripts, and the much lauded International Slavery Museum in Liverpool. Last year's winner was Pallant House Gallery in Chichester.

Speaking to the Crawley Observer, the Art Fund director David Barrie said:

"These four astonishingly diverse projects not only span the country, but also a dizzying range of topics, from slavery and medical science to contemporary art and seafaring."

The winner will receive the prize fund totalling £100,000 and the results will be announced at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London in May.

Victoria Crosses exhibition opens to the public

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:00:00 GMT

The largest display of Victoria Crosses (VCs) in Britain will be shown in a public exhibition at the Spink Gallery in London.

The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration for gallantry that can be awarded in the Armed Forces, and is a very prestigious accolade.

According to The Times, the 50 Victoria Crosses that will be displayed at the Bloomsbury gallery are owned by Lord Ashcroft, who is in possession of 10 per cent of the 1351 medals that have been awarded since the inception of the Victoria Cross in 1856.

The VCs featured in the exhibition originate from 15 different armed conflicts, from the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900 to the Lancashire Landings at Gallipoli in 1915.

The Times states: "Among them is one awarded to RAF Sergeant Norman Jackson, who climbed out on to the fuselage of his Lancaster bomber to extinguish a fire 22,000ft above Germany during the Second World War."

Lord Ashcroft is the author of the book 'Victoria Cross Heroes'. His collection of VCs will remain on display at the Spink Gallery in Southampton Row until April 25, but is expected to go on permanent display in 2010.

He said: "I am delighted to be co-operating with Spink, the world's oldest medal dealers, by loaning them a selection of Victoria Crosses for their forthcoming exhibition.

"I hope that this Spink exhibition will provide a worthy foretaste of my aim to celebrate and commemorate 'the bravest of the brave' from our history."

Liverpool venues see 30 per cent rise in visitors

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:36:00 GMT

Liverpool's status as European Capital of Culture this year has significantly boosted the number of people visiting the city's venues.

According to the BBC, more than two million people attended a cultural event in Liverpool between January and March 2008, a 30 per cent rise on 2007 figures.

Among the Merseyside venues experiencing a rapid rise in visitors are the Walker Art Gallery, Empire Theatre, Tate Liverpool and National Museums Liverpool.

John Millward from National Museums Liverpool told the BBC: "There's a big increase in people from Europe - from Spain, from France, from Germany - and particularly from China and the Far East.

"Certainly the Capital of Culture as a brand has got across to people."

The Liverpool Culture Company's creative director, Phil Redmond, seems to agree. He told the broadcaster: "There's definitely a Capital of Culture effect. People are now realising and actually getting on board.

"There's so much going on across the city that people are now realising it's up to them to get out there and enjoy it."

Officials in Liverpool expect the number of visitors to continue increasing over the course of 2008. Overall, more than 350 events are being staged as part of the city's Capital of Culture celebrations, including a Gustav Klimt exhibition at Tate Liverpool, the Liverpool Sound concert at Anfield in June and the MTV Europe Music Awards in November.

Tower of London set for facelift

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:00:00 GMT

The Tower of London's oldest building, the White Tower, is set for a £2 million facelift in what is to be the biggest restoration work ever undertaken at the site.

The White Tower has been covered by a giant canvas, which will cover the façade of the building until work is completed in 2011 - the same year as the Tower's 225th birthday.

According to 24hourmuseum.org.uk, the drawing covering the giant canvas was created by St Albans artist Rydal Hanbury, and was decided by a competition held by Tower officials.

The drawing, realised at a size of 15m by 23m (50ft by 75ft), depicts a series of charcoal sketches of ravens, prisoners, armour and Beefeaters, the Telegraph states.

Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the White Tower may be covered from the outside but visitors - two million of whom visit the Tower of London every year - will still be able to explore the interior.

Major general Keith Cima, Resident Governor of the Tower of London, said: "We look forward to delivering in 2012 a fully conserved and re-presented exterior to the White Tower, as a shining symbol of Britain for the London Olympiad and beyond."

The White Tower, a World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited attractions in London and is home to Henry VIII's royal arms and armour, as well as being as being at the centre of life at the Tower of London.

Scottish coastline faces new threats from climate change

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:48:00 GMT

Scotland's coastline is in danger from a series of new threats due to rapid climate change, according to a new report.

The Scotsman states the report, entitled "Scotland's Seas - Towards Understanding Their State", highlights that 740 miles of Scottish coastline has suffered serious erosion problems, and is at risk of increased flooding and ruining a number of natural wildlife habitats.

It further claims that increased water acidity levels are causing reductions in the numbers of common seals, Arctic terns and bottlenose dolphins on the east coast.

Other serious threats highlighted in the report were the problems over-fishing in Scottish waters and a rise in sea temperatures, which are now increasing at a rate of 0.2 to 0.4 per cent each year.

However, there was some positive news: the report found that Scotland's waters are largely cleaner than they were eight years ago. 94 per cent of Scottish waters are now designated as "clear and safe", a statement that's sure to reassure conservationists and travellers alike.

The report was compiled by Scottish National Heritage, who is based in Inverness, the Fisheries Research Council, situated in Aberdeen and Pitlochry in Perthshrire, and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, which is headquartered in Stirling.

34 special conservation areas have been set up as a result of the research, but the authors warn that it could take "decades or even centuries for full recovery in some cases".

According to The Scotsman, Ian Jardine, chief executive of Scottish National Heritage, said: "Most of the population of Scotland has an interest in marine issues, even if that's to enjoy a day out on a clean beach.

"To ensure the future long-term health of Scottish seas, it is essential to maintain a balance between sustainable exploitation of marine resources and the protection of wildlife and natural features."

Big Ben is Britain's favourite landmark

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:36:00 GMT

Big Ben has been voted the UK's favourite landmark in a poll that marks the 202nd birthday of 19th century British engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The poll of over 2000 people was conducted by construction company Faithful+Gould and saw six structures in London make it into the top 10.

Big Ben was closely followed as Britain's best loved landmark by Stonehenge in Wiltshire, with the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye rounding out the top five.

Other favourite landmarks in the top 10 included Blackpool Tower and Edinburgh Castle.

According to the Metro, Faithful+Gould's Donald Lawson said: "Like Brunel, people in Britain are extremely passionate about the buildings and structures around them.

"The poll really brings home the impact that the built environment has on our nation's consciousness - buildings at their best can leave a legacy for generations to come."

Brunel is best known for the creation of the Great Western Railway, and built a number of important steamships, bridges and tunnels, including the Maidenhead Railway Bridge in Berkshire and the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash near Plymouth.

Though none of Brunel's structures made the poll's top 10, the Clifton Suspension Bridge - which links Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset - proved popular with those surveyed in the West of England.

Protected seahorses find new home in East London

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:24:00 GMT

A protected species of seahorse has been living in the Thames estuary for the past 18 months, much to the delights of wildlife lovers across Britain.

The species, whose scientific name is Hippocampus hippocampus, was discovered by conservationists who have been carrying out surveys on the types of marine life supported by the Thames estuary.

The short-snouted seahorses are now known to have spread as far as Dagenham in East London, a revelation that speaks volumes for the quality of water in the Thames as these seahorses are particularly sensitive to levels of pollution.

Alison Shaw of the Zoological Society of London told The Times: "It was exciting to see such a healthy population of seahorses. It's like finding treasure.

"Anecdotal evidence put seahorses further out in the estuary at Southend but we are finding them quite frequently much further in. Finding them as far in as Dagenham does demonstrate what an important wildlife corridor the Thames estuary is."

Although the seahorses were discovered 18 months ago, they were given protection from the eyes of the world as conservationists feared that they might become a target for collectors.

However, The Times states that from this month, long-snouted and short-snouted seahorses have been given legal protection by the government, so they can longer be disturbed, caught or killed.

Miss Shaw added: "Now [short-snouted seahorses] are protected, conservationists are more relaxed about telling the world they are there."

The short-snouted seahorse is most commonly found off the South Coast of England, though some sightings have been seen in the Shetlands, in the North of Scotland.

New "artistic" map of Dundee to be created

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:48:00 GMT

The creation of a unique map of Dundee relies on the assistance of "artistic" volunteers, the BBC reports.

The new map, which is also an interactive piece of art, utilizes modern technology combined with the traditional art of sewing. The unique depiction of the city is in creation and on display as part of an exhibition at the Hannah Maclure Centre in Dundee.

The project involves recruiting willing participants from spectators at the exhibition in central Scotland. The volunteers are given a hand held Global Positioning System device to take with them as they stroll around Dundee and their journey is sent to a computer at the University of Abertay, where it is projected as a continuous line onto a large canvas. Volunteers then stitch different coloured threads along each route - creating a permanent record of their walks.

The project, entitled "Running Stitch", is a collaboration between artists Jen Southern, Jen Hamilton and Chris St Amand. The creators are keen to get more people involved, although dozens of journeys through the city have already been added to the canvas.

Cultural Projects Officer at the university, Donna Holford-Lovell, told the BBC: "We've been inviting people to either become a stitcher or an urban rambler or both.

"People are asked to think about a personal journey to them or go around Dundee and discover something they've never seen before.

"Then over the weeks of the exhibition it then builds up a map of Dundee that is quite personal to the people who have stitched and walked the journey."

The artwork is featured in the Signals in the City exhibition and will be on display until May 2.

'Eco towns' under fire from greens and locals

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:48:00 GMT

The government's proposals for new eco-towns in England got off the ground this week as a shortlist of 15 locations was put forward.

These 15 locations will be whittled down to 10 in the next six months, and will become the first new towns to be built in the country since the 1960s.

Among the shortlist are: Coltishall in Norfolk, Manby in Lincolnshire, Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire, Middle Quinton in Warwickshire and the Leeds city region.

Housing minister Caroline Flint, whose constituency Rossington in South Yorkshire is included in the shortlist, told the BBC: "We have a housing shortage in this country and that's why we need to build more homes. But we also need to think about sustainable homes in sustainable communities...

"[This plan] is tackling both the challenge of climate change and the need for more families to have a future in a home of their own."

However, the plan for eco-towns has come under fire from both locals and green organisations. Opponents claim that building new homes in these areas would put pressure on local transport resources and ruin scenic countryside vistas.

Kate Gordon from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) told the Times: "There are a number of locations that involve the loss of Greenfield land, a loss of agricultural land and would damage attractive landscapes."

Half of the 10 prospective eco-towns are expected to be complete by 2016, while the other half will be built by 2020.

However, opponents to the scheme - which include tennis player Tim Henman's parents, who live near the Weston Otmoor eco-town site in Oxfordshire - are set to continue their protests before the final 10 sites are chosen.

Edinburgh's Old Town to see £40 million development

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:48:00 GMT

Edinburgh's Old Town is to be revamped in a £40 million scheme that will transform the area that was ravaged by fire in 2002.

Whiteburn - the developers who became the official owners of the site in 2006 - have released images detailing how the area would be transformed, with new links that will create thoroughfares to main city centre roads, like the Cowgate and South Bridge.

The scheme, which has been named SoCo, is being designed by Edinburgh-based architect Allan Murray - whose plans include a series of new steps and courtyards as well as opportunities for the creation of shops, cafes and restaurants.

According to the Scotsman, Whiteburn are believed to be close to striking a deal with a hotel operator for the Edinburgh site and planning applications for the projects are expected to be submitted in the next few months.

The developers have been in discussion with groups such as Historic Scotland and the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust concerning their proposals and have ruled out the creation of a new public building, such as a gallery or cinema, as well as plans for public housing previously suggested by the city council.

John Shepherd, chief executive of Whiteburn, told the Scotsman:

"SoCo will become a destination for people to stay, work and relax within a vastly improved environment, providing jobs and hopefully kick-starting the regeneration of the South Bridge/Cowgate area."

The Old Town fire in December 2002 raged for 52 hours before it was brought under control by 150 fire engines from across central Scotland. The blaze destroyed several buildings and caused millions of pounds worth of damage in an area that was home to a wide variety of shops, offices, homes and pubs and clubs.

Historic Norfolk villages could be given up to flooding

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:12:00 GMT

Residents of Norfolk are up in arms over a proposal from the Environment Agency that could see six villages around the Norfolk Broads given up to flooding over the next century.

The Norfolk villages at risk are Eccles, Sea Palling, Horsey, Hickling, Waxham and Potter Heigham.

According to the Telegraph, the proposed idea to abandon 25 miles of the Broads to sea were revealed last week by Natural England, the Environment Agency's sister organisation, who are currently researching the effects of climate change on the Shropshire Hills, Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase, Cumbria High Fell and the Norfolk Broads.

The newspaper states that the Environment Agency, a government body devoted to making the UK's environment a better place, withdrew their maintenance for sea defences in Norfolk two years ago. Since this time, many local campaigners have complained that the plans have devalued properties inland by "as much as 30 per cent".

Under the proposed plans, land between The Wash and Kelling on the north Norfolk coast and from Lowestoft to Felixstowe in Suffolk could be abandoned to the sea if the organisation's plans for "no active intervention" to halt coastal erosion go ahead.

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, told the Telegraph: "There would be churches lost, whole communities lost and a lot of older historic buildings.

"Our first priority is that we must defend these communities and ensure we commit resources recognising the history of the region."

The Broads Society, a body that was set up in 1956 to promote the area's attractions, has also spoken out against the proposals. Ecologist Dr Martin George, a member of the society, told the Daily Mail: "I am just horrified by the proposal.

"I would say about an eighth of the area we think of as the Broads would be lost - including Hickling Broad, the largest and most popular."

Paisley Museum could experience radical revamp

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:36:00 GMT

Renfrewshire Council are planning a £15 million revamp of Paisley Museum, which could see the Grade A listed building undergo a radical overhaul.

Under the proposals, the council plans to apply for lottery funding to upgrade the 130-year old museum building and move the Central Library in Paisley to the Town Hall. A new 175-seat theatre and a café-bar are also being proposed, the BBC states.

Located nine miles from Glasgow, officials in Paisley hope to improve declining visitor numbers to Paisley Museum and enhance disabled access.

The architects involved in investigating the practicality of the plans are Page/Park, who were also responsible for designing the Lighthouse arts venue and the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow.

According to the BBC, councillors hope that the new Paisley Museum could become the town's answer to Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland.

Councillor Eileen McCartin told the BBC: "We might not take Kelvingrove's crown but we can certainly create a facility that will put Paisley on the map as a cultural centre.

"The Paisley Museum is a wonderful building but it is in desperate need of repairs and improvements... Increasing visitor numbers at the museum and relocating the Central Library will help revitalise the town centre."

It has not yet been announced when the council can expect to hear whether or not its plans for Paisley Museum can go ahead.

£9 million restoration of Leeds music hall announced

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:01:00 GMT

One of the countries last remaining music halls, the Leeds City Varieties, is to be refurbished with the help of funds to the tune of more than £9 million.

The historic music hall will receive £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £1 million from the Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House Ltd, and another £5.2 million from Leeds City Council.

Leeds City Varieties, a grade II listed site, is best known as the home of the TV variety show The Good Old Days, which was recorded at the venue from 1953 to 1983.

According to the Yorkshire Post, last year Leeds City Council purchased the White Swan public house underneath the music hall, in order to enable full implementation of the refurbishment proposals.

Leader of the city council, Andrew Carter, stated: "The City Varieties is a music hall for which there is huge affection right across the city of Leeds.

"It is one of the last remaining music halls in the country and as such plays an important life in the heritage of the city."

Chair of the Leeds Grand Theatre Board, Cllr John Proctor, added: "These plans take us a step closer in our quest to bring this jewel in the city's crown back to its former glory."

The BBC states that past celebrities that have performed at the Leeds City Varieties include Lily Langtree, Houdini, Frankie Vaughan and even Charlie Chaplin.

The refurbishment proposals will concentrate on restoring the music hall's auditorium, enhancing its stage and backstage facilities and fitting in additional toilets. The work is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010.

Historic Stanley Mills opens its doors to the public

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:13:00 GMT

The historic Stanley Mills have opened their doors to the public following a £4.6m preservation project.

The mills, situated on the banks of the River Tay in Central Scotland, are one of the UKs best surviving examples of a cotton mill. Cotton mills were at the forefront of the industrial revolution but the last functioning mill ended commercial operations in 1989.

The project, located seven miles north of Perth, will be open to the public from March to September and aims to provide an insight into the history of the Stanley Mills.

Boasting interactive displays, exhibits and video footage, visitors to the mills will find a mixture of stories about those who worked in the mill balanced with the process involved with the physical workings of cotton spinning machines.

Words by the Edinburgh based poet Aonghas MacNeacail are also featured in the exhibition.

Speaking to the BBC, Peter Bromely, the director of properties in care at Historic Scotland said:

"We have been working on the Stanley Mills project since the mills came into our care in 1995.

"There are so many people that have contributed to the development and it's great to see the visitor attraction now opening to the public.

"We believe that the visitor centre, and its facilities, will put the mills back at the heart of the community."

Britain's biggest planetarium opens its doors

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:00:00 GMT

On Good Friday, the 21st of March, the country's largest planetarium will open its doors to the public.

The new planetarium is located at the Intech Science Centre in Winchester, South East England, and offers a 176-seat theatre. Visitors can enjoy interactive shows screened on the 16.5m dome of the auditorium.

Andy Lane, marketing director at Intech, told the Guardian:

"Because the scale is so big you are immersed in it. You feel like you are floating,"

According to the BBC, presenters at the Winchester planetarium will be able to alter the images shown at the touch of a button, allowing the shows to be tailored to the ages and interests of each audience.

The South East England Development Agency (Seeda) funded the project with a £650,000 grant. Prof Bill Wakeham, vice-chancellor of Southampton University and Seeda board member said:

"We believe that developing a planetarium at Intech is an excellent way of encouraging a far greater number of students to continue studying science, engineering and mathematics subjects across the south-east and beyond,"

South England's newest planetarium opened its doors to a selection of celebrities on Wednesday and opens to the public in time for the Easter Break. Visitors will be able to choose from a range of three different shows, some presented by live narrators who utilise software to fly the audience to any place in the mapped universe.