Scottish Picks

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Scottish Picks: May 2001

Welcome to Scottish Picks, handpicked by our Scottish web connoisseurs. If you have a suggestion for a
cool site you'd like to see included in a future edition, why not send us an email?

Fair Isle

Let's face it: most of us will probably never make it to the Fair Isle. The closest we might get is receiving a jumper for Christmas or hearing it mentioned on the shipping weather forecast. However, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we can now get a slice of island life from the relative comfort of our home or office. This site features sections on the various industries on the island (mainly arts, crafts, and agriculture) as well as a history dating back to the original Norse settlers, including the lengthy story of the Fair Isle shipwreck disaster in 1897. There's also a section on the environment of the island, which boasts an internationally renowned Bird Observatory, as well as seals, porpoises, whales, and dolphins. If, after checking out the site, you just have to see the island for yourself the site kindly provides travel and accommodation help.
Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit

Speaking of our sea mammal cousins, the CRRU has been around for a few years now and is dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Scottish waters. They are currently involved in researching cetacean populations in the North Sea. They offer educational programmes for schools and operate the only full-time whale and dolphin rescue team in Scotland. As well as offering a wealth of information on the organisation, the site also has tips on what to do if you discover a stranded or beached whale or dolphin.
Kingdom's Treasures
Apart from a primary school trip to Culross when we forgot our piece box and had to have crisps for lunch, and our long-time infatuation with Fay Fife of the Revillos (get it? "I'm Fay Fife..." Fae Fife, get it? No? We always thought it was funny) we don't know much about the Kingdom of Fife. Still, that's all about to change, as we dive headfirst into this new site which aims to spread the word about all the region has to offer. The attractive rollover map displays pictures and information for all the attractions, from the home of golf in St. Andrews to Dunfermline Abbey to the Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar. Travel information, opening times, and events listings - they're all there. Check it out.
Federation of Scottish Theatre
If you're at all interested in the dramatic arts, this site is for you. It features theatre news and reviews, highlights of upcoming events, and special offers on tickets and first night previews. Best of all, there's a searchable calendar of events all over Scotland, from musicals and comedies to political plays and dance performances. The site design is up to date and polished without being showy, and the navigation works smoothly. Definitely worth a visit.
The Orcadian
The newspaper for the Orkney Islands now has an online component. A strong local newspaper can be the linchpin of a community, and the Orcadian, which was founded in 1798 as a book-binding company, has been an integral part of the islands' history and culture ever since. The web site augments the weekly printed version with daily news and weather updates, mail plane and ferry schedules, tide times, and a local entertainment calendar. It's good to see a traditional media company like this make the move to the web in style.
The Balvenie
This site, although designed to promote the single malt whisky it is named for, is nonetheless packed with goodies for whisky experts and neophytes alike. There are tips on nosing and tasting whiskies, a history of the whisky industry and an overview of the distilling process, a guide to all the single malt distilleries in Scotland, and the online version of The Cask, a journal about single malt whisky. The site is beautifully presented in muted, peaty colours, but we think the ultimate recommendation is this: as soon as we've finished this paragraph, the Picks team is off to have a nosing and tasting session of its own!

Sites Featured in Scottish Picks:

Fair Isle - where's me jumper?

Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit - friends of Flipper.

Kingdom's Treasures - did we mention the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum?

Federation of Scottish Theatre - from puppetry in Pitlochry to drama in Dundee.

The Orcadian - all the island news that's fit to print.

The Balvenie - pungent, smoky, full-bodied.

Previous Scottish Picks of the Month:

[ April 01 - March 01 - February 01 - January 01 ]