CATRIONA PAUL at the movies. FOR A truly awkward viewing experience, go see Birth. It’s an uncomfortable chiller, verging on the supernatural, set in New York. Nicole Kidman stars as a widow who becomes convinced her dead husband has been reborn. She gives a flawless performance, and Lauren Bacall makes a rare outing playing Kidman’s […]

KENNY MATHIESON hears the Inverness Choral tackle Puccini’s unconventional Stabat Mater.

CATRIONA PAUL at the Movies. RENEE ZELLWEGER has once again piled on the pounds, which can only mean one thing – Bridget Jones is back. Plumper, more awkward, more ungracious, yet supposedly more like the average female British singleton than ever, Bridget is just as likely to infuriate as charm second time round.    Annoyance […]

TINA ROSE explores an Orkney textile design company with an International reputation for innovation.

JOANNE JAMIESON hears fiddler Chris Stout in top form on his home turf, and spots a new vocal star in the making.

Kingussie, 12-14 November 2004

CATRIONA PAUL at the Movies. SAVED! is the classic American high school comedy, save for one defining twist. The school is not so much all-American, as all-Christian. American Eagle Christian High is a Baptist Church for born again teenagers, where the in-girls judge you as much on your religious values as they do on your […]

PAM BEASANT reports on a launch event in Stromness for Orkney-based poet Alison Flett’s new book.

Spa Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 13 November 2004

The Aig An Oir art programme is highlighting the environmental and cultural importance of Scotland’s Atlantic Oakwoods. With two artists residencies successfully completed in Skye and Sunart, JOHN SAICH joins the third in Mid Argyll and meets the artists of the SWLA.