A century on, why are we still in love with John Buchan’s most famous story? “Tell me, my Lord, how are you enjoying the film?” Alfred Hitchcock asked one of his honoured guests during the interval at the 1935 premiere of The 39 Steps. The Scots-born Lord Tweedsmuir, who was soon to become Governor General […]
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The Good Doctor
Scotland helped educate a medical pioneer who made history in more ways than one. “When I was a boy, I was told that when I began a story, to begin at the beginning and continue to the end.” That’s good advice for any writer, but for anyone attempting to follow the life story of Dr […]
Accessible Edinburgh Fringe?
Every August the world’s performers and entertainers flock to Scotland’s capital. Paul F Cockburn asks just how easy is it for disabled artists and audiences to get the most out of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe? Given that it’s been running every year for nigh-on seven decades, it’s hardly surprising that the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has […]
Leonard Nimoy, 1931-2015
It wasn’t the first time Leonard Nimoy had told this particular anecdote on stage at a Star Trek convention; nor would it be the last. Yet in early May 1999, explaining the origins of the world-famous Vulcan salute ended up being one of the most significant personal moments in the actor’s life. Not that such […]
Fringe Benefits
Edinburgh in August continues to be an exciting – yet safe – place for LGBT people, as Paul F Cockburn – born and bred in the Scottish capital – explains. Dandy Darkly isn’t a man who’s ignored. New York City’s finest raconteur specialises in lurid tales of sex and death, and dresses appropriately, adorned with […]
New Proclamations
Few bands have the staying power to release a tenth studio album, but The Proclaimers – aka Leith-born identical twins Charlie and Craig Reid – are remarkably unconcerned about that aspect of Let’s Hear It For The Dogs. “You’re finally going into double figures – so I guess it’s a landmark, but it didn’t really […]
EIFF 2015 – Five to See
Paul F Cockburn gives pointers to five “must see” films at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. 1: THE LEGEND OF BARNEY THOMSON It goes without saying that the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s opening gala is always a film which its organisers, at least, consider worth seeing. However, after a few genuinely odd choices in […]
