Traquair Celebrates a Silver Green Tourism Award and the Return of the Red Squirrel

Traquair has been awarded a prestigious Silver Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme in recognition of the work undertaken in the fields of energy saving, recycling and sourcing of local products.

Catherine Maxwell Stuart commented, "We are thrilled to have gained a Silver Award on our first grading and have worked hard last year to implement a range of new energy saving and recycling initiatives. We are also looking to introduce biomass heating system for the main house in the near future".

As if to celebrate Traquair' new green award red squirrels also been sighted in the Traquair grounds for the first time in a generation and it is hoped they will re-establish themselves in the ancient woodlands.

The efforts to control the grey squirrels which were damaging a number of trees at Traquair seem to have finally paid off and at least one pair of red squirrels have made their home at Traquair again.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 29 January 2009

Thursday 29th January 7.30pm
Drama
The Tailor of Inverness
‘I come from a farm, from the forests and fields of green Ukraine, from the ruins of Germany, from the beaches of the Adriatic, from the grimy streets of Glasgow and the cool air of Inverness.’ Words, music, dance and video combine to tell the moving story of this ordinary man caught by the murderous tides of the Second World War. Evoking poignant memories of post war Scotland, this is a story of journeys, of how a boy who grew up on a farm in Galicia (Eastern Poland, now Western Ukraine) came to be a tailor in Inverness.

Friday 30th January 7.30pm
Music
Auvo Quartet
British melodeonist Julian Sutton and flautist Tom Oakes are joined by Swedish singer/fiddler Suvi Oskala and fretted instrument player Rooper Aarnio. Together they create a distinctive, fresh sound with excellent playing, finely judged vocals and elegant, free-thinking arrangements. ‘A feast for the ears.’

Saturday 31 January7.30pm
Drama
Haughtie Hizzies and Haughmagandy
IDEOMS Theatre Company has a fine reputation for delivering the works of Robert Burns in a fresh and palatable way, with a unique blend of drama and music. Rounding off the show is the traditional Burns Supper, where the entertainment continues – always light-hearted and with no speeches.

Tuesday 3rd February 7.30pm
Music
Trio Ecossaise (Music in Peebles)
Jennifer Brown (clarinet), Harriet Davidson (cello) and Claire Haslin (piano) have delighted audiences across Britain since they launched their careers at the 2001 Edinburgh Festival. They will play Beethoven Trio op11, Bloch cello pieces, Muczynski Fantasy Trio, and Brahms Clarinet Trio.

Thursday 5th February 7.30pm
Music
Emily Smith
Multi award winning Scottish singer-songwriter Emily Smith returns to the Eastgate with her band. Raised in rural Dumfriesshire, Emily’s songs – both traditional and self-penned – reflect the beauty and diversity of her own part of Scotland.

Visit the Eastgate website.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 22 January 2009

Thursday 22nd January 7.30pm
Music
The Hot Seats
This white-hot five-piece band from the hills of Virginia caused a sensation at the Edinburgh Fringe last year when (as Special Ed and the Shortbus) they carried off a Herald Angel for their outstanding performance. 'The show is so stuffed full of multi-faceted delicacies.' (Maverick magazine)

Saturday 24th January 7.30pm Comedy
Shaggy Dog Stories
Comedian, compere and actor Raymond Mearns is larger than life and twice as much fun. Sharp gags and observations, first class audience interaction and masterful storytelling. A Raymond show is a more memorable event than simply a comedy gig as anything can, and often does, happen. Come and enjoy a comedy masterclass.

Sunday 25th January
Film
The Tale of Despereaux 2.30pm
A misfit mouse, an unhappy rat, and a servant girl with cauliflower ears – whose fates are intertwined with the castle’s princess.

I've Loved You So Long (12A) 7.30pm
A beautifully-acted family drama about two sisters, their children, and a terrible family secret.

26 January - 14 February
Exhibition
Winter Landscapes
Following on from their highly successful summer exhibition, Andy Blackie and Ian Porter will be again exhibiting their photographs at the Eastgate.These emerging photographers have received international acclaim and will this time be showing largely landscapes and cityscapes.

Wednesday 28th January 7.30pm
Peebles – Transition Town?
Literary
Green activist Mandy Meikle talks about the movement sweeping the country to find practical actions to reduce our carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Thursday 29th January 7.30pm
Drama
The Tailor of Inverness
‘I come from a farm, from the forests and fields of green Ukraine, from the ruins of Germany, from the beaches of the Adriatic, from the grimy streets of Glasgow and the cool air of Inverness.’ Words, music, dance and video combine to tell the moving story of this ordinary man caught by the murderous tides of the Second World War.

Friday 30th January 7.30pm
Music
Auvo Quartet
British melodeonist Julian Sutton and flautist Tom Oakes are joined by Swedish singer/fiddler Suvi Oskala and fretted instrument player Rooper Aarnio. Together they create a distinctive, fresh sound with excellent playing, finely judged vocals and elegant, free-thinking arrangements. ‘A feast for the ears.’

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 15 January 2009

Thursday 15th January 7.30pm
Music
Africa To Appalachia
A stunning new show tracing the roots and routes of the banjo. 2008 Juno Award winning banjoist Jayme Stone with Malian griot singer and kora player Mansa Sissoko build a musical bridge spanning from Africa to Appalachia.

Friday 16th January 7.30pm
Drama
Sex And Chocolate
Jan has just turned 50, she's all alone, the rest of the office is off clubbing, the kids have flown the nest, and it's a holiday weekend. Faced with the prospect of defrosting the fridge she makes a decision which will change her life forever... Award-winning actress Fiona Knowles stars in this warm hearted comedy written by Rona Munro. The show is preceded at 7pm by a sponsored demonstration of chocolate moulding with Cocoa Black... the best bit is that you can sample the goods!

Saturday 17th January 7.30pm
Music
Salsa Celtica
This vibrant 11 piece musical group returns to the Eastgate, bringing a fusion of sizzling salsa music with a traditional Scottish twist. Their unique Scottish and Irish mix plus all the Latin Elements of salsa has taken them and their music all over the world.

Thursday 22nd January 7.30pm
Music
The Hot Seats
This white-hot five-piece band from the hills of Virginia caused a sensation at the Edinburgh Fringe last year when (as Special Ed and the Shortbus) they carried off a Herald Angel for their outstanding performance. 'The show is so stuffed full of multi-faceted delicacies.' (Maverick magazine)

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 8 January 2009

5 - 24 January
Exhibition
Maps And Memories
An exhibition of screen prints made over the last 15 years by Peebles artist, Myrtle Ashmole, reflecting her sideways look at the many meanings of maps, and her enjoyment of colour and design in landscape. All proceeds will go to the Carrifran Wildwood project of Borders Forest Trust, a community-based initiative developed in Peebles with supporters throughout the UK and beyond.

Sunday 11th January
Film
Igor (PG) 2.30pm
A hilarious twist on the classic monster movie, Igor proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (12A) 7.30pm
A moving Holocaust story about a young German boy and his forbidden friendship with a Jewish child.

Thursday 15th January 7.30pm
Music
Africa To Appalachia
A stunning new show tracing the roots and routes of the banjo. 2008 Juno Award winning banjoist Jayme Stone with Malian griot singer and kora player Mansa Sissoko build a musical bridge spanning from Africa to Appalachia.

Friday 16th January 7.30pm
Drama
Sex And Chocolate
Jan has just turned 50, she’s all alone, the rest of the office is off clubbing, the kids have flown the nest, and it’s a holiday weekend. Faced with the prospect of defrosting the fridge she makes a decision which will change her life forever... Award-winning actress Fiona Knowles stars in this warm hearted comedy written by Rona Munro. The show is preceded at 7pm by a sponsored demonstration of chocolate moulding with Cocoa Black... the best bit is that you can sample the goods!

Eastgate Theatre page on Visit Tweed Valleywebsite.

Caddon View Winter 2008/2009 Offer

From the 1st December 2008 until 31st March 2009, book 2 nights and your 3rd night is free.

The offer includes our normal warm welcome with tea, coffee or hot chocolate and home made cake in front of our cosy log fire. Daily breakfast is also included.

**Please note that these offers only apply when booking directly with Caddon View (either by phone or using our online booking system)

**This offer is not available between the 24th - 31st December.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 1 January 2009

Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, 5 – 24 January 2009
Exhibition
Maps and Memories
An exhibition of screen prints made in the last 15 years by Peebles artist, Myrtle Ashmole, reflecting her sideways look at the many meanings of maps, and her enjoyment of colour and design in landscape. All proceeds will go to the Carrifran Wildwood project of Borders Forest Trust, a community-based initiative developed in Peebles with supporters throughout the UK and beyond.

Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, Tuesday 6 January 2009 7.30pm
Music
Christina Lawrie (Music in Peebles)
Christina, winner of the Dewar Award – Scotland’s highest accolade for emerging artists – is hailed as a rising star with ‘formidable intellect and boundless technique’. She will play with the RSNO in May 2009. Her programme in Peebles includes music by Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Messiaen and Liszt.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 18 December 2008

Friday 19th December 7.30pm
Music
The Soft Shoe Skiffle Band
Peebles Jazz festival brings you Skiffle music including old favourites such as "My old man’s a dustman" "Puttin' on the style" and "Tom Dooley". Foot stompin', memory jerkin' nostalgic fun!

Saturday 20th December 7.30pm
Music
Fondoo
Round off the year with a final dip into the music melting pot – Find out what's happening in the Peebleshire music scene and discover some new sounds as well as enjoying some old favourites. Great atmosphere! Check them out www.fondoo.eu

Tuesday 23rd December 2.30pm and 5.00pm
Film
High School Musical 3 (U)
The Wildcats stage a musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about the future.

Saturday 27th December 8pm
Music
Lights Out by Nine
A welcome return visit by this great live Scottish band. Lights Out By Nine play powerhouse rhythm and blues, including some of their own original songs, and are currently gaining a great following not only at home but also in the USA. 'LOBN are the real deal!' (Blues in Britain Magazine)

Sunday 28th December
Film
Madagascar; Escape 2 Africa (PG)   2.30pm.
After they escaped from New York City, the creatures of the 2005’s Madagascar are back in this latest African adventure. Book early!

Quantum Solace (12A) 5.00pm and 7.30pm
James Bond is back with his latest film. He seeks to avenge the death of Vesper Lynd (Casino Royal) at the same time as saving the world.  Daniel Craig is ably assisted by Judi Dench as “M”, and hindered by Mathieu Amalric as Dominic Green’s organization known as Quantum.

New Year
The Eastgate Theatre and Café will be closed from Monday 29th December until Sunday 4th January 2009 inclusive.  Staff and volunteers wish all their past and future customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Traquair Wins Silver for Green Tourism

As a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme Traquair has been assessed for its' environmental credentials, energy saving measures, energy efficiency, recycling and environmental interpretation. We have been given the prestigious Silver Award. Next time we are going for Gold!

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 4 December 2008

1-31 December Daily
Exhibition
Christmas Exhibition in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Trust
Success in a photographic competition capturing 'the art of movement' inspired Alison Binnie to raise funds for the MS Trust. She recruited some of her creative friends to help put together this exciting exhibition and sale of art, featuring original photography, children's book illustrations, water colour paintings, machine textile embroidery, and Victorian-inspired stitch art. FREE

Wednesday 3rd - Saturday 6th December 7.30pm, Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th 2.30pm
Pantomime
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Yes it is! Another popular pantomime from Tweed Theatre. A young princess, on the run from her wicked stepmother, finds refuge in a small cottage out in the forest, where seven pint-sized men decide to adopt her and protect her with their lives. Full of colour, singing, dancing, and fun. Book early!

Friday 12 December 7.30pm
Dance
Jive Party
It's party time! For one of the best Christmas party nights - whether you've already mastered the Boogie-Woogie and the Jitterbug, or just want to learn a few basic moves - this could be for you. Round up your friends, partners and workmates and bring them along to enjoy live music and dancing. There's tuition if you want it and guaranteed fun. A fundraiser for Friends of the Eastgate.

Saturday 13 December 7.30pm
Music
The Meadows Chamber Orchestra (Music in Peebles)
The MCO, which normally performs in the Queen's Hall, is coming to Peebles with its conductor Peter Evans. They will play Siegfried Idyll by Wagner, Music for the Theatre by Copland, and Symphony no 5 by Schubert. Afterwords, enjoy a glass of wine in the studio.

Sunday 14 December
Film
Wild Child (12A) 2.30pm
Poppy's personal journey from bored, stroppy teenager to proper young lady.
Brideshead Revisited 7.30pm
Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, Ben Whishaw and Matthew Goode star in this new adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's decadent novel.

Monday 15 December 10am & 1.30pm
Family
Sticky Kids' Christmas Show
If you like things live, loud and loony - this is for you. A musical show for 2-6 year olds, featuring Molly Muddle - the human party popper - and her good friend Old Macdonald; when they get together, the fun really begins. Lots of audience participation. Watch out for flying crackers!
For concientious parents, rest assured, we understand this show has an educational touch too. "The CD also helped to develop their listening skills." Nursery Education Review (December 06)