Frida Kahlo and the Taybridge Bar, Dundee
a newsletter from Scotland for the creative and curious wanderer
when Frida Kahlo visited the Taybridge Bar
A song written for Dundee artist James Howie (1931 - 2011), written and performed live by the late, great Michael Marra - an admirer of Frida Kahlo. He re-imagines Frida finding after-life happiness at the Taybridge Bar in Dundee. Such happiness comes to Frida after she dies and reaches “the pearly gates, where Saint Peter was pumping weights”. And, what did Saint Peter say to Frida?
“Hitch a lift upon this falling star,
make your way down to the Taybridge Bar”
If that doesn’t inspire you to write a song to your favourite artist, I can’t help you.
Skye before the bridge
bumper month for wildlife on Water of Leith, Edinburgh
Martin Parr’s remote Scottish postboxes
Documentary photographer Martin Parr is best known for his scenes from everyday life. He has documented Scotland a lot over the years. But did you know in 2017 he published a book of Scottish post boxes he discovered whilst on trips with his wife Susie to the remotest parts of Scotland? It’s a book full of cute wee design classics in evocative settings.
“When you are in the middle of nowhere, in a bleak landscape and in wild weather, these little post boxes are strangely comforting, a sign that other people are around, that life is going on, and that you are connected to the world” – Susie Parr from introduction to Remote Scottish Postboxes
highlights from MacBeth exhibition at Perth Museum
until 31st August 2025
This summer exhibition explores William Shakespeare’s re-imagining of the story of King MacBeth (1040-1057).
This compact exhibition, places MacBeth sympathetically within the context of the Scottish Witch Trials, the reign of James VI/I and the Perthshire landscape. We find out how MacBeth connects to Dunkeld Cathedral, Glamis Castle, Moot Hill, The Birnam Oak, Dunsinane Hill and Loch Leven priory.
We also get a peek at William Shakespeare’s First Folio, where MacBeth was first printed.
The exhibition continues to explore depictions of the Scottish play in theatre and film with posters, set designs, costumes and film clips.
Perth Museum opened its doors in 2024 following a major refurbishment and was shortlisted for this year’s Art Fund Museum of the Year award. Originally Perth City Hall, this Edwardian building has been transformed into a friendly, welcoming space. It once was part of the burial site of St John’s Kirk next door, gifted to the town by Anne of Denmark, King James’ wife.
The museum is also the new permanent home to the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of monarchy and king-making still in use today. It’s finally returned to Perthshire after 700 years. You’ll find plenty of fascinating and quirky items here from the collection - spanning ancient to modern history and a small collection of natural history objects and a huge cafe.
That’s all for now.
From Scotland with love x