Paint and passion

He's revered. He's influential. And he's rather surprised to have reached 60. But John Bellany is affronted at any mention of retirement, finds Jill Sinclair

Clear winner

Caledonia magazine and The Balvenie Range of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies joined forces last year to launch The Balvenie Artisan Awards - a unique scheme developed to recognise individuals or businesses that are helping to keep traditional skills and crafts alive in Scotland today. At last, the winners are revealed.

What to do

Have you run out of places to go? Probably not, but, just in case, we run through some new day-out developments.

Relaxed and restored

Geoffrey Botterill and Antony Butterworth bought Kilmichael House for a place to rest. But first there was work to be done....

I am an island

Thinking up a wacky band name is a great way to pass the time, and Mull Historical Society takes some beating, but it's basically Colin MacIntyre.

Often called Scotland's most important living painter, John Bellany has been much in demand this year. Exhibitions in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Italy and Los Angeles have all marked his 60th birthday - yet a decade and a half ago such a celebration seemed a slim possibility. Our interview, with fine images from Debbie Salvi, uncovers the man behind the myth and reveals why you should never mention retirement to this man.

The Awards attracted a phenomenal response and after much deliberation the judging panel, including representatives of The Balvenie, Caledonia and Scottish Enterprise selected 10 businesses for commendation. The top prize winner was Twist Glass, based in the Borders and all 10 on the shortlist have been photographed by Shannon Tofts for this spectacular feature which celebrates the cream of Scottish talent.

Romance, big wheels, heavy-duty bike-riding and the legend that is Star Wars. Plus indoor pursuits and outdoor activities, mountains and gardens. There is sure to be something to whet your appetite for life, so get out and get busy.

When Geoffrey Botterill and Antony Butterworth bought Kilmichael they saw the lovely 17th-century house as a base from which they could travel abroad. After many years of living and teaching in the Middle East and Africa they felt the pace of life on the Isle of Arran, reached only after an hour long ferry crossing, would be slow enough to allow them to indulge in their passion for decorating and gardening. Find out all about the men and their habitat in our feature, with photographs by Paul Graham.

So which Mull Historical Society do you prefer? The middle-aged academics in suits standing in front of a slide projector, or the youngsters helping to cement Scotland's place in the modern music world? The pundits have spoken already, placing the latter's album Loss well above the former's newsletters in their lists of 2001's highlights. They are a band worth watching, and their meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing. Photographed by Paul Graham.

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