There is something about the North West coast of Scotland. Maybe it’s the ancient weather beaten rocks of the shoreline or the near perfect sandy beaches with their scattering of tiny tidal islands. Perhaps its the light or the remote locations. Whatever it is I always feel like I’ve ventured into another world, as if […]
Over the weekend of the 22nd to the 24th of August, Scotland’s Tea Festival will be hosting a series of events in Laurencekirk and Auchenblae in Aberdeenshire celebrating tea and Scotland’s contribution to the tea industry, particularly focusing on the life of local born man James Taylor, who was known as the “The Father of […]
A few months ago we received an email from Sue McIntosh president of COSCA (the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations) The email contained an invitation to join them over at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina. We considered the invitation for about half a second before jumping at the chance; Grandfather Mountain must […]
A Shetland fire station has been forced to close its doors as the result of a viking fire festival. Two fire fighters from the station on the Island of Bressay have refused to shave their beards ahead of today’s Up Helly Aa festival, which celebrates Shetland’s Viking heritage and culminates with the dramatic burning of […]
This coming Saturday is perhaps the biggest day of the year for Scottish cooking – Burns Night is the day in which the Scots skill for bashing turnips and squeezing minced sheep offal into an animal’s stomach bag is celebrated the world over. An absolute culinary essential to any Burns Night supper is the […]
Thank goodness Burns Night is just around the corner. With Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations all over for another year, I’ve been suffering from post-festive-season-depression this past week. Touted as Scotland’s unofficial national day, Burns Night is a celebration of the birthday of Scotland’s most loved bard, Rabbie Burns. It’s also the perfect excuse to get […]
It’s hard to imagine that once upon a time Christmas was banned for over 400 years in Scotland. Today shops are full of anything and everything Christmas related you could ever need, you can spot Christmas trees in almost every sitting room window and fairy lights adorn houses and businesses across the land. Up until […]
Greetings folks! This blog is coming to you live from the Outer Hebrides and will follow my travels on my first trip straying from the Scottish mainland. I’ll be spending most of my time on the Isle of Barra with Clan Macneil, where I’ve been invited to attend a special ceremony at Kisimul Castle. I’m […]
Organisers at this years Pitlochry Highland Games were forced to replace the caber with a heavier pole when complaints were received after last years event. Traditionally only top heavyweight athletes competing in Highland games have the strength and technique to manage to toss a caber. However almost every single burly competitor at last years event […]
Earlier in September Amanda and I traveled to the Scottish Borders to spend an afternoon at Hume Castle, where part of this years Clan Hume/Home gathering was taking place. Held every five years, the gathering provides a way for clan members to connect in person with one another, while learning about their heritage and exploring […]
