Posts by Kenny Smith
Forget the Caledonian cringe and just love Scotland
Why can’t we Scots shrug off that Caledonian Cringe and simply accept how much the rest of the world loves Scottishness? I’ve been living in Scotland for a few years now, ever since I met the Scottish crime writer Craig Robertson at the Left Coast Crime Conference in Colorado, and when I’m back in the…
Read MoreA lodge in the Great Glen and close to Loch Ness
Forester’s Lodge is located in a beautiful setting close to the southern shores of Loch Ness. Presented for sale by Galbraith, Forester’s Lodge is a delightful property which has been modernised and extended to a high standard. The current owners purchased the house approximately 10 years ago, and have carried out improvements including the installation…
Read MoreA chaotic childhood led to a life in nursing
Mary J MacLeod’s childhood memoirs tell the chaotic story of her upbringing – from an idyllic childhood, her mother’s death changes everything. Passed from one family member to another, she finds herself seen as more of a housemaid. The story follows her early life and then through the war as she breaks from the shackles…
Read MoreShooting on the island that time forgot
A pheasant shoot on Inchmurrin island in the middle of Loch Lomond feels like an escape from modern life, starting with a peaceful boat ride and ending with views of a Scottish landscape that take your breath away. The clouds may be the darkest shades of grey and the current may look a bit wild,…
Read MoreCroft originals – we speak to five young crofters
Five young people who have taken up crofting tell Scottish Field what made them choose this difficult but rewarding life. Crofting, the historic system of smallscale food production, protects land and helps keep rural communities populated. Integral to the culture of the Highlands and Islands, it’s also hard work and rarely viable as a sole…
Read MoreBurn your boats at Up Helly Aa
Held each January to celebrate Shetland’s rich Viking heritage, the fiery Up Helly Aa festival is a truly remarkable sight. Originating in the 1880s, Up Helly Aa is a community fire festival which takes place in Lerwick, on the last Tuesday in January. It is believed that the name, Up Helly Aa is derived from…
Read MoreThe Scottish cars that didn’t always hit top gear
From dogcarts to a supercar as pricey as the Lotus Esprit, Scotland’s motoring heritage boasts an impressive line-up. We round up 10 of the finest – and perhaps not so fine – cars to hail from Scotland. 1. Hillman Imp The Hillman Imp was first produced at a purpose-built factory at Linwood in Renfrewshire in…
Read MoreCottage has been refurbished to a high standard
An attractive modernised cottage in a peaceful location is now on the property market. McBeths Cottage is a delightful traditional cottage situated within the peaceful rural hamlet of Fortingall, Perthshire. The cottage has been tastefully modernised and redesigned by the current owners and retains many charming features. The sitting room is bright and welcoming and…
Read MoreWhen the landlords kept their tenants in state of terror
In None Dare Oppose, a study of Highland landlordism, author John MacLeod paints a portrait of Victorian Scotland. For two decades, the people of Lewis lived in terror, oppressed by corrupt land owners, before rising above the regime and marching to Stornoway in a gripping finale. MacLeod captures the essence of the time with vibrant characters and…
Read MoreWorldwide sailor Gillian is having Burns Night at sea
A Scotswoman sailing around the world will this year be celebrating Burns Night at sea. Gillian Donald (50), from Edinburgh, has just completed half of what she considers to be ‘the biggest challenge of her life’ – the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, as part of the Imagine Your Korea crew. She enthused: ‘It’s…
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