Scotland
Craigellachie releases a £3499.99 bottle at Heathrow
Craigellachie 39 Year Old Single Cask has launched exclusively at Heathrow – making it the oldest and rarest Craigellachie bottling available to buy. Distilled in 1980, the whisky was laid down in a refill Bourbon Hogshead, and in 2019 was singled out by malt master Stephanie MacLeod for its notes of delicate oak, charred pineapple…
Read MoreScotland’s grey squirrels are a meat worth considering
Scotland faces a constant battle to control its grey squirrel population, so the option of trying this humanely managed free-range wild meat is worth considering. In my year eating only animals I kill myself, I have tried to find sources of meat that do not damage the environment. In the case of grey squirrel, I…
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 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 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 More16th century castle needs volunteers for the summer
A Scots castle is looking for volunteers to help boost visitors’ experiences of the historic building Thirlestane Castle, in Lauder, is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland. This summer they are extending their opening days so visitors can tour the 16th-century castle seven days a week. In order to do this…
Read MoreHills & Harbour Gin takes a top award
A Scots distiller was celebrating big this week after winning the top award for ‘Best Scottish London Dry’ Gin at this year’s World Gin Awards held in London. Taking home a win in the most competitive category against many well-known and respected Scottish gin brands delighted the Crafty Distillery, based in Galloway, believing it shows…
Read MoreOro strikes gold at 2020 World Gin Awards
Dumfriesshire-based Oro Distilling Co has won three awards including a prestigious Gold award in the category for London Dry Gin at this year’s World Gin Awards, held in London. Oro fought off stiff competition from brands including Edinburgh Gin and London Hill to win one of the coveted Gold awards for its Oro Gin. It…
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