Contents
p3
Editor Dominic Roskrow visits the Orkney Isles
For some reason lately there seems to have been a spate of television programmes or magazine articles featuring lists of things we ought to have done before we die.
The selections normally have three...
By Dominic Roskrow in the section
From the Editor
p7
Roddy Martine talks...
MOMENTOUS events are frequently shaped by defeat, not victory. The aftermath of tragedy creates new beginnings. Such a new beginning
took place following the two failed Jacobite Uprisings of the 18th ...
By Roddy Martine in the section
Roddy Martine's World
p12
The Atholl Highlanders are the sole private army in Europe so it's only right they help to safeguard one of Scotland's greatest treasures - Blair Castle. Kate Ennis reports
Talk about a reception! As we approached the majestic white turreted building that is Blair Castle, we were met by formidable kilted men brandishing bayonets. Luckily they weren’t hostile.
The 10 men...
By Kate Ennis in the section
Historic Houses
p16
John Hannavy looks at fortress castles on Scotland's coastline
Sailing up the River Forth in mediaeval times, be you welcome guest or unwelcome foe, the sight that greeted you as you approached Blackness would have sent a chill through even the hardiest sailor. B...
By John Hannavy in the section
Scottish Castles
p19
Catching wildlife in late winter isn't easy. But hares and crossbills are there say Graham Holliday
Mountain hares were introduced to the Pentlands in 1867 and 1868 to provide an additional game species for the area. The hares were shot as part of the popular sport of hare drives during that time.
...
By Graham Holiday in the section
Scottish Wildlife
p20
Culloden stands out as a defining moment in Scottish history. James Irvine Robertson looks back
There have been far bloodier battlefields than the nondescript stretch of moorland a few miles east of Inverness called Culloden.
But stand there amid the flapping banners from where the Highlanders ...
By James Irvine Robertson in the section
Scottish History
p23
If so, there's a website that will allow you to trace your Caledonian heritage and find out exactly where your forefathers came from, and what they did as Martin Vousden reveals
Scotland has exported some wonderful things to the rest of the world – whisky and golf to name but two. But its greatest, and certainly most successful export has probably been its people, with the re...
By Martin vousden in the section
Scottish Ancestry
p28
Iain Banks' new book is a personal journey into Scotland's distillery hearland. Paul Schoonenberg reports
Iain Banks, the relentlessly inventive novelist, famous for his speed writing (he penned his last novel Dead Air in just six weeks), is finally taking a more leisurely approach to his work with his fi...
By Paul Schoonenberg in the section
Scotland Profile
p32
Powerkiting is the latest daredevil beach craze and Scotland is ideal for it. Louise Gilbert gave it a twirl
The initial research for this story throws me into a world of unique vocabulary. Powerkiting equipment has, let’s just say, rather unusual names.
‘Frenzy’, ‘Littledevil’ and ‘Meteor’ are the names of...
By Louise Gilbert in the section
Outdoor Scotland
p36
Reindeer are in their element in winter in general and at Christmas in particular. Hayley Fletcher travelled to the Cairngorms to meet Scotland's free roaming herd
Of the thousands of people who visit the barren slopes of the Cairngorm mountains to ski, trek and climb, few would dispute that it is just about the coldest place in Britain.
Yet it is precisely bec...
By Hayley Fletcher in the section
Scottish Trends
p40
In 1799 a young Scottish borderer published his story of an epic African journeyand became the toast of London society. Neil Gunn recounts his story.
The first volume of Mungo Park’s Travels into the Interior of Africa was published in 1799 to huge acclaim. Lewis Grassic Gbbon commented that: “London and the provinces devoured the book.”
Mungo Par...
By Neil Gunn in the section
Scottish Hotels
p42
Steve Newman looks at he salmon as it returns to the river Tweed, and the animals and hazards it encounters on its way.
The salmon has one of the longest journeys of any animal on the planet. The Tweed has long been recognised as Britain’s premier salmon river twisting its way from the western Border hills to the sea a...
By Steve Newman in the section
Scottish Journeys
p46
Many looking north from Edinburgh and Glasgow miss out on the areas bordering England. What a shame, says Steve Newman
Most people think of Scotland as the mountains and lochs of the Highlands but the Borders have a magic and fascination all of their own.
This is partially due to the fierce conflicts that raged over ...
By Steve Newman in the section
Regional Focus
p54
Scotland is famed for its exquisite jewellery. Kate Patrick picks out some gems
Face it, girls, there’s nothing like the thrill of a new diamond – except, possibly, when it’s set in platinum in a ring, ear-ring or pendant.
Fifth Avenue, Bond Street, Place Vendome and Via Montena...
By Kate Patrick in the section
Scottish Shopping
p58
Pies and bridies have been an important part of Scottish culture for centuries and the standard has never been higher. Sue Lawrence picks a few favourites
As the shrill drone of the bagpipes settles into a pleasing skirl, the piper enters and a reverent hush falls over the expectant crowd. And as the silver ashet is held aloft behind him, they stride pr...
By Sue Lawrence in the section
Scottish Food
p62
In association with HotelReviewScotland.com
ARDANAISEIG
Kilchrenan, by Loch Awe, Argyll
Telephone 01866 833333
Fax 01866 833222
On a remote corner of Loch Awe in the West Highlands, the Victorian gothic-style Ardanaiseig Hotel, with lawns swee...
By in the section
Best of Scotland
p64
Hotels don't get much more grand than Atholl Palace in Pitlochry, says Brigid James
Pitlochry’s Atholl Palace Hotel rises in Scottish baronial splendour from its 48-acre grounds of woodland and parkland.
Situated under one hour’s drive north of Perth on the south side of the Highlan...
By Brigid James in the section
Best of Scotland
p66
The Scottish Crannog centre brings history to life in spectacular fashion. Joyce Bram went to visit it.
Imust confess I’m a bit of a Philistine when it comes to history. Museums make me morose and castles leave me cold. But even I couldn’t fail to be impressed by the Scottish Crannog Centre, near Kenmor...
By Joyce Bram in the section
Best of Scotland
p68
The dovecot tapestries are going from strength to strength. Roddy Martine assesses a true Scottish treasure
It was more than two decades ago that I discovered the Dovecot Tapestry, in those days situated in the Edinburgh village of Corstorphine and on that occasion, I had been invited to a “cutting-off” cer...
By Roddy Martine in the section
Best of Scotland
p74
Our latest bizarre tale from Scotland's west coast comes from Blue Dalziel
I’ll tell you about lowering standards,” he said. I’d never clapped eyes on his coupon before and here he is butting into the conversation.
The Fank and I were having at the bar. It would have been f...
By in the section