The new issue of Scotland is out now. We’ve packed it with historic tales, stories of Scottish heritage, age-old traditions and travel inspiration. Find out what’s inside here
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New issue: Issue 113 is now on sale
As the year draws to a close, perhaps you find yourself drawn to Scotland even more than usual. For many, Scotland is even more appealing in autumn and winter, when her wild, elemental beauty comes into its own and there are far fewer people around to spoil the sense of escapism.
In The Norse Isles, writer Stephen McGinty tells of a visit to Shetland, the remote archipelago that wears her Scandinavian heritage with pride. If you can’t make it this year, it’s worth planning ahead for next winter when the famous fire festivals will hopefully light up the islands once more.
But before we bid farewell to 2020 entirely, there are two important anniversaries to remember: the 200th birthday of Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square, the crowning glory of the New Town, which we celebrate in Grand Designs; and the tercentenary of the birth of Bonnie Prince Charlie, The Jacobite Prince, who managed to rally the clans for one of the biggest uprisings in Scottish history.
However, in Scotland magazine, we don’t just like to look to the past, but also celebrate Scotland’s present and look to its future, which is why we were delighted that tennis superstar Sir Andy Murray, one of Scotland’s biggest modern-day heroes, chose to speak exclusively to us about his hometown of Dunblane and the places he dreams of visiting.
And for any readers that have joined us from Scottish Life, you’ll be delighted to hear that Kate Francis will be returning with her Notes from the Isles from next issue, a thoroughly engaging column on life in 21st-century Scotland.
A taste of issue 113:
To the manor born
The State Drawing Room. Credit: Thirlestane Castle
Edward Maitland-Carew, descendant of one of Scotland’s most politically powerful families, welcomes us into Thirlestane Castle and his grand family estate.
Homeland: Sir Andy Murray
The National Wallace Monument overlooks Stirling. Credit: Thomas Haywood
Tennis champion Sir Andy Murray is one of Scotland’s best-known international sports stars. He has won Wimbledon twice, the US Open, two Olympic Gold Medals and was a member of the Davis Cup winning team with his older brother Jamie. Born in Glasgow, Andy grew up in the small town of Dunblane in Perthshire, and here he tells us why Scotland will always be home for him.
A murder most royal
Drummond Castle Gardens. Credit: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam
The death of Margaret Drummond, King James IV’s mistress, paved the way for a Thistle and Rose union. Coincidence or crime? We get to the bottom of this royal romance gone wrong.
Also inside the issue:
- The history of the bagpipes, a sound now synonymous with Scotland
- How to get around the problem of illegitimacy when researching your ancestry
- Explore one of the world’s great golfing road trips from the Mull of Kintyre to the Highlands
- Tour the East Neuk of Fife, a string of charming old fishing villages in easy reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh
- Our Master of Malt discusses the pros and cons of investing in whisky as the auction market heats up
- Edward Maitland-Carew, descendant of a powerful Scottish family, welcomes us into Thirlestane Castle
- Meet Andrew MacThomas of Finegand, the 19th Chief of Clan MacThomas for 50 years in 2020
Buy your copy here (available from 23 October) or subscribe online to have Scotland delivered direct to your door six times a year.
SCOTLAND MAGAZINE
Published six times a year, every issue of Scotland showcases its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, and delves deep into Scottish history. From mysterious clans and famous Scots (both past and present), to the hidden histories of the country’s greatest castles and houses, Scotland‘s pages brim with the soul and secrets of the country.
Scotland magazine captures the spirit of this wild and wonderful nation, explores its history and heritage and recommends great places to visit, so you feel at home here, wherever you are in the world.