Scotland Correspondent Issue 37

Academics to study Outlander affect Birthday bash for Burns Exploring Fife’s Royal capital

Why Scotland’s top for holidays Best places for woodland bathing Fighting climate change p1

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Index - Inside this issue

inside this issue 10 Studying

the Outlander impact affect

32 Visiting

Dunfermline 22 Happy

Birthday Burns

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Index - Inside this issue

44 Holiday

destination Scotland

64 An

actor’s life for me‌.

by Scott Kyle 60 Israel

debut 84 Remembering for artist a photographic pioneer

55 Golden

threads exhibition

74 Celebrating

King James VI

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Index - Inside this issue

inside this issue

99 Forest bathing

- a new trend for relaxation

91 Argyll

adventures in Dunoon

111 Country

sports boost p6

114 Mountain

festival highlights

the whisky industry 158 Our

guide on where to stay

Date 4 Your Diary 164

What’s on in Scotland and abroad this month.

147 Plugged

into the future

130 Restoring

Highland wildlife

139 Whale

time

of a

153 Protecting

special places

1 Cover

Photo

Photo by Kenny Lam / Visit Scotland Statue of Robert Burns in the centre of Dumfries p7

Index - Inside this issue

123 Disrupting

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Events - Outlander examined

Outlander examined

Photo by University of Glasgow Charlie Allan and Scott McMaster of The Clanranald Trust for Scotland

by Helen Lloyd

A

n international conference examining the history, customs, politics, culture, clothes and music featured in the hit tv show Outlander is to be held in Glasgow later this year.

The television series, which has become a worldwide phenomenon combining in a tale of love with historical time

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travel, has played a major part in showcasing the spectacular landscape and scenery of Scotland to a global audience.

This summer academics at the University of Glasgow will host a major conference to look at the impact the show, and the books they are based upon, has had on Scotland.

The event has been given a seal of approval by the American

author Diana Gabaldon, who has also agreed to give a keynote speech at the four-day conference in June 2020.

To complement the academic programme, the University is working with partners to plan a series of events to take place throughout the four days that will be open to the general public.

Organisers promise it will be an exciting, vibrant and highly popular conference which will

Events - Outlander examined Photo byVisitScotland Outlander author Diana Gabaldon

see Glasgow being taken over by Outlander fever.

Literature) at the University of Glasgow.

together the multiple areas of expertise involved in its creation.

“The globally successful Outlander series has triggered more interest in Scotland and its history than any other cultural artefact in recent years. Interest continues to grow as Outlander moves into its fifth season,” said Professor Willy Maley, Professor of Renaissance Studies (English

“While hundreds of fan-based gatherings and interest groups around the world promote and encourage Outlander fandom, and thousands of media articles ponder its reach and appeal, there has not yet been an event which takes an academic approach to the series and brings

“The University of Glasgow plans to do just this: hosting a major international Outlander conference in 2020 will offer the chance to debate, discuss and dissect the elements that make up this remarkable phenomenon.”

The Outlander TV series features

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Events - Outlander examined

English nurse Claire Randall (played by Caitriona Balfe) who falls 200 years through time to the eve of Culloden, where she meets the Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser. played by Sam Heughan - a recent University of Glasgow honorary graduate.

Photo by Starz Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in Outlaner costume

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Events - Outlander examined

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Events - Outlander examined Photo by Robert Cutts CC BY 2.0 Doune Castle

Photo by Helge Rieder CC BY-SA 3.0 Historic cottage at the Highland Folk Museum

With Scotland and its history, the main focus, the series has led to a massive influx of tourists wanting to visit locations featured, including a number of sites in the city of Glasgow and the University of Glasgow, which doubled as Harvard in the third series.

Several academics at the University, from a range of disciplines, have been directly involved in the production and have played key roles as

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researchers, advisors and even cast members.

This has included Celtic and Gaelic Lecturer Gillebride MacMillan who played Gwyllyn the Bard. In Season 1, Gwyllyn (MacMillan) regales TV viewers with traditional Gaelic songs and tales. He also sang a song specially written by Outlander’s music composer Bear McCreary.

Mr MacMillan, who will take part

in the University’s Outlander conference, said: “It has been an amazing journey since I was first cast as Gwyllyn the Bard in Outlander. It has opened huge opportunities for me, and I just love that through Outlander I have been able to bring new songs and the Gaelic language to a whole new and worldwide audience.

“I am looking forward to the conference which will bring all the many disciplines at the

Events - Outlander examined Photo by University of Glasgow Celtic and Gaelic Lecturer Gillebride MacMillan who played Gwyllyn the Bard in the first series of Outlander

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Events - Outlander examined

University of Glasgow together to look at Outlander from an educational and academic perspective. I am also looking forward to welcoming the author of the Outlander book series Diana Gabaldon to the University.�

Also taking part in the event will

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Blackness Castle

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Events - Outlander examined

be charity the Clanranald Trust for Scotland, an educational organisation established in 1995. The members of the trust are dedicated to promoting increased awareness of Scottish Culture and Heritage through interactive education and entertainment. Members of the trust have appeared and acted as advisers on Outlander.

Events - Outlander examined

The Outlander Conference will take place at the University of Glasgow from 2 to 6 June.

Topics to be discussed include Scottish culture:, with regard

to Celtic identity, clans, Gaelic language and translation.

There will also be presentations on how the show depicted everyday life in Scotland of the

Photo by Gerry McCann Old cottage on the site of the Battle of Culloden

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18th century; an exploration of the medicines of the day along with a look at costume, fashion and textiles.

Other subjects will examine

Jacobitism, the union between Scotland and England, independence, nationalism and monarchy.

can be found at https://www. outlanderconferenceglasgow. com/

More details on the conference

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Events - Outlander examined

folklore and storytelling through song and poetry; warfare in relation to battlefield archaeology, Culloden, weaponry, military history; politics surrounding Franco-Scottish relations,

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Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that Photo VisitScotland Piping in the haggis at a traditional Burns supper

Celebrating Burns and a’ that

by Paul Watson

C

hristmas and Hogmanay may be over but the party continues for Scots all over the globe this month.

For most people January is a month to rest and recover from the exertions of the festive season. But, being the birthday month of our national poet Robert Burns there is still plenty of celebrating to be done.

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This year Scots and visitors alike can toast Robert Burns’ legacy on the big night of January 25 with a wee dram and a traditional Burns supper of haggis, neeps and tatties.

Throughout Scotland and internationally there are numerous exciting events taking place to toast the immortal memory of The Bard, as can be seen in our international what’s on guide on page 164.

In Dumfries and Galloway, from

the Big Burns Supper festival, which promises a variety of cabaret acts, comedy and music alongside the haggis, to the world’s first Burns Supper drivethru in South Ayrshire, there’s plenty of options to choose from.

The Big Burns Supper lasts from 23 January to the 2 February 2020, making it the world’s biggest contemporary Burns celebration.

The festival takes place in venues, bars, art galleries, museums and

Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that

Portrait of Robert Burns

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Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that Photo by VisitScotland Depiction of Robert Burns and wis wife on display In the Burns House Museum

has an 800 capacity Spiegeltent which includes a strong roster of international names taking place.

The line-up for 2020 includes music from Morcheeba, Newton Faulkner and Elephant Sessions; burlesque performers Le Haggis; and critically acclaimed Band of Burns who will bring their unique take on the Bard’s works at Burns Night Live on 25 January.

Photo by VisitScotland The Globe Inn - frequented Burns on the High Street, Dumfries

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Brand-new for this year is the addition of two performances of Family Le Haggis, bringing all that is brilliant and bizarre from Dumfries’ favourite cabaret show but suitable for audiences of all ages.

Apart from the food Scotland fans can follow in the Bard’s footsteps with a visit to his birthplace in Alloway, home to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, and Dumfries, which is home to places such as Ellisland Farm (built by Robert Burns as his

Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland The Robert Burns Centre and Film Theatre tells the story of the connections between Burns and Dumfries.

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Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that Photo by VisitScotland Robert Burns’ House, Dumfries

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In Alloway visitors can join locals, at various venues between 23 to 27 January, in a celebration street party, enjoy Burns live music nights, take part in the only Burns Supper in the world to take place in Burns Cottage, and find out the winner of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award and a lot more.

On 25 January the world’s first Burns Supper Drive Thru will take place at Newhailes House & Gardens in Edinburgh. Visitors can order their meals on arrival and enjoy from the comfort of their own cars. A bit of poetry or a song can also be expected.

Also in Edinburgh visitors can enjoy a delicious three-course Scottish dinner – with the centre piece Haggis – and a generous helping of Burns’ stories and songs at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 23 & 24 January.

Hosted by storytellers David Campbell and Ruth Kirkpatrick, with clarsach player Katie Harrigan it also features Donald Smith’s rendition of Tam O’Shanter.

Other Burns attractions in Ayrshire include the Bachelors’ Club in Tarbolton, the 17th century thatched cottage where Burns established his debating club, and the Burns House Museum in Mauchline where Robert Burns lived and worked between 1784 and 1788.

While in Dumfries, visitors can also spend an afternoon at Burns’ final home, Robert Burns House, on the aptly named Burns Street.

Discover the famous Kilmarnock and Edinburgh editions of Burns’ work and take a look around the

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Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that

home in 1788) and the Globe Inn pub (established in 1610, which was regularly frequented by Burns and is home to some fascinating memorabilia).

Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that Illustration to ‘Tam O’Shanter’ by John Faed in the National Galleries of Scotland (PD)

The Burns Mausoleum, the final resting place for Burns, his widow Jean, and five of their children, is also only a short walk away in St Michael’s Kirkyard.

Robert Burns’ connections with Scotland’s capital have long been celebrated.

Brodie’s Tavern on the Royal Mile.

Also based on the city’s Royal Mile, the Writers’ Museum has a permanent Robert Burns collection which is recognised to have national significance.

Displayed in the museum is a collection of portraits of Burns along with the writing desk from his Dumfries home at which he wrote some of his best-known work.

On 28 November 1786 when Robert Burns arrived in Edinburgh its gates were flung open to him. He stayed in Baxter’s Close in a house which has been demolished and is now Deacon

While in Edinburgh, fans of Burns can see one of the most famous portraits at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery - Alexander Nasmyth’s portrait of Robert Burns.

study where he wrote some of his best-loved poems.

Robert Burns

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Events - Celebrating Burns and a’ that Burns’ Mausoleum Dumfries - Photo MSD

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Photo by Guy Phillips

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Travel - Discovering Dunfermline Photo by Fraser Band Donald MacKenzie, Dunfermline & West Fife Local Tourism Association, Michelle Sweeney, Director of Creative Development & Delivery, Fife Cultural Trust, Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director and Derek Bottom, Chair of Dunfermline Heritage Partnership

Discovering Dunfermline

by Scott Aitken

S

ituated on high ground, just three miles from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth the former Royal Burgh of Dunfermline occupies an important place in Scottish history.

The town of more than 50,000 people can trace its origins as a

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settlement back to the Neolithic period, although the first mention of the town by name doesn’t appear in historic records until the 11th century.

It was here in 1070 that King Malcolm III married the English princess Margaret of Wessex, who was later canonised by Pope Innocent IV in recognition of her piety and personal holiness to

become Saint Margaret.

During her time as Queen of Scots Margaret built the Benedictine chapel which evolved to become Dunfermline Abbey and the traditional burial place of seven Scottish Kings, including Robert The Bruce, who was the last to be buried here in 1329.

Dunfermline has a number of

Travel - Discovering Dunfermline Photo by VisitScotland Dunfermline Abbey

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Travel - Discovering Dunfermline other claims to fame. It was here on 23 October 1295 that the first known documentation of the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France was signed - a bond that has continued in many ways ever since.

In the 18th century the Burgh

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Photo by VisitScotland Inside Dunfermline Abbey

Travel - Discovering Dunfermline became a major centre for linen production and, due to its abundance of water power mills and close proximity to the trading ports on Firth of Forth, it was a major export centre to the Balic and Low Countries of mainland Europe.

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Travel - Discovering Dunfermline

Dunfermline is also the birth place of Andrew Carnegie, the US steel magnate and one time richest man in the world. The weaver’s cottage in which he was born is now a museum paying tribute to the man and his generosity. Carnegie donated the funds to build the town library in 1881, the first one of almost 3,000 free public libraries around the world paid for by the multimillionaire.

Photo by VisitScotland Andrew Carnegie statue in Pittencrieff Park

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Less than three miles from the Carnegie Birth Place museum is Broomhall House, ancestral

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Travel - Discovering Dunfermline

A statue to Carnegie stands in the town’s 76 acre Pittencrieff Park, a peaceful spot in the centre of the town which he also donated to the community in 1903. Every August the park plays host to The Bruce Festival to promote the legendary King’s links to Dunfermline.

Travel - Discovering Dunfermline Photo by VisitScotland Pittencrieff House

home of the Bruce family as featured in issue 28 of Scotland Correspondent magazine.

North of the abbey lies Abbot House, the oldest secular building in Dunfermline which was originally built in 15th century as a residence for Abbot Richard Bothwell.

In the car park just off Bruce Street and Chambers Street lies St Margaret’s Cave where she used to go to pray and contemplate.

Photo by VisitScotland Unicorn at Pittencrieff House

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On the outskirts of the town to the west lies Pitfirrane Castle, once the seat of the Halkett family which dates from the 16th century. Now it is used as a clubhouse for Dunfermline Golf Club. To the south Pitreave Castle and Logie House, provide great examples of traditional Scottish country homes dating from the mid-17th century.

Travel - Discovering Dunfermline Photo by VisitScotland Pittencrieff Park

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Travel - Discovering Dunfermline Photo by VisitScotland Dunfermline City Chambers

which is often overlooked by people out with the area.

The campaign aims to promote the area as a destination with a contemporary, traditional and diverse range of things to see and do.

The beach below Ravenscraig Castle in Dunfermline

This year, 2020, a new digital marketing campaign aims to bring more visitors to the town and surrounding area by showcasing its history and heritage.

The project aims to develop and share inspiring content and stories across social media which will showcase the area’s rich history to visitors throughout the UK and beyond.

Five themes have been identified to showcase Dunfermline and west Fife’s world class heritage and grow a strong brand identity

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to better promote the area.

The five themes are Cultural & Creative, History & Heritage, Royalty & Pilgrimage, Carnegie’s Legacy, Sporting Heritage & Outdoors.

Home of the Forth Bridge World Heritage Site, Culross Palace, Pittencrieff Park, Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline Abbey & Palace, Dunfermline Heritage Quarter and Abbot House, Dunfermline and west Fife has a remarkable heritage offering

“Dunfermline and west Fife has so many wonderful stories for visitors to discover,” said Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director.

“The area is steeped in history ancient and modern, such as Dunfermline being established as a Royal Burgh in the 1100s, more modern engineering feats such as the Forth Bridge and Queensferry Crossing and the region’s recent success as a set for Outlander and Outlaw King. I look forward to seeing the town and west Fife’s rich heritage come to life to showcase Scotland’s ancient capital as a top visitor destination.”

Travel - Discovering Dunfermline Photo by VisitScotland Dunfermline High Street

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Travel - Stay a little longer Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Isle of Skye road bridge and Isle of Skye from viewpoint at Kyle of Lochalsh

Stay a little longer

by Paul Watson

S

cotland’s attraction as a top destination among Scots and other domestic visitors from the other nations of the UK is on the rise.

New research has shown that so called staycations are on the rise

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north of the border with coastal towns and urban destinations the most popular with holidaymakers.

According to the latest national visitor statistics there were 5.5 million domestic overnight holiday trips from British Isles visitors, including Scots, in Scotland between January and August

2019, raising ÂŁ1.5 billion for the Scottish economy.

Figures from the Great Britain Tourism Survey has revealed that domestic tourism in Scotland has grown by 40 per cent over the same period since 2016, driven by staycationing Scots.

Travel - Stay a little longer Photo by Visit Aberdeenshire Braemar Castle

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Travel - Stay a little longer

In the first eight months of 2019 there were two million total overnight visits to coastal resorts and towns and 4.5 million to cities and major towns while 860,000 overnight trips took place in rural areas, with Scottish residents accounting for 54.4 per cent of visitors from Scotland, Wales and England.

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus where it joins Loch Ness

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Those aged 55 and over continue to be the main source of domestic tourism, with the

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Travel - Stay a little longer

It is anticipated by the country’s leading tourism body that the number of coastal trips could be set to rise further in 2020 as Scotland celebrates the Year of Coasts and Waters.

Travel - Stay a little longer Photo by Damian Shields / VisitScotland Corriechullie Farm and the Cairngorm Mountains, Grantown-on-Spey

millennial and generation z markets amounting to almost a fifth of all domestic travellers.

hoto by Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland Gairloch with the Gairloch Holiday Park visible and the mountains of Torridon beyond

Photo by Paul Kelbie / Flag Media Crovie, Aberdeenshire

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Edinburgh & Lothians, Highlands & Islands and Perthshire are among the most popular regions, with year-on-year growth in the last three years. January to August this year saw 2.1 million total trips to Edinburgh & Lothians, 2.1 million to Highlands and 507,000 to Perthshire.

In addition, Fife and Central Scotland (Argyll & the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & Trossachs) saw a spike in total visits for the first eight months, with a 25 per cent and 64 per cent increase on 2018 figures to 424,000 and 1.4 million trips, respectively.

Activity attractions; castles; and outdoor/nature attractions, have all seen growth according to the Moffat Centre’s Scottish Visitor Attraction Barometer, which is in line with the latest tourism

Travel - Stay a little longer Photo by VisitScotland / Jakub Iwanicki Cairngorms National Park

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Travel - Stay a little longer

trends of wellness, betterment and a desire to seek and develop experience and skills.

Visits to activity attractions between January and September this year grew by 10 per cent

to 172,312 compared with the same period last year. There were 539,178 visits to castles (a 6 per cent increase) and 771,435 visits to outdoor/nature attractions (a 21 per cent increase).

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Urquhart Castle commands great views of Loch Ness and can be found beside the village of Drumnadrochit

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“Scotland is seeing a resurgence in the staycationer. The UK remains Scotland’s largest tourism market and it is hugely encouraging to see so many more Scots exploring what is right here on their doorstep,”

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Travel - Stay a little longer

VisitScotland’s Trends 2019 paper published earlier this year identified that Scotland is well placed to capitalise and embrace the global movement that is wellness tourism, valued globally at more than $600bn.

Travel - Stay a little longer said Chris Greenwood, VisitScotland Senior Insights Manager. “Uncertainty around Brexit and fluctuations in currency have undoubtably been contributing factors for holidaymakers who decided to travel closer to home but it is also an opportunity for tourism businesses to engage

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Photo by VisitScotland / Discover Fraserburgh / Fiona McRae Cullykhan bay is a delightful sandy cove. Overlooking it is Castle Point also known as Fort Fiddes and has an excellent viewpoint of Pennan.

Travel - Stay a little longer with this captive audience to encourage return trips. “The impact of tourism goes far beyond the holiday experience. It is vital to the Scottish economy, reaching every corner of the country, creating jobs and bringing economic and social change.�

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Arts - Lost threads catch the eye Photo by David Cheskin/Edinburgh University Edinburgh Universitys co-curator Francesca Baseby looks at some embroidery from a archive of needlework deplayed at the University of Edinburgh

Lost threads catch the eye

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elightfully delicate embroidery from a remarkable archive of needlework that lay neglected in a cupboard for 50 years has gone on display at the University of Edinburgh.

The historic collection, donated by a renowned thread manufacture and rediscovered eight years ago, features an eyecatching range of exhibits.

Among the recently rediscovered items there are a number of

charming embroidered birds, an elaborate Chinese headdress and the striking image of an angel adorned with gold thread.

were part of the Needlework Development Scheme (NDS), which now belongs to Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).

Other highlights are the remnant of a 400-year-old Italian bed hanging, an ornate replica of a 19th century man’s wedding smock and a vibrant shroud dedicated to the patron saint of embroidery, St Clair.

The NDS was set up by the Paisley-based yarn manufacturers, J&P Coats, in 1934 to improve design in embroidery. Coats made their global collection available to Scotland’s four art colleges as teaching aids.

All of the objects in Touching Stitches, which will be held in the University’s Main Library,

The scheme was extended in 1946 to include schools. When

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Arts - Lost threads catch the eye

it was disbanded in 1961, the collection was dispersed to the National Museums of Scotland, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the four art colleges.

ECA’s programme director of textiles, Lindy Richardson, a co-curator of the exhibition, has used the collection since 2011 to

Photo by David Cheskin/Edinburgh University

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The College has also consulted with the Royal National Institute for the Blind to create handling samples that can be enjoyed by visually impaired people.

Examples of these 3D prints and

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Arts - Lost threads catch the eye

support teaching with students, as well as embroiderers’ guilds, refugee groups and prisoners.

Arts - Lost threads catch the eye Photo by David Cheskin/Edinburgh University

enlarged digital replicas of original embroidery are included the exhibition. “The NDS had a widespread

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impact on embroidery design and education in the 20th century. Handling, close analysis and practical exploration was always at its heart,� said Lindy

Richardson.

Touching Stitches runs until 29 February 2020 at the University of Edinburgh Main Library.

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Arts - Tel Aviv debut for Scots artist

Tel Aviv debut for Scots artist

by Helen Lloyd

A

celebrated Scottish artist, who’s work aims to highlight life in a ‘fake news’ world, has been chosen to go on display at The Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The debut exhibition by Rachel Maclean is comprised of a video installation titled Spite Your Face (2017, 37 mins.), which was first exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 2017, where Rachel represented Scotland.

The protagonist of the film, Pic, is a Pinocchio-like figure, who climbs out of the gutter to the heights of society, enjoying the fruits of fame and fortune.

Paving his way with lies, hi gilded Pinocchio nose becomes increasingly long.

The title is borrowed from the English proverb “cut off your nose to spite your face”, which is usually spoken as a warning.

The Disney-like façade of the film is a device that serves to camouflage its true essence: it is only allegedly a children’s tale.

Photos from Spite Your Face by Rachel Maclean

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Painted in blue and gold, Spite Your Face portrays a reality of greed, opportunism, and the worship of external and superficial glamour. This is a dark Dickensian tale, grotesque and terrifying, constructed as a bittersweet fable about life in the posttruth era.

Arts - Tel Aviv debut for Scots artist

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Arts - Tel Aviv debut for Scots artist All the characters in the film, both the admirable and the despicable, are played by the artist herself, with impressive virtuosity, aided by wigs, costumes, makeup and digital manipulation.

Written, directed and starring Rachel Maclean, Spite Your Face was first shown in 2017 in the Santa Caterina Church in Venice, situated at the end of the long church nave.

At Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the installation replicates

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the elongated and vertical proportions of the church, allowing the viewer to be immersed by the monumental vertical screen. The awe of the church space is replaced by the museal aura.

Given Pic’s exploits, both the church and the museum enhance the power relations and the status gap that Pic, in vain, is trying to re-establish.

Spite Your Face was commissioned by Alchemy Film

& Arts for Scotland + Venice at the 57th International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia 2017. It was produced by Ciara Barry and Rosie Crerar. The Scotland + Venice exhibition was curated by Alchemy Film & Arts in partnership with Talbot Rice Gallery and the University of Edinburgh.

The exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art runs until 9 May 2020.

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

An actor’s life for me...

by Scott Kyle One-Mississippi

Spotlight on mental health

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New Year means new projects and for me that involves preparing for a

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stage role in the magnificent, thought provoking play ‘One Mississippi’.

Written by Mariem Omari it is a dynamic piece of Physical Verbatim Theatre which deals

Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle One-Mississippi

with the often overlooked tragedy of young male suicide.

The play explores how the impact of childhood experiences shape men’s adult lives using a blend of humour and powerful storytelling.

At a time when reports suggest suicide among young men is at its highest, often as the result of childhood trauma leading to depression, substance abuse and other problems, ‘One Mississippi’ tackles a topic too many people would like to ignore.

Based on the words of real people, including a Scottish Pakistani Muslim, an Indian Sikh, a Northern Irishman living in Glasgow, and a recovering addict from East Glasgow, the play demonstrates that anyone and everyone can be affected.

That’s what I like about theatre it can educate through entertainment. I’m looking forward to going on tour with the play, and not just because it’s a great piece of theatre. If it makes people think or helps just one person it will be a job well done!

One-Mississippi

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle Portrait of a king

Didja ever…see a collection like this?

D erek Presly is a big Elvis fan (who isn’t?) but despite sharing the same surname (albeit with a different spelling) he never met his hero. However, that hasn’t stopped him becoming a close friend of the first family of Rock ’n’ Roll.

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I recently spent a fascinating afternoon with the avid collector and his lovely wife Fiona at their Highland home. It was such a thrill to get so close to artefacts of The King that it really left me ‘All Shook Up’ (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

Now aged 62 businessman Derek

has been a fan since he was 13 and had always wanted to see Elvis on stage - an ambition cruelly dashed when the singer died suddenly in 1977.

However, when the idea for ‘Elvis in Concert’ was born - involving a many of the singer’s original musicians playing live alongside a

Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

some of the Elvis collection

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle Derek at Graceland

Derek and Fiona at Graceland

Derek showing me some of his collection

giant recording of Elvis on stage - Derek and Fiona flew to New York in 1998 to see the ‘next best thing’ to an actual performance.

Elvis_Presley_promoting_Jailhouse_Rock.jpg (PD Library of Congress)

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Over the years the couple have seen the show more than 40 times around the world and become firm friends with many of the people who knew and worked with Elvis, including his former wife Priscilla Presley, who they have met and holidayed with a number of times.

award Elvis got in 1975 for his Promised Land Album, items of jewellery once owned by the singer and numerous photos and autographs from members of Elvis’s band, aides and bodyguards.

It was truly an exciting experience seeing and touching some of the items connected to Elvis. Meeting Derek and being invited to his home meant a lot and is a memory I’ll treasure, but then that’s ‘Sentimental Me’.

in front of photo of Derek and Fiona with Priscilla Presley

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

At his home, named in honour of Graceland, Derek has a fascinating and priceless collection of authentic Elvis Autographs, along with a suit worn by bass player Jerry Scheff on stage with Elvis, an

Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

Playing away

I enjoyed my visit to Inverness football club

W football.

hile in Inverness I also got to indulge another of my favourite passions -

As a lot of Outlander followers know the Highland capital plays an important part in the story, with its close proximity to Culloden and other locations.

The books and television series have had a huge impact on the

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local tourist economy so it’s no surprise that there are lot fans in the city.

You can imagine how delighted I was to be invited to meet some of the players and board members of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Club.

As most people know I am a big football fan so I always enjoy getting a behind the scenes tour

and I also got to speak with the manager John Robertson who explained how important it is for the club to win promotion back into the top tier of Scottish football.

In addition to watching a game I was asked to speak at the pre match meal and share some stories about my career, including a few anecdotes from ‘Singin I’m No a Billy He’s a Tim’, which

One of the highlights of the visit for me was being presented with a shirt signed by the players.

Another great memory!

Inverness football

Festive treat

A

fter the match it was time to enjoy another great tradition - panto.

I always love going to the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, and not just because my picture hangs on the wall of fame there.

It’s a great venue to perform at and the productions they put on are excellent.

This year’s production of Beauty and the Beast was excellent and

very funny. It was great to see my mate Ross Allan on stage for the first time playing Cameron McKlinkie.

Ross and I play football together but this was the first time I had seen him in the pantomime. He was fantastic along with the rest of the cast including director/ actor Steven Wren as Fanny McKlinkie, Christie Gowans as Belle, Chris O’Mara as Balloch Bennochy, Victoria Compson-

Bradford as Enchantress, Jamie Crockart as Beast/Prince, Rodney Matthew as Hugh.

The show was incredible and received a fantastic response from the audience who included so many tinny tots who were experiencing a pantomime for the first time. Panto and the laughter of children is one of the things that makes the festive season so special.

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Arts - An actor’s life for me... by Scott Kyle

went down well with the football fans, most of whom had seen the show at the Eden Court theatre in Inverness. I also shared stories about working on the Angels Share, Kajaki, and Outlander which everybody seemed to appreciate.

Scotland Correspondent Chinese edition issue 2

H

Look east

aving returned home to Glasgow from the North my attention is now focused on the East.

I can now announce that my column is to appear in the Chinese edition of Scotland Correspondent magazine.

Although I only joined the team last year Scotland Correspondent, which celebrates it’s third birthday this month, has come a long way since it was launched in January 2017.

The digital magazine, which aims

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to showcase the best of Scotland and everything Scottish, now has thousands of readers in more than 60 countries.

It has been pioneering in many ways, especially by including audio and video in editorial and advertisements, but now it’s gone one step further.

Scotland Correspondent is the first free, monthly digital magazine of its kinds to be translated into Mandarin and circulated to a Chinese audience.

There is a growing interest in

Scotland within China - one of the biggest growth markets for international tourism, especially for Scottish products, locations and history.

Already there are Mandarin translations of the Outlander books and the television adaptation was voted Best Foreign TV Series/Serial award at the 23rd Shanghai TV Festival.

It’s an exciting time to be part of the magazine and I’m looking forward to making friends in yet another country.

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History - A life most extraordinary Photo from National Galleries of Scotland James VI and I, 1566 - 1625 attributed to John de Critz

A life most extraordinary

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History - A life most extraordinary Photo from Blair Castle, Perthshire Double Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI, 1583

by Helen Lloyd

A

major exhibition exploring the extraordinary life of King James VI of Scotland and I of England is to open in Edinburgh this summer.

It is the first exhibition in over 40 years devoted to the only son of Mary Queen of Scots and the man who united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603. ‘Bright Star: The Art and Life of King James VI & I’ will uncover a wealth of artistic and cultural riches of the Jacobean period.

It will feature an extraordinary variety of artworks and objects such as paintings, dress and textiles, miniatures, drawings, books, manuscripts and jewellery.

These include highlights from the famous Cheapside Hoard, an accumulation of jewellery

Photo from National Galleries of Scotland Coin, Bearing a Portrait of James VI (Hat piece), 1593

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History - A life most extraordinary

Photo from National Galleries of Scotland Pocket watch associated with James VI and I, 1615

from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, discovered in London in 1912, which have not been on display in Scotland for over 40 years.

Photo from National Galleries of Scotland Unite Coin from reign of James VI & I, 1609-25 Coin

Among the artefacts on display there’s a pocket watch created

by James’s clockmaker in 1615, and a “unite coin” which was produced to celebrate his reign over Scotland and England, along with drawings for costumes for his court.

The exhibition will also bring together outstanding works by artists such as Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619) and Inigo Jones (1573-1652), and will include significant loans from public and private collections, including the Royal Collection Trust, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, London and National Museums Scotland.

Photo from National Portrait Gallery, London Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset, 17th century miniature

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King James is one of the most notorious and romantic figures in Scottish history. He was crowned when only a year old, during a period of great unrest and uncertainty which followed the death of his parents.

History - A life most extraordinary

Photo from National Museums Scotland Pendant Locket set with Miniature Portraits, 16th century jewellery

Photo from National Galleries of Scotland Prince Charles, when Duke of York and Albany, about 1610 Photo from V&A Astronomical compendium, 1617 compass

Photo from The Buchanan Society James VI & I, 1609 miniature watercolour

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History - A life most extraordinary

Photo from Fitzwilliam Museum Queen Anne of Denmark, The Eglinton Jewel, century 1610

His mother, Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded on the orders of Queen Elizabeth of England who feared Mary’s Catholic supporters were a threat to the English throne. His father, Henry, Lord Darnley was murdered in 1597.

The exhibition will begin by focussing on James’ turbulent childhood and youth, and will move through the defining moments of his life, including his coming of age; his marriage to Anna of Denmark (1574-1619), the birth (and deaths) of his children, the Union of the Crowns, when he proclaimed himself ‘King of Great Britain’; and the move of his family and court to London. The key moments presented within the exhibition provide a rich historical context for contemporary debate.

A prolific scholar and author, James was highly cultured and known for writing about many subjects, including government,

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witchcraft and tobacco. His court, both in Scotland and London, became a great centre for creative and artistic innovation and renowned as a centre for literature and entertainment.

“Visitors to this important exhibition will be immersed in the visually dazzling culture of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries – a time when many questions we are now concerned with, such as what sort of government is legitimate, were being first asked. James’ court was sophisticated and European in outlook and ‘Bright Star: The Art and Life of King James’ will reveal its full splendour,” said Christopher Baker, Director of European and Scottish Art and Portraiture at the NGS. Running from 20 June to 21 November 2020 at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh the exhibition is one of the headline shows in the

National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) summer 2020 programme.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a sumptuous and authoritative catalogue, Art & Court of James VI & I: Bright Star of the North, published by the NGS and available for £30.00. It includes contributions from a number of key scholars and features over 120 colour illustrations.

“The objects in this exhibition not only shed light on the fascinating life of James VI & I, his family and members of his court, but are unique and exquisite works of art made by highly skilled artists and craftspeople. Highlights include a miniature portrait of Queen Anna of Denmark set in a diamond and enamel case made by the Edinburgh goldsmith George Heriot, and the brilliantly coloured drawings of costume for court masques designed by Inigo Jones,” said Kate Anderson,

History - A life most extraordinary Photo from National Portrait Gallery, London The Somerset House Conference, 1604

Photo from University of Edinburgh Special Collections Van meer Album amicorum, 1614-48

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History - A life most extraordinary Photo from Fitzwilliam Museum Tapestry Weave Purse, 1600-1699

Senior Curator, European & Scottish Art and Portraiture.

“When James arrived in London

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in May 1603 he was met by the lawyer and orator Richard Martin who proclaimed that James was the ‘Bright Star of

the North’, alluding to both the King’s homeland of Scotland and the optimism associated with his future reign.”

History - A life most extraordinary Photo from National Galleries of Scotland James VI and I, 1566 - 1625 Photo from National Galleries of Scotland Henry, Prince of Wales, 1594 – 1612

Photo from Fitzwilliam Museum Details of tapestry Weave Purse, 1600-1699

Photo from Fitzwilliam Museum Details of tapestry Weave Purse, 1600-1699

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History - Remembering a pioneer Photos by Christina Broom Suffragettes (PD)

Remembering a pioneer

by Helen Lloyd

A

s 2019 draws to a close one anniversary this year that went largely unnoticed was the 70th anniversary of the death of Scotswoman Christina Broom, the UK’s first female press photographer.

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Born Christina Livingston on 28 December 1862 in London to Scottish parents she was the seventh of eight children.

In 1889, at the age of 27 she married businessman Albert Broom and gave birth to a daughter Winifred. Unfortunately, following a sporting injury which never healed, her husband’s

business ventures failed and Christina was left with the task of supporting the family.

Around the turn of the 20th century Christina was give the loan of box camera by a friend and, after teaching herself the basics of photography, began taking pictures and selling them as postcards from a stall in the

History - Remembering a pioneer

Christina Broom (PD)

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History - Remembering a pioneer Suffragettes (PD) Battleships of the Royal Navy pre-1914 (PD)

Royal Mews outside Buckingham Palace.

It quickly became a family business with her husband hand-writing the captions to the postcards and her daughter, Winifred, acting as her assistant.

Christina’s natural talent was quickly spotted and by 1904 she had been appointed ‘official photographer’ to the Household Division and even had her own personal darkroom inside Chelsea Barracks.

Over the years Christina took numerous shots of local scenes, including life in and around Buckigham Palace, as well as capturing historic moments such as The Boat Race and several protest marches by the Suffragettes.

After her husband died in 1912 Christina and her daughter continued to make a living as

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History - Remembering a pioneer Prince Adolphus, Duke of Teck and Marquess of Cambridge (PD)

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History - Remembering a pioneer Suffragettes (PD)

photographers and in the 1920s and 1930 their pictures were frequently featured in national newspapers, including the Daily Sketch and Illustrated London News along with magazines such as The Tatler and Country Life.

After almost half a century taking photographs Christina died on 5 June 1939. It is estimated that she took more than 40,000 images during her career, many of which have ended being held at the he National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, the Museum of London, the National Portrait Gallery, the Imperial War Museum, the University of Texas among other collections.

1st Life Guards, August 1914 (PD)

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Despite not being a member of the suffragette movement Christina was a pioneer for women in what was a predominantly male dominated world of early 20th-century photography and deserves to be remembered as such.

History - Remembering a pioneer A suffragette in costume at the Green, White and Gold fair, organised by the Women’s Freedom League, 1909 (PD)

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Activities - Destination Dunoon Photo by Markus Stitz Benmore Gardens

Destination Dunoon

by Paul Watson

O

utdoor adventurous types are being encouraged to leave their vehicles at home and get on their bikes, or put on their hiking boots, and head for

Dunoon.

Situated on the Cowal Peninsula this coastal resort may be little more than 30 miles from Glasgow, as the crow flies, but it’s a world away from the rat-race.

It is a gateway to the great

outdoors with an abundance of walking and cycling adventures accessible easily by public transport.

A new initiative aims to make the seaside town, described as the jewel in the crown of the Firth of

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Activities - Destination Dunoon Clyde, even more attractive to visitors with the introduction of a combined Rail and Sail Ticket.

Collaboration between CalMac

Photo by Markus Stitz Bishops Glen Walk

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Ferries and ScotRail will simplify travelling on public transport encourage people to leave their car at home.

The combined ticket for train and ferry travel, which can be bought at staffed stations, online or on the train, has been hailed as the perfect opportunity

Activities - Destination Dunoon Photo by Markus Stitz Argyll Forest

for a spontaneous escape to Scotland’s Adventure Coast without a car. “Ìf you love the great outdoors, if you love friendly people, this is a place to come. We have got everything: Forests, mountain bike trails, boating, fishing, botanical gardens; nature at its finest,” said Jon Smith, proprietor of the St Ives Guesthouse.

After a short or long day in the outdoors, Dunoon has plenty on offer to relax and great choices to stay overnight. A stroll down the promenade and the Victorian pier is highly recommended, or a visit to the historic Castle Mound and the museum. Browsing the local shops and galleries can be great fun, and local cafes and restaurants offer plenty of opportunities for lunch and dinner.

As part of the initiative a short film has been created

Photo by Markus Stitz Dunoon Dirt Dash

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Activities - Destination Dunoon Photo by Markus Stitz Jenny Tough

to showcase the area and the opportunities Dunoon offers.

Dirt Dash, praised the potential of Rail and Sail.

Jenny Tough, an Edinburghbased adventure traveller and endurance challenger, who has recently taken part in the Dunoon

“I am very passionate about human-powered endurance challenges and encouraging others to explore this beautiful

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planet. At the same time I feel strongly about protecting our wild places. Offering people good alternatives to ditch the car and spontaneously have an adventure to explore their own limits is a great idea,� she said.

Activities - Destination Dunoon

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Activities - Destination Dunoon

Six walking and cycling adventures are currently featured on the local marketing cooperative, Wild About Argyll, website. They include a walk through Puck’s Glen, a walk from Dunoon to Bishop’s Glen reservoir and a walk up Beinn Mhor. The cycling routes include the Dunoon Dirt Dash bikepacking route, a road bike loop around the Cowal Peninsula and a mountain bike ride around Loch Eck.

Photo by Neil Hanna Steve Bate MBE Jon Gildea

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“Argyll is a fantastic part of Scotland to be explored. I love going on adventures when most pro riders put their bikes down.

It’s great to encourage people to have an adventure close or far away from home. Dunoon’s setting and the easy access by ferry and train makes it even more tempting to return,” he said.

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Activities - Destination Dunoon

Steve Bate MBE, adventurer and double Paralympic Champion, has been to Argyll twice in a year and loves the opportunities Dunoon offers for cycling.

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Activities - Soaking up Scotland Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland The Hermitage, a National Trust for Scotland-preserved site, on the banks of the River Braan in Craigvinean Forest

Soaking up Scotland

by Tracey Macintosh

S

cotland is well known for much of its rural landscape and is a wonderful place to get away from the buzz of everyday life.

Modern life is increasingly fast

paced and, with a plethora of technology at our fingertips, our connection to nature is becoming more and more tenuous. There are a whole host of scientifically corroborated reasons to encourage us to make time to get outside from improving sleep patterns and getting more exercise to strengthening

immunity and calming the mind.

The Japanese concept of shinrinyoku - forest bathing – is a relatively new name for an old concept we’ve been indulging in for years here in Scotland, basically getting out for some fresh air and taking a walk in the forest.

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Activities - Soaking up Scotland Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Black Linn Falls at The Hermitage, Dunkeld

Forest Bathing enthusiasts will be keen to point out that it’s not just a walk but an immersive experience with a focus on all your senses as you walk through the trees. A mindful walk in the forest.

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With a wider coverage of forest than the rest of the UK at around 19 per cent, Scotland offers some amazing options for forest bathing.

Remnants of the ancient

Caledonian Forest that once covered much of Scotland can be found in Glen Falloch and Tyndrum within Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The Caledonian Forest is the only native pine forest in the UK and

Activities - Soaking up Scotland

includes birch, rowan, holly and oak as well as Scots pine.

There are wide range of forest areas to choose from within Scotland, many with additional bonuses.

The Hermitage at Dunkeld is a well known walk with Ossian’s Hall – an 18th century homage to the raw power of nature, built to commemorate the Celtic Bard, Ossian. Now in the care of the National Trust, at times this is

probably a bit busy for true forest bathing but a wonderful walk with some of the tallest Douglas Firs in the country.

Killiekrankie, just beyond Pitlochry, again offers a stunning

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Activities - Soaking up Scotland

forest walk with a historical twist. As the site of the Battle of Killiekrankie in 1689, the famous

Jacobite victory led by ‘Bonnie Dundee’ against a much larger government army during the first

Photo by Richard Elliot / VisitScotland Garry Bridge near Killiecrankie, Perthshire

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Jacobite Rebellion took place here. The Soldier’s Leap is a fascinating feature here. After

escape his Jacobite pursuers.

Again in the care of The National Trust there is a visitor centre

documenting the history around Killiekrankie.

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Activities - Soaking up Scotland

the battle one of the government soldiers, fleeing for his life, leapt 18 feet across River Garry to

Activities - Soaking up Scotland

A lesser known forest in Central Scotland perfect for forest bathing is Carron Valley Forest. Generally quieter than the Hermitage or Killiekrankie, Carron Valley is between Denny

Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Carron Valley Reservoir, Stirlingshire

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and Fintry and the forest encases Carron Valley Reservoir which offers trout fishing.

A walk in the Carron Valley Forest offers all the options classical

forest bathing requires – a quiet natural place to enjoy the occasional bounce of sphagnum moss underfoot, birdsong, the tang of wood sorrel on your tongue, the earthy smell rising

As with a lot of Scottish forests, there is something more. After

a few days without rain, follow one of the higher paths on the forest trail for a view onto the Reservoir. You should be able to clearly see the avenue of trees that led to the farmhouse and

buildings in the Valley that were flooded in the 1930s to create the Reservoir. On a particularly dry summer the tops of chimneys are occasionally visible.

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Activities - Soaking up Scotland

up from the forest floor and every shade of calming green imaginable.

Activities - Soaking up Scotland Photo by Robert Murray CC BY-SA 2.0 Sir John de Grahams Castle remains

A more recent addition is DunCarron – a painstakinly recreated village from the early middle ages. Opening hours vary but this is well worth seeing and includes a lookout tower, a long house and various workshops all built using traditional methods.

The wooden palisade fence surrounding the village is hugely impressive and the village also has a wide display of props, replica weapons and costumes, many of which come from films the crew have provided extras for.

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Lady Mary s Walk by the River Earn in Crieff

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Just along from Duncarron, on the opposite side of the road is the remains of John De Graham’s Castle – an old motte and bailey Castle from 12/13th century.

There is very little left to see other than the outline of the moat and some stonework, but this was where William Wallace fled after he was defeated at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. Today the site of the Castle offers great views of Carron Reservoir and some lovely

Activities - Soaking up Scotland Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Falls of Bruar is a series of waterfalls on the Bruar Water in Blair Atholl, which is 8 miles from Pitlochry

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Activities - Soaking up Scotland Photo by David N Anderson /VisitScotland Explore the paths of Kirroughtree Forest

woodland paths.

Why not combine forest bathing and a little exploration into Scotland’s past with this fascinating look into the past how a clan chief’s village would have looked and the shelter Wallace escaped to contemplate his next move?

While forest bathing is really not new to Scotland, encouraging more people to enjoy our forests responsibly and to benefit from our beautiful outdoor areas can be called anything at all as long as it gets the desired result!

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland The Birnam Oak is an iconic tree on the outskirts of the Perthshire village and celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth

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As well as the obvious reminder about responsible behaviour , there are a couple of other things to remember when indulging in a bit of forest bathing in Scotland.

Firstly, Scotland has such a wide and rich history that it is always worth delving into what happened in the forest you choose to bathe in. Secondly, no one visits

Activities - Soaking up Scotland Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Puck’s Glen is one of the most famous short walks on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll Forest Park

Scotland’s forests for the weather!

Water proofs should be worn, or at least packed, while forest

bathing,and sometimes a little rain really adds to the experience.

The scent of rain on pine needles

is really something, and cobwebs dotted with light rain add to the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Kinnoull hill s Tower, with the meandering River Tay in the background

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Activities - Aiming for success

Activities - Aiming for success

Aiming for success

A shooting party at Rottal Estate, Glen Clova

by Paul Watson

S

cotland’s country sports industry is on target for another good year in 2020 as advance booking from overseas visitors is already outstripping supply.

As the grouse season came to an end last month experts

revealed that 2019 had been much better than expected with some moors in Scotland able to host fairly full programmes. The east of of the country fared best overall, from Aberdeenshire down to Angus, parts of Perthshire and then further south into the Lammermuirs.

A healthy interest from America,

Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, as well as from within the UK, has already produced excellent bookings for 2020, according to sporting agents.

“We had fingers firmly crossed that 2019 would be better than the very disappointing 2018 season, and were delighted that, in Angus and Perthshire

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Activities - Aiming for success Robert Rattray p114 Death zone mountaineer to headline festival

in particular, certain moors were able to complete much of their predicted programme and escaped the worst of the weather,” said Robert Rattray, director of Ossian….

who receive significant business as a result of grouse shooting.

“Demand for both walked up and driven grouse in Scotland is as strong as ever despite the seasonal fluctuations, with clients from all over the world still keen to experience this unique shooting.”

Hoteliers benefit to the tune of approximately 970,000 bednights per year purchased by tourists, both domestic and international, when there is a good year for grouse.

This better than anticipated season will have come as a relief to the many hotels and suppliers

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Country sports tourism generates £155m annually for the Scottish economy.

Businesses from pubs, hotels, shops and taxi firms in rural areas rely on seasonal income from visitors coming to shoot grouse.

Over £23 million per year flows into local businesses as a direct result of the trade generated by estate activity during the season.

“Moorland areas rely upon the annual grouse season. With no large-scale industry to support small villages and communities in those parts of the country, the grouse season generates tourism, employment and ensures that some of the most beautiful areas of Scotland are managed for the benefit of all,” said Tim Baynes, moorland director, Scottish Land & Estates.

Activities - Aiming for success

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Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja MBE

‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

by Scott Aitken

W

orld famous Nepalese mountaineer Normal Purja who climbed all 14 ‘death zone’ mountains, over 8,000 metres, in a record breaking six months will headline this year’s Fort William Mountain Festival.

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The 36-year-old former special forces soldier will give a talk highlighting this Herculean task at the festival, now in its 16th year. He is one of a number of top attractions featured in this year’s stunning line-up of inspirational, educational and entertaining action and adventure at venues in and around the bustling Highland town of Fort William.

The programme includes presentations from world class outdoor adventurers, together with adrenaline filled and thought-provoking films from both the Festival’s very own international film competition entries and the Banff Centre Mountain Festival World Tour; a number of award nights, including The Scottish Awards for

Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

Everest Summit

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Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

Excellence in Mountain Culture and The Photographer of the Year Award, celebrating a range of outstanding achievements; some thought provoking environmental discussions; and a collection of quality fringe events including winter mountain skills workshops, yoga classes and

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bike and running themed nights.

“Celebrating the wild landscape that surrounds us in Fort William and Lochaber is the inspiration behind the Mountain Festival.

The mountains, glens, rivers and coastline influence our culture in many ways, whether it is

the beauty of the landscape, our engagement with it or the opportunities we find in it,” said Rod Pashley, Chairman of The Highland Mountain Culture Association.

“The Festival has something for everyone with a love

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Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

for the outdoors. It offers a superb line-up of inspirational talks from top climbers and mountaineers, mountain bikers, mountain runners and mountain filmmakers, together with exhilarating film screenings from cutting-edge outdoor adventurers; mountain skills workshops and exhibitions.

Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

“Our main Saturday night speaker will be the remarkable Nims Purja, who has successfully climbed all 14, 8000m peaks in less than seven months.

An astonishing record and achievement that normally takes seven years.”

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Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

Organisers claim the Festival is not just for high adrenaline adventure enthusiasts but for everyone who appreciates the great outdoors.

Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival “With the best winter walking, climbing and snowsports conditions of the year, visiting Fort William and Lochaber in February for the Mountain Festival is the perfect time of

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year to experience the stunning landscape of the area first-hand,” said Mr Pashley The five-day festival, which runs from Wednesday 19 to Sunday

23 February, includes music, live-streaming of exciting local outdoor events and plenty of entertainment for all of the family.

Activities - ‘Death Zone’ mountaineer to headline festival

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Disrupting the whisky industry

by Helen Lloyd

F

emale-founded organic and sustainable whisky distillery, Nc’nean, has launched a million pound crowdfunding campaign to help accelerate its current growth plans.

The investment target of £1,000,000 is intended to support the launch of their first whisky next year, the continued growth of their innovative Botanical Spirit,

as well as buy bottling equipment and support further portfolio expansion.

Nc’nean is a young, independent, organic and sustainable whisky distillery on the west coast of Scotland which was set up with the aim of disrupting the whisky industry.

In pursuit of new flavours in Scotch Nc’nean uses longer mashing times, slower fermentation and experiments

with unusual yeasts not commonly used within whisky distilling. Nc’nean matures its whisky on site in ex-bourbon, sherry and STR casks.

The distillery’s ethos of sustainable production is embedded in everything it does.

It uses only renewable sources for its energy and the leftover grain feeds the cows on the farm while the waste products are spread on the fields as fertiliser. Nothing is wasted.

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Food & Beverage - Disrupting the whisky industry

Annabel Thomas

Food & Beverage - Disrupting the whisky industry Founded by Annabel Thomas and Derek Lewis in 2013, Nc’nean has a strong sustainable ethos and innovative approach to spirit making.

“We’re set to establish Nc’nean as a leader in experimental spirits and a pioneer in sustainable production. We’ve seen a real consumer demand for authentic and sustainable brands and we believe the Scotch category has yet to tap into a new audience

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base by attracting them with innovative products, which is where we’re looking to build further on our success to date,” said Annabel Thomas, CEO and founder of Nc’nean.

“Our community both near and far is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m really excited that crowdfunding will allow that group to be part of our future success.”

Annabel, who grew up in Essex but spent her childhood summers making the 12 hour journey to family holidays on the west coast, fell in love with Scotland.

The inspiration for the distillery came from a combination of two things. It began with a trip to Islay where Annabel witnessed first hand that many Scotch distilleries do things in a very similar way and often the way things had always been done,

Food & Beverage - Disrupting the whisky industry

Annabel Thomas

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Food & Beverage - Disrupting the whisky industry

and she left wondering whether there was scope to do things differently.

The second was the location itself – Annabel’s parents bought

Whisky’d Away Distillery

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the land that the distillery is on more than 10 years ago – an area of Scotland that is wild, beautiful and in many ways perfect for a whisky distillery.

From these beginnings Annabel

started to develop the idea to create a distillery that practices another of her great passions sustainability.

Since the Nc’nean whisky

its whisky comes of age in 2020.

The Botanical Spirit, which has been described as a mix between whisky and gin, has seen Nc’nean innovate in the

spirits category and tap into a new consumer demographic for the whisky industry.

Originally produced in a limited run, the distillery is now looking

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Food & Beverage - Disrupting the whisky industry

distillery was born the brand has seen the launch of two products over the past two years, the Botanical Spirit followed by the Aged Botanical Spirit, which has helped raise Nc’nean’s profile as

Food & Beverage - Disrupting the whisky industry to continue the production of their Botanical Spirit. Described by highly-esteemed spirit experts at The Great British Food Awards 2019 as “a tipple that’s truly

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different” and “made to celebrate Scotland’s landscape within the spirit”. It was also awarded a Silver Medal in the International Spirits Challenge 2019 and voted

‘Top 10 Most Innovative New Spirits’ in 2018 by the Spirits Business.

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Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

Photo © Trees for Life Carn na Caorach

Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

by Paul Watson

A

groundbreaking bid to help save Scotland’s almost-vanished mountaintop forests and their wildlife has been launched with the creation of the country’s largest planted area of rare highaltitude woodland.

Centuries of overgrazing by sheep and deer have left most of Scotland stripped of the oncecommon, tough, waist-high ‘wee trees’ such as dwarf birch and downy willow – known as

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‘montane’ species because they can grow near mountain summits, despite harsh conditions.

In a major expansion of action to reverse the loss of these unique woodlands, home to wildlife such as golden eagle, ring ouzel and mountain hare, the national charity Trees for Life is establishing a 700-acre mountaintop woodland of 100,000 trees at its Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glenmoriston near Loch Ness.

The site, Carn na Caorach,

meaning ‘sheep cairn’, lies at 450-600 metres above sea level on Dundreggan’s northeastern edge, with sweeping views over Glenmoriston and Glen Affric.

It is thought to have been an important place for grazing livestock for hundreds of years.

“Montane woodlands are a vital part of Scotland’s precious Caledonian Forest, but are often restored over only small areas if at all. To bring these special ‘wee trees’ back from the brink, and create habitats for the wildlife that depends on them,

Photo by © Mark Hamblin (scotlandbigpicture.com) Mountain hare

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Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

Photo by © Mark Hamblin (scotlandbigpicture.com) Golden eagle

Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

we need something bigger – and that’s what we’re setting out to achieve at Carn na Caorach,” said Doug Gilbert, Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Manager.

Photo by © Mark Hamblin (scotlandbigpicture.com) Golden eagle

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Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

Trees for Life has already erected its largest-ever exclosure – a fence designed to protect young trees by keeping grazing animals out – at the site, supported by the Scottish Natural Heritage Biodiversity Challenge Fund.

Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

Conservation volunteers will begin the first phase of planting next spring – with trees including downy willow and dwarf birch on the higher ground, and Scots pine and juniper on the lower slopes. Further planting will continue over the next few years, and self-seeded saplings will also be able to thrive in the grazingfree exclosure.

Photo by © Mark Hamblin (scotlandbigpicture.com) Mountaun hare

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It will benefit people too, with the new forest helping to tackle climate change by locking away

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Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

The initiative will also see the return of plants including wood cranesbill, globeflower and alpine sowthistle, in turn supporting mammals, birds, and pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.

Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

carbon dioxide, and reduce flooding by improving the soil’s capacity to retain water.

Because such high woodlands

take longer to establish than those in sheltered locations, the project is long-term. It will take 50 to 100 years before the forest is fully established, if grazing

Photo by © Mark Hamblin (scotlandbigpicture.com) Ring ouzel

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levels are kept low.

The ambitious project follows Trees for Life’s successful planting of 10,000 trees at

Seed from montane trees – for growing saplings in Trees for

Life’s specialised tree nursery at Dundreggan – often needs to be collected from precipitous mountain ledges and crags, sometimes by qualified climbers.

Trees for Life is dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands, and its volunteers have established nearly two million native trees at 44 sites, to benefit wildlife, people and communities.

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Environment - Saving Scotland’s disappearing forests

another area of Dundreggan called Beinn Bhan, which lies at over 500 metres above sea level.

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Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

by Scott Aitken

T

he recently launched Hebidean Whale Trail has been recognised as a national treasure after being nominated as finalist in the prestigious National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards 2019.

The Hebridean Whale Trail is the first of its kind in the UK. It connects 33 top places across the Hebridean archipelago and Scotland’s west coast that offer opportunities for land-based sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises, or showcase the region’s whale heritage.

The wildlife experience, founded by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, reached the finals of the awards in London for the New National Treasure (UK) category but narrowly missed out on top place to the National Maritime Museum.

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Environment - Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

Photo © HWDT Looking out towards Dutchman’s Cap, Treshnish Isles

Environment - Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

“We’re thrilled to have been a finalist for this prestigious award, and hope this success will further

Photo @ Lucy Hunter Whale watching

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promote the Hebridean Whale Trail, which has really caught people’s imagination since its

launch in June,” said Alison Lomax, Director of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

the importance of protecting the Hebrides’ wonderful and globally important marine

wildlife. Collaboration was key in forging the trail, and its success is testament to the people and

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Environment - Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

“By promoting low-impact marine wildlife watching from land, the trail is championing

Environment - Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

communities who have come together to create this exciting initiative.”

© HWDT Kerry Froud Common dolphin

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Scotland’s west coast is dotted with stunning places to quietly watch out for whales, dolphins,

porpoises – together known as cetaceans – and other wildlife, including basking sharks.

features opportunities for visitors and residents to get involved in marine conservation.

While sightings can never be guaranteed, the Hebridean seas are exceptionally rich in wildlife.

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Environment - Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

The trail links sites ranging from easily accessible attractions to remote and wild destinations, and

Environment - Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

Photo © HWDT Minke whale © HWDT

More than a quarter of the world’s whale and dolphin species have been recorded in the region, including many conservation priority species.

The award comes as VisitScotland prepares for the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 – a year-long programme of events and activities spotlighting Scotland’s coasts and waters.

David Adams McGilp,

Photo © HWDT Harbour porpoise

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VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Being a finalist for this accolade, just under six months since the experience was launched, is testament to this clever initiative by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and the energy and enthusiasm that has gone into making it a success.

“People who have followed the trail and visited the region obviously love what they have experienced. Stunning scenery,

rich natural beauty and marine wildlife, a vibrant culture and a warm welcome are just some of the reasons that visitors from all across the world are drawn to the Hebrides.”

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is based on the Isle of Mull and has been taking action for the conservation of cetaceans off western Scotland for over two decades.

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Uist and Barra 7. Lochmaddy, N.Uist 8. Barra Airport, Isle of Barra 9. Rubha Ardvule, S.Uist 10. Balranald, N.Uist

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North West Highlands 11. Cape Wrath 12. Clachtoll 13. Ullapool 14. Gairloch Skye and the Small Isles 15. Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye 16. Sabhal Mor Ostaig 17. The Pier, Isle of Eigg 18. Gallanach Bay, Isle of Muck 19. Kinloch, Isle of Rum 20. The Pier, Isle of Canna

The Hebridean Whale Trail brings together over 30 of the most beautiful corners of Scotland’s west coast.

Places where whales, dolphins and wondrous creatures roam. From dramatic headlands and sea lochs, to white, sandy beaches and bustling harbours, the Whale Trail is awash with special places where the land meets the sea.

Inner Hebrides 21. Ardnamurchan Lighthouse 22. Tobermory, Isle of Mull 23. Duart Castle, Isle of Mull 24. Oban 25. Isle of Iona 26. Hynish, Isle of Tiree 27. Arinagour, Isle of Coll 28. Glengorm, Isle of Mull

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Southern Hebrides and Clyde 29. Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay 30. Port Askaig, Islay 31. Ardminish, Isle of Gigha 32. Lamlash Bay, Isle of Arran 33. The Oa, Islay

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Explore where the land meets the sea www.whaletrail.org

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Photo © HWDT Hebridean Whale Trail map

Photo © HWDT Karen Denoon Bottlenose dolphin in Tobermory harbour

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Environment - Accolade for Hebridean Whale Trail

Lewis & Harris 1. Butt of Lewis 2. Tiumpan Head, Isle of Lewis 3. Eilean Glas, Isle of Scalpay 4. Huisinis, Isle of Harris 5. Gallan Head, Isle of Lewis 6. St Kilda World Heritage Site

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by Scott Aitken

S

cotland is at the forefront of green technology when it comes to building the infrastructure for electric vehicles in the UK. The country where the world’s first electric vehicle was built - in 1837 by Aberdeenshire chemist Robert Davidson, - is developing one of the most comprehensive charging networks in Europe.

ChargePlace Scotland, a network of publicly available charge

points funded by the Scottish Government, recently announced it had installed over 1000 vehicle charging stations throughout the country. The average distance between any given location to the nearest public charging point is now just 2.78 miles in Scotland – compared to 3.77 miles in England.

“World-class charging infrastructure is critical in developing range confidence and encouraging people to make the switch to electric vehicles. At the same time, the

continued development of our infrastructure sends a global message that Scotland is ready for a revolution in e-mobility,” said Michael Matheson, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.

“The uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles is central to our Energy Strategy, our Climate Change Plan and our goal of making Scotland’s air quality the best in Europe.”

The Scottish Government has an ambition to phase out the need

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Environment - Leading the charge for sustainability

Leading the charge for sustainability

Environment - Leading the charge for sustainability

for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.

Among the Scottish companies

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spearheading the sustainable motoring revolution is Edinburghbased Ecosse EV - the country’s first chauffeur and self-drive

company with an all-electric fleet of luxury high-performance Tesla vehicles.

on luxury.

Ecosse EV started with the usual weddings and airport transfers

but quickly discovered a rising demand for electric chauffeur driven cars in the corporate and leisure sectors as people became

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Environment - Leading the charge for sustainability

The company was launched in February 2017 with the aim of providing zero-emissions transport without compromising

Environment - Leading the charge for sustainability

more conscious of trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

As a result the company has become more involved in the tourism market - providing environmentally friendly luxury tours and self-drive options

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for sightseers, golfers, whisky lovers and all manor of visitors - culminating in Ecosse EV becoming official partners of the North Coast 500.

Scotland’s most famous driving journey goes through Wester

Ross, Sutherland, Caithness and Inverness-shire, past an array of historic castles, spectacular views and amazing visitor attractions.

It was no surprise when it was named the world’s best road trip

by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in 2017.

Environment - Leading the charge for sustainability

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Environment - Leading the charge for sustainability

Stephen Dunn, Chief Operating Officer of Ecosse EV

Ecosse EV’s involvement in promoting the 516-mile route has been made possible by the increasing investment in infrastructure for electric vehicle charging points.

benefits of choosing the zeroemissions alternative in self-drive and chauffeur-drive, without compromising on luxury,” said Stephen Dunn, Chief Operating Officer of Ecosse EV.

“The North Coast 500 is the perfect platform in which to highlight the environmental

“The route’s ever-growing popularity brings with it a substantial increase in carbon

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Michael Matheson MSP

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emissions from fossil-fuelled internal combustion engines.

Our partnership ensures visitors wishing to experience the route and locals living on it, have a cleaner and greener option, which will help support a sustainable future for the North Coast 500”

Stepping up the war on climate change

by Helen Lloyd

bogs rich in wildlife.

state owners and gamekeepers are increasing their efforts to help Scotland meet its climate change targets.

Healthy and well managed peatlands are a key part of the Scottish landscape and are an internationally important wildlife habitat, home to rare birds, mammals and plant species. They also help improve water quality and play a vital part in reducing flood risk.

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As the grouse shooting season drew to a close, a number of the country’s rural communities launched a new ‘#PreciousPlaces’ campaign to highlight the environmental, social and economic benefits delivered year-round by moorland managers.

According to campaigners grouse moors act as huge carbon stores and pro-active management practices help support active peat

Landowners across the Tomatin, Speyside, Grampian, Loch Ness and Southern Upland areas have been leading the charge to repair degraded peatlands in order to enhance their carbon storage capacity.

Estates undertaking peatland restoration projects include The

Hopes Estate in the Lammermuir Hills, Alvie and Pitmain on Speyside, with extensive peatland restorations completed on Garrogie and Corriegarth in the North of Scotland.

Projects have also taken place on Farr and Glenmazeran in the Monadhliaths. Members of the Grampian Moorland Group that have undertaken peatland restoration projects include Invercauld and Candacraig, as well as Mar and Glenfeshie in the Cairngorms.

Spanning 2,200 hectares, most of which is open hill and moorland, The Hopes has been heavily involved in intensive peatland restoration activity, working

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Environment - Stepping up the war on climate change

Ian Elliot, head gamekeeper at the Hopes Estate, an important bog habitat

Environment - Stepping up the war on climate change

Lianne MacLennan, coordinator of the Angus Glens Moorland Group

with the Scottish Government through the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Peatland Action Fund. The project was to restore the peatland on two previously unmanaged sites, covering an estimated 50 hectares in total.

climate change measures to help preserve important moorland habitats and save our beautiful Scottish landscape for generations to come – this will only be achieved by pro-active management.”

This has enabled the regeneration of large areas of blanket bog, rich in sphagnum moss, the main peat forming species. This peatland restoration will ultimately allow for higher levels of carbon capture.

The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan has set a target to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peatland by 2030.

“We wholeheartedly support the Precious Places campaign, as moors play a crucial role in all our lives by providing multiple benefits for people and nature.

When healthy, they ‘lock-in’ carbon to help combat climate change, support biodiversity and safeguard rural jobs,” said Robbie Douglas Miller, owner of The Hopes.

“I see estate owners, managers and gamekeepers as custodians of that space. We are committed to carrying out vital conservation work across Scotland’s moorlands by implementing

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Scotland’s peatlands cover more than 20 per cent of the country and store around 1,600 million tonnes of carbon. However, it is estimated that over 80 per cent of Scotland’s peatlands are degraded due to poor management in the 1980s such as the planting of trees and/or draining of peat bogs, at a time when these ecosystems were not well understood. Active moorland management helps prevent degradation.

“Scotland’s grouse moors are special and precious,” said Lianne MacLennan, coordinator of the Grampian Moorland Group.

“Degraded peatland was mapped in the Cairngorms National Park and two sites at Invercauld were estimated to be emitting a total of 2,134 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a year. Once the peatland restoration work is complete on those sites it will make a huge contribution to the overall level of carbon capture across Scotland’s grouse moors.”

Rottal Estate in Angus, has completed a tree planting project and is due to undertake a major peatland restoration project in Spring 2020.

“We have planted over 200 acres here at Rottal Estate, totalling 122,000 trees, mainly native broadleaves and Scots pine. By doing this we hope to deliver carbon capture, flood mitigation, and biodiversity,” said Dee Ward, owner.

“We work closely with the RSPB and we strive to maintain a balance so that we have specific habitats for waders, moorland for black and red grouse, and woodland areas. Next year there

Since 2012, over 19,000 hectares of degraded peatland have been put on the road to recovery with funding provided by the Scottish

Government through the Scottish Natural Heritage Peatland Action Fund.

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Environment - Stepping up the war on climate change

will also be a major peatland restoration project here, covering about 40 hectares.�

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Competitions - Scotland Correspondent

A chance to get a free copy of the DVD ‘Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland’

This month we are giving away a copy of the new in-depth documentary about the life and influence of Scotland’s most famous living comedian.

As revealed in last month’s issue of Scotland Correspondent magazine the film presents an intimate, deeply personal and funny portrait of the former shipyard worker turned performer.

To enter the competition to win a free copy of the DVD ‘Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland’ released by Dazzler Media just email us with the correct answer to this question: Where in Scotland was Billy Connolly born?

A) Edinburgh B) Glasgow C) Dundee Send your answer to us at prizes@scotlandcorrespondent.com by midnight on 31 December 2019 for a chance to win a copy of the DVD. CONGRATULATIONS! to last month’s winner Karen Donnelly from Kingston, Surrey.

Your copy of the DVD is on its way.

Good luck!

Terms and conditions: 1. Closing date for entries is midnight 31 December, 2019 after which a winner will be randomly selected and notified by email shortly thereafter.

2. The random selection of the winner is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

3. The winner will be notified by email and asked to provide a postal address of where to send the prize. If there is no response within 14 days of the winner being notified the prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be picked at random.

4. In entering the competition the winner gives permission for Scotland Correspondent to publish their name in the next available issue of the magazine and on social media to announce the winner.

5. No cash alternative is available in exchange for the prize(s).

6. By entering the competition you are agreeing to receive email communications from Scotland Correspondent magazine.

7. Scotland Correspondent, and the publishers of the magazine, reserve the right to disqualify any entry not in accordance with these terms and conditions 8. Scotland Correspondent magazine reserves the right to change the rules or withdraw the competition at any time.

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Competitions - Scotland Correspondent

Win a laugh or two for the New Year

Destination - Scotland

Destination P Scotland

lan your trip to the most beautiful country in the world with our directory of places to stay, eat, visit and enjoy.

Rokeby Manor

Invergarry, Highlands Situated on the edge of the Highland Village of Invergarry Rokeby Manor is the epitome of a late Georgian-early Victorian country house.

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This former country house, as featured in issue 32 of Scotland Correspondent, has been turned into a romantic retreat surrounded by landscaped gardens and natural woodland.

Destination - Scotland

Royal Scots Club Edinburgh

More personal than a hotel the Royal Scots Club offers a rare combination of all the charm of a country house with the added cosy atmosphere of a private members’ club in the heart of Scotland’s historic capital of Edinburgh.

Founded in 1919 as a living memorial to those who fell in The Great War the club is situated in one of Edinburgh’s finest Georgian streets and is open for bed and breakfast, meetings and events, functions and private dining. Featured in issue 22 of Scotland Correspondent.

Meldrum House

Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire More than 800 years of history are wrapped up in this unique boutique country house hotel nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire’s tranquil countryside.

Complete with its own golf course the 240-acre estate and 13th century baronial mansion is the epitome of luxury. As featured in issue 27 of Scotland Correspondent. Meldrum House provides a truly exceptional experience and is an ideal base from which to explore the rich and colourful north east corner of Scotland.

Chester Residence Edinburgh

A luxurious bolthole in central Edinburgh with an expanse of space and all the perks of a grand hotel as featured in issue 21 of Scotland Correspondent.

Behind the facades of gracious, listed Georgian townhouses in Edinburgh’s New Town these 5-star apartments are spacious and packed with luxury features, including a top of the range kitchen, a heavenly bathroom or two and sumptuously grand living rooms.

9 Rothesay Place (Main Reception), Edinburgh, EH3 7SL. Tel: +44 (0) 131 226 2075 enquiries@chester-residence.com www.chester-residence.com

Embo House Sutherland

Luxury exclusive self-catering accommodation in a Grad-A listed Georgian mansion overlooking the Dornoch Firth. As featured in issue 24 of Scotland Correspondent. Embo House is steeped in history.

This former ancestral castle of Clan Gordon with its 8-spacious bedrooms provides contemporary and luxurious accommodation for large family groups, golfers or even weddings.

Embo House, Dornoch, Sutherland. IV25 3PP Tel: 01738 451610 https://www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk

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Destination - Scotland Gleddoch Hotel

Carnoustie Golf Hotel

An independently owned hotel resort overlooking the Clyde Estuary with 75 bedrooms, an 18 hole championship golf course, an elegant banqueting room and a luxury Imperia Spa.

Carnoustie Golf Hotel offers an extensive collection of facilities, including 75 luxury en-suite bedrooms and 10 suites with amazing views over the Championship course, the sea and the local town of Carnoustie. Featured in issue 16 of Scotland Correspondent.

Glasgow

One of the most prestigious, luxury hotels in the Glasgow area just 10 minutes from the airport featured in issue 13 of Scotland Correspondent.

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island Benderloch, Oban

Located on the west coast of Scotland on a private 300 acre island with gorgeous views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the dramatic Morvern mountains beyond.

Featured in issue 3 of Scotland Correspondent. The hotel offers a variety of accommodation with 16 bedrooms in the main house, five spa suites in the gardens with private hot tub, two garden cottages with two bedrooms each which are ideal for families and six hilltop reserves overlooking Loch Linnhe with private hot tub and balconies.

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Carnoustie

Mercure Hotel inverness Inverness

Featured in issue 15 of Scotland Correspondent.

This stylish Inverness hotel has been refurbished throughout, blending traditional Highland hospitality with supreme comfort in the finest waterside hotel Inverness has to offer.

Luss, Loch Lomond

Destination - Scotland

Lodge on Loch Lomond

Portavadie

Loch Fyne, Argyll

The Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel, on the beachfront at Luss near Glasgow, is the perfect place to relax overlooking Scotland’s favourite loch.

Sitting on the shores of Loch Fyne on Scotland’s west coast, Portavadie is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind amid glorious scenery.

As featured in issue 5 of Scotland Correspondent.

The 48-bedroom hotel, complete with a range of conference and banqueting facilities for up to 200 guests and leisure facilities, enjoys an intimate, warm and charming atmosphere. The awardwinning Colquhoun’s Restaurant and Lounge are the perfect place to relax and unwind and watch the changing landscape of the loch.

As featured in issue 2 of Scotland Correspondent.

The resort offers world-class marina facilities, a range of holiday accommodation, restaurants and bars, beauty and wellbeing treatments, shopping and event spaces. The spa and leisure experience provides an exceptional way to enjoy the views over Loch Fyne at any time of year, making Portavadie the destination of choice for all occasions.

Trump Turnberry

Dundas Castle

Trump Turnberry is an iconic landmark on the spectacular Ayrshire coast providing warm Scottish hospitality.

Dundas Castle is a most spectacular venue for any event. This authentic Scottish Castle has been transformed into a 5-star ‘Exclusive Use’ venue with 17 bedrooms.

As featured in issue 13 of Scotland Correspondent.

Parts of the castle date back to 1416 and has belonged to the Stewart-Clark family since the late 1800s.

Turnberry, Ayrshire

As featured in issue 7 of Scotland Correspondent.

It offers a range of exceptional venues ideal for meetings, events and weddings. Enjoy the fresh Scottish air while enjoying the wonderful scenery, exceptional dining options, indulgent spa treatments, outdoor activities and championship golf.

Edinburgh

Enjoy all the amenities of the finest hotels but with the exclusivity of staying in your own castle.

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Destination - Scotland George Hotel

Inveraray, Argyll Imagine relaxing by an open peat fire, sipping a single-malt whisky after a sumptuous meal before retiring to a luxury bed in a 247-year-old hotel by the side of a spectacular Scottish loch.

As featured in issue 11 of Scotland Correspondent.

Each of the George’s 17 rooms have been beautifully decorated and many boast a super kingsize bed, jacuzzi bath and even a real open log and coal fire to add an extra layer of romantic cosiness.

Glamis House Glamis, Angus

Built in 1798 Glamis House is a stunning, traditional home with an impressive history, as featured in issue 19 of Scotland Correspondent. The house is situated in the grounds of Glamis Castle. With room for up to 13 people to sleep the house is situated in a stunningly beautiful part of the country boasting superb beaches, great walking trails and renowned golf courses close by, including Carnoustie.

Glamis House, Forfar, Angus Tel: 01738 451610 https://www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk

The Station Hotel

Glen Nevis Hostel

Situated in the heart of Scotland’s world renowned whisky country the Station Hotel in Rothes, as featured in issue 30 of Scotland Correspondent, provides the perfect blend of of history, tradition and modern luxury.

Visitors on a budget looking to spend time in one of the most spectacular areas of the Scottish Highlands can do so Glen Nevis Youth Hostel in Fort William, Lochaber.

Speyside

With 14 bedrooms, including five luxury suites, the four-star hotel is ideally placed to serve as a base for visitors interested in exploring the wellsignposted nearby whisky, golf and castle trails of Speyside.

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Fort William

As featured in issue 20 of Scotland Correspondent this jewell in the crown of Hostelling Scotland has recently been refurbished to provide a mix of private en-suite rooms and shared accommodation with all the comforts and modern conveniences of a home from home.

Destination - Scotland

The Chester Hotel Aberdeen

Trump International

Balmedie, Aberdeenshire MacLeod House & Lodge is a five-star luxury hotel located near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire at Trump International Championship Links Golf Course and award-winning five-star resort.

As featured in issue 20 of Scotland Correspondent.

This historic Scottish mansion and lodge, set amid mature woodland, provides sumptuous accommodation, exquisite dining and an intimate bar. Available for exclusive use, corporate events and weddings it has all the facilities and amenities to suit the modern, traveller.

Situated in the heart of Aberdeen’s historic west end The Chester Hotel, with its 50 luxurious bedrooms and suites, renowned restaurant and stylish lounge bar, is ideally placed for accessing some of the most exciting and challenging golf courses Scotland has to offer.

As featured in issue 19 of Scotland Correspondent.

It provides a perfect base to explore the north-east with its abundance of castles, whisky distilleries and breath-taking scenery.

59-63 Queen’s Road Aberdeen, AB15 4YP. T: 01224 327777 Reservations@chester-hotel.com www.chester-hotel.com

Fingal

Edinburgh The former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender, MV Fingal, is Scotland’s first floating hotel, complete with Presidential suit - as featured in issue 31 of Scotland Correspondent Now berthed permanently at the Prince of Wales Dock in the historic Port of Leith, it is a unique addition to Edinburgh’s booming hotel scene.

Developed by The Royal Yacht Britannia each of Fingal’s 23 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by her rich maritime heritage.

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What’s On - Date for your diary

Date 4 ur diary

Scotland

Until 3 January Stirling Winter Festival Stirling.

Stirling, the perfect place to visit during the festive season, bring some sparkle to your season in Stirling.

Join us for an outstanding programme of events for the whole family to enjoy, including Carol Concerts, Christmas shopping, and a fantastic range of bars and restaurants to visit, all set against a sparkling festive backdrop.There really is no better place to enjoy at this special time of year. http://www.stirlingwinterfestival.com Until 4 January Edinburgh’s Christmas Edinburgh Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the traditional Christmas Market offers something for everyone. With stalls selling everything from local and bespoke products and gifts to tasty treats, visiting the market is a must this year.

There is no better way to soak up the festive atmosphere http://www.edinburghschristmas.com/whats-on/ christmas-market-east-princes-street-garden 1 January The Loony Dook South Queensferry In the shadow of the Forth Bridges, the dippers in fancy dress, scantily clad or even fully clothed from the night before will brave the chill to raise money for charities while shaking off their Hogmanay hangover. https://www.facebook.com/events/2212964578728501/ 1 January The Ba’ (1st January) Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NW Every Christmas and New Year’s Day the “Ba’” is contested in the streets of Kirkwall. The game has been played in its present form since about 1850 and is a must see spectacle for visitors. http://www.bagame.com 1 January Fire & Light: Visions The Helix, Falkirk Round off your Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations with an illuminated, magical journey around The Helix: Home of The Kelpies.

10 January Scalloway Fire Festival Scalloway, Shetland.

The first Viking themed fire festival in Shetland’s annual fire festival season, taking place in the first weeks of January . It is similar to the well-known Lerwick Up Helly

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If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com Aa festival. https://www.shetland.org/things/events/up-helly-aa/ scalloway-fire-festival 11 January Burning of the Clavie Burghead, Morayshire, IV30 5UD A fire festival unique to Burghead, which greets the New Year. http://www.burghead.com/clavie/ 16 January - 2 February Celtic Connections Various venues, Glasgow Celtic Connections is the largest winter music festival of its kind and the UK’s premier celebration of celtic music.

Some 2,100 artists and 300 events in 20 venues. https://www.celticconnections.com/Pages/default.aspx 18-19 January Strathpuffer 24 Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, IV14 9DW When it comes to mountain bike challenges, they don’t come much tougher or more rewarding than the Strathpuffer - the legendary 24 hour mountain bike endurance event held every year in the Highlands of Scotland in the middle of winter. https://strathpuffer.co.uk 24 January - 2 February Big Burns Supper Festival Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG1 2RS Big Burns Supper Festival runs for 11 days at the end of January in the vibrant capital of South Scotland, Dumfries. The festival takes place in venues, bars, art galleries, museums and includes an 800 capacity Spiegeltent which includes a heady roster of international names taking place. http://bigburnssupper.com 25-26 January Aviemore Sled Dog Rally Glenmore, Aviemore, Scotland, UK Every year since 1984, mushers from across the UK have gathered in the forests around Aviemore for the biggest event in the British sled dog racing calendar, The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Aviemore Sled Dog Rally. In 2020 we celebrate our 37th anniversary of the race. http://siberianhuskyclub.org.uk/2015-shcgb-aviemorerally/ 28 January Up Helly Aa Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0HL Up Helly Aa, which takes place in Lerwick, Shetland, on the last Tuesday in January every year involves a series of marches and visitations, culminating in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley. https://www.uphellyaa.org

1 January The Maryborough Highland Gathering Maryborough, Vic Now in its 159th year the Maryborough Highland Gathering is Australia’s oldest continuous running sporting event. The Highland Gathering was originally formed by gold prospectors, Scottish squatters and businessmen who had arrived in the goldfields and central Victoria from Scotland. They organised an event to re create their traditional New Year Highland celebrations in their adopted land. www.highlandsociety.com.au 25 January St Andrew Society of Western Australia Burns Supper Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth, WA For 80 years, the St Andrew Society of WA has been proudly helping to maintain Scottish culture in the state. https://saintandrew.org.au/2019-burns-supper/

Canada

18 January Sixth Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate Lansdowne Park Skating Court, near the Aberdeen Pavilion, Ottawa. https://www.kiltskate.com 19 January Sixth Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate Seven Oaks Sports Plex, Garden City Community Centre, Winnipeg. https://www.kiltskate.com 25 January Sixth Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate Patinoire Atrium, 1000 rue de la Gauchetiere, Montreal. https://www.kiltskate.com 25 January Gala Burns Supper & Ceilidh The Shaw Centre, Ottawa, Ontario Join the Scottish Society of Ottawa Join us on 25 January 2020 to celebrate the life and poetry of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns https://ottscot.ca/burns-supper-ottawa 24 January Calgary Burns Club Burns Supper The Westin Hotel, Calgary, Alberta www.calgaryburnsclub.com 25 January Burns Supper & Dance LiUNA Hall, 560 Dodge St., Cobourg www.cobourghighlandgames.ca 25 January The Halifax Burns Club Burns Supper Delta Halifax, Halifax, Nova Scotia

24 January St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto Annual Burns Supper Toronto, Ontario The Society’s next big event is the Robert Burns Dinner on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the University Club of Toronto. The event follows the time-honoured format with the traditional “Address to A Haggis”, Toasts to the Lassies and Laddies and The Immortal Memory. www.standrews-society.ca

New Zealand

1 January Waipu Highland Games Caledonian Park Main Road Waipu.

1 January every year, come join the Waipu Highland Games, a great family day out since 1871. http://www.waipugames.co.nz 25 January Turakina Highland Games Turakina Domain, Cameron Road, Turakina Come and enjoy a great day out for all the family at the 155th Turakina Highland Games - New Zealand’s longest running Highland Games. www.turakinahighlandgames.co.nz

USA

17 January The 24th Burns Night Gala Celebration University Club, New York City, New York The American-Scottish Foundation® invites members and friends to join for the 25th Annual Burns Night celebration, held in association with the University Club, New York. http://americanscottishfoundation.com/events/2019burns-night.html 18-19 January Central Florida Scottish Highland Games Central Winds Park, Winter Springs, Florida Experience traditional highland athletics, dance, art, music, culture, food and a Gaelic spirit that will we hope will awaken your soul! www.flascot.com 25 January Burns Supper Daniel island Club, 600 Island Park Drive, Charleston, SC a celebration of the life and works of Scotland’s Poet Laureate, Robert Burns. Join us for a wonderful meal, entertaining toasts, haggis, and the installation of our new Officers and Members of our Board of Directors. This is truly a memorable evening and one of the greatest traditions in all of Scottish culture. www.charlestonscots.org

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What’s On - Date for your diary

Australia

The Halifax Burns Club is hosting its 23rd annual Burns Supper at the Hotel Halifax at 1990 Barrington Street. www.halifaxburnsclub.org

What’s On - Date for your diary

25 January Saint Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles Burns Supper Altadena Town & Country Club, Victoria Room, 2290 Country Club Drive, Altadena, CA 91001 Robert Burns Supper with all the traditional elements. www.saintandrewsla.org 25 January Robert Burns Supper Orangebrook Golf and Country Club 400 Entrada Drive, Hollywood, FL.

Join the Scottish American Society of South Florida in a celebration of the life and work of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns, commemorating the anniversary of his birth. Tickets include dinner, fiddle & bagpipe concert, Scottish country and social dancing, and the full traditional Burns Supper program with The Selkirk Grace, Piping in the Haggis, Address to a Haggis, Immortal Memory, Toasts, and of course, your own wee taste of haggis, neeps & tatties! www.sassf.org

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