Scotland in 4 Seasons Magazine Winter 2020

ScotlandInFourSeasons

Exploring our connections with Scotland

Winter Dec 2020/Jan 2021 £4.00 ISSUE 1

EXPLORE APPRECIATE CONNECT

Deep Sea Explorer’s Footsteps Through Time. The Travelling Auctioneer. Be Coorie’s VW Campervan Adventures & Lifestyle Choices. Unwind with Wilderness Woman. Textile Designer’s Life in Fife. Me & My Dog. Inspirational Scottish Art with Justin & Carina Prigmore. Remote living. Walkies with Joanne. Lifelong Creativity with Painter Jim Hardie. Tay Ghillie Calum McRoberts shares his river office. Gamekeeper Scott MacKenzie’s Hebridean winter, and much, much, more inside..

It’s a way of life....

www.becoorie.com

4 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Welcome to Scotland in Four Seasons Hello, and a hearty warm welcome to our first issue of Scotland in Four Seasons magazine.

We are a small, independent team based in the Highlands of Scotland, and delighted to bring you a quarterly magazine exploring the many different ways we all connect with Scotland.

We launched in Winter, with our first issue on sale in January 2021.

Traditionally, the New Year in Scotland is a celebratory time when we are full of hope, with positive thoughts and ideas for the year ahead. With the old year behind us and a new one in front of us, January felt like a fortunate time for Scotland in Four Seasons, so here we are!

We have aligned with the seasons, and aim to bring you a wide-angled view of Scotland with features, editorial, and columns, stories, some advertising, photography, and art. Our content is a collaboration with others as we uncover and explore the different connections we have with Scotland, how we enjoy, appreciate, and celebrate.

If you would like to take part, be featured, or involved, advertise, contribute an article or submit photographs, we would love to hear from you.

With best wishes,

Linda Linda Mellor, Editor

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 5

Scotland in Four Seasons Editor Linda Mellor Contact Email: editor@scotlandin4seasons.co.uk Tel: 07875 152072 Cover Photograph Linda Mellor Photographers Richard MacGregor, Alan Scott, Linda Mellor. Back cover image Yuri Janssen.

Collaboration Writers Justin Prigmore, Neil Cunningham Dobson, Lucy Turner, Deborah Anderson, Sheldon Cameron, Caroline Campbell, Joanne Dovesi, Jade Cruickshank, Scott Mackenzie, Melanie Santorini, Simon Barnes, Andrew Dunn.

Subscribe (see page 78) www.scotlandin4seasons.co.uk Printers Stephens & George Print Group, Glasgow G3 7QF Scotland in Four Seasons publication dates for 2021 On sale date Issue 2, March 10th Issue 3, June 10th Issue 4, September 10th Issue 5, December 10th The views expressed by the collaboration writers are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. Copyright is reserved by the publisher. ISSN 2635-0505

6 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Contents Features

Regulars

12

Art inspired by Scotland Justin and Carina Prigmore

19

The travelling auctioneer with Sheldon Cameron

22

Remote living in winter by Linda Mellor

38

Land on Land with Melanie Santorini

30

Footsteps through time by Neil Cunningham Dobson

39

Wilderness Woman by Deborah Anderson

40

A creative lifetime with Jim Hardie by Linda Mellor

46

Gift ideas for you & yours

48

Designer life in Fife with Lucy Turner

47

What do you love..?

52

The River office by Tay Ghillie Calum McRoberts

50

Me & My dog featuring Caroline Campbell

55

Winter Fishing, what’s the catch? with Simon Barnes

56

Photo Focus zooms in on Alan Scott

58

Be wild in style with Deborah Anderson

64

Walkies with Joanne Dovesi.

66

Hebridean Winter by Scott Mackenzie

75

Scottish cafes we love, and why.

69

Creative countryside by Jade Cruickshank

76

77

Country Cooking with Elaine

82

Scotland in Four Seasons Subscribe

Our Writers

Alan Scott

The simple life

by Wills Kass

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 7

Ben Alder Estate Unforgettable Landscapes Incredible Experiences

The Gate Lodge. Sleeps 8 A characterful, lochside property, with tasteful interior design features and commanding views of magnificent Ben Alder.

Dalnaspidal Lodge. Sleeps 12 A well-appointed sporting lodge, offering elegant interiors and glorious views southwest along the length of picturesque Loch Garry.

Corrievarkie Lodge. Sleeps 17 The Lodge set in a gloriously, remote location, on the southern shores of Loch Ericht, amidst some of Scotland’s finest scenery.

An-Tochailt Lodge. Sleeps 8 A charming property with breathtaking water frontage overlooking Loch Ericht and the nearby Drumochter Hills.

Ben Alder Estate offers 58,000 acres of extraordinary natural beauty, stretching from the upper reaches of the winding River Spey in Laggan and south to the shores of picturesque Loch Rannoch. A vast adventure playground for the sporting enthusiast, with a host of activities available on the estate or within easy reach of our lodges.

bookings@ben-alder.com

To book your Ben Alder experience contact our team: www.ben-alder.co.uk Mobile: 07769 313 755

8 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Tel: 01540 672 054

A Promise from Linda Mellor

The choices are endless and Scotland encourages that sense of adventure and inspiration.

“Publishing a magazine exploring our connections with Scotland was a huge undertaking and a dream becoming reality. The original idea for the magazine grew from a dream going back more than two decades. Over the years, the idea remained parked in the back of my mind, filed in the depths of an ever-expanding ideas box and forgotten.

As the magazine idea started to take shape, I asked others if they would be interested in, not only reading it, but collaborating and sharing how they connect with Scotland.

All bar one, said yes.

In 2020, within a fortnight of entering lockdown work evaporated as businesses went into hibernation, doors closed, and budgets were slashed.

Never one for giving up, I started doodling and scribbling down a few ideas to stir up my inspiration. Through this process, I was re-acquainted with my original, distant idea of creating a magazine. My initial thoughts ranged from, ‘this is madness, who would want to read a magazine about our connections with Scotland’, to ‘yes, people will love it!’

The title, ‘Scotland in Four Seasons’ came to me, and mirrored my thoughts of Scotland, it’s a great country to explore all year round. It doesn’t matter if it’s spring, summer, autumn, or winter. There is always something to do, indoors or outdoors, places to visit, areas to explore and new locations to investigate.

Scotland in Four Seasons Magazine stems from the heart of a country woman who was born and bred in Fife. I travelled south, and lived in London, The Cotswolds, Devon, and Cumbria before I returned to Scotland in my forties.

Now heading towards my upper fifties, and settled in the remote Highlands, I am excited to be opening up a new chapter.

Scotland has so much to offer us, and together we can explore, appreciate, and connect.

I promise to share this in Scotland in Four Seasons Magazine for all to enjoy.”

What’s the story behind our winter issue front cover?

As you can see from our content we do have wildlife photographs but lots of other images too. We had a dilema, what could we pick? In the end we decided on Jock’s Hut in the snow.

Jock’s Hut is approximately 40 years old, and was built

by Jock Duncan, Corrievarkie Estate’s single-handed deer stalker from 1980 - 2000. He lived on the estate with his wife, Margaret, and built the hut to offer shelter to his stalking guests.

Our first issue had to have an attention grabbing image and one that undoubtedly reflected winter. We had thought about using a winter wildlife image, but it may have made the magazine look like a wildlife publication.

Throughout the winter months, access to Corrievarkie is blocked by snow as parts of the road are over 2,400ft above sea level. Travel to and from the estate is only possible by Argocat fitted with snow tracks (pictured).

As the snow started to thaw in late winter 2020, it was possible to reach the top of Cul an Aonaich Oidhir to photograph the views.

You can see Schiehallion in the distance.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 9

Weathering the wild winter months Winter is one of the four seasons and defined as the coldest. After the warm, long light of autumn we plunge into shorter days and longer nights. In Scotland, during the months of December, January and February the average maximum temperature hovers around 5°C The Mountain Hare, is native to the Scottish Highlands, adapts to winter.

It’s fur is a grey-brown colour with a hint of blue, making them hard to spot against the heather.

In winter, their coats change to white to provide excellent camouflage in the snow – only their ear tips remain black.

5 top tips for Winter well-being During the winter months we seek out warmth and comfort but what should we do to keep our mental and physical wellbeing in tip top shape?

1. Spend time outdoors. We all need Vitamin D especially during the winter months so a daily walk could help boost your mental and physical wellbeing.

2. Wash your hands (we became expert handwashers in 2020!) regularly to prevent germs spreading.

3. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, be careful of increasing your caffeine intake, it is known to have a negative effect on mood.

4. Stay in contact with family and friends. Technology is a great communication tool to help us stay connected but seeing people face to face (safely) is much better for us.

5. Stock up on good books or read your favourite magazine, watch a film, light a candle (see page 36 for our fav) and make sure you have a does of laughter in you life. *We don’t give medical advice, just commonsense tips and suggestions, always consult your GP.

10 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

56%

OF ADULTS SAY THEY ENJOY THE FRESH, FROSTY AIR AND BEING OUTDOORS IN WINTRY DAYS

“I love to see the red deer in their thick winter coats, and the mountain hares in their white jackets. Nature goes through a huge transformation to survive the harsh, wintry months in Scotland.” Linda Mellor, Editor, Scotland in Four Seasons.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 11

‘Scotland inspires us’

12 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Artists Justin and Carina Prigmore Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 13

‘Scotland has captured our hearts’

by Artists Justin and Carina Prigmore

Husband and wife artists Justin and Carina Prigmore are both inspired by the dramatic Scottish landscape but have found their own unique way of capturing this magical place. ‘We have travelled and painted in a lot of spectacular places, but Scotland has captured our hearts’ say the artists. Throughout their lives they have always been drawn to wild places and have lived in the Rocky Mountains and Northern Sweden. They have ventured through Canada, Alaska, the Alps, and the wonderful game reserves of East Africa in search of inspiration but have made Scotland their home for the last twenty years. ‘There’s something so special here and I’m not quite sure what it is but it has brought out the best in our art’ says Justin. ‘The stunning, rugged scenery and the ever-changing atmosphere are obviously a big part of the attraction but there’s something more. Perhaps it’s the combination of human history and the ancient nature of this place – whatever it is, it works!’

Justin is originally from Wales and Carina from Sweden. They met in the US in 1996 and this where their artistic journey began together. They now live in the Highlands outside Grantown-on-Spey with their two daughters and a Labrador. Both are full-time artists and they have just built their dream studio where they paint side by side creating very different interpretations of the Scotland that surrounds them.

“Scotland has been pivotal” Justin is an ecologist by training and has worked in nature conservation for many years including as a Biodiversity Officer for the Cairngorms National Park Authority. It is this naturalist’s eye that has led him to portray the wild creatures that he observes in the places he visits and all around him. Art has become a way for Justin to explore and then hold on to his experiences in nature.

Scotland has been pivotal in making his transition from a career in conservation to one in art. People who own and manage the land in Scotland have become big supporters of his work. He is often commissioned to paint scenes from estates in the Highlands and beyond and it is a role he relishes, for a number of reasons.

“Meet so many fascinating people” ‘Scotland is made for painting and I love the opportunity to capture something new, be it red deer in the rut on a Sutherland hillside or a capercaillie lekking in an ancient stand of Caledonian pine. But being an artist has also allowed me to meet so many fascinating people, who I would otherwise never get the chance to meet’. These people are often business leaders and extremely successful at what they do, all of which provide some very valuable life lessons for Justin. ‘I’m conscious of some of the perceptions that exist about wealthy and especially absentee landowners, but from my experiences I see it positively. These owners are so passionate about Scotland and that’s infectious’ says Justin. Scotland is fortunate to be able to attract people that are willing to invest large sums of money into improving and maintaining these estates. ‘I thoroughly enjoy working with people who love this country and during our conversations I often find they are deeply committed to finding ways of improving the environment and creating a legacy for a better Scotland, one that can respond to the climate and biodiversity emergency that we face’. ‘I see that as a crucial part of my role. Through my combination of artistic and scientific backgrounds, I hope I can work with landowners to help find solutions that improve the Scottish landscapes while celebrating the beauty and traditions that make this country such a world-class destination,’ states Justin.

Carina’s atmospheric and moody landscapes are inspired

14 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

by her Scandinavian roots and her interest in interior design, but it is the wildness of the Scottish Highlands that enthuses her to paint. She spends lots of time walking and being in nature and her paintings are often based on memories or feelings of a place that she hopes the viewer will relate to. Although the Scottish weather can be challenging, it’s the ever-changing elements that create the mood that is essential for her paintings. ‘Being surrounded constantly by this landscape makes painting here a very natural process as I can create a more immediate response when I go into the studio. I hope that this shows in what I create and that the viewer will connect emotionally and really feel the place.’ Carina said.

“Connect emotionally and really feel the place” The seasons in Scotland are so distinct and each offers different opportunities for the artists. These changes feature strongly in Carina’s work and inspired her first solo show “Following the Seasons” at the Frames Gallery in Perth in 2018. Carina is especially drawn to the Strathspey area with its mix of open landscape and the more forested areas. She often uses water in her paintings to lead the viewer into the scene and this area is famous for its many beautiful lochs and rivers. In winter, a particular favourite spot is the Insh Marshes. ‘This amazing wetland offers everything I need to create a painting with a mix of trees and wet areas set against the snow-capped Cairngorms in the background,’ said the artist.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 15

“White on white presents a beautiful challenge” For Justin, winter is also an inspirational time. ‘I love to get up on the high ground when we have snow and search out ptarmigan. They are among my favourite species to study and they lend themselves so well to being painted against the rugged crags of the Cairngorms. White on white presents a beautiful challenge, but unlike most Scottish wildlife, you are able to get really close and watch how they interact with each other and their environment. As an ecologist who paints, that’s the perfect situation’. His knowledge of wildlife is what sets his work apart. His collectors be they sportsmen, conservationists or just art enthusiasts are captivated by his ability to just get it right – something that only comes from spending lots of time observing his subjects. This connection has led to his work being included in collections across the world and in some of the most prestigious homes as well as public and private museums.

After such a strange year as 2020, it’s difficult to make many plans for the year ahead. The main thing will be to focus on producing their best work. ‘That’s one of the best things about being an artist – you can just shut the world away and live in your own little bubble,’ says Justin. He loves painting on a large scale and the new studio allows an almost unlimited opportunity for this. The first painting he did when the building was complete was an 80-inch canvas of grouse hurtling towards the viewer.

‘I’m not that interested in detail, what I want to capture is the bold energy of being there. Going big allows me to do that in a way that feels like you could just walk into the canvas’.

“That’s one of the best things about being an artist” 16 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

“We also intend to explore more of the west coast – there is so much to capture, and we intend to soak it up, in our own unique ways”

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 17

As well as continuing to work with his clients on commissioned pieces, Justin hopes he will be able to show his work at some Game Fairs in the summer of 2021, after the disappointment of all being cancelled last summer. Carina will start the new year by creating a body of work for a solo show at the Kilmorack Gallery in Beauly that will open in late spring.

The studio at their home is open to visits by appointment. Further details can be seen at www.prigmoreart.com and on social media @carinaekdahlprigmore and @justinprigmoreart

Biographies Award winning artist Justin Prigmore was born in 1974 and has a master’s degree in Ecology. Justin has exhibited his work internationally in prestigious juried shows and galleries and his work can be found is some very prominent collections worldwide. He has exhibited with the Society of Wildlife Artists and was elected a signature member of the Society of Animal Artist in the USA. His work is represented by the House of Bruar Gallery in Perthshire and the Rountree Tryon Gallery in Petworth and London. He is a trustee of the conservation charity SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.

Carina Ekdahl Prigmore was born in Sweden in 1973. She has a diploma in Art & Design and a BSc Honours in Conservation Biology. Her work has been exhibited at the Bennington Centre for the Arts in Vermont, USA; Mall Galleries in London and in the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong with Panter and Hall. King & McGaw is publishing her work and five of her paintings were selected by John Lewis department stores as part of their print collection. Her work is represented by Kilmorack Gallery in Beauly, Panter & Hall in London, Morningside Gallery in Edinburgh, Frames Gallery in Perth, Strathearn Gallery in Crieff and the Iona House Gallery in Woodstock.

18 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

THE TRAVELLING AUCTIONEER Glasgow based Sheldon Cameron gives Scotland in Four Seasons an insight into his glamorous role as an Auctioneer. From county to county he travels throughout the year in search of the ‘Golden Egg’ “220, 240, 260, 280..........if your all finished then at £280?” The gavel is raised, WHACK! “Sold for £280.”

that pepper the rugged west coast to the, not to be forgotten, mystical far East of the granite city.”

Scotland in Four Seasons talks to Sheldon Cameron, a Glasgowbased Auctioneer with an eye for treasure and a love of the Scottish outdoors. We asked Sheldon, what is the life of an auctioneer like? “Ah, the life of an auctioneer, looking at priceless works of art in magnificent country houses with the portraits of the owner’s ancestors looking down on me and taking in every word I say about the precious item I’m valuing.”

Excitement and anticipation Sheldon said, “it is never dull valuing items for sale, divorce, insurance, probate and inheritance purposes to dealing with the solicitors, the general public and major institutions. Every phone call can possibly unearth a treasure trove or a dusty bygone.”

Castles and Stately homes “Well not quite! That is the general perception people seem to have of an auctioneer, driving to castles and stately homes throughout the Highlands with majestic deer cavorting in the heather, but alas most appointments take me to a secluded house off the beaten track, miles from anywhere, where the sat nav is hit and miss and a mobile phone signal is a distant memory and the ‘antique’ that has been in the owners possession for generations turns out to be an item from the 1960’s and worth very little! Oh well maybe the next appointment will bring unseen treasures to light?”

Life on the road “Having spent over three decades as an auctioneer, l too feel like an antique some days. Being based in Scotland’s largest city, my appointments take me all over this beautiful land, from Bettyhill in the frozen North to Campbelltown in the sweltering South, the islands

Country shows and Game Fairs “Working in Scotland for the past eight years has been wonderful. There are many outdoors events in my annual calendar I enjoy attending in a professional capacity. The first one of the year is The Royal Highland Show, followed by The Scottish Game Fair at Scone and then the ever popular Highland Field Sports Fair at Moy. I share a stand with the Scottish Countryside Alliance, and you never know who you are going to meet and what they will want valued and then eventually sold at auction.”

Christmas for the Auctioneer “One memorable occasion was a client I met at one of the shows. They wanted a valuation of the part contents of a castle. Wow! I thought suits of armour, full size snooker table, a plethora of taxidermy, family portraits, silver, the wine cellar and oodles of furniture. I could hardly contain my excitement, just like a child waking up on Christmas day and running to see all the brightly wrapped presents around the tree.”

Auctioneer Sheldon Cameron in action with his gavel at Mulberry Bank Auctions, Glasgow.

SET OF J & R GLEN OF EDINBURGH BAGPIPES The rosewood turned pipes with white metal and ivorine mounts, with a leather pipe bag and tartan cover, together with an ebonised turned wood chanter marked P. Henderson of Glasgow. Sold for £800

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 19

Communication is king “The client and I exchanged phone call after phone call, emails a-plenty over the late summer that rolled into autumn.

Our communication continued, the months rolled on, and then autumn slipped by and became the start of a very cold and white infused winter.”

On a winter’s night “After months of phone calls, and appointment was made, Sheldon told us, “with a new set of winter tyres on my trusty Subaru, I set off from Glasgow one December morning. It was only me and a few hardy souls on the eerily quiet Great Western Road listening to my sat nav direct me on my lengthy journey onto the A9 North to the Cairngorms. With tricky driving conditions and erratic drivers to negotiate I made it to my destination: a truly picture-perfect Scottish castle with a long steep and winding drive with pheasants, deer and red squirrel darting through the snow. After a successful appointment with the goods consigned for sale, I headed South and homeward bound, with a minor detour to take in the wonderful winter Highland scenery and to purchase supper for one.”

Opportunity knocks “The following January a few days before Burns Night, with the weather most foul, I received a phone call from a lady with a large warehouse full of ‘stuff. The word ‘stuff’ is used a lot nowadays. The building was located near the M8 somewhere towards the Capital, so off I set following the trusty, or so I thought, sat nav.”

The golden egg “After the very long and scenic route, I arrived at the coldest building in Scotland, with the snow still falling, to be greeted by all the props from the follow-up Trainspotting film, T2. I had found the ‘golden egg’ at last, with the contents of the pub to the complete bar, the contents of Spud, Renton, Sick Boy and Begbie’s flats and houses.

Fishing for compliments “Diane’s solicitors office furniture, the contents of the jail cell and interview room, the lock up and every other item now immortalised on the silver screen.”

20 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Media coverage sales. With recent highlights “Needless to say it was a fantastic being the sale of a cask of auction, generating massive media Da Mhile Organic Springbank interest in The Times newspaper, for £88,750 and a bottle of the much local papers, radio and television sought-after Dalmore for £19,000.” and culminating in me being invited to the premier screening. Not bad It’s all about the legwork for a general enquiry phone call.”

“As ever, with these and all a lot of leg work is carried Countryside at heart auctions, out, researching not forgetting, “I have always had a leaning sampling of the and casks with towards hunting, shooting, verification of strength along and levels. and fishing for compliments. I These are then sampled at our private attended the Royal Agricultural tastings prior to the well-attended sales.”

College, now University, but it will always be a college in my mind.”

“Going, Going, Gone!”

First love “I helped with the running of Do you have any antiques or old my parents farm and had all my ‘stuff’ you’d like valued? polo ponies to look after. I enjoyed occasional forays hunting and running Sheldon Cameron has been an the enormously successful clay auctioneer for many years and is happy shoot, called The Oxford Shooting to conduct valuations across Scotland.

Ground. These pursuits have always been my first love, so when an www.mulberrybankauctions.com appointment occurs with any related items to value, as the Proclaimers say, ‘I’m on my way, aha, aha, aha!’”

Scottish outdoors “An office bound job was never going to suit me, especially with the glorious Scottish countryside around me. On the infrequent time to myself, I like nothing better than to pull on my trusty boots and traipse up a hill or munro, but the older I get, some days a mole hill looks challenging.”

Old age, old knees “My knees took a pounding through polo over the years. If the weather and my knees are against me, then a trip to one of Scotland’s many museums is in order. I do enjoy a day on the river, rod in hand while being eaten alive by pesky midges and swearing to myself because I forgot the midge spray and hat with a net!”

A wee dram “Once back on terra (dry) firma a wee dram is in order. I am usually spoilt for choice because we are one of the original and largest whisky auctioneers in Scotland. We are also the first auction house to conduct cask

Ice Pancakes

Ice pancakes are a phenomenon where discs of ice are formed creating floating lily pad-like slices on the water’s surface. The ice pancakes can range from 20 -150cm wide. Alan Scott was Grayling fishing on the River Nith, Drumlanrig in December’s freezing conditions hoping for more than frost bite. Alan photographed this rare formation before he carried on fishing. Grayling are known for feeding in the coldest conditions. Read more about Alan’s photography on page 52.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 21

Remote living through the winter months

By Linda Mellor

22 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 23

When winter first starts to creep in, the signs are small, the pace is slow and steady. In late November, my attention is drawn to the lack of colour in the landscape as autumn’s vibrant ochres and deep reds are replaced with dark browns, greens and shades of grey and the dry weather is swapped for rainy days. Early morning journeys are dark, and woodcock are seen, albeit briefly, disappearing into the undergrowth. They are all confirmation we are on our way into the winter months.

cross a bridge. Red deer leave the road and cross a burn, then re-join the road on the other side of the bridge but the ever-adaptable fox makes the most of the convenient, man-made crossing. The snowy prints are our countryside news.

The thick snow reshapes the terrain and creates a scene akin to the surface of an alien planet as the undergrowth disappears from view, edges and angles are rounded, and polished. Large, exposed areas, swathed in snow, are redesigned by the wind with artistically blown snowdrifts “you are regularly reminded of your fragility in and shaped lines appear mirroring waves on the seashore. the wilderness” Boulders in the rivers develop a covering of ice as delicate and intricate as Victorian lace. The vista is magically transSuccessful and enjoyable remote living in Scotland requires formed, and I am reminded of Scottish folklore’s Queen of advance preparation: log shed restocked, oil tanks filled, Winter, Cailleach Bheur (also known as Beira), a one-eyed and vehicles checked and fitted with winter tyres and a giantess with white hair, dark blue skin, and rust-coloured snow shovel in the boot. Through spring, summer, and auteeth. She built the mountains using a magic hammer, and tumn, the journeys to and fro are easy, however, in winter, Ben Nevis was her mountain throne. When her reign as each journey becomes an adventure into the unknown, and the Queen of Winter ended on the longest night of the your respect for mother nature deepens as you are regularly year, she visited the Well of Youth (a wellspring on green reminded of your fragility in the wilderness. island in an unknown location of the west coast), and after My senses come alive because winter is a rich season with drinking its magic water grew younger day by day. lots to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste, especially if you include tasty homemade winter food classics of casseroles, stovies, and bowls of scotch broth. On still days the wind in “Winter weather is powerful, the basic need for the top of the glens can be heard from the lower ground, a shelter, warmth and food overtakes everything soft, constant sound moves around and is hard to pinpoint. else, even in modern life.”

It has an eerie quality, it reminds me of the gentle rumble of distant thunder or soothing sound of the sea.

Remote Scottish landscapes are hidden away, silent, and undisturbed and cloaked in winter’s icy veil. The snow “the undergrowth disappears from view, edges becalms the mind and induces a peaceful stillness. Winter has an age-old feel, there is a strong sensation of going and angles are rounded, and polished.” back centuries to a time when our ancestors lived much simpler lives. It’s not such a bizarre thought because our When the snow falls, the remote landscape goes to sleep, remote landscapes by definition are secluded and unchanand the once familiar surroundings shift to unfamiliar as recognition points are blanketed, often until spring. Snow ged by much of modern life. With no big geological events changing our landscape, the shape of the mountains, hills, poles become a lifeline, guiding us safely along a road and glens we see today must be similar to how the land buried deep under the snow. Throughout the year your looked 200 or 300 years ago. Large rocks near paths used eyes are accustomed to the animal paths crisscrossing the as a natural shelter against the elements or a place of rest landscape but in winter, the snow reveals a much busier for travellers over the centuries. You sense the magnetism rural story with deer hooves, rabbit, and mountain hare of the ancient land, and glimpse at how people lived as pawprints, slender fox tracks and the large-winged angel they battled to survive through the winter months. Winter shape of the strike from of a bird of prey as it pounced on weather is powerful, the basic need for shelter, warmth and its quarry. Animals travel on the roads, but most will not food overtakes everything else, even in modern life.

24 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 25

Life is workable in a remote location with a few 21st century tools: broadband, a phone signal and computer technology. Scotland in Four Seasons was created and designed in a remote location, high up in the hills on the banks of a loch, miles from a local community.

We have to adapt to the wintry conditions and accept when the wind is howling, and the snow is deep, we may not have access to modern day communications. The electricity supply is stable, but a generator is close to hand should the power go off.

‘Popping’ out to the local shop for milk, and a newspaper is 26 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

at least 2-hour round trip, and if anything is forgotten, you go without. There are never any journeys undertaken without a shopping list, water, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots.

A post-box resides on the main road, as the post and parcels are never delivered to the front door. Assurances of timely deliveries fall into a void and are often much later than promised.

In winter, we pass through the Winter Equinox, also known as Yule, Midwinter and the longest night. We are on our way to the brighter days of spring, however, the weather in remote Scotland doesn’t mark the occasion.

Often, from January through to April the weather is at its harshest, as temperatures often remain below zero during daylight hours, and snow showers are frequent. The highest part of the single-track road sits around 2,400ft and is the most challenging with deep snow drifts, and variable and sudden changes in the weather. The only way to travel down to lower ground and out to civilisation is by using an Argocat fitted with snow tracks. The all-terrain, eight-wheeled chariot traverses the snowdrifts, and snow-covered routes impassable in a 4x4 road vehicle. During the deer stalking season the Argo transports deer down from the hill to the larder but in winter, with a shovel strapped on, it carries the bags of shopping home.

Although essential for travel over the snow, the Argo also provides an unseen view of nature. Coveys of grouse sit tight in the snow, rabbits huddle outside their burrows and mountain hares stare back from their icy nooks. Herds of stags seek out shelter on the lower ground and often settle down to rest, and awaken with a covering of snow.

Golden eagles stand out as they fly low over their snowy kingdom, hunting for their next meal. In February’s deep snow, we watched mountain hares as they boxed, chased one another, and then boxed some more in silence. Every outing is an adventure and a wildlife masterclass.

Modern life and all the luxuries bare no comparison to the lifestyle our ancestors had but the human need to return home and seek out warmth in the winter months is still present in our DNA. After a day outdoors, a home-cooked meal, and an evening sitting by the fire and cooring in with a *good book beats most things. *At the time of publication, I was reading The Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales by Donald Smith.

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Footsteps through time

By Neil Cunningham Dobson

30 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Words and images by Neil Cunningham Dobson

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 31

Neil Cunningham Dobson talks about life at sea and coming home to St Andrews “I was never a ‘swot” at school. I loved history and geography and the desire to see the world led me to look at a career in the British Merchant Navy. At the age of 16 I attempted to join the merchant navy by trying to “sign on” at the British Shipping Federation office at the docks in Dundee. I was told to go back to school and get some “highers” and look for a cadetship. I did this and in the late summer I signed up for a deck cadetship with Ben Line Steamers Ltd of Edinburgh.

‘I got the travel bug’ On 23rd September 1973, I hopped on a sleeper train to London and joined my first ship, the cargo passenger ship, M/V Benlawers where I spent 9 months on my first trip to sea out in Europe and the Far East visiting Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, Borneo, Hong Kong, Korea. Many exciting and exotic experiences were had, the sites, smells and sounds of the bustling Far East were amazing. I got the “travel bug”. Five years later I completed my cadetship and was a junior navigating officer. I had added South America, Persian Gulf, Russia, and Australia to my list of countries visited.

‘Norway is an amazing country, wild, open, fresh, clear, and big landscapes’ The British Merchant Navy was in decline by the end of the 1970s and I found myself out of work. Exploration for oil in the North Sea was just starting, so I looked to work in that industry and was offered a position as a stability officer on semi-submersible drilling rigs with Jebsens Drilling, a Norwegian oil rig company. For the next 9 years I worked out of Aberdeen, Stavanger, Haugesund and Bergen. Norway is an amazing country, wild, open, fresh, clear, and big landscapes. The last two years of my working on oil rigs was spent in the gas fields of Morecombe Bay off Blackpool. Change of career saw me taking a job in Dundee as an offshore survival instructor for the oil industry at RGIT’s new teaching facility at Dundee docks. During my time working onshore I was able to continue my scuba diving hobby, I started a local club and through work gained Commercial diving certification. I became very interested in researching and diving local shipwrecks and marine archaeology. The seas around Scotland’s vast coastline (including the islands, 10,250 miles) is full of life and has some wonderful shipwrecks.”

‘I was hooked on underwater archaeology’ The Scottish Institute of Maritime Studies at St Andrews University contacted me about local shipwrecks, and I became interested in the work they do. Before I knew it, I was working on a 1653 Cromwellian warship wreck off Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull, during summer holidays and weekends every month. Over 5 years on this site I worked with a team of marine archaeologists under the supervision Dr Colin Martin.

I was hooked on underwater archaeology. I left my job and went and obtained a master’s degree at St Andrews University. Sad, I know, going to university in the town you grew up in and live in, but I did make the most of being a student. So began my career as a marine archaeologist. I decided that I would like to explore how the offshore technology of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle) could be used to find and excavate deep water wrecks that are not accessible by divers. The ROVs would become the eyes and hands of an archaeologist.

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‘a depth of nearly 5,000m or 3 miles’ I was contacted by Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. a Tampa, Florida, shipwreck exploration company, experts in locating and investigating deep water shipwrecks. Their research vessel the M/V Odyssey Explorer became my second home for 12 years. I have researched, found, investigated, and excavated many high-profile shipwrecks on both sides of the North Atlantic and the length of the Mediterranean. The last 8 years has seen me working on some of the best ROV construction and salvage vessels in the world. My work in the last 3 years has leaned more to deep water cargo recoveries from WWI and WWII merchant vessels. The deepest I have worked was the SS Gairsoppa, a WWII British cargo vessel at a depth of nearly 5,000m or 3 miles.

‘the North Minch, the Little Minch, and the Sea of Hebrides’ Shipwrecks attract media attention and I have been the subject of many newspaper, magazine articles and TV documentaries.

My work has taken me to some amazing ports and cities around the world. For me one of the most beautiful sea journeys in the world is the sea route through the North Minch, the Little Minch, and the Sea of Hebrides that separate the west coast of Scotland between the inner and Outer Hebrides.

‘the old grey toun by the North Sea’ I am always drawn to St Andrews and there is nothing better than seeing the Forth bridges and approaches to the runway at Edinburgh airport at the end of my expeditions knowing that I am only an hour away from home. Friends and work colleagues often ask me, why after visiting and working in some amazing countries that I have always chosen to come home to Scotland, especially St Andrews, “the old grey toun by the North Sea”. There is something unique about St Andrews, nowhere like it anywhere in Scotland. Miles of beaches and coastal paths on my doorstep. A truly cosmopolitan town of students, tourists, and golfers. Quaint medieval buildings, cobbled streets, ruined cathedral, castle, and the oldest university in Scotland. Not the hottest, coldest, or wettest part of Scotland, its midge free and to me it’s Shangri-La. A few miles out of town and the weather can be completely different.

‘Fifers are warm and friendly folk’ St Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife is well placed within Scotland and England as being central. Close to good road rail and airport links and a gateway to the highlands. I have a great passion for the Kingdom of Fife and how it relates to the rest of Scotland. I never tire of sharing my knowledge of the Kingdom with people. Some people say that Fifers are mean and cunning.

You will often hear the words, “It taks a lang spoon tae sup wi a Fifer”. So not true, Fifers are warm and friendly folk. I have heard it said that Fife’s national dish is “chilli ca canny”.

‘beggar’s mantle fringed with gold’ Falkland palace in the heart of Fife was the hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland. St Andrews was a favourite haunt of Mary Queen of Scots and the place where Prince William met Kate Middleton in 2002. During the early 17th century, King James VI of Scotland described Fife’s beautiful sandy coast as a “beggar’s mantle fringed with gold”. Fife and indeed Scotland is a land of four seasons with something different to offer locals, travellers, and tourists during every one of them.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 33

‘A first in the UK’ Early last year in June, St Andrews was fortunate to the host a Pop In The City event. A first in the UK, more than 500 women aged from 17-77 from overseas descended upon St Andrews for a long weekend. Pop In the City is a feminine urban raid that allows hundreds of determined women to discover a different European city by undertaking challenges which encourage them to experience authenticity, meet with locals and surpass themselves. The women compete in pairs over an 8-hour race, covering over 30 challenges.

‘The 2.5 miles route takes in spectacular views’ Tourism St Andrews approached me along with the French organisers inviting me to provide an interesting walk that would last a few hours starting from St Andrews. As I like a challenge, I designed a walk from the East Sands, St Andrews out along the coastal path to where it passes the Fairmont Hotel golf clubhouse. The 2.5 miles route takes in spectacular views, interesting geological features, flora, fauna, and wildlife along with a terrain that gets the heart pumping. I was offshore on a shipwreck project in the North Atlantic and I was lucky to arrive home with enough time to produce a walk guide for the extra guides I would need. On the day of the walk the weather was dry and warm and we had over 50-60 women for the walk. It was a great success and the Fairmont Hotel provided light refreshments and food for the walkers.

‘Footsteps Through Time’ On the success of this walk I worked with the hotel to see how we could offer the walk exclusively for hotel guests. Over the winter we developed a walk leaflet and a booking system. I was also developing a maritime coastal walk in St Andrews from the West Sands to the harbour and up to the cathedral area. Realising that I could provide tourists and visitors something different I founded “Footsteps Through Time” my guided walking tour company.

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Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 35

‘love my shipwreck and treasure hunting stories’ Everything was in place for a roll out and start in April 2020 and then COVID-19 arrives. COVID-19 has changed people’s lives and the way we work and spend our leisure time. I found myself unable to travel abroad due to other countries restrictions. Uncertainty regarding ship mobilisation and crew changes saw many projects put on hold and I found myself stuck at home. When hotels opened in August and restrictions relaxed, working with the hotel we decided to offer walks to hotel clients. I was able to obtain training and follow government and industry COVID-19 guidelines. August was a glorious month for weather and my walks were very popular. I have met lots of interesting people and have taken a few journalists and travel writers who are discovering what tourism during COVID-19 is like.

I strive to give my customers a memorable experience not a clinical timed tour. On my walks we stop, take in the surroundings, enjoy the quiet and, listen to the hypnotic sounds of the sea and waves. We chat, I find out what interests my clients have and adjust my talks accordingly. The hotel can provide its guests with an amazing rucksack picnic and during my walks they can ask me to stop wherever to enjoy it. Of course, they love my shipwreck and treasure hunting stories and the local information I provide them about St Andrews. The walks are not only an experience for my clients but for me to. No two walks are the same. Scotland is a land full of experiences, so I encourage you all to go out, explore, discover, and enjoy them.

For me, my favourite place in Scotland during the winter is Fife Ness. The most easterly point of land in the Kingdom of Fife. Rubha Fiobha in Scottish Gaelic, headland of Fife. The word Ness is also a Norse word meaning “nose”. Fife Ness has a long history; evidence of Mesolithic settlers around 7600 BC, Roman Iron Age occupation 2nd century AD, 9th century Danish invaders, 17th century harbour works, a 18th/19th century tide mill, and pond, a limekiln and a HM Coastguard Station and houses. Fife Ness has a special place in my heart. In the early 1980’s I did some of my first SCUBA dives down the skellies at Lochaber Rock and my first shipwreck the Norwegian cargo vessel M/V Vildfugl which struck the rock in 1951. Fife Ness on a cold fresh frosty winter’s day is a place where you can sit on the sea sculptured rocks, enjoy the sounds and smells of the ocean, watch seabirds skim the waves and swell and maybe even reset your mind.”

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Neil Cunningham Dobson is a deep-water marine archaeologist and salvor with over 47 years-experience in the marine and offshore industries. A native of Fife, Neil lives in St Andrews, the home of his seafaring ancestors.

He has worked on scores of shipwreck sites and supervised archaeological and salvage work on many high-profile projects in the oceans of the world. Neil is gifted with the unique ability to make science, history and archaeology understandable, interesting, and fun. His shipwrecks and discoveries attract world-wide attention.

Neil has been the subject of many newspaper, magazine articles and TV documentaries.

Passionate about local history and Scotland, Neil enjoys his role as Fife Council Fife Ambassador promoting the Kingdom of Fife. He has recently expanded promotion of Fife with his bespoke walking tour/ guide company, Footsteps Through Time (find on Facebook).

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Land on the land to come alive inside your own skin

by Melanie Santorini “Hi there, my name is Melanie Santorini, Swimming Forest Seer. I’m a mystic, a shamana, sometimes called a witch, and an ex-vicar.

In these various capacities, I’ve held soul-medicine circles for nearly forty years: sacred spaces where you can plug-in deep and simply be yourself, knowing your voice will be listened to and respected.”

It is truly a magical place - ancient, alive and mysterious. From here I also offer on-line soulmedicine sessions, plus in-person deep-dive solo intensive residential retreats.

The three-to-seven night programmes, Opening Pandora’s Box, held in our nearby well-appointed, self-catering holiday cottage, Sadhana Bothy Retreat (bookable through AirBnB) are not for the fainthearted or spiritual novice.”

If you are curious about whether soul-medicine might be for you, check out Melanie’s website www.melaniesantorini.org You can also buy Melanie’s memoir. Majesteria: from bad-ass vicar to bare-breasted priestess in seven-years via a horse, a motorhome and a boat (Balboa Press 2019). Also on our gifts page 46.

These days I specialise in holding space for women entering, navigating or exiting the turbulent waters of menopause.

Pre-lockdown I offered Soul Spa Days from my home at the edge of the Black Wood on the shores of Loch Rannoch, Perthshire.

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During lockdown, after many years of yearning to have one, my journey into the VW Campervan world. This Wilderness Iisstarted how my new love and appreciation of the VWs campers Woman began.

Driven by my desire to find a way to explore during Covid times. I expanded my Be Coorie ethos (see p54) by offering a new travel experience, the campervan rental. This has enabled me to feel some freedom and allowed others to discover their wilderness passion right here in Scotland.

As we travel to these areas, I do feel that some places are too lovely, too sacred that we should perhaps have left untouched. We need to be mindful of our actions: conscious travellers, protecting the landscape to allow this ongoing experience of romantic ideas for future generations.

We need to be conscious, responsible humans, not just travellers or adventure seekers. Through my lifestyle concept Be Coorie’s ‘a way of life’ I want to promote a movement towards a better society where we embrace Deborah Anderson what’s around us responsibly for the future of our environment, the people we interact with and the planet we leave behind.

“What is wilderness, is it what separates people from the My promise to myself in 2021, is to be my most authentic natural world? What is wilderness to you, unspoilt beauty self and to be mindful in every choice I make day to day. I and free from people? Or the appreciation of untouched may not be the most domesticated, the best mum, or friend places? and I’m probably a mix of Calamity Jane and a desperate New Year 2020 was another great authentic Scottish housewife but I try to be the best version of myself.

Hogmanay with friends, watching the famous Medieval I realise it’s an ongoing transformation process and by parade marching through my village. Warding off evil reconnecting with our unique set of personal values I spirits from each corner of Comrie. The Flambeaux. The believe we connect with our instinctual, embodied wisdom Feeling of Scottish tradition, myths, Outlander, and the Scots spirit echoed through me, reminding me of my roots that is at our core, almost our primal feelings. Which must be what draws me towards nature and feeling a need to be a and where I’m proud to be from. Evoking my desires of part of it.” being drawn to a land rich in history, legend, and beauty.

Fast forward, it’s Jan 2021. In this last year every one of us Reconnect using nature’s gifts and embrace this winter. has been forced to reflect and reassess how we live. If, like Forest foraging for pine needles. Make an outdoor fire and me, you have learned to be more mindful and thoughtful. brew pine needle tea.

You will have been able to appreciate simple pleasures There are many Pine needle tea benefits, here are a few. and also realise that our actions can undoubtedly affect everyone of us, nature, and the planet. Something that we 1.Rich in vitamin C (5 times the concentration of vitamin C found in lemons) and can bring relief to conditions such should have been aware of before but now this realisation as heart disease, varicose veins, skin complaints and fatigue. is prevalent in every one of us. And this is it! Our life is Also an immune system booster which means that pine beautiful. We realise we are not a necessity on this earth. needle tea can help to fight illness and infections.

Power and money are worthless when we don’t have control of our health.

2.High in Vitamin A, it improves eyesight. Vitamin A is good for skin regeneration, your hair and improves red Let’s reclaim this time, awaken to enjoying our own blood cell production, and can be used for sore throats, as an company, in nothingness, in our own space and help expectorant for coughs and to help relieve chest congestion. ourselves by promoting self-care. It is not selfish to look after ourselves and I’m passionate about inspiring people 3.Pine needles contain antioxidants and are known to to claw back their own much-needed personal space, time reduce free radicals, which are harmful to humans and can and hidden desires or beliefs. My self-care time is definitely cause disease. when I feel I have reached the wilderness.

For your Becoorie home, after you pick some needles, let I had planned for some further afield wilderness them soak in boiling water and it will add a crisp pine smell explorations, however, since March I actually discovered the all over the house. wilderness can be accessed from right here on my doorstep.

Photo: Yuri Janssen Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 39

Follow your star

Words and images by Linda Mellor

40 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

“A sense of humour is important as well. It all comes together if you find joy in it all.”

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As Painter, Poet and Pilot Jim Hardie approaches 83, he is still painting. The Scottish Artist shares his outlook on life, art, and adventure.

By Linda Mellor

When looking forward to an approaching birthday, most octogenarians have slowed down. The winter of life is the season of rest, a time for sitting back and recalling life’s accomplishments. In April, Artist James Watterson Hardie (Jim) turns 83 years old, he may have decelerated but he shows no sign of stopping. Since his teenage years, Jim’s output as a painter has flowed to produce a vast collection of work. We talked to Jim, and explored his life immersed in art and asked him how he remains motivated to paint. How do you do it? “Don’t be interested in yourself, be interested in everything else,” replied Jim. The Scottish painter, pilot and poet lives in Skelmorlie on the west coast and has a multidimensional connection to Scotland. Jim has walked the hills, and flown over the land, navigated the seas and sailed the lochs, to fuel his lifelong voyage in art. Since the 1950s, he has owned many interesting vehicles to transport him on his next adventure: Brough Superior with a sidecar, 1948 Velocette LE, Bristol 406, a few boats, and perhaps the most unusual, a vintage German plane he rebuilt in his garage in Skelmorlie.

Born in Motherwell, Jim grew up in a large family squeezed into a small house in Larkhall. “When I was a wee boy, I couldn’t understand why a two-week family holiday in August was such a special thing and the rest of the year was dead ordinary. Traditionally, the first fortnight in August was the sunniest so office workers like my dad always booked the annual family holiday then.

I really enjoyed the holiday. From the age of five to twelve, 42 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

I imagined there had to be something else, and more in life to look forward to than two weeks of the year.” Jim laughed, “I thought I could make life one long holiday.”

Jim regularly adventured to faraway lands on his hand-me-down bike. He clocked up many miles as he explored different places, stopping to adsorb his new surroundings and to sketch before he returned back home for tea.

At 12 years old, a solo cycling trip to Prestwick and back was not uncommon. The epic journey to the coast was a big adventure for the boy from landlocked Larkhall. Jim said, “Prestwick seemed so much bigger than Larkhall, I can still recall the sense of excitement when I arrived in Prestwick on my bike, and the feeling of relief at finding a small, subtle sign pointing down a street, with the words, ‘The shorefront’.” Jim would set off towards the sea with his trunks and sandwiches packed in his bag.

Within minutes he was down at the shore, where he looked out across the vast Firth of Clyde and to Isle of Arran on the horizon. He swam in the sea, and ate his sandwiches, before he cycled back home to Larkhall.

Jim’s future in art started to take shape when he was 12 years old. During Jim’s first year at Larkhall Academy, an art teacher called Jim Barclay, turned up in class one day with a bundle of paper and paints then asked pupils to paint. Jim said, “I thought great, this is fun! They had given us sugar paper, horrible stuff to paint on, it was so thin, and the paint dried quickly”.

As the class settled down to paint, Jim painted a scene from the fairground at Larkhall: a favourite place he had been fascinated by. His work brought the class to a standstill. “I was lost in my painting. They couldn’t believe what they were looking at. Other art teachers were called in to the class to look at my work. Up until that point no-one had taken much interest in me.”

Afterwards, Mr Barclay had taken Jim to one side and told him his drawing was of a standard expected of a 4th year student at the Glasgow School of Art. Jim said, “having someone believe in you and giving you support makes a difference. It fires your imagination.”

At 17, Jim’s pilgrimage in art gathered momentum when he left school to study at the Glasgow School of Art. “I worked really hard and competed during my years as a student.” His diligent approach was rewarded, and from early on, his achievements stood out: wining the Keith Award (1958), the Chalmers Bursary (1959), which enabled him to travel France and Holland where he met Theo Van Gogh, Vincent Van Gogh’s nephew. In 1968, Jim won The Torrance Award and in 1971 first prize in Arbroath Art Festival.

He describes himself as a project painter. His first project was Fife Ness, 1962- 68, and in 1967 the Royal College of Art, London made a film about Jim called ‘The Painter’s Landscape’ exploring his project in Fife Ness.

He taught painting at the Glasgow School of Art and Aberdeen College of Education and lectured in art at Glasgow University and spent time in the USA as an exchange tutor with The Art Institute of Chicago. Jim has had one man shows with the Compass Gallery in Glasgow, The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh and The Charles Jahn Gallery in Chicago and many others. His works are held in several public collections including the Scottish Arts Council, Stirling, Strathclyde, Leicester, Liverpool and Stockholm Universities, and the Aberdeen City Art Gallery.

In 1972, Jim got his pilot’s licence and regularly flew to Shetland, Orkney, Hebrides, Moray and Aberdeenshire to teach art to his students. Some twenty years later, in the early 90s, Jim discovered the

remains of an old plane, a Messerschmitt 208 (Nord 1101), in field near Prestwick Airport. For the next 13 – 14 years, Jim rebuilt the 1940s plane in his garden shed in Skelmorlie.

The shed was extended as the plane’s rebuild progressed. It was known locally as the ‘Skelmorlie Messerschmitt’. Jim had parts engineered locally and embarked on numerous trips to Europe to source the missing components.

The Messerschmitt took to the air in 2005 with Jim in the cockpit, and flew over Scottish skies on many adventures, and inspired a huge body of work: painting, poetry, a play, film-making and writing a book (The Naked Pilot by James Hardie, see page 77).

In 2014, when Jim was 76, he stopped flying and sold the aircraft to Messerschmitt enthusiasts in Italy. As a working artist with more than six decades of experience, what are the key aspects to a successful and fulfilling creative life? “Don’t be so easily influenced by others, you have to do it your way and be practical,” said Jim. Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 43

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“When I left Art School I didn’t sit around and wait, instead, I left Glasgow and went to work as a teacher in Fife, and continued painting. Now that was practical. You also have to have an imagination to see how to do things, and that gives you an understanding. As a child I was always told I had too much imagination as if it was a bad thing. Being able to really see things helped me tremendously.” He laughed, “as you age you gain so much out of life, and you don’t want to get to the end too quickly.”

Jim continued, “you have to be on your own to explore, be curious and receptive, and use your senses to find your own connections. I used to think curiosity was being greedy, but you get ideas, and your senses are alive.” What about clocking up the decades and getting on in years, is age a help or a hindrance?

“Sometimes, as we get older, we have to adapt to the health challenges, I know I had to, but we have so much experience and that shouldn’t stop you getting a lot out of things. I have never been bored in my life.”

Jim laughed, “and a sense of humour is important as well!”

“It all comes together if you find joy in it all. If you don’t get fun, the world isn’t such a nice place and what fun I’ve had!”

Location plays a part in the creative dynamic, Jim told us, “Scotland has given me what I needed to paint for over 60 years. It’s the mark of an artist to recognise what he needs.

Art comes from what’s there and what you’ve got, and I have Scotland.”

Currently, Jim is painting portraits as part of his family & friends project and plans to exhibit his work later in 2021.

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Gift ideas for you & yours Whatever the time of year, a gift is always appreciated Be Coorie Candles are perfect for a cosy night in by the fire, or an indulgent soak in the bath. Scent your space with a high quality Be Coorie candles, they look great, smell devine and last a long time. See pages 54-59 Visit: Becoorie.com

‘A nature poem for every day of the year’ is a joy to read and to look at.

Beautifully laid out wth a huge selection of nature poems. Also available ‘Nature poem for everynight of the year’. From all good book stores.

Looking for upcycled, vintage additions for your wardrobe?

Visit East Neuk Vintage online for a range of stylishly curated preloved and upcycled clothes and accessories.

The red hot flaming heart is perfect warmer for the winter months. Meet Textile designer Lucy Turner on pages 44--45 Visit:

www.eastneukvintage.com Find on Instagram and Facebook.

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A must-read for nature lovers.This beautifully illustrated book follows the seasons throughout the year. ‘The Wild Remedy’ shares how the outdoors and nature’s bounty are good for us.

Look stylish on river with the Simba Rod range of beautifully made bespoke rods, fishing and tackle bags (great as handbags!).

You’ll be the envy of your fellow fishers and fish will be leaping into your net!

See pages 51-52 Visit: Simbarods.com Melanie Santorini’s book Majesteria is a wisdom filled, open and authentic read about the menopausal years. This book tackles life’s journey, written by one of the first female vicars in the Church of England. It’s a must-read for all women. See page 34 for more information. (Balboa Press, 2019) Winter is a critical time for wildlife, why not give our feathered friends a boost with a high quality wild bird seed. Dunbar Pet Food Ltd deliver county-wide: phone, call in or find on Facebook. See pages 47 and 61 for more information.

What do you love about winter? lighting the fire*candle light*wintry walks*dogs sleeping by the fire*the smell of seasoned wood*warm hats and gloves*wrapping up in thick coats, and woolly scarves for a walk in the snow*stretching out on the sofa with a good book*binge watch of downton abbey*seeing animal tracks in the snow*christmas*feeding garden birds*christmas cards from family and friends*buying presents*fresh, frosty air in the morning and feeling the chill as you breathe in*making new year resolutions*seeing snowdrops and crocus pop up in the garden*dogs having daft turns in the snow*driving in fresh snow*scented candles*a hot bath after a long day outdoors*getting out early after it has snowed to see an untouched white landscape*no midges*new year, new beginings*big bowl of homemade scotch broth*a hearty stew*closing the curtains, locking the doors, and sitting by the fire listening to the weather outside*heated car seats*candle lit bath with essential oils*snuggling up to a loved one on the settee and feeling grateful*watching the birds going to and fro from the bird feeders in the garden*clootie dumpling made by my mum*making and throwing snowballs for my dogs*walking on fresh, virgin snow*bright, clear days when you can see your breath*hanging up the new calendar on January 1st*snowballs, the advocaat and babycham kind*my birthday*opening of the salmon fishing season on my local river*hot food outdoors*feeding the deer*snow melting and a greener landscape returning* old year’s day and waking up on new year’s day with an exciting, new year ahead *writing about the weather in my diary.

Janette Robertson’s Clootie Dumpling is made from a passed-down recipe of more than a 100 years old. It’s a big family favourite, and made on birthdays.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 47

Scotland in Four Seasons asked Lucy Turner, a Textile Designer and Retail Manager from the East Neuk of Fife, about her connection to Scotland.

“I’m guessing my connection with Scotland began long before I even realised. My grandmother was from Nairn in the Highlands. She was the middle child of three. When she was 17, she ran away to the south of England, where she continued to live until she died over 25 years ago. My home by birth is Reading and I loved growing up so close to London and spending my free time hanging out on the Kings Road and in Kensington High Street, digging around all the independent shops and markets.”

Lucy first came to Scotland in the 1990’s. “After I left school, I came to Scotland to study textiles at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee. I clearly remember my first trip up for the interview. I had never been north before, and I travelled up on the sleeper train with my brother. I didn’t sleep a wink with the excitement and the constant rattle of the train. Seeing the huge stone walls at Waverley as we pulled in in the early morning was so exciting and I felt I was going on a huge adventure.”

Did you enjoy living and studying in Dundee? “I loved life in Dundee. It is a great city for students. It has changed a lot since I was there studying, but it still has a vibrant arts scene and the college is considered one of the best in Scotland and the city now has the V&A museum on the waterfront.”

“When I graduated from university, I also ran away…to Greece.

It was my Shirley Valentine moment: I met a Greek waiter at a restaurant in Windsor and went to Athens for a week in the summer and I didn’t return for 3 years. I lived and worked in this vibrant city and loved every minute of it.”

Scotland pulled Lucy back again in 2003, “when my then husband and myself wanted to start a new life with our children and my poorly mum. Everyone told us how brave we were, but honestly, it all happened so fast, we didn’t have time to think about being brave.

We had been looking for a property to buy all over the UK, which was big enough for the 5 of us. My husband was working a lot at the time in Scotland and as I had been there at university, it seemed like a possible idea (but we did have a bit of that southern attitude that we might as well be moving to the moon!). Just by chance, we spotted a property we liked. We saw the details in an estate agent’s window and went to see it from the outside on a cold, wet February night. I remember peering through the hedge at this huge rundown white building.

We asked for the prospectus and decided to go for it, not even having seen inside. We had friends in Reading who were also moving to Scotland, so it didn’t seem like such an alien concept.

48 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Designer Life in Fife We put in a bid on the house and won; so, before we knew it, we were packed up and in a van travelling north.”

How about life in Fife? “It was good. We had a huge house (it was an old pub, complete with all the fixtures and fittings) and we took on the job of renovating the building and turning it into a home. This was quite a challenge, as my husband was away a lot with work, my mother had joined us and needed 24-hour care and we had 2 small children to look after. The community was great though and we threw ourselves into village life and soon made many friends and we were made to feel welcome (despite being “incomers”). We were quite the talk of the town when we arrived, two outsiders from the south, taking on the old pub with our city ways! The children quickly made friends and we could walk to the school and life was busy, fun, and safe.

Friends from the south of England would visit and couldn’t understand how we were so relaxed about our children playing in the street out of our sight. Everyone knew everyone and it was the perfect place to bring them up. We had a large house they could play in with their friends, we could walk everywhere, and we were surrounded by beautiful countryside.”

What about working life in Fife, “for over 10 years I ran my own successful textile design business from a studio I built in the home, which fitted in perfectly with bringing up the boys and life at the time.”

Fast forward to the present day, “I am still in Scotland. I have moved a couple of times since then; I am divorced, and the kids have left home (how fast time moves).”

“I now live in the beautiful East Neuk of Fife, next to the sea. I commute 20 minutes into St Andrews to work and I can work for myself from home in my studio here.

I walk the dog on the coastal path, next to the crashing waves and watch the tourists come and go as the seasons change. I smell and hear the sea from my back garden and in the depths of winter we don’t have the hard, bitter frosts that used to be prevalent in the more central region. Though I do miss those biting crisp mornings.

We often have sun when the rest of the country is awash with rain and the local farms, restaurants and markets are full of the produce from this abundant area.”

Travelling around Scotland, how do you do it? “The drive to Edinburgh is longer than it was before (I dream of buying a boat and scooting across the Forth to see friends in North Berwick), but it makes it all the more pleasurable when you do go. My boys thought I had gone mad when I bought this house, as you do need to drive to get anywhere quickly, but lockdown made them appreciate how beautiful this area is and our proximity to the sea. When I am at work, I manage a new design and concept store “Spoiled Life” in St Andrews that opened in February 2020. We are still here and still busy and popular, despite the devastation reaped on businesses. St Andrews is an unusual town, full of international students and tourists, that you don’t really see outside of the big cities. Their presence brings a vitality to the town and keeps it alive and fresh.”

Lucy Turner “I still find it weird that I have spent so long in Scotland (I have now been here 17 years), as I am normally one to move about a lot. I think it is home to me now, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else (apart from maybe back in Greece!). I miss London life, but I go back and visit as often as I can. Life is so expensive there that it is nice to dip in and out and appreciate the good parts.”

My boys are in Glasgow and Galashiels at university and even though they consider themselves English, this is their home too. The quality of life here is wonderful, the people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is second to none and honestly, I would miss the sky if I were anywhere else and the sunsets over the sea.”

You can find out more about Lucy’s work on Instagram @ eastneukvintage and www.eastneukvintage.com.

“Earlier this year I set up my online vintage clothing store, EastNeukVintage. I have always loved clothes and fashion and I worked for years in the fashion industry, as an agent and studio manager. My mother was an antique dealer, with a real passion for fashion and vintage clothes, so I am guessing this is where my interest came from. I still have a lot of her old clothing that I cannot get into, but I will do something with them one day.”

“I love to upcycle garments, relining jackets, adding panels, dyeing, re-stitching or just switching buttons. I am currently creating a studio in my new home, which was my son’s bedroom (don’t tell him), so that I can have a dedicated space to work from.”

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 49

Me & My dogs

By Caroline Campbell “when I went out everyday hunting for strays, they gave in!”

I went on to get two yellow bitches, Brooke being the first, and a year on I got Braan.

Both were from good stock and well-bred quality parents, but neither took the show ring by storm. This was when I realised that rearing a puppy for the showring was an art, “As a child I was always dog mad. My parents did all they and it was going to be my next apprenticeship. By that could to stop us having a pet dog, and made every excuse time, I had met various keen show people who became possible. But when I went out everyday hunting for strays, friends. I adopted a lovely yellow dog Antonine Harry they gave in. My first dog as a child was a crossbred black Potter for Tullochmohr JW who became my dog of a male called Sweep. lifetime and showed me a side to showing I never thought My first Labrador I bought myself at 16 years old, I saved I would accomplish. This boy took me down south to up for months so I could get a yellow bitch, eventually compete at championship level, we went on to win our Candy became my new companion, she sealed my love 1st at Crufts in 2004. Harry was consistently placed at for labs and lived to the ripe old age of 13. I left home at champ shows and we went on to win a RDCC which was 19 to house share with my friend and she came with me, a dream come true for me, his father (Sh Ch Tullochmohr we adopted a small, crossbred bitch named Kizzy and they final edition JW) taking top honours that day winning the quickly became best friends.

DCC. In 1994, I was diagnosed with lupus and found myself I bought a brood bitch in, Bonnie (Antonine Amarantine) reading Labrador Retriever books and joined a few breed and formed my own kennel, also securing a Kennel affix clubs. I would go and spectate at local shows and went which is Binnaig (short for Binny Craig ) my first litter was to breed club shows. There was a litter advertised in the born in 2008. paper, I recognised the sire from the books I had read up on, he was a black dog from the Cambremer Kennel Sh Ch When I was showing down south, I had seen a dog that I Cambremer Tom Sawyer. The dam was also black and was liked and he became the my first stud dog him being Sh a working lab. I went to see the litter and came home with Ch Rocheby Statesman. a black bitch and called her Cree. That’s when my show career started.

I had never handled a dog or trained one for the ring, so I had to learn as much as she did. I signed up and went to ring craft classes in Bo’ness, before I knew it, I was hooked and my new apprenticeship began. The first few months I attended local open shows, which soon became my new weekend hobby, it kept my mind away from my illness and gave me something to focus on.

There was so much to learn and take in and my eye became my main tool, I started looking at dogs in a completely different way.

50 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

“My dogs form my family and live indoors with myself” From that litter I kept 2 bitches, Daisy who I proudly made up to a champion she then became SH CH Binnaig Wild Thyme, her sister Binnaig Star Anise won 2 Reserve Bitch CC’s both gaining their stud book numbers which gives you a life qualification to Crufts.

I have went on to breed another champion a Wild Thyme daughter Roxy (SH CH Binnaig Just Blonde JW) in 2013 and another wild thyme daughter Lexi (Binnaig Atomic Blonde JW ) in 2015 who has won a CC and three RCC. From that same precious line, I have produced two dogs and three bitches and from them gained multiple top wins. Roxy’s son Mani (Binnaig Benavie JW ) went Best puppy in Breed at Crufts 2019 a huge achievement for my small Kennel. I have also judged across the UK, Holland and Germany.

Away from the shows, I live a very normal dog owner life, I am very privileged to live and work on a large country estate near Edinburgh. It is a perfect location because it gives the dogs a lot of freedom and a super country life. My dogs form my family and live indoors with myself, we have trips to the beach and travel the length and breadth of the UK which they all enjoy immensely.

Here in Scotland we are completely spoiled with the most beautiful scenery, beaches, hills and too many walks to mention. Some of my favourites being up the west coast. I happily holiday with the dogs and we have stayed all over, be it for a show or just a break.

Although the show calendar is active all year round I feel the winter season brings a calmness. I love frosty nights, and travelling south in the early hours of the morning when there’s a beautiful sky, it is an absolute delight to see all the stars, and there is just something so special about it.

I tend to cook and read more through the winter months. The constant garden duties have halted and the dark nights bring more opportunities for relaxation for myself and the dogs. There is nothing better than lighting the fire and watching or reading something interesting. The snow is the dogs favourite and brings hours of fun without the dirt. For me, the moment a puppy has its first experience with snow is priceless.”

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Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 51

The River Office

Words and images by Calum McRoberts

52 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

By Calum McRoberts, Meikleour’s Head Ghillie

“I have so many reasons for expressing gratitude but like many of us I probably don’t do it enough. This was brought home to me recently when my father passed away.

As a youngster I had no idea what he did for me. Every weekend I would ask to go fishing somewhere and these 'somewheres' were often many, many miles apart. He might have said no sometimes but if he did, I don’t remember it.

I have particularly fond memories of fishing the River Whiteadder, near Abbey St. Bathans night the Scottish Borders. I would have been thirteen years old or thereabouts, without a care in the world.

Summers seemed endless, the weather always perfect and of course the fish were bigger and more plentiful than they are now. My father wasn’t a fisherman, but he did everything possible to encourage me. I was fortunate to be given incredible freedom as a youngster and once school finished on a Friday afternoon there was never any doubt that I would be fishing Saturday and overnight into Sunday.

The catch was always eaten, and any surplus was sold to my P.E. teacher at school. Mr. Garland bought all manner of fin and fur from me, but this was brought to a swift halt by the rector, when I arrived in the school playground one morning with a roe deer strapped to the handlebars. It was dead of course but the girls screams seemed to attract a lot of attention from the staff room and so ended my entrepreneurial ambitions!

Very occasionally on nicer days, my father would fish with me. There was a rough ford (river crossing) downstream of Abbey St. Bathans and I remember one beautiful day of blue skies and warm sunshine.

We stalked brown trout with dry fly and had a very productive day. What I remember more though is sitting in the grass beside the river, with my father at my side.

Everything in the world seemed just perfect.

Small boys eventually want to catch bigger fish and in Scotland that often means the salmon - the king of fish.

I was lucky to live only one hour from the River Tay and very lucky to meet a man who had access to some productive fishing on the river. I read so much about salmon and salmon fishing but learned more in that first day than many months of reading.

True fishermen are very generous with their time and again I was given more reasons to show gratitude. I caught a good few salmon in that first season - my very first salmon being a 17 pounds spring salmon, which is the ultimate prize for any salmon angler.

My father came along occasionally but by now I was fishing with ‘proper’ fishermen and looking back I think he recognised this and was happy to let them tutor me.

One of the most famous pools on the River Tay is Islamouth and it was here in 1984/85 that my father caught his one and only salmon. It was a March fish of about 8 pounds if my memory serves me correctly. One of seven salmon our party caught that day - it really was much easier in those days! I have a much-cherished photograph of father holding his salmon outside the fishing bothy. It’s a bothy I have got to know very well over the years - in fact, I even get to call it my office nowadays.

Fast forward thirty years and I am now very lucky to be employed by the Mercer Nairne family as the Head Ghillie on the Meikleour and Upper Islamouth beat where my dad caught his salmon. A remarkable journey which began as a young lad on the Lothrie Burn in Fife catching 6-inch brown trout and which has moved on to one of the finest offices in the country.

The season on the River Tay is a long one, starting in the depths of winter on January 15th and finishing in the autumn - what fishermen like to call the back end - on October 15th.

Six days fishing a week - there is no Sunday fishing allowed for migratory fish such as salmon and seatrout in Scotland - for a forty-week season. 240 days fishing a year on a prime River Tay beat. What a dream come true!

We welcome guests from all over the world, with the majority coming from south of the border. Salmon fishing in Scotland is still held in the highest regard and the ‘trip up north’ is a date that is still written in the diary with much excitement and anticipation.

To catch a salmon is a major event in a fishermen’s year.

Something to look back on at the end of the year when sitting by the fire with a dram in your hand.

Of course, 2020 has impacted life on the river as well. For three months my family and I saw no fishers. Locked down, we were isolated from the world.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 53

I greatly missed some of our fishers. People who over the Months of starvation (salmon don’t feed in freshwater) years have become great friends. Like the returning salmon, followed by the rigours of spawning, sees these once they will come back again next year, but sadly some won’t. magnificent fish emaciated and unable to survive the long return journey to sea. Under the thin gravel though, their There are some good friends that I never had the eggs are protected and come the following spring these eggs opportunity to say farewell to. An apple tree was planted by the Castle Pool for ‘Tatty Tait’ a fruit and veg merchant will hatch and so their story will continue. from Glasgow. Charlie passed away as well and many a dram has been drunk sitting by the Castle Pool thinking of his angling exploits. Fishing brings people together, sharing a common goal. A love of our environment. A love of companionship. A love for these remarkable fish.

The 2020 season was a very good one on the river. Despite much less angling pressure the catches on the river for most beats have been well up on recent years. Not record breaking by any means, but much better than recent seasons. There is a better stock of fish in the river and a wet autumn has ensured there is plenty of water to get these salmon up into the headwaters of the river system.

For the River Tay these headwaters are far over on the west coast of Scotland. Here the salmon will be waiting and in December they will start to spawn and so the remarkable journey will end for most of these fish.

54 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Aye, I have many reasons for expressing gratitude.”

Winter fishing, what’s the catch? with Simon Barnes “The 2020 season had started well for me, with some trout caught, a salmon kelt and any number of offers to the dry, even in mid-March. Excellent. Then lockdown!

Okay, so I have fishing available within 5 miles of my home, but it felt restrictive and I like to travel to places other than my home patch. Once restrictions were eased, there was still the vexing matter of getting accommodation (or lack of it) but we could travel carefully.

Often to be found in shoals, once located you can have some terrific sport. The methods used can be quite varied.

Fly fishing with weighted nymphs or bugs is very effective.

That said, I have caught these lovely fish on dries on a cold December day when nothing else worked. Trotting a single worm or maggot can be good.

Photo by Alan Scott

All is not lost for the angler in winter. For those who love to fish for trout, there are many commercial fisheries who stock with Rainbow trout. Rainbows are not native and are not subject to the same by-laws and have no close season.

The Tay, Tummel, Earn, Tweed and Clyde all welcome the Grayling angler. Moving on now to coarse fishing, of which there is loads available in Scotland. Top of the list is pike fishing. What a predator! These awesome fish can be found in many lochs such as Loch Awe, Loch Leven, and Loch Ken.

The fish are usually in perfect condition, fit and delicious to eat. There are trout fisheries all over Scotland from the Borders to the north. The fisheries can be large (think of Lake of Menteith) or small and bank only fishing. These fisheries remain open, weather and ice-permitting, and they rely on anglers to survive.

Whilst these are large lochs, the pike themselves can be found in the margins next to weed beds, waiting to ambush their prey. The fish is perfectly built for camouflage and then for an explosive acceleration to attack its prey. Exciting stuff.

Disabled anglers are catered for at many trout fisheries.

Not only are the fishing ponds within easy reach of the car park, but casting platforms are wheelchair-friendly.

Those that have boat-fishing will often have “wheelie boats” – again wheelchair-friendly. These great places need support so please visit and enjoy great sport.

My first experience of the fantastic predator was when I was ten or eleven. My pal, Peter, and I had heard about a small loch that had these fish in there. We pooled our resources and bought a wire trace (essential) and a lure. This represented a significant investment for us. Off we went and we managed to hook a huge fish (well, it seemed huge to us as we were used to catching wee burn trout).

The beautiful Grayling can be fished for during winter.

Resident in rivers from the Tay and further south, the Grayling is a fantastic sport fish. Known as “The Lady of the Stream”, they are in peak condition during the winter.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 55

The problem arose when deciding who was going to retrieve the lure from the mouth of this fish with all those snapping teeth.

Go out and try your luck with those impressive predators.

A spinning rod of 10ft or so is all you need but don’t forget the wire trace.

Most tackle shops will have lures and baits and will advise you on what’s best locally. Dress up appropriately with warm and waterproof clothing.

There are many species of coarse fish to be caught. Perch is one of the main species targeted. The lochs in Argyllshire and from Perthshire south all contain perch. In the Trossachs and Galloway some really big specimens can be found.

Worm and maggot often produce great sport with fish up to three or four pounds. There are commercial coarse fishing venues too. Orchil Fishing near Braco in Perthshire, Magiscroft near Cumbernauld, Broom at Annan, and Springwater in Ayrshire all have Carp, Roach, Rudd, and many other species. The lower reaches of the Clyde and the Forth & Clyde Canal systems also have many species including Tench and Bream.

Finally, what about sea fishing? Scotland has over 1,000 miles of shoreline to explore. You can fish from sandy beaches to rocky shorelines and even in harbours. No licence is required either. It is always exciting as you can never be sure what you’re going to catch.

Boat fishing, either with friends or on a charter boat, can be great fun. At most ports you will find a charter boat to take you out. Wreck fishing, or from recognised marks, you can be sure of some great sport. With fish like sharks, flatfish, congers, cod or skate, Scotland has a wealth of fish waiting for you to enjoy.

You may also take the odd fish to eat, freshly caught by you, what could be better? Whatever type of fishing you decide to try in the winter in Scotland, you can be assured of stunning scenery, wildlife aplenty and a great day out. You could see otters, kingfishers, and eagles. A pod of dolphins or even killer whales will make for a memorable day. Enjoy.

What will I be doing? Well, if I’m not out fishing, I will be in my cosy workshop making a fishing rod – could it be yours?”

Visit: www.simbarods.com 56 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Photo Focus Alan Scott’s obsession with photography started in the autumn of 2015, the Strathaven based photographer said, “I have always taken photos with phones and, years ago, instamatic cameras.

I had an Olympus OM 40 Camera at one point prior to the kids coming along and got some decent results despite not having a clue about what I was doing. Then two amazing bundles of energy came into my life, competitive swimming followed and a busy working life. I was lucky to get an afternoon’s fishing, nevermind thinking about photography.

Then, suddenly, they were all away to Uni to study and swim. I had a void to fill. It was time to focus on photography and fishing.”

Support helps, Alan told us, “I have had lots of encouragement from friends on Facebook and other photographers on Flickr which has given me more confidence to experiment and keep at it. It’s a great way of capturing and creating memories.”

Alan’s photography talents were noticed, he continued, “I’ve been lucky enough to have photos published in fishing magazines, local newspapers, online publications, and corporate websites and magazines. I’m also proud to say our Financial Director at work seems to like my photos and two poster sized Glasgow city scenes hang in our office. I appreciate my good lady has let me spend more cash and time on this hobby than I should.”

We asked Alan about his favourite location in winter, he told us, “there are some many places I love in Scotland in the winter. But the one that tops it for me is Perthshire, in particular, the area round Dunkeld. Even though it attracts lots of tourists it seems unscarred by tourism. There is so much to appreciate, from the architecture in Dunkeld, the walks along the river and the history. The landscape along the river is nothing short of spectacular.”

Alan Scott’s photo of a wintry Ben Nevis taken from the end of the Caledonian Canal.

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BE WILD IN STLYE

By Deborah Anderson

“Embrace the entirety of nature and the outdoors but be responsible for your actions.”

58 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Photo by Linda Mellor

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 59

Photo by Linda Mellor

60 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

“I’m Deborah, I started the Scottish lifestyle concept ‘Be Coorie’ in the last 2 years, and am passionate about Scotland, cosy interiors, the outdoors, and being resilient to our harsh weather. As the Norwegians say, ‘there’s no bad weather; only bad clothing’.

“from a young age, I loved the wilderness”

I have recently added a new venture to my Be Coorie lifestyle concept with Volkswagen Campervan hire. I aim to bring attention to conscious awareness and sharing my ideas on how we can live in Scotland.

My lifestyle approach follows a mindful, responsible, and ethical path. It’s not only on a physical level, but also social and biological cycles. There has never been a more prevalent time to consider this. Could it be time to transform our day-to-day activities, change the way we think, travel, and enjoy our spectacular country?

I’m thankful of my childhood here in Perthshire and how it has formed me as an adult. Perthshire is where my heart belongs and it’s a catalyst that drives the momentum for my creativeness, inspiring me and carving the path of how I live, work, and spend my free time. “it becomes vital to educate our children more From a young age, I loved the wilderness and endlessly appreciated growing up in a small hamlet in Perthshire, on the edge of a wood. I was always out exploring nature, fauna, and the surrounding countryside, either with family, on my own or on horseback. Heading off to the most remote areas I could find, no mobile phones, and no time constraints, in search of the peace and serenity that is found within nature. As I write, I can almost feel that sensation of freedom, that notion I felt then, and it evokes an immense sense of gratitude.

and more on how to live well.”

Remembering beautiful vistas, conjuring up images, memories, and dreams from past years: the ones you can only achieve when you are on the hills with not another soul in sight and at one with nature. My childhood formed who I am today, and makes me chase my cravings for a grounded, simple, happy, and adventurous life.

To rise with the sun in one of my campervans, to follow the road in front of me, and go off the beaten track, gives me a sense of freedom, exploration, and adventure. I need this often to feed my soul, heart, and body. I have reached 40, and I’m very mindful now of what I need to keep me balanced and happy within our present world of craziness.

This way of life that I’m trying to encompass is not just for me but also for the benefit of my children. They are the future, and they need to be educated to have these same principles. To give them the tools to resist the inevitable move to a world of screens and technology. Also, now with our movement towards remote working, enable us to rethink how and where we live and how we choose to spend our valuable time. It becomes vital to educate our children more and more on how to live well.

“how we conduct ourselves in the countryside is vitally important.”

“there is something intensely magical about sitting round a fire”

There is nothing quite like having that hunger for the outdoors, feeling the pull to the stunning backdrops. To feel your breath as you gasp in the cool, crisp outdoor air as you walk, surrounded by, what feels like, an infinity of space. It stimulates your mind’s desires. I feel very privileged to have had this and for this to be awakened within me and to be conscious of my own needs. I’m deeply passionate about nature and very much of the opinion that is not for us, but it is very much part of us and, how we conduct ourselves in the countryside, is vitally important.

As I travel around in my VW campervan making conscious decisions to where we will go, how we will protect ourselves and others, but most of all, be responsible for our own actions. I am conscious of how we can help our Scottish countryside, embrace our traditions, support our local producers in an ethical and sustainable manner.

There is something intensely magical about sitting round a fire alone or with company and this is what I mean by living by the Be Coorie way. It is a way of life.

Whether we are lighting a fire indoors or outside, we are embracing the cooler weather by creating a cosy space and We can’t just take from nature selfishly, fulfilling our own celebrating the need of one of the most natural elements, needs for tranquility, space, and openness, but we must also fire. show respect to all things that are placed upon this earth.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 61

Being out in the wilds, gives you the sense of infinity, feeding your soul, resetting from the week’s chores and daily work, and the repeat sleep routine.

We need time to reconnect with ourselves and truly feel what being alive is. My Be Coorie lifestyle is about learning to live a satisfied and fulfilled life, while enjoying the simple pleasures: rustic, and natural.

photos by Yuri Janssen

62 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

On one of our wintry trips out (whilst guidelines allowed) in the campervan, we hadn’t ventured far to one of my favourite local spots on the south shores of Loch Earn. We woke up on a cold morning, the crisp winter’s sun crept through the edges of the insulation we wrapped around the interiors of the roof top.

We peered from the window and to see the steam rising from the hills, and the mist over the loch. It is mystical and enchanting to watch as the sun’s rays bounced off the chilly land and warmed up the frost on the surrounding fields. Climbing down to open the door, you felt the sharp cold air as it made its way into the van. It’s invigorating to take the first step out into the wilds: the smell of a new day, and fresh scents. The quietness touches your heart and fills you with hope and aspirations.

The need to climb tempted us to go just a little higher, to enable us to take in the entirety of the stunning loch. I opened the flask and enjoyed the vista.

“the choice of adventure is endless” Having the scope to set up anywhere in the campervan can offer us an invaluable and much needed break and help us to leave behind the week’s troubles. There is so much to offer and it’s all on our doorstep: swimming in lochs, off-road mountain biking, outdoor dining experiences, and picnics in the hills. It’s all available here in our tiny country, the choice of adventure is endless, before retreating for the night into a cosy and safe campervan.

“a simple pleasure that is savoured”

Be Coorie is all about learning to live a satisfied and fulfilled life while enjoying the simple pleasures. What can be more freeing, natural or simple than being by a loch, sat by a fire and enjoying morning walks roaming in the fresh air.

On a cold, dry winter’s morning, there is nothing quite like waking up on the edge of a hill or loch, looking down as the mist hovers over the landscape.

It is magical and stirring, touching your inner pull to nature, and captivating your spirit.

Visit: www.becoorie.com

Ignite your fire within, feed your soul and beckon your inner explorer. Follow the Be Coorie journey as we head out into the wild, to areas all accessible for a short break away as we explore and experience nature. Be Coorie is a way of life.”

My inner child is excited just listening to the kettle as it whistles on the hob, it takes me back to childhood.

The ritual of making that first coffee and the task of preparing your flask for the day’s adventure is a simple pleasure that is savoured and appreciated.

Morning activities usually consist of collecting wood for a fire by the loch with an aim to cook breadsticks, local sausages, and marshmallows, what else would we need?

However, we are mindful of how we create our fire and use a fire basket so we do not damage the ground.

We leave no evidence that we have been there and can assure ourselves that we leave our camping spot as we found it. This is something I wish people respected more in local beauty spots throughout Scotland.

Using a fire basket also contains the fire, it is safer, and easier to extinguish quickly if need be and doesn’t cause harm to the eco system living below.

Once we had prepped for our fire, we explored the start of Ben Vorlich, walking up the start of this formidable mountain. The children are grateful for its gentle inclines at the start. We stopped to take stock and admire the stunning scenery below.

photo by Yuri Janssen

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“The common theme to dog walking is mud, and I always seem to be covered in it! I have been a dog walker for many years, and I love it. Having been brought up in the countryside in Dumfriesshire, amongst livestock, horses, and pets, I have always had a strong affinity for animals, especially the canine kind.

Walkies with Joanne Dovesi

“a good understanding of yoga would be helpful” I walk a great group of dogs, ranging in size from the Dachshund to the Dobermann, they each have their own little, (and big!) characters. Walking four or five dogs on the lead can get tricky. Energies are high at the beginning of the walk and juggling leads in one hand, a latte in the other and managing to pick up poo is a challenge in itself.

Leads get tangled so a good understanding of yoga would be helpful for the positions I get myself in to. I regularly get, “you’ve got your hands full” comments from passersby, who chuckle at my antics.

I live in Edinburgh, and you’d be surprised what an abundance of wildlife surrounds us. I am lucky enough to have the Hermitage of Braid on my doorstep. After starting my walk and all the dogs have done their ablutions, I am left carrying a handful of poo bags, and whether the poo bags are lavender or vanilla scented, believe me, this scent rapidly disappears. I hurry to find the nearest bin and there are not many. We make our way to Blackford Hill where the views of Edinburgh are breathtaking. The dogs always have a mad twenty minutes racing around. The wind at the top of the hill always get them over excited and there are the usual squabbles before they all calm down. I have a black Labrador of my own, who always comes on the walks.

She is such a sweetie, a gentle soul, who acts like Mum to the group.

I’m amazed that she is still immaculate by the end of the walk.

When I see her getting a latte that’s when the word “treats” comes in very handy, as I dread to think what would happen if the dogs went bounding over to her.

“usually leaves me drenched!”

Making our way back down the hill, we head to the nearest burn where the dogs can have a well-deserved drink and a frolic in the water. This gets rid of some of the mud and usually leaves me drenched. I’ve seen a lot of wildlife “should not wear lycra, as it leaves little to the on my walks. The deer grazing by the woods, the otters imagination” in the burn, which was a surprise and the heron who My daughter has a hamster, and she lets him run around regally stands waiting patiently by the river for a passing on her back. She takes no notice, a few sniffs and her head fish. As well as little field mice who don’t seem to show goes back on her favourite cushion to continue her nap. any fear towards me, as they scurry around between my And that’s where she stays until she hears the rustling of a feet. The dogs are always too slow to catch them. A cheeky crisp packet. During our walk, I always see the same people. Labradoodle, Hector, has an obsession with birds and The joggers, who I sometimes think, should not wear lycra always thinks he can catch them, and of course, never does. as it leaves little to the imagination.

His brother, Hugo, does the same thing with squirrels and stands guard with a hopeful look in his eye at the bottom The lady who looks as though she is heading to London of the tree waiting for a squirrel that never appears.

Fashion Week and so does her dog.

64 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

“That old familiar smell of Eau de Dog fills the air” A spritely Irish Terrier, who is the Alpha Male of the group and can be quite bossy at times, came across a dead bird. Thinking that he would toss it about a bit and then eat it, I was surprised that after sniffing it, he started to cover it with leaves using his nose. He was very gentle and showed such tenderness towards it. Quite the opposite to his usual boisterous self.

When the walk comes to an end, it’s time to get all the dogs back to the car for home time. At the beginning of the day my car looks, well, not too bad. Seats have been cleaned the night before and towels have been washed for the day ahead. Then it’s unleash the hell! Although I’ve tried to get most of the dirt off, the remainder ends up on windows, doors, in fact, everywhere. And that old familiar smell of Eau de Dog fills the air, along with a few wafts of the usual gases that are released when the dogs are asleep and not from me, I might add.

2020 was quite a year and I had noticed a quietness in the surroundings locally to me. I appreciate the wildlife and the peacefulness of nature and know how lucky I am to have a job that allows me to experience joy and fulfillment, even during these uncertain times.”

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Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 65

Hebridean Winter

By Scott MacKenzie

Photo: Scott MacKenzie

“The winter months on An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, or, the Isle of Skye as many will know it, offer the visitor an island usually shrouded in mist which gives the isle its other descriptive name of Eilean a’ Cheò, the Isle of mist. Low light, and muted colours often give the winter photographer a sense of a primeval landscape should they find themselves in remote glen or corrie.

To those of us that live and are part of the management of this environment, this is just another winter to prepare for and work through. My role here at Fearann Eilean Iarmain will see me working my way through our annual hind cull, often with guests who are keen to experience stalking one of Scotland’s most iconic animals during one of the most challenging times of year. Damp, chilly, mountain top blasts of freshness filling your lungs, it was those wintry days on Skye that drew me in.

I arrived on Skye some fourteen years ago with my wife, Michelle, and our first-born Ciara, barely three years old. I have been the Head Gamekeeper Stalker at Fearann Eilean Iarmain for ten of those fourteen years and over that time our family has grown adding another three girls to our brood, twins Ishbel & Orla and Meusaidh, our youngest.

66 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Our girls, along with Michelle, have all been very much involved in my work: from making packed lunches for stalking guests to dragging a beast off the hill, it is a normal life for them.

Reminiscing back to a time of unsteady legs clothed in an all-in-one rain suit with Peppa Pig wellington boots washing down the dog kennels to talking them through their first greallach of a beast we had stalked together, in my thirty years in Gamekeeping, these are my fondest memories of my family growing up on Skye.

The Estate of Fearann Eilean Iarmain extends through Sleat and Strath, a particularly beautiful region of south Skye. Historically forming part of the fiefdom of the Lord of the Isles, Fearann Eilean Iarmain “the lands of Diarmaids isle” was acquired by Sir Iain Noble more than forty-five years ago. Sir Iain’s pioneering initiatives in restoring the ancient woodland habitat of Sleat led to the estate establishing one of the first long-term programs of native woodland regeneration in Scotland. Now Lucilla, Lady Noble, is committed to continuing Sir Iain’s legacy in the careful management of the environment to ensure the future sustainability of this unique part of Skye for future generations.

Photo : Stewart Dawber

The estate, like much of Skye, is steeped in history and folklore, from the old man of Storr in the North, a series of rock stacks said to be the fingers of a buried giant, to the Kelpie (water horse) of Loch nan Dubhrachan who had a “penchant” for children and pretty young maidens.

During the winter months, sitting on the high slopes glassing the hillsides for hinds often makes me wonder who before me may of lain in this same spot brooding over there approach to a group of deer, the ancestors to the ones I’m watching right now? It stirs the mind to the stories of Fingal, an Ossianic warrior of the Fèinne.

It is said Fingal made a visit to Skye and conducted a great

deer drive which took place in Strath in the south part of the island, and at which six thousand deer were slain.

The venison from these beasts would be cooked in a great cauldron sat upon three large standing stones, two of which are still standing near the township of Kensalyre further north.

Six thousand deer! I can just imagine the look of horror on the faces of those Scottish government agencies who create deer legislation in Scotland. Scotland’s deer are facing challenging times just now and misconceptions as to how we manage our deer are often rife in the consciousness of Scotland’s general public.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 67

This has always motivated me to think up new ventures to create an income stream for the estate and establish an educational aspect for our visitors hosted by those who are a part of its environmental management.

In 2019, I came up with the simulated stalking experience.

The concept is simple, six stalks set in the same landscape as the real thing, the only difference, our quarry is made of Hardox 500 steel.

As part of the many outdoor activities Fearann Eilean Iarmain offers, the simulated stalking is promoted to those who have not hunted or fired a rifle before, many of these are our guests from the estate’s two Hotels, Hotel Eilean Iarmain and The Inn @ Àird a’ Bhàsair.

You shoulder your gun, you pick up on your quarry, the clay shooting instructors words running through your mind from the refresher day at the local clay ground, you swing through, you fire! The head of a Cocker spaniel pops up from the now fallen throngs of the golden bracken and looks on in the direction of your shot. Both man and dog watch in awe as this, the most ultimate of game birds, continues its journey through the backdrop of the Hebridean landscape.

Such is the challenge of walked up woodcock shooting.

Our emphasis is on the experience of the day, the magnificence of the Hebridean scenery, the hot venison casserole lunch served in our Bothy and the challenge of the sport, not the size of the bag. A good dram from our very own Gaelic whiskies sat aside a roaring fire in the gun room is a befitting end to a day in pursuit to this, the most charming of sporting birds.”

Each stalk is designed to give a different challenge, downhill shooting, ethical safe shots, and distance. The setup replicates the same challenges you face in a real deer stalking situation. It offers the opportunity to discuss Visit: scottmackenzie-skyegamekeeper.co.uk traditional deer management between stalks with your guests and challenge pre-conceived ideas they may have had about the role of a traditional deer manager and the work involved in keeping Scotland’s deer on the hill for all future generations to enjoy.

The winter is often described as the “lean months”, but on Skye we are able to have a bountiful harvest of winter Woodcock. Thousands of migrating Woodcock visit the west coast of Scotland and the Hebridean islands off it, usually traveling on the light of a November full moon they hail from Russia and Scandinavia staying on Skye for a time before heading further west or heading further down the west coast.

A Fearann Eilean Iarmain walked-up woodcock day will see a gang of excited dogs gracing the beating line, from Wirehaired Pointers to the ginger blur of a Cocker Spaniel dancing through the thick stunted Hebridean Downy Birch cover. Shouts of “LEFT”, “RIGHT” draws one’s attention only to hear the familiar sound of wing feathers breaking through that thick birch cover in the opposite direction.

That familiar sound serves to sharpen the mind and filter out the alien sound of distant gun fire and the piercing blasts of a dog whistle.

Mind focused you continue, suddenly, and still very much taken by surprise, Coileach-Coille breaks cover.

Photo: James Sherlock

68 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Creative Countryside

By Jade Cruickshank “On this dreich evening I find myself pondering the journey life has taken me on so far. Growing up in the city in an urban centric family, I wasn’t exposed to much of the countryside and what it had to offer. The only glimpses I had were family trips to areas in Royal Deeside where beautiful scenic routes often led us to pockets of untamed wilderness with an abundance of wildlife and thought-provoking adventure.

The thrill of these new experiences never left me and there was always an urge to be in that environment.

After meeting my husband at a young age, we soon bought and moved into a beautiful little cottage (a doer-upper) it was perfect, then along came our two children. It wasn’t until shortly after our second child was born that we decided to sell up and buy a bigger home as it was rather cramped with two children and two (Newfoundland) dogs. We found the perfect home nestled on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park with the very underappreciated River Don only a stone’s throw away. We are surrounded by productive farmland, well-managed grouse moors and pockets of natural forest.

By this point, my husband had a passion for country sports and with our new and ever-growing network, that only intensified.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 69

I found myself intrigued by the stories he brought home.

We found our feet (and technique) with the clay shooters, then the game scene beckoned us. After I had a few walkedup and driven game shoots under my belt it was time for me to explore the stalking world (hubby hadn’t done it yet so I would have one up on him). I had arranged for my first stalk on Findrack Estate in Aberdeenshire, and it was there I harvested my first roe deer, and what a day of education it was for me.

Happenstance led me to an encounter with the estate’s Head Gardener. As a green fingered girl myself (after acquiring an interest through necessity whilst developing our first cottage garden) the connection was made and the offer of ad hoc gardening work on the estate was happily accepted. I have been able to gain practical skills and build confidence in areas I never imagined: operating light tractors and reversing trailers with aplomb (even if I do say so myself) and various other machinery.

Never one to be afraid of maintaining my curves I used to share my home bake creations with the team at Findrack.

This led to an invitation to develop and make my own the new role of Head of Hospitality on this burgeoning estate.

I still very much enjoy and continue my gardening duties regularly but that is of course the Head Gardener’s raison d’etre.

Having the free reign to make the hospitality my own allowed me to channel my creative energy. The estate owner, along with the rest of the team, has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. The synergy between the two roles ensures I can harvest and use what we grow – literally estate to plate.

After randomly sketching a hare with my daughter’s school pencil, it caught my husband’s attention. One thing led to another and I took on my first commission. The outcome of that, inspired by my surroundings, I created a small From the selection of fruit and vegetables to the abundance collection of wildlife prints. I was invited to retail these of game meat, it’s a cook’s dream and gives the Findrack through a local gallery (Country Frames Gallery), and my team an opportunity to present some of their best produce portfolio was displayed to shooting guests. I was asked to to local and international guests. Having the opportunity create the ‘Findrack Pheasant’ which Findrack Sporting to see the full life cycle and growing some of it myself from now use on the cover of the game cards and the framed seed to occasionally harvesting some of the meat, and often original adorns the guest cottage. butchering it too, is most rewarding.

I had a home in the countryside, a position and creative The role is varied - gardener, butcher, cook, general facilitator. I have also had the opportunity to unleash my artistic side. In the background around three or four years ago, I developed a habit of doodling to give myself headspace.

70 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

licence on a sporting estate and a husband who encouraged every avenue I wished to explore, a very different destination to what I had originally envisaged for myself. I have grown significantly as a person and have never looked back.

I enjoy long walks with the family, and one of my favourite places in Scotland is Glen Earnan. It has an interesting history and a possible but distant family connection. The poignant story of Margaret Cruickshank – ‘Lass o’ the Lecht.’ A servant from a house at the foot of the Lecht at Allargue, she perished in a blizzard in February of 1860 at only 18 years of age whilst returning from a visit to Tomintoul. There is still a Cairn (completely unmarked sadly) on the banks of the River Earnan (Earnan Water) near Edinglassie, Strathdon, that marks the spot where her body was found months later when the thaw came.

Tragically, she was almost home but having a choice of two small rivers to follow, one of which she knew would lead her safely home, in a presumably weakening state she made the wrong choice on that cold, dark and stormy night.

She is interred in Corgaff cemetery. It’s one of those lost Glens where not much has changed since The Clearances.

There is an energy in Glen Earnan, and I often ponder the undiscovered places where I may be able to make a connection to the landscape, its story and the signs of lives once lived.

My most recent visit was in Autumn as I find that is often the best time to experience the surroundings given nature’s gradual transition to a slower pace. It appears to help making a link from the modern pace of life back to the past. After a long week as a Mum, wearing my work hats and having family adventures in the glens, I find it cathartic coming home to a bowl of homemade, home grown, tattie and leek soup. Sometimes the simple things are all you need.”

Visit: www.findracksporting.com

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 71

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Clay pigeon shooting coaching We provide a range of options from individual shotgun training sessions for the novice through to coaching sessions for the experienced gun.

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Joe Croot along with Andy McMaster’s Family (from Argyll Vintners) have joined forces to bring the ultimate clay pigeon shooting experience using superior Huntmans equipment.

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Argyll & Bute Clay Company

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A Simulated clay days A Y Our simulated clay days are a great way to get your eye in ready for the game P C OM season or experience a similar day without the expense of a game day. Clay days are fantastic for team building work events or for hen/stag parties. We can host you at our group accommodation property Rosscairn in Dunoon, which can sleep up to 22 people. We regularly host days from two sites in Argyll, Glen Strivern Estate & the prestigious Drimsynie Estate with Argyll Holidays.

Fully mobile - we’ll come to you Our equipment is completely mobile so can even bring our events to your property, a great way to raise money for charities.

Contact us www.crootscountrystore.com

Croot’s country store As a Family owned business, Joe & Susie Croot have been serving Dunoon, and Argyll & Bute for a several years through their gun shop ‘The Armoury’.

“We have recently expanded The Armoury into Croot’s Country Store Dunoon, and are based at The Holy Loch Marina. Croot’s Country Store will enhance the local communities shopping experience by providing everyone a place to visit and shop. You can depend on us for a friendly and personal service. We field test all the products we sell and can give you honest advice about them.”

Opening Hours 7 days of the week, from 10am - 2pm with ample free parking at the Holy Loch Marina.

Whether you are looking for clothing, wellies, pet supplies, country products and gifts, call in today Holy loch Marina, Sandbank, Dunoon PA23 8FE Contact us www.crootscountrystore.com 72 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 73

“Scotland has something for everyone, at all times of year”

By Andrew Dunn

“I love to travel around Scotland. It’s a love that started as a child. I was fortunate that my parents had a car when I was growing up, and they had a passion for Scottish History. We would often jump into the car of a weekend, the cassette tape would go on, and off we would go on our adventures. Willie Nelson was a favourite of my Dad’s.

‘On the road again, going places that I’ve never been, seeing things that I may never see again, and I can’t wait to get on the road again.’ How appropriate, and how fitting that memory feels now.

Those places that we’d never been to previously would include the historic and iconic buildings in our beautiful towns and cities; Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Dunfermline Abbey, Arbroath Abbey, Bannockburn, Glasgow Cathedral, Linlithgow Palace, Holyrood Palace……… The list goes on. Yes, I’ve seen them all again, and again, and again, but I still get excited when I jump in the car with my own family and travel to places in Scotland that I’ve never been before. Of course, now we have mobile phones and tablets, and other hi-tech distractions in the car (no cassette players though!). Of course, with children there is the inevitable ‘are we there yet.’ To which I nostalgically reply, ‘just look out the window, enjoy the scenery and we’ll get there when we get there.’

I used to love sitting in the car, looking out the window, admiring the scenery and watching the world go by.

Seeing things that I may never see again. And the scenery in Scotland still never ceases to take my breath away.

74 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

From the beauty of the rolling hills in the Borders, to the lush woodlands of the Trossachs, to the remote, rugged and hostile landscapes of Sutherland, to the awesome beauty of Glencoe, and the ancient golf courses of Fife, every corner you turn reveals something ever more beautiful, ever more spectacular, ever more stunning.

Look closely enough and you might spot a red stag, a golden eagle, the occasional dolphin, or even a monster, nestling amongst the beauty.

Recently, I’ve boarded the ferry to the mystical, spiritual island of Iona, and flown from Glasgow to land on the stunning airport beach in Barra. A trip to the Hebrides is a must when exploring Scotland, our own remote island heaven of white beaches and clear blue waters.

Most of my time at work is spent in my office in Glasgow, but my job takes me to see customers all over Scotland, during all seasons. I enjoy going to meet people in cities, towns and remote areas alike. How fortuitous that travelling for work can still feel like an adventure and gives me the freedom and the opportunity to experience new places.

Scotland has something for everyone, at all times of year, and it is the most wonderful, beautiful, natural playground. The greatest of great outdoors, sitting on our doorstep and waiting to be explored.”

Andrew Dunn is the Sales Manager, Scotland & North England, Stephens and George Print Group - Printers of Scotland in Four Seasons Magazine.

CAFES WE LOVE Highland Safaris & Red Deer Centre, Cafe & Shop We love the Highland Safaris cafe and shop at Dull, just outside Aberfeldy, Perthshire. They serve tea, coffee (Glen Lyon: a local flavoursome coffee) cakes and hot meals. All their food is locally produced. The cafe is kept snug and warm with a peat burning stove, there’s a range of seating from sofas to tables and chairs, plus an outdoor area. Staff are friendly and helpful and the menu consists of lots of freshly cooked, homemade snacks and meals.

There is plenty of parking available and deer in the fields. Nicely presented loos (some of the best cafe loos).

The gift shop is full of interesting books, cards, quality gifts for you and yours, toys, clothing, accessories, deer antlers, things for the home.

Take a closer look at the Highland Safaris deer in the surrounding fields, and spot an unusual white faced red hind.

Visit Highland Safaris, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2JQ click on their website for more information: www. highlandsafaris.net

Do you have a favourite cafe you’d like to tell us about? What do they offer, is it a scenic location, great cakes or bowls of steaming hot home-made soup? Get in contact and share details and pictures of your favourite haunt. editor@ scotlandin4seasons.co.uk Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 75

The simple life

with Wills Kass

“During autumn there is an abundance of fruit in the garden: brambles for homemade ice-cream, sloes for the sole gin, damsons picked and frozen for when I have time to make jelly and damson gin, plums made into chutney, elderberries into jelly, apples are stewed then frozen for crumbles for the cold winter days. Damaged, fallen apples are gathered up and thrown into the field for the deer to eat, so there is no waste.

When the Fieldfares arrived from Scandinavia, they covered the old apple tree like a grey blanket. My husband, Lou, and I are grateful to have a garden that is full of life, there’s a tranquility about it I find therapuetic. Our love of the garden and the planning for the year ahead is exciting because there is always something to see and talk about all year round. I think my favourite season must be spring when the daffodils are out and birds are nesting in the fruit trees and hedgerows. The summer brings the fledglings flying from one side of the garden to the other, feeding from their mothers then learning to fend for themselves.

The summer mornings entice us out onto the decking where we enjoy breakfast outdoors most days.

At the end of the summer, the swans nesting in the far away pond made their annual mile-long walk from the pond along the field with their four goslings in tow. Sitting in the garden watching the same pair on their pilgrimage each year is a special sight to see. They walk a little, then mum sits with the goslings for a short rest whilst dad parades around them on predator watch.

We have planted the garden with flowers and shrubs that specifically attract bees and butterflies. Sitting watching these wonderful creatures fly around and feed on the flowers is an amazing sight. Our young grandchildren love watching them and know that the bees make honey. Last year, the butterflies and bees were still on the astors in October. Occasionally, we see a small herd of ten Red deer as they pass the bottom of the garden on their way from one wood to another.

76 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

We have three Highland ponies, Irish Draft cross Thoroughbred, and two Pygmy goats for the children to run around with. During the winter, we can be cut off for a few days and have to be prepared with hay bales and feeding. Breaking ice on the water trough every day before work can be a hard task.

The goats get their hay and are very easy to look after, they run about the garden and eat all the weeds around the banking where the fruit bushes are. We have blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberries and rhubarb. I love making jams and jellies as they make nice gifts.

Making jellies and jams and mixing the fruit together is interesting, I like to make up my own recipes, trial and error is my motto! My chutney is always a winner but then anyone can make chutney. I like to add a surprise fruit and let my friends guess what the ingredients are. Last summer, I made ice-cream for the first time with the rhubarb and blackcurrants, it was delicious and friends wanted me to take orders! The garden is so inspiring, looking around, I think, ‘what can I make today’, it’s a wonderful feeling.

When the geese arrived in their thousands, skimming across the sky in large skeins. Oscar aged 2.5 told me they sounded like people talking.The geese tell us winter is on the horizon, Lou has been busy chopping and storing wood. We are 12 miles from Perth up a single-track road, during the winter it can be lethal with ice and -14 isn’t unknown. Two years ago, we had six feet snow drifts and were isolated for three days. I love the snow it reminds me of my childhood, and how we used to build igloos on the farm where the road would be impassable for weeks.

I love the wintry, frosty weather, and a glowing fire at the end of the day is so appealing. As a family, we appreciate the nature on our doorstep through all the seasons.”

“Life can be simple if you want it to be.”

Country Cooking with Elaine Fraser Elaine Fraser works and lives on a large Scottish shooting estate. We asked Elaine, a talented, busy cook, to tell us a little about herself. Where are you from? Elaine told us, “I was born in Glencoe of the wild untamed glens and lochs, having a passion for horses, and also the highland way of life. I went out stalking in my early teenage years. I loved this way of life and still do.” Did food play an important part in your family life? “Food was an important element of my path with my grandmother and mother playing a huge part in this. The best scones by granny and shortbread by my mother, there was nothing like walking into our home to the smell of home baking after being out on the hill.”

How did your interest in food really get going? “I moved south in the mid 70’s to compete with horses, and at last, I was able to dine out in some top-notch restaurants. It was then I found a passion for fine food and wine, and also the logistics of running a restaurant.” Were you succesful? “Late 80’s, I went on to open my own restaurant and haven’t looked for work since.

Always flying by the seat of my pants, but learning everyday!”

Tell us about some of your career highlights? “My accolades include: Caesar’s Restaurant (Good Food guide). Oswalds Restaurant (it was my own restaurant for four years), and was Lord Gowrie’s favourite place to eat outside London which was kindly written in The Times. The Walls in Oswestry. The Three Tuns in Bishops Castle ( The Shooting Times and Country Living 1997).”

You cook meals for others but what is your favourite food? “A good roast venison cooked in an Aga, also poached salmon, accompanied by delicious sauces.”

Early Grey Tea Loaf Ingredients You will need:

1 mug of strong Earl Grey tea

2 mugs of mixed fruit

1 egg, beaten

1 mug of soft brown sugar

1 1/2 mugs of self-raising flour

Spiced Marmalade Use any normal Orange Marmalade recipe but add: 3 fresh Cinnamon sticks 7 Star Anise and a few cloves

Method Soak the fruit and sugar overnight in the Earl Grey tea. Mix well and add the beaten egg.

Fold in enough self-raising flour to make a soft batter.

Pour into a loaf tin, and bake at 150c/200f/ gas mark 2 for just one hour.

Elaine’s tip, “I always make two of these as it freezes well.

Did you know?

Earl Grey Tea leaves are obtained from a plant called Camellia Sinensis and contain powerful antioxidant properties. This makes Earl Grey Tea a great drink with many health benefits.

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 77

Looking for some food inspiration for the cold winter months? Elaine’s game pie is a tasty seasonal dish using local produce. Scotland’s wild game is highly nutritious and there is a wide choice available.

Elaine’s Game Pie Ingredients 2 lbs/900g mixed assorted game cut into cubes 4 tablespoons seasoned flour 8oz/225g smoked bacon, diced 1 large onion finely chopped 80z/225g mushrooms, finely sliced 4/6 juniper berries, crushed 3oz butter 1/2 pt red wine 1/2pt brown stock Seasoning 1 tablespoon of redcurrant Pastry

Method

Elaine said, “this is my special shortcrust pastry but Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or a you can use shop-bought short or puff pastry.” flameproof casserole.

1 lb SR Flour 1/2 lb Trex 2 oz Butter or Marg

Firstly, brown bacon, onions and mushrooms lightly in the butter and remove.

Next, brown the game, and adding more butter if necessary

Put everything in an ovenproof casserole or slowcooker if you have one. Cover with wine and 1 egg and plenty of milk stock, and season to taste. Cook for one and a Rub flour, Trex and Marg together until you have half hours or until tender, in a moderate oven fine breadcrumbs. Add one beaten egg and milk to 350f/180c. draw it all together.

Top with the shortcrust pastry, cook for another This makes more pastry than you need for this pie, half and hour or so. but it will freeze well or use it to make delicious “Enjoy!”

Mince Pies.

Teaspoon of salt

78 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is a spectacular hideaway offering outstanding accommodation, unsurpassed fishing and field sports, good food and Hebridean hospitality.

We can offer exclusive use for guests who want to come and relax in comfortable surroundings amidst a breathtaking wilderness. The focus is on providing a unique and unforgettable experience. www.amhuinnsuidhe.com

Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 79

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80 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

‘The Naked Pilot’ by James Hardie explores the connection between the Scottish Artist and his beloved Messerschmitt.

The Skelmorlie Messerschmitt takes to the skies,“what a story!”

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Scotland in Four Seasons Winter 81

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82 Scotland in Four Seasons Winter

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