Indholdsfortegnelse for September - October 2024 i Scotland Magazine

Since premiering a decade ago in 2014, fantasy drama series Outlander has become a global sensation. Fans have invested many, many hours following the love story between American Claire and Highlander Jamie, and as the second part of the penultimate series screens, we decided the time had come to present you with the ultimate tour of the show’s Scottish locations. In Outlander discovered (p17), we’ve mapped out the perfect week-long tour through Scotland, that will allow you to visit both the real-life places that featured on screen and a few others that provided inspiration to author Diana Gabaldon, who wrote the books on which the show is based. Not content with one epic story, in The story behind (p80) this issue, we speak with Sue Lawrence about her new novel,…

A campaign to encourage more Scottish hotels and restaurants to include locally reared Scottish meat on its menus has been launched at one of the Scottish hotels already doing so. Lochardil House in Inverness is one of the Highland Coast Hotels, whose chairman is David Whiteford, a local Highland farmer. Launching the initiative, David said: “As a local farmer myself, it gives me great pride to know that all our beef is born and reared on farms and crofts in the Highlands and Islands region, and so we’re the ideal platform to promote this campaign.” The campaign is led by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), and those who commit to serving prime cuts of Scottish beef can join its Scotch Beef Club and benefit from its support. Meanwhile, the rest of…

FIVE OF THE BEST HAUNTED HOUSES 1 Culzean Castle, Ayrshire At this Clan Kennedy house, it’s said that the muffled sounds of a piper can be heard on the eve of a family wedding when some say a figure of a lone piper can also be spotted on the brae. The music is said to come from a ghostly piper who ventured into the caves beneath the castle with his dog to prove to everyone that the caves weren’t haunted, but he never returned. nts.org.uk/visit/places/culzean 2 The Drovers Inn, Loch Lomond This pub, at the north end of This pub, at the north end of Loch Lomond, is worth a stopover for many reasons – its cosy bar offers the kind of warmth many a weary traveller could do with…

The beloved historical drama Outlander is nothing short of a sensation. Based on the bestselling book series by Diana Gabaldon, it sees military nurse Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) travel back in time, thanks to some magical stones, from the 1940s to the 1740s. Once in 18th-century Scotland, Claire meets a Highlander, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), and is seduced by life with him. The epic adventure that Claire and Jamie find themselves on has a way of speaking to every human emotion. Over the years, the pair find themselves embroiled in drama, war, politics, complicated relationships, and traumatic loss. In the first part of series seven, Claire and Jamie find themselves thrust into the American Revolution from their North Carolina home, Fraser’s Ridge. The landscape is changing, and to keep their…

We’ve joined up with Rabbie’s to offer one Outlander fan and their guest the chance to win a tour of some of the TV series’ most evocative sites. Our winners will climb aboard a Rabbie’s luxury mini-coach and embark on a four-day adventure from Edinburgh. The Outlander Trail follows in Jamie and Claire’s footsteps, touring through the Cairngorms and Highlands, visiting the castles, battlefields and monuments that feature in the hit show. With a Rabbie’s driver-guide taking the wheel and telling memorable tales, our winners can relax and enjoy the forests, mountains and lochs that double as the epic Outlander landscape. Rabbie’s Outlander Trail sets off from Edinburgh and soon arrives at Culross (which posed as fictional village Cranesmuir), in the show. After visiting the town of Falkland from Outlander’s…

Though you might not think it, Scotland was effectively at the frontline of the Cold War, as its geography and topography appealed to Allied forces who based themselves here to carry out research and prepare themselves for any future conflicts during the nuclear power standoff between the USA and the Soviet Union. Following the end of the Second World War, the armed forces came here in their droves. At the height of activity there were more than 200 military bases and installations scattered throughout Scotland, including Holy Loch where six submarines were stationed, loaded with Polaris missiles, ready to be used as and when. The rise of atomic power brought employment to people living in rural parts of Scotland, but it obviously wasn’t without its risks. With the jobs came…

On 9 October 2004, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the newly created Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh in a day described as ‘a landmark for 21st century democracy’. The celebration comprised of three main events, a grand opening ceremony at the old Parliament Hall, followed by a colourful, traditional ‘riding’ down the Royal Mile that involved 1,000 people, interspersed with 16 bright banners from Scotland’s eight regions. The formal opening of the new building by Her Majesty took place in Holyrood’s new Debating Chamber, and included lively performances from famed violinist Nicola Benedetti, the RSNO, singer-songwriter Eddi Reader, renowned accordionist Phil Cunningham, and poet and playwright Liz Lochhead. The new Parliament and its building had been a long time coming. Originally adjourned and dissolved in 1707 following the…

[HOLIDAYS] LET THEM BAKE CAKES A holiday-cottage company in Perthshire has teamed up with a local award-winning bakery to ensure that its guests get a proper taste of Scotland. Monzie Estate Cottages is offering guests a 10% discount off cookery classes at nearby family-working bakery Campbells, where they can learn how to bake Scottish delicacies such as shortbread, oatcakes – and even Outlander bannocks inspired by the ones Mrs Fitz serves up to guests at Castle Leoch. Holidaymakers get to take their sweet treats back to their homely cottage in the beautiful grounds of Monzie Castle (pictured), where there are plenty of trails for walking off any cake overindulgence. monzieestate.com…

Last weekend was the seventh anniversary of the death of my beloved Douglas, with Mass on Sunday dedicated to him. I can’t believe it’s been such a long time: I have so many wonderful memories – as well as sad ones – of our life together since we got married 65 years ago. He’s still with me in spirit every minute of the day, so I’m never lonely, though, of course, I miss him dreadfully. He definitely gives me orders whenever he reckons I’m skipping my duties and offers gentle encouragement to me if I hesitate! This dear old farmhouse on the Black Isle where I now live was bought by my father-in-law after the war, so it always served as ‘home base’ for us during our nomadic army life,…

There’s an understated charm to Inverness, which, despite being known as the ‘capital of the Highlands’, has more the feel of a medium-sized town than a city. Though it may lack the tick-list of sights that other cities have, it nevertheless is the kind of place that rewards a few days of leisurely exploration. This has long been a strategic site: a hillfort was built at Craig Phadrig, just east of the modern city, around 500BC and it was here, reputedly, that St Columba converted the Picts to Christianity. Today’s castle (undergoing renovations) commands a more central position, overlooking the wide River Ness, and though the current building dates from the 19th century, it replaced an 11th-century castle that was destroyed after the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden…

Simon Fraser, chief of the Frasers of Lovat, one of the most notorious leaders during the 1745 Jacobite rising, is an interesting historical character. Given the nickname ‘Old Fox’ after carefully playing both sides of the conflict, it seems even in death he’s still playing tricks, as mystery surrounds where his body lies. The story of the 11th Lord Lovat’s life is wild and fascinating, although the best-known episode surrounds his death. As a prominent nobleman who eventually backed the Jacobites, the Old Fox was sentenced to be executed. The newspapers had a field day and their depiction of the elderly Scotsman helped drum up a huge audience for his execution. As he rested his head on the block, the overcrowded stand of spectators collapsed under their weight, killing several…

What started as a means of promoting Shetland Oo (wool) and the textile industry that’s so pivotal to life on the islands, Shetland Wool Week, now in its 15th year, has put Fair Isle knitters firmly on the map. At the time of its inception, the value of raw fleece was down, and traditional skills were being lost on the islands, says Victoria Tait of the Shetland Amenity Trust, which organises the event. “It’s been incredibly successful in recognising the value of the products and traditions,” she says. Over the course of the week, hundreds of visitors, often from overseas, descend on the Shetland Islands, causing quite a stir on this often-quiet archipelago, mingling with locals who also come out to show support for the industry. Visitors and locals alike…

This year, Scotland’s most luxurious train, the Royal Scotsman, is offering guests the chance to spend two nights travelling through the Highlands in style with a Michelin-starred chef in the kitchen. To journey on the Royal Scotsman is to step into a more opulent world: think refined Edwardian country-house style, polished lacquer panelling, and an observation car with an open-air veranda at the back of the train. It’s an exclusive journey, with only 38 guests on board and a full staff catering for your every need. There is even a Christian Dior spa on board offering unique, luxurious treatments designed to enhance the journey. Many people book the Royal Scotsman as a ‘once in a lifetime experience’, only to return again every year. Food and drink play a hugely important…

In the decade since they were constructed, The Kelpies – artist Andy Scott’s giant equine sculptures that form the focal point of the Helix Park and mark the eastern entry point to the Forth & Clyde Canal – have become nothing short of modern icons. To mark their 10th anniversary, private tours of The Kelpies have launched that take guests inside the horse heads themselves. With an expert guide, visitors will learn about the role of kelpies in Scottish folklore, as well as the history of the Clyde workhorses that the artworks were modelled on. Tours cost £350 per group, so suit larger gatherings who’d like to hear about the engineering process behind one of Scotland’s most eye-catching modern landmarks. thehelix.co.uk/kelpies-tour/private-exclusive-tour…

SEASON’S BLEATINGS My great-grandfather was William Wallace Hamilton, so I’m a member of the Hamilton clan. On a recent trip to Scotland, I took this picture, which conveys everything good about your fair country. It was taken on the Isle of Skye on an October day around mid-morning. I wonder what these two are talking about. Anyway, I thought you might like the picture as much as I do. Mark William Mullenioux, by email CLAN QUESTION Is there a service that I can use to discover and verify my clan?  Jeff McAlpin, by email DR BRUCE DURIE REPLIES: You’re in luck Jeff! The House of MacAlpine is exactly for you. MacAlpine (and its various spellings) isn’t a clan and never was, nor does it have a Chief. However, the current…

KINLOCH LODGE, SKYE Charming, cosy and steeped in history, Kinloch Lodge (below left) is a luxury hotel on Skye, with the Cuillin Mountains in the distance. Though the hotel has been modernised, it retains much of its centuries-old charm, welcoming guests with fine food, friendly staff, plush beds and roaring fires. Kinloch was built in 1676 as a farmhouse before being converted into a shooting lodge for the Macdonalds of Skye in the 18th century. In 1972, Lord Macdonald and High Chief of Clan Donald, Godfrey, converted Kinloch Lodge into a hotel and lived there with his family. Today, his daughter, Isabella Macdonald manages the hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll find a magical reception room with historical trinkets and a well-stocked bar. It’s in this very room that Clan Macdonald decided…

It was a blue-skyed spring day when I arrived at The Glenturret Distillery, hidden in a pretty little glen in a bucolic corner of Perthshire. As the River Turret babbled past, its banks lush with wild garlic, a warm breeze blew the enticing scent of malt my way – “it’s like this every day”, I was told. Though I knew that not to be true (it’s Scotland, after all), it was a wonderful thought. The river’s an important place to start here, because in its Latin form, ‘Glenturret’ means ‘rushing stream’. The Turret Burn is a tributary of the River Tay and has provided the distillery with an essential source of water since its foundation. As the oldest working distillery in Scotland, dating back to 1763 (when it was established…

Fair Isle knitting takes its name from the small island of Fair Isle in the Shetland archipelago that lies off the north-east coast of Scotland in the North Sea, where the craft began. Though the origins are unclear, by the 1920s these unique patterned designs that originally adorned fishermen’s caps and sweaters, had become highly fashionable after the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) was seen wearing Fair Isle jumpers. Passed down through the generations, the native fashion and complex patterning of OXO shapes and geometric motifs inspired by nature have since evolved. Over time, designers and knitters in Shetland adopted and adapted these intricate patterns, usually symmetrical and arranged in layers or stripes, while preserving the heritage and traditions of the island of Fair Isle. Today, the term…

SCOTLAND 27-29 September 2024 THE STEWART SOCIETY GATHERING, STIRLING Join Clan Stewart for a weekend in Stirling to mark the foundation’s 125th anniversary. There’ll be visits to Bannockburn and Sauchieburn battlefields and a chance to céilidh the night away with Stewarts from around the world. stewartsociety.org 26 September - 6 October 2024  WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL, GALLOWAY Head to Scotland’s national book town for this annual 10-day celebration of literature. With a host of famous faces from the literary world, there’ll be more than 250 events taking place, including music, visual arts, and theatre. wigtownbookfestival.com 29 September - 5 October 2024 SHETLAND WOOL WEEK Head to Shetland for this world-renowned celebration of the islands’ wool and knitwear heritage, with exhibitions, events and classes teaching historic crafts like dyeing and lace knitting.…