Understanding Scotland — visitscotland

Harris Tweed: Our close look at the process & people behind the iconic Scottish fabric

Horizons — Tue, 29 May 2018 16:57:55 +0000

This is Part 1 of a 3 part trip report from our visit to the Isle of Harris during the end of April 2018. Would love to hear from readers if they own any Harris Tweed products and / or visited the Outer Hebrides.

As public transport travellers across Scotland, we rely heavily on local tour operators to show us their home region of Scotland from a local's perspective and help us imbibe the culture and traditions of their home region. Luckily, Kathleen of Harris Scenic Tours helped arrange two stops that allowed us to understand the past and present of Harris Tweed through two stops on our bespoke Isle of Harris day trip (one of our fave days of travel in Scotland without question). The first one was the Clo-Mor exhibition in Drinishader on the Golden Road where we learnt about Marion Campbell - an icon of Harris Tweed who was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) who continued weaving well into her 80s before she passed away in 1996. To say her story and work was an inspiration would be an understatement. Our other stop was in Northton where we met a present-day weaver called Rebecca Hutton of Taobh Tuath Tweeds who gave us insights over her setup and the modern Harris Tweed production lifecycle. Both locations are gorgeous to boot! (pictures below taken outside Clo-Mor)

What is Harris Tweed?

The answer to this question (summarized below) is enshrined in UK Law under the Harris Tweed Act of 1993! It is also answered in the old newspaper clippings in the Clo-Mor exhibition

Harris Tweed is a tweed cloth that is handwoven by islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides.

The Harris Tweed Authority is the legal governing body that stamps the famous Orb logo to certify a product as Genuine Harris Tweed. The definition above should explain why we requested our guide Kathleen for a stop to meet a present-day weaver in person - the process of making Tweed wholly depends on Hebridean weavers and has been passed down through several generations. Rebecca's set of Orb labels are framed in her weaver shed, pictured below

Marion Campbell (BEM) - An icon of Harris Tweed Weaving

One of the many reasons Marion Campbell is an icon is because she single-handedly oversaw the entire process starting from the rearing the sheep that provide the wool, creating her own natural dyes, spinning, weaving and creating the final Tweed length. The only task she wasn't in charge of was stamping her tweeds with the Orb mark. Her participation in the whole process is captured through a set of fascinating photographs on display at the exhibition. We also saw her equipment, including the spoon she used to gather crotal (a type of lichen) from coastal rocks to create a rich brown dye. Thanks to Youtube, there is also a video of Marion using the same loom we saw in person shot in 1987 when she was 75+ in age. What an inspirational figure! Additionally, her work was so much in the spirit of community that she did not collect the medal from Buckingham Palace in London stating that the medal belonged to the whole of Harris and not to her individually.

Rebecca Hutton - A present day Harris Tweed Weaver

Becca (as I knew her having met the day before on a Tarbert-bound bus) is an award-winning present day weaver and explained to us (in her home's weaving shed) how her Hattersley MKII loom works in a very logical manner (reminiscent of my computer architecture lectures). She was working an absolutely beautiful length of tweed and the images below shows the different stages in which an in-progress tweed looks like. She currently sells lengths of Tweed on her website but we cannot wait to buy Harris Tweed lampshades that she is planning to produce and sell in the future. Additionally, she is also a very cool person to chat with and we shared many laughs discussing our common interests (namely tea and Atlanta's World of Coca-Cola museum). Another interesting facet of visiting Becca's workshop was a Gaelic comic strip titled "Becca a’Breabadaireachd" or "Becca the Weaver" written by the Primary school students (one for the Gaelic readers to enjoy, we were given a translation by Becca, the sounds and songs are amazing).

It is no wonder that Harris Tweed products have such high quality and in high demand by top-end fashion designers wordwide as seen in the Croft to Catwalk display at Clo-Mor. Looking at the passion and community spirit of Marion and Rebecca up close, I can be confident in the future of this iconic Scottish fabric.

LINKS AND FURTHER READING

Taobh Tuath Tweeds website shop

Harris Scenic Tours website

Our full blogpost

https://www.instagram.com/beyondourhorizons/

Arthur's Seat — Some Things You Didn't Know

VisitScotlandLiam — Thu, 31 May 2018 14:53:17 +0000

It's hard to miss. Arthur's Seat is one of the most iconic pieces of natural scenery on offer in Scotland. You can see it almost anywhere in Edinburgh but here are three things you may not know about Arthur's Seat. Do you have any more cool facts?

Nobody Knows How it Got its Name

The Edinburgh giant is surely called Arthur's Seat for a reason, naw? Well nobody knows the reason! Soem believe it is named after King Arthur, others believe that it is the home to a wandering giant who uses the hill as a seat and bed to watch over Edinburgh who got up and left one day and never came back.

The Rock is Believed to be a Sleeping Dragon

A more fictional story than anything else, it was thought, back in the day, that the rock of Arthur's Seat was actually a sleeping dragon that terrorised the inhabitants of Edinburgh and ate all of the livestock. The story goes that it ate too much one day, laid down to sleep and never got up again.

Arthur's Seat is in Many Works of Fiction

The hill is featured in many fiction novels throughout history, with most notable ones being Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, One Day by David Nicholls, and mentioned countless times by Irvine Welsh and Ian Rankin.

There are many more things I could tell you about Arthur's Seat but now it's over to you!

What's Your Scotword?

VisitScotlandLiam — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:32:05 +0000

What makes you proud to live in Scotland in one word? That was the question asked to Scotland's young people in December last year and of the thousands and thousands of nominations, the list was whittled down to seven words.

The most popular favourite Scottish words were:

#Alive
#Bonnie
#Braw
#Culture
#Diverse
#Hame
#Welcome

From that seven, the public were asked to vote on their favourite. So, according to you - the people of Scotland - the nation's favourite word to describe how proud they are to live in Scotland is...

BRAW!

If you were watching or were even involved in the torchlight procession in Edinburgh on Hogmanay, you'll have seen the Scotword being spelt out in Holyrood Park to kick-start the Year of Young People 2018 here in Scotland!

My question to you all is if you agree! What other words describe how proud you are to live here in Scotland!

Outlander in Scotland

VisitScotlandJulie — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 11:03:38 +0000

Calling all Outlander fans and followers!

Whether it's the books that have sparked your imagination or if you have been enchanted by the TV series and want to follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie, you cannot miss the opportunity to come to Scotland and enjoy the locations, castles, landscapes and characters connected to the story by Diana Gabaldon.

If you are looking to plan a trip to Scotland and want to include some Outlander-related locations in your itinerary, start here where you can find locations used in the book and the TV series. You can also download the map of Outlander locations and find out more about the opening theme song. Watch an interview with the Outlander author here.

So, please do share your experiences, recommendations, news and discoveries related to Outlander in Scotland here on this discussion thread. Let us all know about anything you find or ask us any question connected to the Outlander experience.

Write a spooky Scottish story

VisitScotlandNikki — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 13:31:17 +0000

You can’t have a country filled with castles, famous legends and moody lochs (plus whisky!) without the odd spooky story.

Our historic buildings, legendary characters and eerie landscapes are the perfect ingredients for a mysterious story – which may be truth or myth. Crathes Castle has the Green Lady, Edinburgh Castle has a headless drummer and of course, Loch Ness has its monster.

Many of these tales have been whispered into ears for hundreds of years. But there’s always space for a new spooky story!

So, over to you. Write us your best spooky Scottish story in 50 words or less and see if you can terrify our community members the most!

Make sure to like your favourite too, so we can see who’s the spookiest Scotland-lover of all!

(A performance of Macbeth at Glamis Castle, Angus)

Sheep in Scotland - Your Essential Guide!

mustseescotland — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 10:56:21 +0000

There are some things in Scotland that the locals hardly notice but that visitors find charming. One of these is sheep.

Did you know that there are more sheep than people in Scotland?
So - on the link below we supply a simple roadside sheep spotters’ guide! ( we even tell you about sheep and the Highland Clearances)

https://must-see-scotland.com/sheep-in-scotland/

What's your favourite castle in Scotland?

VisitScotlandAmanda — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 10:44:32 +0000

We're so spoiled for choice in Scotland with castles to visit. If you were recommending a castle to someone visiting here for the first time, where would you tell them to go?

I still don't know the answer to this question (so many to choose from!) so I'm cheating and just sharing the two I've been to most recently. Tantallon in North Berwick (top pic) and Inveraray Castle (bottom pic) were both gasp worthy to explore! And as you can see I was pretty spoiled with the weather on both days too!

Share your pics below! Bonus points for any fun facts you can throw in too

Scotland's Seasons!

VisitScotlandLiam — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 11:26:52 +0000

A question that we get asked a lot here at VisitScotland is "when is the best time to visit?". The answer is any time of the year! Scotland is absolutely stunning all year round. Scotland is famous for having four seasons in one day but here's a more in-depth look at the seasons in Scotland!

Spring

The springtime in Scotland usually starts in March and lasts up until the middle of May. The country starts to heat up a wee bit too with highs of around 13°C. You'll see daffodils (like in the above picture of Camperdown Park in Dundee) and cherry blossom on the trees. Spring is the best time to come to Scotland for Easter as there are plenty of things to do with the kids! Why not go to Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre in Dumfries and Galloway, or have an Easter egg hunt in Prince's Street Gardens?

Summer

Summer - the time everyone wants to come to Scotland! Scotland is absolutely stunning in summer. You'll see the long days, beautiful beaches and cloudless skies. Why not come to Scotland in the summer? You could catch events such as TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow Green, The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh and the Kenmore Highland Games in Perthsire!

Autumn

Scotland turns its traditional ginger in autumn when the leaves start to fall from the trees like in the above picture on The Devon Way. Autumn is a brilliant time to snap some shots of Scotland, capturing the reds, yellows and oranges all around. You still have some of the heat from the summer but Autumn in Scotland is usually 'jumper weather'. Why not catch the World Pipe Band Championships and the Largs Viking Festival this year?

Winter

Winter usually feels like forever in Scotland because it can get so cold, but it can also be immensely picturesque especially when the snow falls. The skiing season in Scotland lasts from the start of winter in Novemeber all the way until the start of Spring in April. Why not have a go yourself at one of Scotland's 5 different Ski centres? Or take a drive up to Glencoe (above) or Ben Nevis? Just make sure you wrap up warm because temperatures can plummet to below freezing quite often during the winter months!

Share your pictures of the different seasons in Scotland, we'd love to see them!

Clans from Dumfries

VisitScotlandAmy — Tue, 03 May 2016 08:41:24 +0000

Are you a Douglas, an Armstrong or a Maxwell?

Forget Game of Thrones, it was all kicking off among the clans of Dumfries and Galloway in days gone by. They had to be feisty, after all they were right next door to the Auld Enemy.

Each had its own tartan, lands, and allegiances. And rivals.

They’ve calmed down since then. So hopefully it’s safe to ask… which clan is yours?

Traveling from Fort William to London

Tassie_Traveler_66 — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 04:16:22 +0000

Hi All

This is my first post to the group.

We're Aussie travelers who will be spending only a few days in Scotland in June 2018, sadly. We've already booked our train travel from Edinburgh to Fort William, but not sure if we should travel all the way back from Fort William to London by train, mainly due to the apparent cost. Currently tix are available for more than 300 pounds for two, which is a bit pricey for us.

So I'm asking for your advice as to the best options. Do we sit tight and await for a reduction in the ticket price for the train from F William to London? Or should we start thinking about an alternative, such as traveling back to Glasgow by train, then on to London by plane? If we fly, we'd still need to get ourselves from Glasgow Queen Street to the airport, then from Stansted to central London, so I'm a bit reluctant to make the journey more complicated than it needs to be).

All advice and suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks :-)

Tips for researching your Scottish family tree

VisitScotlandNikki — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 11:20:25 +0000

Many of us love the idea of being able to trace our ancestors back through history and discover where we came from, what our name means, and how our relatives used to live.

It can be really fascinating - but it can be a challenging search sometimes.

Have you researched your family tree in Scotland and uncovered some interesting stories?

What tips would you give someone who is just starting to look?

Check out our ancestry eBook for starter tips and all the places in Scotland you can visit to see for yourself what life was life hundreds of years ago.

Clans and Castles

VisitScotlandLiam — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 15:05:24 +0000

Scotland has such a rich history when it comes to clans and castles, why not mix the two together? Here are 4 famous Scottish castles and their locations on the clan map!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh has such a strong heritage as it is and Edinburgh Castle embodies that. Located within the territory of clan Cockburn, a clan that were without a leader but reigned over Edinburgh and East Lothian. Edinburgh Castle is arguably the most recognisable Scottish castle, visitors are in awe that they can see such a sight when they walk out of the shops on Princes Street!

Inverary Castle

Located near Loch Fyne, Inverary castle is in Clan MaClachlan. A clan that is brave and faithful that descend from Lachlan Mor who lived near Loch Fyne in the 13th century. He was a man who left his name on every piece of land that he took under his control. Inverary Castle is a beautiful castle in a truly stunning backdrop, have you been?

Eilean Donan Castle

In land that was ruled by Clan Mackenzie, under Chief Alexander Mackenzie in 1471, the land Eilean Donan Castle stands on was home to Robert The Bruce supporters, but Clan Mackenzie fought on the side of the Earls of Ross in the 14th century. Today, though, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most photographed pieces of Scottish architecture.

Dunnottar Castle

In Clan Leslie boundaries, Dunnottar Castle is a 13th century fortress. The Clan Leslie was founded by a Hungarian, Bartolf, he then went on to marry Princess Beatrix who then went on to be named the governess of Edinburgh Castle. Dunnottar Castle is my favourite castle in terms of location. It looks so majestic up on a hill looking over the North Sea.

What clan are you in? What Scottish castle lies within your clans territory?

Abandoned castles

KevStew — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 15:19:27 +0000

Being a photographer, I'm interested in exploring abandoned and castle ruins in the countryside. What are the laws concerning this and accessing private property? Is it generally acceptable to wander without permission from the owner?

Hogmanay in Scotland

VisitScotlandLiam — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:20:50 +0000

For an outsider looking in, Hogmanay is not a word that you would associate with New Year celebrations, eh? Hogmanay in Scotland is different to anywhere else in the world, with the celebrations lasting from the 31st of December to the 2nd of January - or even longer for the lucky ones who have the days off work .

The origin of Hogmanay comes from the vikings but has been carried through by the Scots for many, many years. We just love a party!

EDINBURGH

So, what happens in Scotland at Hogmanay? The first thing I think of is a massive party! There are many street parties happening across Scotland on Hogmanay but Edinburgh's is certainly the biggest. The Edinburgh Street Party. It is a massive event held in the city centre that attracts people from all around the world. It has hosted many a rock band and pop-star to play at the event to all the people who have come from near and far to be part of Hogmanay in Edinburgh.

STIRLING

However, there are other Hogmanay celebrations that go on in Scotland. A Night to Remember is happening this Hogmanay at Stirling Castle. It consists of a parade of light going from the castle, through the city centre and ending up at King's Park. It is a family friendly event that caters for all with celebrations being partnered with good food, drink and good quality street entertainment. All topped off my the help of some fireworks to see in the new year!

DUNDEE

In Dundee, they take things a little bit away from the traditional norm on the 31st. If you end up in the Reading Rooms, you'll be met with some deep house, techno and disco music! The Reading Rooms showcases local Dundee DJ talent, bound to get you on your feet! Why not take in the new year listening to some club 'bangers', if you want a break from tradition?!

NEW YEAR'S DAY

Wrapping things up we have the Loony Dook, a charity event that sees the locals of South Queensferry take a dip into the North Sea on January 1st dressed up as something daft!

What are your plans for Hogmanay? Share your pics!!

Happy St Andrew's Day

OutandaboutElaine — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:31:22 +0000

St Andrew's Day is a pivotal day in the winter festival calendar and another great reason to visit and explore Scotland in winter. Plenty people celebrate with a wee dram and a plate of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties or head off to a Ceilidh for a spot of dancing. How do you celebrate St Andrew's Day?

VisitScotland went the extra miles this year for St Andrew's Day, bringing a group of Andrews to St Andrews to celebrate St Andrew's day Watch the video to see our search for Andrews and the fabulous experiences they had in St Andrews.

Magical Mystical Scotland

VisitScotlandAngela — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 13:57:05 +0000

There are so many places in Scotland that I think are magical and mystical - but for very different reasons. Whether it be the dramatic landscapes, the folklore and heritage or the magical falls and hidden valleys, I think Scotland is one of the most magical and mystical countries in the world!

One of the most magical areas I have been exploring lately has been the Trossachs. I love the folklore attached to the village of Aberfoyle - stories of elves and faeries creating mischief and stealing the soul of the reverend who spoke of their tomfoolery. They have celebrated this by carving sculptures in the woodlands at Doon Hill. There's also a magical woodland trail from The Lodge Visitor Centre passing by some mirrored sculptures to the Little Fawn waterfall. I also love sitting in the wildlife hide and watching the red squirrels scurry around the forest floor just a few meters in front of me. Ben A'an is one of my favourite walks in the Trossachs and although it's only one mile from the car park to the top, it may have been the steepest mile I've ever walked! It was worth it though...the view from the rocky top was spectacular. If your looking to explore your more spiritual side, Tir na nOg is a holistic centre where you indulge in some alternative treatments and therapies....I fancy the fire walk which looks pretty awesome. The Soup Dragon Cafe is also pretty cool (it also has lots of veggie options on the menu) and there's a short woodland trail behind the centre which has some mysterious sculptures and carved wooden spoons hanging from the trees!

One of the mystical carvings at Tir na nOg

What's your favourite magical and mystical place in Scotland and what makes it magical or mystical for you?

Top 5 Creepy Places in Dundee

VisitScotlandLiam — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 12:35:55 +0000

Dundee is a city with rich history and heritage, but do you know about its spooky side? Here are 5 creepy places that you should visit in Dundee – if you dare!

Tay Bridge

Once the site of a horrible rail accident which saw a train derail into the water and everyone inside killed, the Tay Bridge is one of the more haunted places on Tayside. It is believed that on the 28th of December each year, there is a ghostly looking train that travels over the bridge and disappears when it gets to the spot that the train derailed in 1879. Screaming can also be heard coming from the bridge on the anniversary of the disaster.

Glamis Castle

Said to be under a curse, Glamis Castle is arguably one of the most haunted places in Britain. A tongueless woman who roams the castles grounds, a young boy who has been seen sitting on a stone chair outside of the Queen’s room and the ghost of Earl Beadie who haunts the grounds, scaring children. However, the most spine-chilling apparition seen at the castle is The Grey Lady. She is the ghost of Lady Janet Douglas who was burned at the stake as a witch in 1537.

HMS Unicorn

It has been the spot of many reports of ghostly footsteps, creepy figures and the unnerving feeling as if you are being watched. It has undergone many paranormal investigations in its time who have all reported something spooky happening on the ship.

Claypott Castle

This castle is another that is said to be haunted. This time by the spirit of Marion Ogilvie. She was the mistress to Cardinal Beaton who was murdered in 1546, she has been seen waving at visitors from the window, dressed all in white with a white handkerchief.

Royal Research Ship Discovery

Built in 1901 and sent on her first mission to the Antarctic, the Royal Research Ship Discovery is another Dundee based ship with ghostly stories to tell. Visitors have seen ghostly shadows lurking within the ship, heard footsteps – which are believed to be those of a young man who fell to his death from the crow’s nest. It has also been reported that the ghost of a young boy runs around the ship. Others have seen a sailor’s spirit so vivid that they have stopped to speak to him before he disappears.

What other creepy or haunted places are there in Dundee? How many have you been to?

Do you recognise this landscape?

VisitScotlandJulie — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 14:44:27 +0000

I have received a special request from a gentleman with a painting. Can anyone identify the location of this landscape painting, apparently painted by Sir Edwin Landseer? It is presumed to be a landscape of somewhere in the Highlands. Do you recognise this location or can you offer an inspired suggestion?

Why Scotland Is The World's Most Beautiful Country!

VisitScotlandLiam — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 14:47:47 +0000

Scotland has been voted the most beautiful country in the world in a poll by Rough Guides. What are your reasons to believe Scotland is the planet's most beautiful country? Here's a couple of ours!

Kilchurn Castle, Argyll
Scotland has an abundance of beautiful castles, but can you think of any more stunning than Kilchurn? A fantastic medieval castle with a jaw-dropping backdrop.

Glenfinnan Monument, near Fort William
A monument that is dedicated to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings. With the lone kilted Highland warrior standing on the top of the monument it should be on everyone's Highland bucket list to visit!

Read the full article on the visitscotland.com blog here!

Now it's your turn - show us your pictures and tell us your stories about why YOU believe Scotland is the most beautiful country in the world!

Let's play spot the unicorn!

VisitScotlandAmanda — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 16:08:35 +0000

Many of you will know that the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland, featured on both the Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland prior to 1603 and on the current royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom. But how many of you have spotted this mythical beast out and about in our fair land?

I'll start us off, with this sighting of a unicorn on a wooden sailing ship launched in Chatham in 1824 at Victoria dock in Dundee.

Who's up next? @fishypro @Samantha_Grant @Horizons have you spotted any unicorns recently?