Visiting Iona Abbey is one of the most rewarding experiences in Scotland. It takes a lot of effort (and two ferries) to get there, but the feeling when you arrive is more than worth it. This isn’t just somewhere for those seeking something spiritual, it’s a place packed with history. Read more
There really is nothing else in Scotland quite like spending a day in Iona. Known as the birthplace of Scottish Christianity, every year thousands follow in the footsteps of 1400 years of pilgrims to this wee island. It’s a special place with a peaceful feeling, crammed with history including the Read more
If you’re heading to the Scottish Borders, there’s a good chance that you’ll be visiting Melrose at some point. Tucked in the shadow of the Eildon Hill and packed with both history and folklore, it’s somewhere I spend a lot of time in every year. It might well be my Read more
The Isle of Skye is packed with incredible landscapes, but if you want to uncover stories of real people, then you need to visit Dunvegan Castle. Perched on a small crag above a sea loch, this has been home to Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. It should come as Read more
If you’re passionate about Scotland’s turbulent past, there’s a lot you can learn from a few books. Whether you’re a budding historian, first-time visitor, or proud Scot exploring your roots, these are the best Scottish History books that you need on your shelf. As somebody who writes about Scotland and Read more
Tucked away on the Fife coastline, there’s a very special village that seems stuck in time. Visiting Culross (pronounced Coo-Riss) is like walking through Scottish history, along cobbled streets, surrounded by crow-stepped buildings. This is the best preserved 17th century village in Scotland and somewhere well worth spending a day. Read more
Every year, I seem to be spending more and more time in Oban. Lots of people do, but not many get the most out of their visit. Not only is this wee, west-coast town packed with history and very dog-friendly, it also happens to be the “Gateway to the Isles”! Read more
Scotland has always had a complicated relationship with the Devil. In a land shaped by rugged landscapes, deep superstitions, and the long shadow of the Kirk, it’s no surprise that tales of the De’il (the Devil) run deep through our folklore. I don’t know what it is, but I love Read more
If you’re a fan of atmospheric ruins that shout out stories from centuries in the past, you’re going to love Elgin Cathedral. Today, it’s a roofless, weathered ruin, but it’s still phenomenally impressive. These towering walls once echoed with music, power, scandal, and prayer. Nicknamed the Lantern of the North, Read more
The Isle of Skye truly is an incredible place and I’m fortunate enough to spend plenty of time there. While there are thrilling stories and stunning scenery in every corner, it’s the Trotternish Peninsula that often steals the show. You could easily dedicate a whole day just to this one Read more