“The most interesting moment of a person’s life is what happens to them when all of their certainties go away. Then who do you become? And then what do you look for?... that’s the moment that the universe is offering up an invitation saying, 'Come and find me ..." - Elizabeth Gilbert. I’m not only…
Continue reading ➞ 10 Gorgeous Scottish Road Trips You Can Do From The Comfort Of Your Own Armchair
So, it's official. I am a dog mum! This wee bundle of cuddles arrived with us last Friday (lock down, social distancing protocol was of course adhered to) and has already changed our lives for the better. Our Golden Retriever puppy is called Nonny and we are head-over-heels in love with her already. In tribute…
This story was one of the Scottish Book Trust's Stories Of Home. It was also featured in the Sunday Mail in April 2014 in order to help promote the project. Laughter resonates across the candle-lit, mahogany of Nobles Bar, sound-tracking the clink of mid-week glasses of consolation. I pick at the frayed, wooden edge of…
A Damn, Guid Leithin' No blog of mine would truly be mine if it didn’t include a word or two about the delights of Leith, Edinburgh’s port and former independent burgh. My love affair with Leith began almost 20 years ago with a fateful bus journey in the company of a friend. We had been indulging in…
This story was published in the Scottish Book Trust's Treasures short story collection in November 2013. I also read it out live and chatted about it on Janice Forsyth's Culture Studio on BBC Radio Scotland in June 2013. Of all the things I’ve ever lost, it’s still the one thing I miss the most ... I…
And so friends, December 1st hath arrived, the glistening, white frost is making us have to defrost our cars in the mornings and winter is upon us once more. Time to hibernate. I, like so many are inclined to do just that usually, but recently I've taken to heading out more during these slower, shorter…
If an authentic taste of Scotland is one you're after, then look no further than tablet. It's the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon cup of tea or coffee with a good book. My Auntie June's tablet is legend in our family and I swear it's the best version you'll ever taste. We're talking melt-in-the-mouth, crumbly…
Wandering the pretty, cobbled streets of Culross (pronounced Coo-riss) is a beguiling experience. As you explore the picturesque wynds with their chocolate box pretty houses, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you were on a film set. And well ... you'd be right! For this gorgeous, 16th century heritage site has taken on a starring…
Continue reading ➞ An Adventure In Time Travel – Culross, Fife
Glen Lyon is located right in the very heart of Scotland, but is often overlooked by visitors to these shores in favour of the more famous Great Glen and Glen Coe. You need to know about this place though as it's an area of awe-inspiring beauty, romance and grandeur. A drive along its 32 mile…
Continue reading ➞ The Hidden Glen – Glen Lyon, Perth and Kinross
Do you have a penchant for the dark side of history? Do you love nothing more than giving yourself the shivers? Well, places to indulge your love of all things spooky don’t come any better than Yester Castle in East Lothian. This 13th Century ruin located just outside of the pretty town of Gifford is…
Continue reading ➞ Something Wicked This Way Comes … Yester Castle and The Goblin Ha’
