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We’re excited to bring you another edition of ‘Hidden Scotland Weekly’. As always, we hope you enjoy reading and find inspiration for your next adventure.

Enjoy this week’s edition, and have a fantastic Sunday!

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ISSUE 10 SPOTLIGHT - Ardnamurchan: Once Upon a Time In The West

This feature is a personal one – a trip that our family of three made at the start of this year to mark the journey we’ve had with the magazine and to celebrate our tenth issue. We headed to Scotland's most westerly point, to reflect and explore the area in a season that gifted us solitude. We pay a visit to a place that featured on the very first issue's front cover - Corron Point Lighthouse. We also discover more of Ardnamurchan, and the secluded retreat, Borradill that was our home for 4 days.

The Laird of Udny’s Fool

Jamie Fleeman is a fascinating Aberdeenshire character, hired by the Laird of Udny as his personal fool. He might have been paid to act like a jester but he was no idiot, in fact, Jamie had razor-sharp wit and his retorts and phrases were legendary. One well-to-do gentleman who looked down his nose at something Jamie said in town asked, "Who's fool are you?" Quick as a flash he replied, "I'm the Laird of Udny's fool. And who's fool are you?"

Jamie wasn't just a joker. When an accidental fire ripped through Knockhall Castle in 1734, the Udny family were all sound asleep inside. Jamie's dog was first to react, alerting him to the danger but the blaze kept him from reaching the bedrooms to wake anybody else up.

He was only 21 years old but had incredible strength, so he picked up a chest full of family documents and launched it through a window. The noise raised the alarm to everybody else and they managed to escape safely.

Later in life, Jamie was such a well-known figure in Aberdeenshire that he was used to smuggle Jacobite messages during the 1745 rising. He could travel freely between the Countess of Erroll and Lord Pitsligo who was in hiding from the government after Culloden. Nobody suspected a common fool to be up to anything serious.

Even though Jamie had an interesting life and was better known than the Laird of Udny himself, his death was tragically undignified. While in his 60s, he was soaked to the skin while travelling through a storm and developed a fever. The only shelter to be found was a barn where he promptly fell asleep.

The farmer had no idea that Jamie was inside and when he forced the door open, it struck the fool in the head. Even with a serious head injury, Jamie walked 8 more miles to his sister’s cottage where he passed away from his injuries. His final words were "dinna bury me like a beast" but sadly without sufficient funds, he was left in an unmarked grave.

Thankfully, 80 years later locals funded a gravestone to be erected in Longside, finally answering Jamie Fleeman's dying wish.

Story by Graeme Johncock

Travelling Around Loch Fyne

Graeme Johncock, the travel blogger and storyteller behind Scotland's Stories, is now bringing his adventures to us in a weekly column. He will journal about his explorations around Scotland, sharing fascinating stories and highlighting unique places to visit. Accompanied by his dog Molly, Graeme continues to uncover and share the rich history and beauty of Scotland.

Scotland is blessed with hundreds of beautiful lochs of all shapes and sizes, but most visitors only ever see a small part of them. There are often one or two big attractions that get all of the attention, with amazing sites on the quieter banks quietly forgotten. Loch Fyne is a perfect example that taught me to take my time and really explore.

Inveraray

The perfect place to start any journey around Loch Fyne is Inveraray, a hub for the local area full of perfectly ordered white-washed buildings. The town was rebuilt by the Duke of Argyll in the 18th century, moved from the grounds of Inveraray Castle. You’ll find independent gift shops, a great flat white from Campbell’s Coffee and delicious cakes from Brambles. If it’s not too early, Loch Fyne whiskies has a huge selection to choose from!

Inveraray Castle

No visit to Inveraray is complete without seeing Inveraray Castle. Still home to the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell, its green walls and conical turrets look like something from a fairytale. Inside, you can learn about the ghostly harp player, learn about the Campbell’s history or see Rob Roy’s sporran. Even if you don’t go into the castle itself, it’s worth heading up the driveway to admire this grand home from the outside.

Tinker’s Heart

In sharp contrast to elaborate Inveraray, Old Castle Lachlan is a solid, yet crumbling, defensive stronghold looming above Loch Fyne. Once the bustling home of Clan MacLachlan, now it’s a picturesque and peaceful ruin. Dating back to the 15th century, there’s something about this place that feels incredibly special. The Chief of the MacLachlans marched off to join the Jacobites in 1745, even though a friendly Brownie warned him that it would be his downfall. Sadly, the chief was killed and his home later destroyed by government warships. He is one of the few chiefs not buried in nearby Kilmorie graveyard.

Lunch At The Oystercatcher

I have no doubt that if the Oystercatcher was somewhere more central then it would be overrun. This quiet spot at Otter Ferry serves up some of the best seafood that I’ve ever eaten and it’s almost worth planning your whole day just around stopping here!

Kilfinan

It’s easy to drive straight through Kilfinan without ever realising. That’s exactly what I did the first time I travelled this side of Loch Fyne, before a sixth sense told me to turn around. I’m glad I did, since this unassuming wee spot is packed with interesting stories. The prefix Kil- indicates an old church and round the back of St Finan’s you’ll find the Lamont Burial Aisle full of interesting carved gravestones. Up some steps takes you into a small museum packed with tales of local people, including the MacEwans of Otter. It’s not a big, flashy place, but you’ll be glad you stopped.

Portavadie Ferry To Tarbert

Since Loch Fyne is a sea loch, you’ll need the Calmac ferry to take you to the other side. You can buy tickets in advance, but there’s no need to book a specific sailing time as they last all day. It takes around 25 minutes and the views are fantastic.

Tarbert Castle

Standing proud above the town, but somehow mostly masked from view, stands Tarbert Castle. Only a small remnant remains of what was once an enormous royal fortress, guarding not just passage up Loch Fyne, but also across land. The name Tarbert literally means “Drag Boat” and its where sailors could drag their vessels across a narrow strip of land to save travelling all the way round Kintyre! The castle has a long history, but most people climb up here just for the view. Be aware that there are usually sheep roaming, so keep dogs on leads.

The Egg Shed at Ardrishaig

An old disused building has been transformed into a local community centre known as The Egg Shed. It’s a great place to stop and learn more about the area, local folklore and the history of the Crinan Canal which starts/ends at Ardrishaig. There’s even a giant egg that you can sit in and hear local voices telling stories!

Crarae Garden

End the day with a peaceful wander around Crarae Garden, run by the National Trust for Scotland. This small hillside is packed with exotic trees, tumbling waterfalls and unusual plants, including 600 types of rhododendrons and azaleas! One of the more unusual things to find in the very centre of this sculpted garden is the remains of a Neolithic burial cairn!

Greame has recently written a book called ‘Scotland's Stories by Graeme Johncock’ Grab a copy here.

Cocktail Hour by Lucy Gillmore

On 13th May 1806, The Balance and Colombian Repository, a tabloid in Hudson, New York described a ‘cock-tail’ as "a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters..." It was the cocktail’s first mention in print and on the anniversary each year mixologists around the globe celebrate World Cocktail Day.

The drink described was an Old Fashioned, made by muddling bitters and sugar with water, adding a shot of rye whiskey or bourbon, a slice of orange to garnish and served over ice. It’s still on cocktail menus today – including Panda & Sons’ in Edinburgh, which was named one of the World’s 50 Best Bars at a starry awards ceremony in Madrid last October.

Their take on the Old Fashioned typically mixes things up. This basement bar on Queen Street, part of the capital’s constantly evolving cocktail scene for over a decade, is the ‘lab’ of Willy Wonker-esque, award- winning mixologist and pioneer of the frozen spirit technique, Iain McPherson. The Boilermaker Old Fashioned is created by freezing the whisky to ultra-low temperatures, removing the ice crystals and ‘switching’ the frozen water for beer.

Panda & Sons also made the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars list at the beginning of the year along with a smattering of other Edinburgh drinking dens including sister-bar Nauticus down in Leith which champions Scottish spirits and ingredients, Hey Palu the hip Italian bar on Bread Street (check out the collection of more than 75 bottles of bittersweet liqueur Amari on the back bar) and the original star of the city’s vibrant cocktail scene and another Queen Street basement dive, Bramble Bar & Lounge.

Back in 2004 two bartenders, Mike Aikman and Jas Scott started a cocktail event company. Today they have three bars in the city, The Last Word Saloon down in Stockbridge and speakeasy vibe Lucky Liquor Co - sip a rhubarb negroni or basil gimlet – as well as producing a range of ready to drink cocktails, liqueurs and syrups.

Elsewhere across the country, in Glasgow Daddy Marmalades’ (@daddymarmalades) martini masterclasses, pizza and perfect pours also made the cut along with The Absent Ear theabsentear.c inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s wild creativity ‘and just a drop of his madness’ - absinthe anyone? As did The American Bar at Gleneagles.

Every hotel worth its salt-rimmed margarita glass, in fact, has a signature drinks-laced cocktail menu these days. In Braemar The Fife Arms’ sleek Art Deco cocktail bar, Elsa’s is named after Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, a friend of Frances Farquharson wife of the 16th Laird of Invercauld and former fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar. The drinks menu pays homage to her with cocktails inspired by her fragrance collection - and love of shocking pink.

At American-owned, Scottish tweed-clad small luxury hotel Links House in Dornoch, meanwhile, you might expect a small decanter of whisky in the room. What you’ll find are pre-mixed negronis. Slàinte Mhath.

Written By Lucy Gillmore

Lucy Gillmore is a freelance journalist who left a newspaper travel desk for the Highland hills. Dipping into Scotland’s ever-evolving food and drink scene she will be bringing us the latest news stories, dates for the diary and shining a light on local food heroes in a regular column. You can follow her on @lucygillmore

8 Surprises in Rannoch

Kate and Andrew Duncan, owner's of A Highland Life, authentic Highland accommodation, guide to 8 Hidden Scotland surprises in Rannoch. See more in Issue ten!

1. Walk to MacGregor's cave

Reputedly once a hideout for members of the outlawed clan. This short walk past the shores of Dunalastair Water starts in Lassintullich Forest and though some beautiful oak woods to the cave.

2. Discover Dunalastair Water

Whether it's swimming, fishing, paddling or rowing this is a wonderful spot for a splash. Kate and Andrew offer free boats for A Highland Life guests and recommend packing a picnic for an adventure of the water.

3. Summit Schiehallion

This magical munro is not to be missed - hill of the fairies, folklore and science (Nevil Maskelyne, Royal Astronomer carried out the 1774 Schiehallion experiment here in order to determine the mean density of Earth!) A sunrise climb is best with chance to join A Highland Life's "Munro before breakfast club" or opt to take in the views from a lower level with the accessible path at  Dùn Coillich.

4. Wonder at Allt Mor Waterfall

Starting in the village of Kinloch Rannoch, head through the woods to discover this amazing and peculiar site especially after heavy rainfall or quick snow melt.The Allt Mor burn tumbles down Meall Dubh.

5.Take a train from Rannoch Station to the UK's highest railway station Corrour (1339ft)

With the option to walk 20 miles back to earn refreshments from the Rannoch Station Tea Room (open everyday except Fridays March- October) or explore the walks and wildlife around Loch Ossian and the Station House restaurant and return by train.

6.Tradition and fun at the Rannoch Highland Gathering - Saturday 16th August 2025 - Welley Poley Park

This is one of the smaller Highland gatherings and packed with community, authenticity and charm. There's children's races, a hill race, heavy events, tug o' war and Highland dancing along with the pipe band and chance to say hello to the first female and youngest ever Chieftain Kate Duncan! 

7. Highland hospitality

Eating local is a key part of any visit- highlights include the earlier mentioned tea room, local beef from A Highland Life's honesty store (don't miss the hill to grill BBQ packs) or for a fine dining option book Moor of Rannoch's 2 AA rosette restaurant.

8. Stalking and binocular stalking

At anytime of the year the sight of deer is majestic but when the season's turn the sounds and sights of the rut are spectacular and for those wishing to get even closer to nature A Highland Life offers stalking packages for beginners and experienced country sports lovers alongside Landrover safaris and binocular stalking for those simply wanting to observe and learn more about the rich scenery, flora, fauna and wildlife.

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Article by Rachel Rowley

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