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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!

Have a great weekend.

ISSUE 10 SPOTLIGHT - Nature Inspired Places to Stay

Whether you’re looking for a forest retreat, a luxury stay on the coast or a scenic off-grid spot in which to recharge, these nature-inspired places to stay pay homage to their surroundings by bringing the outside in.

The Battle of Loch Trool

King Robert the Bruce is widely regarded as Scotland’s greatest monarch, but his reign got off to a rocky start. Immediately after his coronation, the new King of Scots lost a series of battles against both the English and rival Scottish clans. Nobody knows where Bruce and his small band of followers spent that winter, but he must have been very close to giving up.

In early 1307, the King tentatively emerged from his hiding place. Most importantly, he had survived, but things weren't looking good. His men were badly outnumbered and in desperate need of even a small victory to encourage others to join them.

The Southwest of Scotland was an area Bruce knew well so that was where he decided to make his comeback. It wasn’t long before word that the King was back reached his enemies. English patrols were soon scouring the area for him. None of these groups were very large but that suited Bruce. With each small victory, his reputation grew and his enemies were just a little bit weaker.

Soon the English commander Aymer de Valence was preparing a proper army to face this small group of Scots. He heard Bruce was hiding out in Glen Trool with just a few hundred men. An English army of 2000 men rushed to stamp out the flame of resistance before it could spread any further.

They rushed straight into a trap. As the army chased a small number of Scots along the banks of Loch Trool, the path got narrower and narrower. With the Loch on one side and steep slopes on the other, the English were eventually packed in so tight they couldn’t manoeuvre. Then those fleeing Scots stopped and turned around.

The English attackers must have been confused at this small force holding their ground until they look up at the steep slopes above them. Great, big boulders were tumbled down the hill towards them and they had nowhere to go. Arrows quickly followed and the English army was in turmoil. When the rest of the Scottish warriors charged down the hill, they split the long column of soldiers in two.

Most retreated quickly back up the path rather than press forward into the mayhem and the Scots had won the day. It was a small victory, but word spread fast. King Robert the Bruce was back and the flame of resistance was growing.

Story by Graeme Johncock

Around Scotland with Graeme Johncock

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.

I was starting to think it would never rain again! If you’ve been keeping up to date with the news in Scotland, then you might have noticed that we had been going through a bit of a dry spell. As May wore on, we were getting into pretty dangerous territory, but I’m pleased to say that the heavens have finally opened!

It’s not unusual for May to show a good bit of sunshine, the first day of the month (known as Beltane) is officially the start of summer after all. However, this is also a big growing season for crops, so a bit of rain is important!

This is one of my favourite times for travelling around Scotland, the landscape is just so vibrant in May. Bright yellow gorse bushes are everywhere, filling the air with a coconut smell, while the woods are filled with bluebells and wild garlic. While rhododendrons aren’t native, they thrive here and sprawl away unchecked with pink or purple flowers in certain areas.

I’ve been able to enjoy all the sights and sound on the road over the last few weeks, exploring almost every corner of Scotland. I’ve taken visitors to Scotland right across the Scottish Borders, from the ruins of the mighty abbeys to the formidable Hermitage Castle. Tucked away in a corner that doesn’t get much attention, this fortress is as impressive as its history is dark.

Said to be haunted by a bloodthirsty creature known as a Redcap, Hermitage is so close to the English border that war almost broke out when it was built! It’s seen plenty of drama since then as a frontier stronghold, although it seems to be most famous for Mary Queen of Scots. She rode here at breakneck speed from Jedburgh to visit a wounded James Hepburn, almost dying herself after falling as she travelled back!

After trips to Aberdeenshire, Moray, Fife and Glencoe, I rounded off a busy month with an island trip out west. The Isle of Mull is definitely one of my favourite islands, it’s got castles, waterfalls, mountains, great food and plenty of stories. While it’s not exactly quiet, things definitely feel less crowded that it’s more famous cousin Skye.

A highlight for me is always Lochbuie in the south of Mull, reached along a winding road that’s not for the inexperienced. It’s the part of the island that most visitors don’t get to see, but there’s a lot on offer. Nobody minded as the rain began falling at the Lochbuie Stone Circle, especially as we ducked into the Old Post Office for a local seafood lunch!

By the time we walked along to Moy Castle and the sandy Laggan Beach, it was blue skies and warm sun again. In many places, Scotland looks even better with a bit of mist or dramatic clouds and Mull is definitely amongst those. That’s without mentioning the waterfalls that always look a little better after heavy rain!

In case you couldn’t tell, I’m pretty happy about the recent downpours and it’s not only for the scenic value. It’s also because of one of my favourite sayings in Scotland – “Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky!” Remember that the next time you got caught without an umbrella.

Gather x Hidden Scotland: A Midsummer Dream

Saturday 21st June 2025 at 12:30pm
Tickets launch Monday 2nd June at 7pm
The Old Sawmill, Milton of Crathes, Aberdeenshire

As the spring months stretch into the arms of summer, we welcome you to our first feast of the year "Gather x Hidden Scotland: A Midsummer Dream.

"Hosted by Gather in celebration of Hidden Scotland magazine’s tenth edition, this very special event takes place on Saturday, 21st June at 12.30pm. An afternoon inspired by the summer solstice and the art of storytelling, culminating in an unforgettable dining experience.

Set upon the beautiful banks of the River Dee, amongst tree canopy and lush florals, this afternoon feast will embrace the joy of midsummer—a time of abundance, growth, and nature's rich larder.

In collaboration with Graeme Johncock, Hidden Scotland’s beloved folklore writer and best-selling author, this feast will intertwine live storytelling  as seasonal sharing plates pass hands. Graeme will enchant guests by reading aloud traditional tales, drawing from the rich folklore he brings to life in every edition of Hidden Scotland.

Featuring all the carefully curated details of every Gather supper, this experience includes a copy of the brand-new 10th edition of Hidden Scotland Magazine.

Tickets for this event will be limited and on sale as of Monday, 2nd June @ 7pm.

Follow @weare.gather and @hiddenscotlandshop for ticket announcement and further updates!

Last Chance - Today’s special offer

15% off Hidden Scotland Magazine – The Complete Set (Issues 01–10)

Own every magazine we have produced with the Hidden Scotland Magazine Complete Set, covering Issues 01 to 10. Priced at £135, this set includes every issue we’ve published, giving a comprehensive look at Scotland’s people, places, and stories.

Please note, this may be the last chance to get Issue 01, as we may not reprint it and it’s not sold individually. Issue 10 is included for free in this collection.

For 15% off use code SUNDAY15

Learn More

Events in June

Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival
When - 13th - 23rd June
Where - Various Locations, Moray
Price - £4 - £38

The Moray Way presents the Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival as a selection of events spread over 10 days. Events include guided walks, foraging walks, forest bathing and much more! From Glenlivet to Dava Moor, discover the history, ecology and culture of the spectacular outdoor destinations and walking routes in the Moray region.

Find out more

Solas Festival
When - 20th - 22nd June
Where - Errol Park, Perthshire
Price - £19 - £123

Solas Festival is an all ages midsummer festival. Alongside a unique line-up of musical acts, there will also be a programme of various other activities and events including well-being & spirituality, storytelling, workshops and panel discussions. Emphasising their inclusive ethos, everyone is welcome at Solas Festival to share a weekend-long celebration of the arts.

Find out more

Bon Accord Steam Engine Club Steam & Vintage Fair
When - 14th & 15th June
Where - Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire
Price - £8 - £65

This is Scotland’s largest steam and vintage fair, held under one of the largest tower houses in Scotland, Castle Fraser. Vintage tractors, classic cars - and, of course all engines of steam - miniatures, stationary engines, military vehicles and beyond! There will be a licensed bar and local food outlets on site to ensure you don’t run out of steam during your day at the event.

Find out more

Borders Book Festival
When - 12th & 15th June
Where - Harmony Garden, Melrose, Scottish Borders
Price - Free - £21.98

Taking place in the beautiful National Trust for Scotland site of Harmony Garden in Melrose the Borders Book Festival presents a stacked lineup of author’s talks, creative workshops and movement sessions. This family friendly event plays host to the Bloom Media Project supporting young aspiring media production creatives. The Heartland Market will also be taking place at Harmony Garden, a celebration of artisanal makers and crafters from the local area.

Find out more

Issue 10 Sponsors

It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to the sponsors of Issue 10.
We invite you to learn more about them by clicking their logo.

If you would like to email us about any suggestions or feedback please email [email protected] with the subject feedback. Thanks!