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This week’s Hidden Scotland Weekly celebrates the launch of Issue 11 of Hidden Scotland magazine, our new Autumn–Winter edition packed with stories, photography and travel ideas from across the country. Pre-orders come with a free bookmark and print, and we’ll begin shipping from early October.

In Graeme Johncock’s latest column, he journeys to the far northwest—braving stormy ferries, visiting ancient churches on Harris, and walking to the spectacular Wailing Widow Falls. Along the way, he uncovers island legends, Viking castles, and the eerie calm of Achnahaird beach under the watchful eye of a lone seal.

You’ll also find this week’s Gaelic insight on the origins of the word for October, An Dàmhair, meaning the time of the roaring stags. And we’ve gathered some of the most interesting news stories from across Scotland, from Viking shipwrecks and rare Pictish carvings to migrating geese and a new short film being shot at the Wigtown Book Festival.

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Issue 11 is here!

It gives us great pleasure to be sharing with you the eleventh edition of Hidden Scotland magazine. Welcome to our Autumn-Winter 2025/26 issue.

All pre-orders will come with a free gift, which includes:

→ A 'Isle of Arran' bookmark
→ A5 print of our front cover image

This will arrive wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with a Hidden Scotland sticker. Order soon, as this is available for a limited time only.

If you are a subscriber to Hidden Scotland magazine, then your order will also arrive with the bookmark and print.

We hope that you enjoy reading Issue 11, and as always, thank you again for your continued support.

We will begin shipping magazines from Scotland early October.

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.

Exploring Scotland's Far Northwest

Autumn has definitely arrived in Scotland and with it, cooler days and stormy weather. Regardless of that, this is always one of my favourite times to explore the country as places begin to get a little quieter. You might think it would be a good time to stick closer to home, but instead I’ve been as far away in the northwest as I could possibly get! 

I was lucky to get the early ferry to the Isle of Harris on a particularly wild day. Almost every other ferry had been cancelled, proving how important it is to have a backup plan if you want to visit the Scottish islands. Fortunately, our boat managed to make the journey, although it was a little too rocky for me to enjoy my normal cooked breakfast from the canteen... 

Harris is usually known for its beautiful sandy beaches, but this definitely wasn’t the weather for the seaside. Instead, we headed somewhere that doesn’t get nearly enough attention – the church of St Clements in Rodel. Found at the far south of Harris, this 500-year-old church doubles as the burial site for some of the MacLeods of Dunvegan. It was built by Alasdair Crotach, the 8th MacLeod chief and first not to be buried on the Isle of Iona. His effigy is a thing of beauty, holding the Great Sword of Dunvegan and surrounded by religious imagery. Standing in the old stone church as the winds howled around the outside was more than a wee bit atmospheric! 

A trip through time on Lewis was to follow, exploring everything from the 5000 year old Calanais Standing Stones and Iron Age brochs to more modern homes like Arnol Blackhouse. Then it was another, much calmer, ferry to Ullapool in the northwest Highlands. 

Now part of the famous NC500 roadtrip, the road leading north was much quieter than I’d expected. There was hardly a soul to be seen as we wound our way past iconic mountains like Suilven and Stac Pollaidh. Eventually, we came to Achnahaird beach to take in the incredible view of the mountains over the sand while a curious seal kept a wary eye on us from the waves! 

There’s a lot more than just scenery in this part of Scotland though, as a trip to Ardvreck Castle proved. Legend says the castle was built by the Devil in return for the hand in marriage of the MacLeod laird’s daughter. When she discovered the deal, she threw herself into the surrounding loch, transforming into a mermaid! 

The rising and falling of the water level in Loch Assynt is explained by her crying, remembering how her father sold her to the Devil. 

Our last stop took a little more effort than the usual leisurely walk from a car park. A rough trek along a gorge, over rocks and through mud, took us to the spectacular Wailing Widow Falls. This enormous waterfall crashes down from Loch Na Gainmhich high above, making for an impressive end to the day, showing that even in its furthest corners, Scotland has some incredible surprises!

Our 2026 Calendar

We’ve also just launched our 2026 Calendar

We are delighted to be back with our wall calendar for 2026. Enjoy a selection of stunning photography that captures some of Scotland's best bits throughout the year.

The A3 landscape wall calendar is printed on a beautiful matt art paper stock that makes the images really stand out. The landscape layout allows for an A4 image on one side, which can be utilised as a print afterwards.

As well as a square for each day for you to add those all important events and special dates you have coming up in the new year. There is also a notes section for any additional information you need to jot down for that month.

Interesting news this week in Scotland

Replica prehistoric roundhouse planned for Gairloch

A replica Iron Age roundhouse is planned for Gairloch Museum, designed from archaeological evidence gathered at nearby Achtercairn. Roundhouses, with circular stone walls and turf roofs, were once a common sight across Scotland between 2,800 and 1,600 years ago. About 200 sites have been identified around Gairloch alone. The museum says the new structure would be more than a display, acting as a working space for schools and community use. The project would bring a tangible reconstruction of the area’s ancient domestic life to the village.

Tens of thousands of pink footed geese arrive in Scotland after 800-mile journey

Tens of thousands of pink-footed geese have arrived at Montrose Basin in Angus, completing an 800-mile journey from Iceland and Greenland. The estuary, covering 750 hectares of tidal mudflats, provides vital feeding and roosting grounds for these migratory birds. Around 20% of the global population of pink-footed geese gather here each year, highlighting the site’s international importance for conservation. Visitors can witness one of Scotland’s most spectacular wildlife events as the birds settle in for the autumn season, offering a unique opportunity for birdwatching and showcasing the critical role of protected habitats in supporting migratory species.

Cameras ready to roll at Wigtown Book Festival

This year’s Wigtown Book Festival will not only bring authors, talks and events to Scotland’s National Book Town but will also be the backdrop for a new short film. Director Jessica Fox and cinematographer Ben Please are producing Wigtown – The Movie, a 15-minute piece capturing the festival’s energy and community spirit. The film will combine scripted elements with unscripted moments featuring locals, visitors, and figures such as Shaun Bythell, owner of Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop. Festival director Adrian Turpin, leading his final programme before stepping down, said the project reflects the creativity that defines Wigtown.

Archaeology student unearths rare stone carving of Pictish face

A University of Aberdeen Archaeology student has discovered a rare Pictish carving at East Lomond hillfort in Fife. The 10–12cm stone, uncovered by third-year student Jodie Allan during excavation work, shows a schematic human face with eyes, nose and possible hairline. Experts date it to the fifth–seventh centuries, placing it in the site’s final phase of settlement. Human depictions from this period are exceptionally rare, more often seen in manuscripts than stone. Archaeologists believe the find could offer fresh insight into how the Picts represented identity within a wealthy and well-connected community.

'Forgotten' royal castle uncovered on Scottish island

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a previously unknown castle at Finlaggan on Islay, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. The fortress, spread across two small islands in a loch, predates the rise of the MacDonald clan chiefs, later known as the Lords of the Isles, who used Finlaggan as a power base controlling the Hebrides, Argyll, and parts of the northwest Highlands. Excavations revealed a rectangular stone tower with living quarters, courtyards, kitchens, a great hall, and a chapel with a burial ground. The discovery offers new insight into early medieval power structures in western Scotland.

'One of a kind' Abernethy Pearl goes on display

The Abernethy Pearl, Scotland’s largest freshwater pearl discovered in more than 400 years, has gone on display at the National Museum of Scotland. Found inside a mussel near the River Tay in 1967 by Bill Abernethy, the pearl measures 11mm in diameter, weighs 43.6 grains and is perfectly spherical. Purchased at auction for £94,000 by jeweller Alistir Wood Tait, it has now been donated to the museum. Experts say it took around 80 years to form, something unlikely to be repeated due to environmental pressures on freshwater mussels. It joins the Kellie Pearl in Scotland’s rare pearl history.

For more interesting news from across Scotland, visit hiddenscotland.com/news and sign up to the Hidden Scotland Membership to receive news updates from your local area or the regions and topics you're most interested in.

In the early 13^th century, much of western Scotland and the Hebrides was under the control of the Kingdom of Norway. Evidence of this long chapter of Viking history is still evident in modern day place names. But in 1263, the King of Scots Alexander III decided it was time to claim this part of Scotland back.

King Haakon of Norway was happy with things just the way they were. It might be a long way from his throne, but he wasn’t willing to let this territory go without a fight. Haakon sailed around the north of Scotland and into the Firth of Clyde with an enormous fleet in a clear demonstration of strength. There the Norwegian King waited to deal with the King of Scots, just off the coast of Ayrshire.

Alexander could clearly see he didn’t have enough men to defeat the battle-hardened Norsemen. When it came to negotiations, he was in no position to be making any demands. The King of Scots delayed the talks again and again, giving time for his army to slowly coming together further inland. He knew that it was late in the year and so storm clouds were gathering along with the Scots.

King Haakon had finally had enough, and it looked as if the Norwegians were going to be released to cause havoc on the Scottish mainland. Then Alexander got what he had been praying for, a fierce autumn storm whipped across the water. Norwegian ships were torn from their anchors, smashed to pieces and washed up on the beach at Largs.

When a small force of the Norwegians landed to try and repair the damaged ships, Alexander sprung his trap. The Scottish army swarmed towards the beach to meet the invaders. The Battle of Largs was fierce, the Norwegians might have been battered by the storm, but they weren’t beaten yet.

Both sides fought each other to a standstill, neither able to gain the upper hand. When the battle died down and the armies withdrew, Haakon was forced to retreat with his remaining ships all the way back to Orkney.

The King of Norway died there that winter, along with his hopes of holding on to western Scotland. His successor would officially sign any claim he had over to King Alexander. The Battle of Largs might not have seemed like an overwhelming victory, but it had changed the course of Scottish history.

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