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We’re delighted to be back with a new ‘Hidden Scotland Weekly’. We really hope that you enjoy reading.

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Museums & Galleries of Edinburgh by Shawna Law

Snippet from the magazine…

Edinburgh has a host of wonderful museums and galleries to choose from. Many will be familiar with the well-loved National Museum of Scotland with its range of engaging exhibitions, as well as the trio of National Galleries of Scotland which house Scotland’s impressive national collection of fine art. There is also a collection of smaller yet equally fascinating museums and galleries which are well worth a visit...

The Writer’s Museum

Lady Stair’s Close is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque corners in Old Town. At the heart of the close, surrounded by sky-high tenements, is Lady Stair’s House, a spectacular 17th-century townhouse which is home to The Writers’ Museum. The museum is a celebration of Scotland’s literary past and present, with a focus on the lives of three prominent Scottish writers: Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson. Through a variety of portraits, rare books and personal objects, visitors are given a more intimate look into the fascinating lives of these well-known authors. A few noteworthy items include a first edition of Scott’s novel “Waverley,” accompanied by the press on which the novels were printed, Burns’ writing desk and a chest that belonged to the Stevenson family which was made by Deacon Brodie, whose double life may have inspired the novel “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”.

The Georgian House

Charlotte Square was designed by renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam, who created a uniform square of grand Georgian townhouses with impressive palace-like frontages. The National Trust for Scotland has beautifully restored no 7 Charlotte Square for visitors to discover what life in a typical, wealthy New Town home of the early 19th century would have looked like. The home was originally owned by John Lamont who bought it for £1,800 in 1796 and as you move through the lavishly furnished drawing room and elegant master bedroom, you’ll discover fine collections of period furniture, porcelain, silver and glassware which reflect the Lamonts’ lifestyle. The museum covers several floors with the basement housing the kitchen and servants’ rooms, which are in stark contrast to the rest of the house. Throughout the experience, friendly volunteers and staff are on hand to tell you a little more about the house.

To read the full article you can purchase issue 06 here.

The Big Water of Fleet Viaduct

Dumfries & Galloway

Dating back to 1861, the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct is a captivating relic of Scotland's industrial past. This grand granite structure with its 20 arches stretches an impressive 274 meters, painting a striking silhouette against the verdant Galloway backdrop. Undergoing a transformation in the 1920s with red-brick reinforcements, the viaduct boasts a unique aesthetic appeal. Now silent, its track once echoed with the rumble of wartime traffic. Despite its cinematic appearances lending it a touch of glamour, it's the viaduct's poignant stillness amidst the surrounding natural beauty that leaves the deepest impression on its beholders.

Find out more

The Castle & Gardens of Mey

Caithness

Nestled in the windswept landscapes of Scotland's far north, the Castle of Mey presents a remarkable tale of history, heritage, and horticulture. Constructed by the 4th Earl of Caithness, this ancient structure witnessed familial intrigue and aristocratic transitions, before becoming a cherished residence for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Despite its exposure to harsh gales, the "Great Wall of Mey" and the Queen Mother's passion for gardening birthed two magnificent gardens amidst the rugged terrain. A homage to resilience, the castle and its grounds invite you to uncover their past, stroll through the vibrant blooms, and appreciate a testament to the transformative power of nature.

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The Japanese Garden at Cowden

Stirlingshire

Situated in the heart of Clackmannanshire, the Cowden Japanese Garden serves as a vibrant embodiment of Scottish adventurer Ella Christie's fervor for Japanese culture. Shaped in the early 20th century with the artistic guidance of designer Taki Handa, this seven-acre wonder presents a mesmerising interweave of Eastern and Western sensibilities. Despite past trials of neglect and vandalism, it now enjoys a dedicated revival under experts like Professor Masao Fukuhara. Brimming with history and an inspiring testament to resilience, the Cowden Japanese Garden aptly encapsulates its original name: the 'Place of Pleasure and Delight.'

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The Glasgow Glutton

In the 19^th century, a Glasgow man used his large appetite to become a legend. Robert Hall, otherwise known as Rab Ha’ ate so much as a teenager, that his own mother kicked him out rather than pay to feed him. This larger than life character gave up any idea of funding his appetite through honest hardwork. Instead, he put his incredible ability to good use.

Rab became a well-known beggar, happy to sleep wherever he found a dry spot and feeding himself through various eating challenges. He would wander from place to place, anywhere that crowds gathered, with the rich inhabitants of Glasgow supplying him with huge quantities of food before gambling with each other on the outcome. These feats of food destruction made Rab so famous, he was soon known by his nickname: The Glasgow Glutton.

On a boat trip to Rothesay and back, one challenge almost finished Rab off. Two men wagered over the Glutton’s ability to demolish 7 pounds of ship’s biscuit and he readily accepted. This would be one of Rab’s few failures but not because of his stomach. Instead, he complained that the biscuits were so tough, his jaw was cracking from all the chewing.

He offered the men a proposal of double or nothing on their bets. Thankfully they accepted, with Rab then guzzling down a large quantity of brose made with oatmeal. The challenge was successful, and the Glasgow Glutton’s reputation was saved.

Words by Graeme Johncock, Illustration by Joe Mclaren

Aberdeenshire Cafes

Aberdeenshire's cafés seamlessly blend Scottish hospitality with modern allure, providing an enchanting respite amidst the region's historic splendor.

Ride Coffee House

Tucked away in the town of Banchory is one of the best independent cafes in the country. Locals and visitors alike celebrate the Ride Coffee House for its warm atmosphere and a fantastic selection of freshly made food and drinks. The owners pride themselves on the welcoming vibe, and the café’s dog-friendly ethos make it a fantastic pitstop point for anyone passing through.

Follow them here

Some more worth a mention

More Aberdeenshire cafes worth a mention

• Potarch Café (link)

• Brae at Chapelton (link)

• The Bothy Braemar (link)

• Tarmachan Cafe (link)

• The Coffee Apothecary (link)

• Platform 22 (link)

• Finzean Estate And Farm Shop (link)

• The Highlanders Bakehouse (link)

Escape with: Eilidh Cameron

Explore some of Scotland’s most beautiful locations and hidden gems in our Escape With series where we ask people about their connection to a favourite place.

Eilidh Cameron is known for her striking landscape photography with images that capture the dynamic and ever-shifting light across land and sea. Based on the Isle of Mull, Eilidh’s work incorporates landscape, wildlife and lifestyle photography with clients including Visit Scotland, Jura Whisky, Columbia Sportswear, Seafood Scotland and Visit Outer Hebrides. As she writes on her website, growing up ‘on the rural west coast of Scotland... probably accounts for my love of the outdoors and natural world.’ Here, we asked Eilidh about her favourite place in Scotland

Tell us about your favourite place - where is it?

My favourite place is Cruach Mòr in Mid Argyll.

Why does this place mean so much to you?

For me, it’s one of the most beautiful views in Scotland and incredible to photograph. You are drawn through the ancient landscape of Dál Riata by the River Add which meanders through Moine Mhor. The river flows into beautiful Loch Crinan and in the distance lie the Hebridean islands of Mull, Scarba and Jura.

This place is also special to me as I used to often visit with my Grandpa. It was him who really got me interested in photography as a child and it wasthis view that really ignited my passion for photography,

Do you have a first memory of visiting this place?

My first memory of this place was with my Grandpa. I would have been around 12 years old at the time. He was so excited to show me this view as it was his favourite. I remember on the walk up it was a lovely, sunny spring day, but about five minutes after reaching the summit a heavy squall passed over and we ended up trying to take cover behind some rocks.

Has it changed over the time that you’ve visited?

Not really. The trees have grown a little higher but it really is a pretty timeless view.

How does this place inspire you?

The way the light and weather changes up here taught me a lot about photography and it was here that I really honed my skills. I’ve spent so many hours up here and not once has the landscape ever looked the same.

If someone was thinking of visiting this place, what’s the one thing they should know? The midges in the summer are horrendous - bring a midge net and spray!

What’s the place you’d most like to explore in Scotland, that you haven’t yet?

I’d love to visit Orkney and Shetland. I love wild landscapes and these islands look like the epitome of this. Shetland in particular looks like a great place to see Orca, which would be an absolute dream.

Discover more of Eilidh’s photography on Instagram and on her website

Interviewed by Fiona Reid

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