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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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Have a great Sunday!

At One with the Mountains - An interview with Nick Gardner

Snippet from the magazine…

Nick Gardner and his wife Janet were living an idyllic life on a croft in northwest Scotland when Janet received a devastating diagnosis. When she was moved into a care home, Nick felt powerless. Having climbed mountains his whole life, his instincts took him to the hills, and he set himself a challenge: to climb all 282 of Scotland’s Munros (mountains higher than 3,000 feet). He was 80 at the time. His goal was to raise £10,000 for Alzheimer Scotland and the Royal Osteoporosis Society. Two years after he set out, not only had he completed his challenge a year sooner than expected, but he had smashed his fundraising target. Now, a documentary has been made about his achievements, he is writing a book, and he has said, “I don’t think my life, whatever is left of it, will ever be the same again”.

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

Chanonry Point

Black Isle

Step onto the scenic landscape of Chanonry Point, the remarkable viewing platform for wildlife enthusiasts and admirers of breathtaking landscapes. With the backdrop of the majestic Moray Firth, anticipate the exhilarating sight of bottlenose dolphins dancing with the rising tide. Marvel at the historically significant lighthouse, a relic from 1846 that exhibits an Egyptian-style design. Tread the path of history with tales of Brahan Seer, a renowned Scottish seer, adding a touch of enigma to your visit.

Kisimul Castle

Barra

Heralding from a time when clan chieftains and seafaring tales ruled the Hebrides, Kisimul Castle embodies the historical mystique of Scotland. Take a detour to Castlebay Community Hall, where tales of Gaelic lordship and the valorous Macneils are waiting to be discovered. Your journey doesn't stop there. Venture on a scenic boat ride across Castlebay, taking in the view of the grand castle from the water. Even from afar, its ancient stone walls and impressive structures resonate with echoes of the past. Although the castle doors remain closed, the immersive, captivating history of the Macneils is ever ready to unfold before your eyes.

Beauly Priory

Inverness-shire

In the river-bend arms of serene Beauly, the echo of Valliscaulian monks resonates through the ruins of Beauly Priory. Stroll the tranquil grounds, under the watch of ancient elms, touching the stones of a bygone era where monks lived lives of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Revel in the grandeur of the surviving church; a cross-shaped monument, witness to different architectural epochs. Delve into the stories etched in impressive funerary monuments, from Prior Alexander Mackenzie's 1479 relic to the townspeople's 200-year-old headstones. A visit to Beauly Priory is a walk through time, a peaceful immersion in Scottish history and devotion.

Craigievar Castle’s Naked Ghost

Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire is one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in Scotland. Its pink-harled walls and conical turrets stand out amongst the rolling, green Aberdeenshire hills as if visitors have intruded on a fantasy film set. It might look like something from a fairytale, but this castle holds some less than child-friendly stories.

The Craigievar estate was purchased by William Forbes in 1610 after making his fortune trading around the Baltic Sea. Often said to be one of the most authentic Scottish tower houses, Craigievar Castle has barely changed over the centuries. With no artificial lighting in the upper levels, the rooms are viewed exactly as they would have been 400 years ago.

William the builder’s grandson was known as the Red Sir John Forbes, named both for his vivid hair colour and his fiery temper. He was quick to anger and slow to forgive, especially when it came to his family. One day, when Red John thought that he was alone in Craigievar, he heard the sound of light footsteps and hushed giggling coming from the bedroom above him.

Always ready for a fight, John climbed the stairs with sword in hand and burst into the room to find his daughter in bed with a son of their Gordon neighbours. The Gordons were the Forbes' sworn enemies, the two families had been at each other’s throats, fighting over control of Aberdeenshire, for generations. Sir John would have been furious no matter who the boy was, but being a Gordon, he truly saw red.

Without even the chance to put some clothes on, the young Gordon found himself fighting for his life. No match for Red John, the boy quickly found himself backed up against the bedroom window and given two choices. He could either be run through by the sword pressed up against his chest, or he could take his chances by jumping from the window.

If he survived the 5th-floor fall then he would be free to limp back to his father, naked but alive. As the sharp tip of the sword drew a little blood, the Gordon boy knew he would have to take that risk. Unfortunately, the 50-foot drop onto solid stone slabs turned out to be a death sentence, one more victim of Red John’s temper.

That wasn’t the last time his daughter would see her Gordon lover though. The boy’s violent demise resulted in a restless spirit that would continue to haunt that bedroom. In an attempt to stop his ghost from climbing back inside, John covered up the window the boy was forced out of. Light can still be seen peeking through from the window behind the bed panel.

The effort was in vain though and the boy continues to haunt Craigievar Castle to this day. Visitors, usually men, tend to find their clothes being tugged by an unseen hand inside the Blue Bedroom. Clearly, the ghostly Gordon is just as naked as the moment that he died and is desperately grasping to find some decency.

Words by Graeme Johncock, Photographs by Simon Hird

Exclusively Highlands Crathes Castle Summer Market

Discover a unique showcase of Scottish crafts at the Exclusively Highlands Crathes Castle Summer Market, taking place on 22nd and 23rd of July.

From 10am to 3pm, the grounds of the castle will come alive with handmade treasures, from ceramics to tweed accessories, and an array of delicious food and drink options. The entrance fee is £2 per person and free for children.

Extend your exploration of Scottish makers by visiting our shop across the road at the Milton of Crathes. We'll be open from 10.30 -4.30pm and invite you to browse our range of hand-selected gifts, prints and cards from all over Scotland.

Opening the doors to The Dell Grocer.

Nestled amongst the trees just on the edge of Nethy Bridge ‘The Forest Village’, is where you will find family run self catering lodge and cottages The Dell of Abernethy.

This peaceful retreat offers the perfect escape for holidays and events; think supper clubs hosted in their tipi by the fire pit with pontoon lights overhead and live music!

Owners Polly and Ross have very recently opened the doors to their latest addition The Dell Grocer. A shop curated with all of their favourite treats for guests and the local community to enjoy. Open Monday - Saturday (via walkie talkie) and is stacked with easy oven meals, delicious wine, fresh sourdough most Fridays, holiday treats and all the essentials. Also a piping hot espresso machine for your morning pick me ups and icy cold wine for sundowners.

Escape with: Martin Covey

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.

Artist photographer Martin Covey didn’t have to look far when selecting his favourite place in Scotland: he chose the stretch of East Lothian’s coastline that is also his home. As he says: “I’ve visited many beautiful places as a photographer but none of them have ever captivated me as much.”

Martin’s land and seascapes capture both the quietness and the drama of the coast, from magical pastel skies over Bass Rock to windswept, stormy seas and brooding clouds over the Forth. Martin captures light beautifully, from the warm glow of the rising sun over Berwick Pier to Fidra enclosed in a blaze of haar in the setting sun, both from The Light Gallery on Martin’s website, to the darkness of still, nighttime seascapes in The Dark Gallery.

Tell us about your favourite place - where is it?

It has to be the East Lothian coastline from Yellowcraig to Barns Ness. Hidden coves, lighthouses, the beautiful Forth islands lying just off the coast, and miles and miles of perfect beaches.

Why does this place mean so much to you?

The light; it really is very special and ever-changing and this helps to create an atmosphere and mood that fits my photography perfectly. The varying geology around this coastline with so many different types, textures and colours of rocks in combination with the metallic greys, soft greens and every shade of blue you could hope for in the sea means that I have an almost infinite palette to work with. It never fails to inspire me and I feel very lucky to call East Lothian my home and playground.

Do you have a first memory of visiting this place?

I remember staying in a caravan in North Berwick as a child and just being utterly mesmerised at night by the Bass Rock. The remoteness of the island looming out of the gloom with its sheer cliffs, desolate treeless landscape and the singular blinking light of the lighthouse set my mind on fire with stories and ideas. The power of that scene and the feeling it left behind still informs my work to this day. It’s a very special memory.

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

For the most part, no. The areas around North Berwick have become very popular in the last few years but there seems to be a lot of respect for the coastline; thankfully there haven’t been any major unsightly developments. I often can’t believe I have some of the beaches entirely to myself. It seems so bizarre, being so close to so many heavily populated areas, that the coastline can remain so quiet. I hope it stays that way and any continued increase in tourism doesn’t affect it too much, but only time will tell.

How does this place inspire you?

I’ve lived here for nearly 20 years and it has never failed to deliver surprises. Every time I think I have explored every nook and cranny, seen every type of condition or captured it at its best, it throws up something new and unexpected. It can feel familiar and homely one minute and in the blink of an eye the conditions change and suddenly the landscape feels otherworldly and I have an entirely new set of circumstances to work with. It never stops inspiring me and I feel immensely proud of the work I have produced here.

If someone was thinking of visiting, what’s the one thing they should know?

To fully explore this coastline and all of its hidden gems, you will need plenty of time; it is a vast and varied area with so much to offer.

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

The Hebridean Islands have been on my photographic radar for many years now, especially Harris. I’m constantly hearing that it’s heaven for photographers so that is an absolute must. Also the very topmost North Coast; the rugged remoteness feels very enticing.

See more of Martin’s photography on his website and follow him on Instagram.

Interviewed by Fiona Reid

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