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Issue 20
Hello and welcome to the Hidden Scotland Weekly
Sunday 1st October 2023
Today's weekly takes approx. 8 minutes to read.
Hi đ
Weâre delighted to be back with a new âHidden Scotland Weeklyâ. We really hope that you enjoy reading.
As always we welcome you to provide feedback, you can find this at the bottom of the email.
Have a great Sunday!
Whatâs in this weekâs email.
Hidden Gems of Islay
Did You Know
Scotlandâs Weekly Wonders
Apparition of Arran
This Weeks Quiz
Whatâs Going on at the Shop
A Trip Through Time
It gives us great pleasure to be sharing with you the seventh edition of Hidden Scotland magazine. Welcome to our Autumn/Winter 2023/24 issue.
Order by the 6th of October to receive a gift wrapped issue with a free A5 print of the cover image and a Glen Coe Bookmark.
Hidden Gems of Islay
Nicknamed the âQueen of the Hebridesâ, Islay remains one of the most popular islands for visitors to Scotland. The southernmost island of the region whose neighbour to the west is the Northern Irish coast, Britainâs eighth-largest island has plenty of hidden gems beyond the tourist hotspots to explore â these are our favourites.
PORT ELLEN
Named for the wife of its founder, Port Ellen is the largest town on Islay and home to its large malting industry, providing this key ingredient to the islandâs many distilleries. Visitors to Islay itself will be greeted by the sunny harbour of Port Ellen before they even step off the ferry, as its terminal is based here and makes an excellent gateway to the rest of the island.
DUNYVAIG CASTLE
Overlooking Lagavulin Bay on Islayâs southside, Dunyvaig Castle is a former noble naval base dating back to the 12th century. Though now only the ruins remain of its 16th-century refurbishment, elements of the original castle can still be explored, including a courtyard and a fortified tower.
CARRAIG FHADA LIGHTHOUSE
Sitting opposite Port Ellen, the white block of Carraig Fhada Lighthouse is one of the very first landmarks that welcome visitors to Islay. Considered one of the islandâs most famous landmarks, the lighthouse was commissioned in 1832 in memory of the wife of Walter Frederick Campbell, a local MP.
SINGING SANDS
Though slightly smaller than some of Islayâs other beaches, Singing Sands is nevertheless one of its most magical. Found just south of the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, the beach gets its unique name from the sound the sand makes when you rub the soles of your shoes over it. Well worth a visit if only to try and recreate that beautiful sound.
LOCH GRUINART
A sea loch on Islayâs north coast, Loch Gruinart sits within the Gruinart Flats, a nature reserve cared for by the RSPB. The loch is an important spot for barnacle geese during the winter months and was also at the centre of several notable historic battles, including the Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart.
SALIGO BAY
With its own beach throughout most of the year, Saligo Bay is one of Islayâs most picturesque coastal spots. Looking out west from the island, the bay is best known for its collection of rock formations, some of which are believed to be more than 700 million years old.
To read the full article click here.
Photography by Jack Anstey and Sarah Afiqah Rodgers
Did you know that George Orwell almost died while writing 1984 on the Isle of Jura?
When George Orwell was looking for a quiet spot to write his famous novel 1984, he found the perfect spot in Jura at Barnhill. However, his idyllic retreat almost turned to disaster while out on a boat trip with his young son Richard. As they travelled through the gulf at the north of Jura, the boat was nearly sucked into the Corryvreckan Whirlpool. While the vessel capsized, Orwell and his son managed to scramble their way onto a rock where they were lucky to be picked up by a passing lobster fisherman.
Loch Morlich
Cairngorms
Loch Morlich is a freshwater loch situated in the Scottish Highlands, near Aviemore and within the Cairngorms National Park. Known for its sandy beaches and water sports, it's a popular destination for both adventurers and nature lovers. The loch offers stunning views of the surrounding Cairngorm Mountains, making it a scenic spot for activities or relaxation.
Mangersta Sea Stacks
Isle of Harris
Mangersta Sea Stacks, located on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, are a dramatic geological feature rising from the North Atlantic. Formed from erosion-resistant rock, these towering columns attract photographers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers. The area offers a raw, untamed landscape, giving visitors an authentic taste of Scotland's rugged coastal beauty.
Advocates Close
Edinburgh
Leading off the Royal Mile, this narrow, 500-year-old close is notable among other things for the fine views it affords over the Scott Monument and Princes Street. Itâs named in honour of Sir James Stewart, a former Lord Advocate of Scotland in the early 18th century.
Apparition of Arran
There was once a little, old lady called Mary Henderson who had lived her entire life on the Isle of Arran. She may have been small, but she was full of wits and courage. Mary was travelling home late one evening when she realised that the quickest route home was going to take her over a haunted bridge.
Even brave, logical Mary shivered when she thought about crossing in the moonlight. She was stubborn and tired though, so with a determined look the old lady strode towards the river. As she grew closer, an eerie blue light started to shine on the bridge and a cold sweat pricked the back of Mary's neck.
A spectral figure suddenly materialised in front of her. Naturally, Mary was frightened, but she wasn't the kind of person to run away. Taking a deep breath, she called out a greeting to the apparition, refusing to let it see she was afraid. To her surprise, the ghost replied in a friendly way.
As she got closer, it seemed to take a more human form until Mary could see it was a familiar young man. It was Finlay, a lad who had died in an accident a few years ago, during the prime of his life.
Finlay explained that every time he had appeared to somebody, they always ran away before he could speak. He had seen big, burly men crying at the sight of him. Mary was the first person to stand her ground and actually speak to him.
To his shame, just before Finlay had died, he had stolen a plough iron. His tormented soul was unable to rest until it had been returned to its rightful owner. He told Mary where to find it and asked her to leave it outside a certain house. In return, he had knowledge of a host of things yet to come that could benefit her and her family.
Mary would have helped this poor soul even without a reward. The next day, the plough iron was returned, Finlay was finally able to rest and the locals no longer had to worry about the Apparition of Arran. All because a little, old lady was brave enough to stand her ground and ask how she could help.
1.What kind of fish is an Arbroath Smokie?
2.Which Scottish street is the shortest in the world?
3.Who founded the monastery at Iona
For the last two years we have been discovering and curating a range of products crafted by Scottish makers in our physical shop & studio located at Milton of Crathes in Aberdeenshire.
We continue to grow our collection in this space, and have made the decision to now make these items available to everyone through our brand new online shop. For now we have a limited selection, but will continue to add these to our online shop. We will keep you updated.
To browse our curated selection, follow the link below. We hope you love discovering the makers and products as much as we do.
On the 1st October 1788 â Deacon Brodie, the inspiration for Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, is hanged in Edinburgh.
On the 2nd October 1263 â The Battle of Largs is fought between the Scots and Norwegians in Ayrshire, forcing the invaders to retire to Orkney where King Haakon dies.
On the 3rd October 1357 â The Treaty of Berwick secures the return of King David II from English captivity after 11 years for the ransom of 100,000 marks.
On the 6th October 1918 â The HMS Otranto collides with the HMS Kashmir off the coast of Islay in poor weather with islanders rushing to the aid of washed- up survivors.
Quiz Answers
Haddock
Ebenezer Place
St Columba
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