Issue 21

Hello and welcome to the Hidden Scotland Weekly

October 08, 2023

Sunday 8th October 2023
Today's weekly takes approx. 9 minutes to read.

Hi 👋

We’re delighted to be back with a new ‘Hidden Scotland Weekly’. 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!

What’s in this week’s email.

  1. This Weeks Quiz

  2. Scotland’s Best Pre-historic Sites to Visit

  3. Did You Know

  4. Scotland’s Weekly Wonders

  5. Accommodation Spotlight

  6. What’s Going on at the Shop

  7. A Trip Through Time

LAST CHANCE TO PRE-ORDER AND RECEIVE FREE BOOKMARK AND PRINT

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 8pm on the 9th of October to receive a gift wrapped issue with a free A5 print of the cover image and a Glen Coe Bookmark.

1.What is the Culloden Battlefield’s original name?

2.What does the Scots word “havering” mean?

3.How high a hill is a Corbett?

Scotland’s Best Pre-historic Sites to Visit

Scotland’s archaeology spans over 7,000 years, and with everything from Neolithic villages, Iron Age brochs, Bronze Age houses and an invasion of Vikings and Norse settlers, you’re sure to find a site to whet your archaeological appetite. Here are a few of the top picks from around the country.

Callanish Standing Stones, Lewis

Remaining rooted in the Neolithic, the Callanish Standing Stones are another of Scotland’s impressive prehistoric structures. Dominating the area from their hilltop position, it has been suggested that these were associated with astrological observations some 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists still ponder over how these massive stones were moved. One suggestion is that seaweed from the shoreline was used to slide them into position 


Photography by @shetland_by_drone

Mousa Broch, Shetland

Recent winner of the World Cup of Brochs, Mousa Broch on the small uninhabited island off Shetland’s east coast, is the best-preserved and most complete example of a broch from anywhere in the world. Brochs, unique to the north and west of Scotland, were built during the mid-Iron Age, some 2,000 years ago. Archaeologists still debate what they were used for – were they defensive or offensive? Were they homes for high-status chieftains or large agricultural grain stores? Were they roofed or roofless? – nobody knows, and all we can do is guess at their purpose.

Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay

The Scottish Crannog Centre is a living history heritage site on the shores of Loch Tay. Sadly, the reconstructed Crannog was lost to fire in 2021, but the centre remains open with lots of hands-on activities for all the family, including fire-starting and cooking demonstrations. Crannogs were a common feature of Iron Age Scotland. They are roundhouses that were built on artificial islands on inland lochs. Most appear to have been made for one family, and the earliest examples of these dwellings date back some 5,000 years. The Crannogs found in the Perthshire area were timber-built structures, supported on piles or stilts bedded into the loch bed. In areas where wood supply was limited, rocks were used to form crannogs.

Skara Brae, Orkney

We’re heading back to Neolithic Orkney and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, which provides a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the first farmers who tilled the earth and set down their roots in the Northern Isles. Like many throughout Scotland’s islands – including Jarlshof – the site was uncovered by a violent storm in the 19th century. This Unesco World Heritage site, set on the picturesque shores of the Bay of Skaill, includes eight stone-built dwellings dating back 5,000 years.

Kilmartin Glen, Argyll

Situated on the west coast of Scotland, between Lochgilphead and Oban, picturesque Kilmartin Glen has a scattering of prehistoric cairns, standing stones, carved rocks, stone circles, forts and castles. The density of sites historically important sites – mostly Neolithic and Bronze Age – is impressive; 350 ancient monuments are found within a six-mile radius of Kilmartin village (150 of which are prehistoric).

To read the full article click here.

Written by Laurie Goodlad

Did you know that the Scottish village of Dull is in a partnership with the American town of Boring?

Situated in Perth and Kinross, Dull is a small village in Scotland that became internationally noteworthy when it decided to 'twin' itself with Boring, Oregon, in the United States. This unusual twinning came about in 2012 after a Scottish cyclist passed through Boring and saw the potential for a tongue-in-cheek international relationship. In 2013, the pair was joined by Bland Shire in New South Wales, Australia, to create what is informally referred to as the "Trinity of Tedium."

The towns have since embraced their unique names and status, leveraging it to boost local tourism. Special events like "Dull and Boring Days" are celebrated in both locations, featuring activities that are anything but tedious. Boring's local community even pushed to make August 9th officially recognized as "Boring and Dull Day" in Oregon. This international pairing has not only livened up local community spirits but also generated media interest, increasing visitor numbers in a striking example of how a name's drawback can become an asset.

Lochranza Distillery

Isle of Arran

An award-winning distillery in the heart of Arran, Lochranza was first opened in 1995. Just one of two working distilleries currently on the island, the distillery uses the fresh water from the nearby Loch na Davie for its whisky-making process. One of the last remaining independent distilleries in the country, they offer tours and tastings of their traditional facilities.

Armadale Castle and Gardens

Isle of Skye

Sitting on a 20,000-acre working estate, Armadale Castle is a ruined country home and the ancestral home of Clan Donald. Believed to have been built at the end of the 18th century in the Scottish Baronial Style, much of the castle was destroyed in a fire – and its remains are now cared for by the estate.

Glencoe Visitor Centre

Glencoe

Before you tackle the magnificent Glencoe, pop into their eco-friendly Visitor’s Centre, packed with helpful guides and top tips for making the most of your visit. You can also explore their exhibits detailing the history of the area, take a break in their on-site cafĂ© or peruse gifts and equipment in their gift shop.

 

Douneside House

Douneside House in Tarland showcases the family portraits, photographs, and news cuttings that tell the story of the MacRobert family, who once called Douneside House their home. Their history is one of humble beginnings, success and fortune, wartime tragedy, and a mother’s resilience. The is an architectural gem – an Edwardian Scots Revival country house – set in Royal Horticulture Society accredited gardens, with breath taking views across the Howe O’ Cromar. It is owned and run by The MacRobert Trust, a charity set up by Lady MacRobert in the 1950s in honour of her three sons, after they died tragically in flying accidents before and during WW2.

A Royal Deeside Getaway Offer

You’ll experience both of their restaurants, enjoying a three course dinner in the Conservatory and six course tasting menu with wine flight (or non-alcoholic drink pairing) in the Library restaurant on the other evening. The offer includes breakfast both mornings. Included in your Royal Deeside Getaway is complimentary access to their Health Club and golf at the Tarland Golf Club. Based on double occupancy from £800 (£400 per person).

We are delighted to be back with a new and improved wall calendar for 2024. The newly designed A3 landscape wall calendar is printed on a beautiful matt art paper stock that will make the images really stand out. Enjoy a selection of stunning photography that captures some of Scotland's best bits that were photographed throughout 2023.

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.

On the 9th October 2004 – The newly built Scottish Parliament Building at Holyrood is opened by Queen Elizabeth II

On the 12th October 1511 – The Great Michael warship is launched at Newhaven, intended to be the flagship of James IV’s new navy.

One the 14th October 1285 – King Alexander III marries Queen Yolande at Jedburgh Abbey where a portent of doom is allegedly witnessed by attendees.

On the 14th October 1318 – King Robert the Bruce’s brother Edward dies while fighting as the High King of Ireland.

On the 14th October 1939 – The HMS Royal Oak is sunk in Scapa Flow causing 834 deaths and convincing officials that naval barriers were required in Orkney.

 

Quiz Answers

  1. Drumossie Moor

  2. To talk nonsense

  3. Between 2500 and 3000 feet

     

Did you like today's email?

How can we improve? leave your feedback in the next step.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Would your business like to feature in the Hidden Scotland Weekly? e-mail [email protected]