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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!

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.

The White Cow Of Calanais

One of the most spectacular locations of the Western Isles are the ancient Calanais Standing Stones. At around 5000 years old, the largest stone circle on Lewis is amongst the oldest in the world. The real purpose of the stones has been lost to history and all we are left with are assumptions, speculation and fascinating local legends.

Hundreds of years ago, there had been a harsh winter following a poor harvest on Lewis and the islanders were suffering. What little food they had managed to scrape together was running out and people were starting to get hungry. All the livestock had already been slaughtered for their meat and fierce storms had forced the fishermen to come home empty handed.

One mother was getting very worried about her children. Their cheeks were looking hollow and clothes were hanging off them. She was already going without to make sure that they would have something to eat but it wouldn’t be long before there was nothing to go around at all. In her desperation, she made her way down to the sea near the Calanais Standing Stones.

She cried out to the spirits of the water and begged them to hear the plight of the people of Lewis. She would happily sacrifice herself, if they would only help the islanders in their hour of need. Wading into the water with tears in her eyes, something miraculous happened. A pure white cow with blood red ears, rose out of the waves.

Looking into the cow’s eyes, the woman felt it communicating with her and she knew exactly what to do. It walked past her, making its way to the stone circle while she rushed home to collect her milking pail. Returning to the stones, the woman found the white cow patiently waiting. With her bucket now filled to the brim with the richest milk she had ever tasted, she spread the news around the other islanders.

One by one, they all journeyed to the Calanais Stones and filled their pails full of milk while the white cow stood quietly. Once each person had filled their bucket, the milk would stop flowing until the next one stepped up. For three days the islanders were sustained by the mysterious cow, and it looked like their troubles were over.

However, one woman was not as happy as the rest to see the miraculous animal. She was a witch who had been enjoying watching the suffering of the people of Lewis. When her turn came to milk the White Cow on the third day, she removed the bottom of her pail and fitted a sieve instead. She milked and milked but her bucket would never be full.

With a weary bellow, the white cow had been milked dry. It descended from the Calanais Stones towards the shore and disappeared beneath the waves. The Islanders would have to struggle on for the rest of winter and the cow would never be seen on Lewis again.

Words by Graeme Johncock and photography by Sam Rogers

Murray's Monument

Dumfries and Galloway

Murray's Monument, located in the Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, is a granite obelisk erected in 1835. It commemorates Alexander Murray, a shepherd boy from the area who became a Professor of Oriental Languages at the University of Edinburgh. The monument stands at 100 feet and is set on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and lochs. Accessible via a short woodland walk, the monument is a testament to the transformative power of education and is a point of local pride. It's a noteworthy stop for those exploring the natural beauty and history of the region.

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Noss Head Lighthouse

Caithness

Noss Head Lighthouse is situated near Wick in the Caithness region of northern Scotland. Commissioned in 1849, the lighthouse was designed by Alan Stevenson, part of the famed Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers. The structure stands 18 meters high and serves to guide ships through Sinclair's Bay. Nowadays, the lighthouse itself is automated, but the keeper's cottages have been converted into holiday accommodations. Noss Head is also notable for being near the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, adding a historical dimension to the location.

More info

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, founded in 1670, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Located just a mile from the city centre, it covers 70 acres and features a diverse collection of over 13,302 plant species. The garden is renowned for its research in plant science and conservation. Visitors can explore themed areas like the Chinese Hillside and the Rock Garden, as well as glasshouses that simulate different climates. The garden also serves as an educational hub, offering workshops and courses. It's a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

More info

Foyers Lodge

Dating back to the 19th century this vintage-chic boutique hotel and adults-only foodie hideaway is on the quieter side of Loch Ness, bedded into the hillside with spectacular views over the water. Owners Anna and Phil refurbished the Victorian lodge with junk shop finds, artistic flair and smattering of taxidermy. The drawing room and bar have a cool Art Deco vibe while the tiny sitting room is a cosy spot to curl up with a book. There are eight bedrooms, two with romantic roll-top tubs and a dramatic colour palette and one ground-flour self-catering apartment at the back.

Issue 07 Article Spotlight - Discovering the Nooks & Crannies of Perthshire

“Perthshire’s location on the Highland Boundary Fault makes it a land of genuine scenic drama, drawing those in the know to its craggy peaks, ancient woodlands and dark lochs. Adrenaline thrills are easy to find, whether you’re biking, hiking, rafting or even bungee jumping, but this is also a region stuffed with art, culture, food and history - big-name attractions such as Scone Palace, Blair Castle and the Fortingall Yew are just the start…”

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