Issue 60

Hello and welcome to the Hidden Scotland Weekly

September 15, 2024

Sunday 15th Sep 2024

Today's weekly takes approx. 12 minutes to read.

Hi 👋

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

Have a great Sunday!

What’s in this week’s email.

Our New Calendar
This Weeks Quiz
5 Hidden Gems in The Borders
Sir Godfrey McCullough’s Magical Escape
Did You Know
A Trip Through Time
Free Wallpaper
Quiz Answers

Have you got your 2025 Calendar?

^{The Hidden Scotland 2025 Calendar, now available to pre-order}

We are delighted to be back with our wall calendar for 2025. Enjoy a selection of stunning photography that captures some of Scotland's best bits throughout the year.

The A3 landscape wall calendar is printed on a beautiful matt art paper stock that makes the images really stand out. 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.

1.Which Clan is associated with Culzean Castle?

2.What colour is the lion on Scotland’s Lion Rampant flag?

3.Which Scottish King was blown up by his own cannon?

5 Hidden Gems in The Borders

As though living up to its name, the Scottish Borders region has a habit of being sidelined by visitors. Some see it as a kind of unremarkable hinterland – or, even worse, as a transit zone to be sped through between England and metropolitan Scotland – but to think like this is to miss out spectacularly. For those in the know, the nearly 2,000 square miles of rolling, regal countryside that make up the Borders are packed with excuses to linger. People choose to live here for good reason.

Spread like a rumpled green blanket over a vast swathe of southeast Scotland, this is a land of widescreen hillscapes, clear-running rivers and lively festivals, a place where arable traditions prevail, where history resounds over every valley, and where the handsome towns and villages bubble with cultural activity. To the east, meanwhile, the sweeping cliffs of the Berwickshire coastline only add to the overall appeal.

The likes of Peebles, Melrose and Kelso are all well accustomed to winning over first-time visitors, twinning age-old architecture with modern, independent local businesses. The Borders doesn’t go in for large settlements – the biggest town is Galashiels, with a population that barely noses 15,000 – and this is a major part of the charm. The atmosphere-laden abbeys, towering castles and boundless open views that define the region were a rich source of inspiration for the likes of Sir Walter Scott and John Buchan.

Don’t be tempted, however, into thinking the pace of life never rises above a saunter. The mountain-biking and hiking options are not only exciting but genuinely extensive, while archery, diving and even surfing all get a look-in too. Bored in the Borders? Chance would be a fine thing.

Here are 5 places you may not have heard of

Great Polish Map of Scotland

Found within the grounds of the Barony Hotel, the Great Polish Map of Scotland is a concrete, scale model of Scotland. It was designed by a Polish war veteran who had been stationed in the Scottish Borders during WWII and was awarded a Category B Listing by Historic Scotland in 2012.

Harmony Garden

Surrounded by Melrose Abbey and the Eildon Hills, the three acres of Harmony Garden make up one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the country. The grey-bricked Georgian stately home acts as a centrepiece for the various flowing sections of the gardens. Herbaceous borders and vegetable beds lie side-by-side, showcasing the Edenic quality of the Scottish Borders.

Neidpath Train Tunnel and Castle

Head 100m away from the historic Neidpath Castle near Peebles and you’ll find something particularly magical. This abandoned train tunnel, much of which is in total darkness, was used to transport raw materials secretly during WWII. Some even suggest it was used as a hiding place for the royal train during the Blitz.

Kailzie Gardens

A mile east of Peebles is the Kailzie Gardens, an extensive space of manicured plants and fauna. Featuring a walled garden, a Mackenzie and Moncur Glasshouse and a vegetable garden, there are 15 acres of woodland to explore. With new plants appearing every season, the gardens are also home to a cultivated rose garden and on-site café.

The Mainstreet Trading Company

A bookshop, café, deli and homeware shop in the Scottish Borders town of Melrose, Mainstreet Trading is an award-winning, independent spot for more than just books. Whether you’re a bookworm searching for a read, a foodie looking for the best of Scottish produce, or just someone looking for something unique – they’ve got you covered.

Sir Godfrey McCullough’s Magical Escape

It always paid to be kind to beings of a supernatural nature, they might just save your life one day. Sir Godfrey McCulloch was well aware of that fact when he was stopped by a strange little man near his home at Myrton Castle. This creature’s home was underneath the castle but one of the drains was now pouring through his roof. Eager to help what must have been a fairy, Godfrey immediately went home and fixed the problem.

Years later during a heated argument, Godfrey shot William Gordon in the leg with a pistol. Gordon died from his wound and as much as Godfrey claimed it was an accident, he was tried and sentenced to death himself. As he lay with his head on a block, the condemned man saw the little creature he had met all those years ago pass through the crowd.

As quick as lightning, the little figure swapped Godfrey for a fairy changeling. As he rode away, the blade came down and chopped the head off a figure that looked just like Godfrey. The crowd were none the wiser and believed that justice had been delivered. When the executioner looked in the basket however, it wasn’t a head rolling around inside. Just a thick chunk of wood, covered in blood.

Words by Graeme Johncock

Did you know that Robert the Bruce is buried in three places?

While Robert the Bruce’s body lies beneath the altar of Dunfermline Abbey, that’s not the only place that holds a part of the famous King of Scots. Bruce died in his manor at Cardross on Scotland’s west coast, but Fife several days away, his entrails were buried nearby to stop them rotting on the journey.

The King’s heart had a different destination after being embalmed, wrapped in lead and placed in a silver casket. Bruce’s friend James Douglas made a promise to take the organ on Crusade against God’s enemies. Even though he died fighting in Southern Spain, the heart was returned to Scotland and buried in Melrose Abbey.

On the 15th September 1860 – Kings College and Marischal College merge to form the modern University of Aberdeen.

On the 16th September 1701 – The exiled King James VII dies in France and his son proclaims himself James VIII, later becoming known as the Old Pretender.

On the 16th September 1745 – The Jacobite army under Bonnie Prince Charlie march into Edinburgh without little resistance.

On the 18th September 2014 – The referendum on whether Scotland should become an independent country results in a 55% No vote against 45% Yes.

On the 19th September 1817 – Robert Burns’ remains are taken from his original, basic grave and moved into the grand mausoleum in Dumfries.

On the 20th September 1746 – Bonnie Prince Charlie leaves Scotland from Loch nan Uamh never to return.

Around Scotland with Graeme Johncock

Graeme Johncock, the travel blogger and storyteller behind Scotland's Stories, is now bringing his adventures to us in a weekly column. He will journal about his explorations around Scotland, sharing fascinating stories and highlighting unique places to visit. Accompanied by his dog Molly, Graeme continues to uncover and share the rich history and beauty of Scotland.

After a busy few days taking a private tour around the Isle of Skye last week, I had a special request to finish the trip off. My guests wanted to hear more about the 1745 Jacobite Rising and get off the beaten track and thankfully the perfect area of Scotland wasn’t far away.

Straight off the ferry at Mallaig, we headed to Loch nan Uamh. People regularly race along the road here without giving it a second thought, some of them might stop in the lay-by to take a picture of the scenery. What most don’t realise is that this loch played a vital role in the ’45 and there’s even a monument to prove it.

A short walk along the path beside the road took us to the Prince’s Cairn. Officially, it marks the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie left Scotland forever in September 1746. However, this quiet little loch was also where Charles first stepped foot on the Scottish mainland and where he took a boat out to the Hebrides after Culloden.

It’s not far away from Glenfinnan, where the Jacobite rising officially started after the Prince unfurled his banner in August 1745. Sitting at the head of Loch Shiel, deep in Clan Cameron territory and surrounded by mountains, it was the perfect place to gather an army.

However, as that day wore on it looked like Charles was going to be marching south with just a couple hundred men. Then the faint sound of bagpipes was heard on the breeze shortly before the Camerons appeared over the hill with around 1000 men. The relief must have been huge!

The Glenfinnan Monument was raised beside the loch in the 1800s to remember the occasion, although most people today travel there for another reason. I’ll admit that we did stay to watch the Jacobite Express steam train travel over the viaduct.

From one incredibly crowded location to somewhere far quieter, I took my group off into an area known as The Rough Bounds. It’s one of my favourite areas of Scotland with history to match its beauty. We passed the remains of old beech trees known as the Seven Men of Moidart, each planted to remember one of the seven men who landed with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Sadly, there’s only one tree left standing.

We ended the day with a picnic at Castle Tioram, eating locally smoked salmon and cheese beneath the ancient walls. This historic ruin sits on a tidal island and was once home to the MacDonalds of Clanranald. Whether you can time your visit for low tide or not, it’s an amazing spot to just sit for a while and appreciate the peace and quiet!

Written by Graeme Johncock

Birch, Inverness

Birch, a specialty coffee shop from Portree, Isle of Skye, has opened a new location in Inverness. Founded by Niall Munro, Birch is inspired by Melbourne's vibrant coffee scene, focusing on locally sourced, high-quality ingredients from the Scottish Highlands and Islands. This second establishment offers a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items alongside its signature coffees. Munro's dedication to specialty coffee and minimalistic design aims to create a unique café experience in the heart of Inverness, reflecting his deep passion for the coffee culture he admired in Australia.

Follow Birch for more info.