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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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Tantallon Castle And The 1st Earl Of Douglas

Perched high on the cliffs with commanding views over the Firth of Forth is the mighty Tantallon Castle. With its twelve-foot-thick curtain wall and six storey height, this was a castle built to impress and intimidate. Tantallon’s very existence is symbolic of its formidable founder – William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas. William Douglas was the nephew of Sir James ‘the Black’ Douglas, one of Robert the Bruce’s iconic commanders. His early life was spent in France while the second stage of the Scottish Wars of Independence raged on in his homeland. As a result, much of his Douglas inheritance from his father and illustrious uncle were assumed under the control of his fiery kinsman, William Douglas, the Knight of Liddesdale. Returning to Scotland as a young man in 1348, William quickly set about taking back control of his inheritance and winning the support of traditional Douglas allies. This eventually culminated in William murdering the Knight of Liddesdale in a chance encounter in the Ettrick Forest in 1353.

The Black Douglases were famed for their military prowess, and William was no exception. A skilled warrior and leader in battle, William was committed to driving out the English occupation of Scotland and was a key player in the border warfare that tore the Scottish and English marches apart in the fourteenth century. Beyond Scotland, William’s military services took him to France where he fought in 1356 at the Battle of Poitiers for King John II of France, managing a lucky escape from the French defeat. In January 1358, William was created Earl of Douglas, an elevation in status that demonstrated his importance and influence within Scotland. In celebration of his new title, he began construction on Tantallon Castle – an impressive residence fit for an earl with the defensive features worthy of a great warrior. This castle was a reflection of Williams’s consistent ambition and capabilities, somewhat squaring up to King David II who resided at nearby Edinburgh Castle. William and David had quite the tumultuous relationship, ranging from William rebelling against the king to supporting him in political ploys against the Stewarts. Tantallon ultimately made William’s presence known in close proximity to the royal heartlands.

Tantallon Castle was the scene of more medieval drama when it became home to William’s sister-in-law in the late 1370s – Margaret Stewart, Countess of Angus. What started as a business arrangement to give William a level of control over Margaret’s inheritance, quickly transpired into something far more interesting when Margaret gave birth to William’s son in 1380. This was a hugely controversial affair – not only was William committing adultery as a married man, but he and Margaret’s relationship was viewed as incestuous through their relation by marriage, even if not by blood. Furthermore, Margaret’s position as a wealthy and widowed heiress placed her high on the Scottish marriage market – she and William’s unconventional relationship can’t have made them popular.

William Douglas died in May 1384. He lived a life of drama and power, dominating Scottish politics and playing an integral role in the warfare that shaped medieval Scotland, England, and France. It is fitting that his impressive career and life can be remembered by his prized home – Tantallon Castle.

Written by Beth Reid

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.

The last day of November is St Andrews Day which gives everybody in Scotland, or with even the slightest Scottish connection, the chance to celebrate. While not quite on the scale of Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day, Scotland’s National Day is still enjoyed around the country. Where better for me to head on the 30th than the wee town of St Andrews in Fife?

Considering St Andrew himself never visited Scotland, it’s a little odd that he’s our patron saint, but as usual, we have a story about that. In the 4th century, St Rule had a dream that he should gather the Apostle’s bones and take them in a boat to the ends of the earth. Apparently, that’s how he saw this corner of Fife!

The church that Rule founded has long gone, but a tower in the cathedral grounds is named after him. Sadly, it was closed so I didn’t get a chance to climb the stairs for one of the best views of St Andrews. That also meant I didn’t get the chance to bump into the ghostly monk who’s said to help visitors up to the roof!

Instead, I was stuck on ground level exploring the ruins of Scotland’s largest cathedral. Established in 1158, it would take 160 years to finish this masterpiece of architecture thanks to a storm blowing half of it down! Even with just a few walls beside the soaring end towers, the cathedral makes a big impression.

Away from the cathedral, a community market was buzzing with visitors as the sound of bagpipes filled the air and Highland Dancers entertained the crowds. As much as I’d have loved to stay for the Big Hoolie outdoor ceilidh that takes place every year, I had other plans in the evening.

It’s become a St Andrews Day tradition for me to host a wee dinner and a few drams with friends. Of course, that meant haggis, neeps and tatties all round, giving me the excuse I need to belt out Robert Burns’ famous “To a Haggis”. I’m pretty sure everybody’s sick of hearing me do it by now, but nobody else ever volunteers!

With the nights getting longer and the days getting colder, it’s always good to have a reason to celebrate. St Andrews Day kicks off a season of celebrations to keep Scots from becoming too miserable over winter. Soon it’ll be Christmas closely followed by Hogmanay, then Burns Night and before you know it, Spring will be here and (hopefully) a bit of sun again!

Written by Graeme Johncock Greame has recently written a book called ‘Scotland's Stories by Graeme Johncock’ Grab a copy here.

Spotlight: Craigievar Castle

Bedecked with intricate turrets and corbelling, the dazzling Craigievar Castle looks like it's been ripped from a children’s fable and nestled in the folds of the Grampian Mountains. Said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s fairy-tale palaces, the dreamlike design of Craigievar Castle certainly captures the essence of opulent fantasy. Whether the Disney connection is Apocrypha or otherwise, Craigievar’s rich architectural structure rising from the Grampian Mountains is more than enough to cement its fable-like aura. It's hard not to lose your breath when visiting Craigievar. In summer, countless bluebells enclose the castle, filling the grounds all the way to the surrounding woodland trails. 

The spaces within are equally enchanting. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the National Trust took over Craigievar, meaning the interior design is a bohemian blend of historical artefacts and quirky contemporary furniture. The previous owners – descendants of original visionary William Forbes – stipulated that no artificial lighting should be installed anywhere in the building. Instead, tours are only in summer, when natural sunlight coats the displays in a way familiar to the original family. Scotland’s very own enchanting pink castle is nestled in amongst the most beautiful Scottish landscape. It is a fine example of the best of Scottish Baronial architecture and it is even said that this castle is the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella castle.  

Begun around 1576 and completed by c1626, this iconic tower house is amongst the best preserved and the most loved in Scotland. Craigievar was a family home until the 1960s, creating a quirky blend of modern comforts and rare antiquities within the ancient walls.  It wouldn’t be a fairytale however, if there wasn't a few evil twists along the way, the exterior may appear pretty and pink but within these walls lie some treacherous tales.  

There is a story of a fiddler who fell into a well in the kitchen and drowned to death. The fiddler haunts the castle, but it's said that he will only appear before members of the Forbes family. However, the fiddler isn’t alone, there is another spirit that walks the castle, but this time from Clan Gordon. This spirit was once murdered by being pushed from one of the windows in the Blue Room.  The parkland grounds surrounding the castle are equally bewitching, with an unusual Scottish glen garden, a Victorian kitchen garden and two waymarked woodland trails. 

For more please visit here.

Will Stockham of Dunkeld Whisky Box

Dunkeld Whisky Box in Perthshire stocks all manner of styles, flavours and prices from independent bottlers and smaller or independent distillers. It’s all behind the bright orange door in what co-owner Will calls one of Scotland’s prettiest villages.

“We are the small shop with the bright orange door, opposite the oldest trading pub in Dunkeld, The Perth Arms – you can’t miss us,” says Will Stockham, who owns Dunkeld Whisky Box with wife, Helen, in Dunkeld, the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. Inside, there’s a tasting area with window seats onto the village – “one of the prettiest villages in Scotland”, according to Will – and the shelves are a library of hand-selected whiskies from independent bottlers and smaller or independent distilleries.

But it's hard to name the must-tries. “Our stock changes all the time: with small batches, it’s often a case of once they're gone, they're gone,” explains Will. There is a regular stock of local producers though – Will highlights Wasted Degrees Brewing, Badvo Gin, indie bottlings of Blair Athol, and Edradour and Aberfeldy whiskies – and the shop also stocks some brands “that can be hard to find, so it's always worth popping in to see what is lurking there quietly”.

Will, who is Welsh but grew up in the Outer Hebrides and spent many years in Edinburgh, had “always dreamed” of opening a whisky shop, and says it was too good an opportunity to miss when the Dunkeld unit came up for sale five years ago. “We are lucky to be in Dunkeld,” he says. “We cross the beautiful River Tay every day on the way to work. The village is surrounded by trees, and in autumn the leaves are absolutely spectacular.”

But his favourite thing is saying morning to all the “amazing independent businessowners” he and Helen pass on the way to work. “There's a butcher, a baker and a candlestick purveyor!” he smiles.

Will’s Dunkeld Recommendations

Dunkeld can be very busy, particularly on summer weekends, but if you take one of the paths away from the village hub, you can soon be alone in outstanding countryside: we've got rivers, lochs, forests, ancient oak trees, wild swimming spots, and cycling and walking trails galore.

The village is also fortunate to still have a vibrant high street full of wee shops run by small teams of passionate people.

Our next door neighbours are Corbenic Shop (a wholefood store, refillery, cafe and gift shop with great coffee, soup and cake, that supports adults with additional support needs living at Corbenic Camphill Community) and Lon Store, a lifesyle and provisions store run by the team behind Aran Bakery.

There are loads of great food options, too – from a takeaway burger cabin and pizza on the banks of the River Tay to pub classics and a gorgeous wine bar.

Follow Dunkeld Whisky Shop on Instagram

Profile by Emily Rose Mawson

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Calton Hill, Edinburgh - Taken by Simon Hird

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