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We’re excited to bring you another edition of ‘Hidden Scotland Weekly’. As always, we hope you enjoy reading and find inspiration for your next adventure.

Issue 10 of the Hidden Scotland Magazine is just around the corner. With a subscription, you’ll receive every issue delivered directly to your door, beautifully packaged and accompanied by a complimentary bookmark and cover print. To find out more, click here.

Enjoy this week’s edition, and have a fantastic Sunday!

Valentines Collection - Now Available.

We have curated a collection from some of our favourite Scottish designers and makers for Valentine's day.

A Royal Warning At Linlithgow Palace

Once the luxurious playground of Scottish royalty, Linlithgow Palace is now a ruined memorial to its former glory. It’s best known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, but she wasn’t the only monarch to call this place home. Linlithgow arguably has an even stronger connection to her grandparents and an event that shook Scotland to its core.

James IV was a king who enjoyed the finer things in life, greatly improving Linlithgow Palace to match his status as a progressive, powerful monarch. He spent a lot of time here with his young bride Margaret Tudor and it became a special place for the couple. It may have been an arranged political marriage between an English Princess and a Scottish King, but the couple appear to have been genuinely in love.

The peace brought about by their union didn’t last long though. In 1513, James called together an enormous Scottish army, filled with the country’s greatest nobles. The English had invaded France and the Scots were preparing to help their Auld Allies by invading Northern England in retaliation.

In the days leading up to his expedition, the King could often be found praying for victory in St Michael’s Church in the grounds of Linlithgow Palace. On one of these occasions, an old man in strange robes approached. He looked so ancient that he might collapse at any moment, but when he spoke his voice was surprisingly deep and powerful.

The stranger declared that he had been sent with a dire warning for the King. He must delay the campaign and proceed no further with his plans for battle. If he refused to listen, then all of Scotland would suffer for his pride. The royal guards quickly stepped in to drag this odd character away while the King finished his devotions.

However, James couldn’t get those words out of his head. There was something about the old man that had struck a chord and he needed to find out more about him. He demanded to speak to him again, but nobody could find the man anywhere around Linlithgow. He had vanished just as mysteriously as he had appeared.

Margaret begged her husband to listen to the strange prophet’s warning, but he had shaken off his doubts. His mind was made up and James confidently marched south at the head of one of the largest Scottish armies ever assembled. Margaret remained behind at Linlithgow Palace, watching from the highest tower with a sinking feeling in her stomach as the King disappeared over the horizon.

She was right to be concerned. The Scots soon suffered one of their greatest military disasters at the Battle of Flodden. The army was crushed, and dozens of the country’s leading noblemen were lost in the fighting. King James led from the front, placing himself in the thick of the action and was killed while standing shoulder to shoulder with his men.

Margaret remained hopeful, climbing up to her tower every day until the tragic news made its way back to Scotland. Her spirit is said to still be there in Queen Margaret’s Bower, silently watching and wishing for a reunion that will never happen.

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

A Highland Day Trip From Edinburgh

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.

It’s no surprise that most visitors to Scotland want to see at least a little bit of the Highlands. There’s nothing quite like the rugged mountain scenery, with dramatic history bursting from every glen. This daytrip from Edinburgh is the perfect taster that I regularly take guests on when they’re short of time for exploring far!

Stirling Castle

While Stirling Castle isn’t in the Highlands, it’s an idea place to break up the journey, sitting around an hour from Edinburgh. This historic fortress was the key to holding the Highlands and it was said that if you controlled Stirling, you controlled Scotland. No wonder it’s seen so many sieges over the centuries! Give yourself an hour or two to explore the Great Hall, Palace, Douglas Garden and the Kitchens or join one of the castle’s guided tours.

Trossachs Woollen Mill – Kilmahog

Once you’ve passed through the wee town of Callendar, don’t miss the Trossachs Woollen Mill on the right-hand side. It’s one of the most popular spots to see the iconic Highland Cows. Hamish Dubh, Honey and Baxter are always eager to be fed and the shop sell bags of carrots and potatoes!

Loch Lubnaig

As you carry on heading north, heading through the Pass of Leny, suddenly the Highlands looms in front of you. The steep slopes of mountains rise on all sides and Loch Lubnaig appears on your left. It’s always worth stopping at The Cabin car park to grab a coffee and admire the view.

Balquhidder Kirk

Turning off the main road, a winding single-lane track heads further up a quiet glen. Before long, you’ll arrive at Balquhidder Kirk – the burial spot of Rob Roy Macgregor. Born in the late 1600s, Rob was a drover, Jacobite, outlaw and folk hero. His grave has become a pilgrimage for all those of the name Macgregor. Don’t miss poking your head into the modern parish church to see the ancient baptismal font and supposed grave of St Angus. If you’re feeling really energetic, then a trail behind the church leads uphill for around an hour to an amazing viewpoint at Creag an Tuirc!

Falls of Dochart Inn

Back onto the main road, take the turning towards Loch Tay and the pretty village of Killin. There are usually people clambering over the rocks to get good views of the tumbling Falls of Dochart with Ben Lawers in the background. The Falls of Dochart Inn also make a great place to stop for lunch. Inside feels like a traditional Drovers Inn and I always recommend trying at least a mug of the Dochart Skink which uses salmon smoked on-site.

Finlarig Castle

At the other end of Killin, the ruins of Finlarig Castle are hidden away in the trees. It’s a very short walk from the car park, but the slope is quite steep. Built in the late 1500s by Black Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, this traditional Scottish towerhouse is being slowly reclaimed by nature. The best view of the castle comes from a small mound known as “Judgement Hill”. This is where the laird is said to have held court and decided local criminal’s fates. The rectangular, stone pit in the grass is said to have collected heads from executions, but that’s probably just a story!

Fortingall Yew

Admire the vast expanse of Loch Tay as you drive high above its northern bank as you head towards Fortingall. Tucked away from the main road, this little place is home to the oldest tree in Scotland. Estimated at around 5000 years old, its protected by a wall inside the churchyard. It’s believed that yew trees were considered sacred thousands of years ago, partly due to their longevity. When Christian missionaries built their churches, they picked a spot that was already important to the locals and that’s why there are so many ancient yew trees beside old churches!

Take a Walk At The Hermitage

There’s no better way to finish a daytrip than a walk at the Hermitage near Dunkeld. This is Big Tree Country and there are some truly enormous pines soaring on either side of the River Braan. No matter the season, it’s a beautiful spot to stretch the legs. Don’t miss heading inside Ossian’s Hall and out onto the balcony above the crashing Black Linn Falls. It can be hard to drag yourself away from the sight as the spray rises up to meet your face. When you do head back into the woods, there’s a trail that heads further along to the Hermit’s Cave, eventually circling back. If that walk seems to much after a long day, you can just wander onto the fairytale bridge over the river beside Ossian’s Hall. It’s a place that feels otherworldly, just like the Scottish Highlands themselves!

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

Issue 10 coming soon! Subscribe today.

With a subscription, you’ll receive every issue delivered directly to your door, beautifully packaged and accompanied by a complimentary bookmark and cover print. To find out more click here.

Spotlight: Vriskaig House, Isle of Skye.

Perched on the wild, windswept Isle of Skye, Vriskaig House is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you don’t just move to Skye forever. This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a front-row seat to some of Scotland’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. Think floor-to-ceiling windows framing views Portree Harbour, the Cuillin Mountain Range, Camas Ban and Vriskaig Point. The suite itself is a masterclass in understated luxury, with sleek modern design that somehow feels perfectly at home in this rugged setting.

But Vriskaig isn’t just about the views (though, let’s be honest, they’re reason enough to book). It’s about the little details—the plush throws, the locally sourced treats, the sense that someone has thought of everything so you don’t have to. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just being, whether that’s curled up with a book, stargazing from the private terrace, or plotting your next hike through Skye’s otherworldly terrain. And when you do venture out, you’re in the heart of it all: Quiraing, the Fairy Pools, and the Old Man of Storr are all within easy reach. Vriskaig isn’t just a stay—it’s an invitation to fall in love with Skye, one breathtaking moment at a time.

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For more Isle of Skye recommendations check out our latest guidebook.

Upcoming Events Across Scotland

Ballintaggart Valentine's Feast
When: Friday 14th February, 7pm - 11pm
Where: Ballintaggart Farm, Perthshire
Price: £45
The Valentine's edition of Ballintaggart Farm’s signature Feast Nights is set to be a uniquely warming communal dining experience. A refreshingly simple menu, utilizing seasonal produce from the farm, is served with the intention of gathering together to share a good time with great company. Seated together along a single banquet-style table, this fun feast will fill your heart with cheer.

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Scott Miles - Head In A Bell
When: 27th July 2024 - Sunday 23rd February 2025
Where: Gallery Of Modern Art, Glasgow
Price: Free Entry
February is the last month to catch "Head In A Bell" by Scott Miles showing at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art. This multimedia exhibition consists of painting, moving image, print, sculpture, and sound. The work on display consists of an investigation of transactional notions with a view towards gifting and egalitarian models of the economy.

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Cambo Snowdrop Festival
When: 26th January - 9th March
Where: Cambo Estate, Fife
Price: Free - £20
The Plant Heritage national collection of Snowdrops resides at Cambo Estate, with a blanket of 200 niche varieties of the plant. As one of Scotland’s first plants to flower each year, its symbolic value is worth celebrating. Its bright flower is an indicator of our reach towards the light as the icy grip of winter’s long dark nights begins to ease. A program of events including specialist talks, guided walks, and live music runs throughout February. Check out the website for Cambo Gardens for the full list of events.

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The Scottish Festival of Real Bread
When: Saturday 15th February
Where: Bowhouse, Fife
Price: Free Entry
Kick off Real Bread Week with a belly full of real good bread! Experience the most marvellous loaves in all the land at The Scottish Festival of Real Bread, including food & bread stalls, baking demonstrations, children’s workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions. Whether you wish to fill up on bread or indulge in discussions around grain systems, this is sure to be the place to be if a bread fest is what you request.

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