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

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Dunadd Fort

Nestled in Kilmartin Glen, Dunadd Fort, a royal power center of Gaelic kings from 500-800 AD, majestically rises from the "great moss" of Moine Mhor. This Iron Age fortress, with it/s natural fortifications and captivating rock carvings, reveals Scotland's rich past. Excavations uncovered artifacts and evidence of continental trade, attesting to Dunadd's international importance. Open year-round, this enchanting historical site invites visitors to explore its ancient history and the surrounding prehistoric landscape.

Ryvoan Bothy

Ryvoan Bothy, nestled in the Cairngorms, offers a rustic retreat for hikers. Accessible from Glenmore Lodge, the bothy features a sleeping bench, fireplace, and floor space for up to a dozen visitors. With its historic charm and stunning location, Ryvoan Bothy provides a memorable stop for those exploring the Scottish Highlands.

Forsinard Flows

Forsinard Flows, part of the Flow Country, is a rare and vital blanket bog habitat. Rich in biodiversity and essential in combating climate change, this peatland stores vast carbon amounts. RSPB Scotland's restoration efforts help preserve its environmental importance and enchanting appeal.

The Banshee of Glenisla

The high passes through the/ Angus Glens can be dangerous places in Winter. These might be beautiful, sweeping landscapes but at night, they’re haunted by the spirits of battles fought long ago.

Traveller communities often had no choice but to risk the journey. These were the quickest routes north and south between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland but fortunately, they usually had safety in numbers.

On a particularly wild evening, one man had been trying to catch up with his family through Glenisla. He had stayed behind to finish a job, but it had taken much longer than expected. The night was so bitterly cold that when he saw an abandoned bothy, it didn’t take much to persuade the exhausted man inside. Best to rest there and catch up in the morning.

The windows were boarded up and the door wouldn't latch, but he still managed to get a few bits of heather burning in the hearth. That swinging door was constantly blowing open then banging shut, so he found a big boulder outside and rolled it in to jam the doorway.

Then just as the traveller was settling down near the fire to sleep, he heard three enormous thuds. Something stronger than any human was knocking on the door and the boulder holding it closed was shaking. Next, a piercing voice wailed down the chimney, enough to put out his fire and shake him to the core.

Before he knew it, everything had gone quiet. Maybe it was just the stormy weather and tiredness playing with his mind. A minute later the banging and wailing started again and the traveller realised it was blowing from both sides of the bothy at once. This was no ordinary wind.

Not happy with being so close to the door and open chimney, the man scampered away to cower in the far corner. As soon as he had moved, an enormous crash accompanied the boulder flying across the room and thumping into the wall, right where he had been sitting.

Lucky to be alive and with everything falling silent again, the man bolted out of the open door and carried on running along the glen. With fear and adrenaline rushing through the veins, the traveller reached his family in no time.

It was still the middle of the night, but they were already packing up to leave. His brothers told him it wasn't safe to stay in Glenisla that night. A strange white spirit had been seen sweeping across the hills in the distance, crying out in pain and anger.

Words by Greame Johncock, Illustration by Joe Mclaren

The European Otter in Scotland: How to Find and Photograph them.

By David Dinsley, Wildlife Photographer

Scotland harbours several of the most revered and iconic British wildlife species; vast open skies are patrolled by watchful eagles, glacier moulded landscapes wandered by the iconic and stoic red deer, the Caledonian forest home to the red squirrel and Scottish wildcat, whilst out on open waters orca cut through the waves of tumultuous Scottish seas, and the shifting tidal shores and waterways are fished by the European otter; and its these semi aquatic mammals I want to focus in on in this piece.

The European otter (Lutra lutra) belongs to a family of mammals called mustelids, and joining them in this clan are the likes of badger, ferret, mink, and the pine marten. Current population estimates of otter in Scotland are said to be around 8,000 strong, but despite this seemingly high number, they are not always the easiest of animals to find; in fact, most mammals by their very nature are wary, shy, and on a reliable state of high alert and caution. A wise sense to harness whilst living in the wilderness.

With an abundance of prey items, otter thrive in the nutrient rich shallows of Scottish waters, and though often referred to as sea otters, these are indeed the same species that you would encounter inland and are certainly not a maritime specialist; unlike the sea otters (Enhydra lutris) of North America they are not entirely fit for purpose in a maritime environment. Though associated with mostly brackish and marine environments in Scotland, after spending time in saltwater, otter are required to wash the salt from their coats in a freshwater source, to keep their pelts in good condition. Thus providing a clear distinction between these animals and their cousins across the pond.

So how do we go about finding one then?

Well, the easiest path to sure success is to start by visiting well known hot spots, the western and northern isles are particularly good. The Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides, is a clear stand out amongst photographers and is one of the most accessible otter watching hotspots in the whole of the UK let alone Scotland, offering incredible opportunities to enjoy these animals during daylight hours. On Mull there are ample roads that parallel great habitat increasing your spotting stakes exponentially, Loch na Keal in particular, can offer a swathe of otter spotting fun. I remember one morning spotting six separate individuals as I drove along the southern shore of the Loch.

To begin locating one, find a good vantage point over a stretch of tidal shallows, and scan that area - ideally with binoculars. Early mornings tend to be a great time, but in my experience, they can appear at any time of the day. In a perfect world you want the water to be as calm as possible, however that’s not always an option in Scotland!

101 Bakery

Welcome to the 101 Bakery, a charming spot situated at 101 Newington Rd in Edinburgh. Step into a world of sweet aromas and delightful treats, where the cinnamon buns reign supreme, earning rave reviews for their gooey, warm, and soft texture. Their ever-changing seasonal menu boasts an array of mouth-watering baked goods, including irresistible banana and white chocolate cookies, delicious focaccia, and scrumptious salted caramel brownies. The passionate and friendly staff not only offer warm service but also contribute to the close-knit community atmosphere. Although seating is limited, you'll be tempted to visit again and again to sample their latest creations.

Inside Albys: Edinburgh's Sandwich Shop Success Story

Explore the world of Albys through our captivating interview with Natasha and Matt, the dedicated founders of this exceptional sandwich shop in Edinburgh.

Tell us a little bit about Alby’s. Where did it all begin?

Basically we love sandwiches. If ever there’s one on the menu, we always order it. They’re the perfect vehicle for such a variety of ingredients and flavours. We had both worked in various roles in hospitality in Edinburgh for a really long time and had always wanted to have our own space where we curate the atmosphere and bring together our experience, taste, music and love of sandwiches!

Tell us about your current neighborhood. What other businesses are nearby?

Leith as an area is great. It has changed a lot over the years, but there's still a sense of pride about being a Leither. There's a mix of new trendy places, old dockers' pubs, classic caffs, and creative studios, and they all co-exist pretty well.

We're quite far into Leith and are really happy to see other businesses joining us down this end – Mistral, a lovely wine shop and bar selling interesting wines and a nice snacks menu; Sabzi, a family-run Indian restaurant that changes its menu weekly; Williams and Johnson, a great roastery (they supply our coffee) with a micro-bakery selling some amazing pastries; Newbarns, a great brewery and taproom where you can play darts and billiards; and, of course, Nauticus, our favourite pub!

Your 'big hot sandwiches' have gained quite a reputation for their exceptional flavours. How do you come up with such innovative and delicious combinations for your sandwiches?

We find inspiration in loads of places: things we've eaten on our travels, a dish that already exists but in sandwich form, new takes on old favourites or classic flavour combinations – inspiration comes from everywhere! The great thing about a sandwich is that you're really layering flavour – every bite is perfectly curated.

This might be a hard one, but what are the top 3 sandwiches you've ever featured at Alby’s?

Yikes, that is hard! I'd say the ham hock with pea and pickled onion fritters is up there, the sardine melt, and the charred hispi cabbage. And anything with fried chicken, of course.

What do you like doing in any downtime you get from the shop? Are there any places further afield in Scotland that you like to visit?

We try to visit as many Edinburgh and Leith businesses as we can on our days off. We're mostly led by our stomachs. Of course, big walks with Alby are also a must – we try to get to a beach at least once a week. Seacliff beach is a favourite. We recently took a campervan and explored the coast around Lochaber, which was stunningly beautiful – and we really lucked out with the weather, which always helps in Scotland!

Lastly, tell us about the new store. Where is it, and what can we expect from it?

Yes! Alby’s Southside is a go! We are opening our second shop on Buccleuch Street soon. It will have similar vibes interior wise just a different colour scheme.. It’s a much smaller space that will be mostly takeaway to service the lovely folks up in town and for sunny meadows picnics!

You can find out more about Alby’s from there website or follow them on Instagram.

Interviewed by Eryn Inglis

Reviving the Roof of the World: Slate Islands

Nestled in the Inner Hebrides, the Slate Islands, comprising of Luing, Seil, Easdale, and Balnahua, hold a rich past. Once renowned as the islands that roofed the world, these tiny gems flourished during the slate quarrying boom of the eighteenth century. Today, the Isle of Seil, featured on our cover, reminds us of the ingenuity of the past, with locals using low-tech solutions to split slate into thinner sheets. As interest in historic buildings grows, the island community looks to revive the slate quarrying industry on a smaller scale. If successful, the islands will once again contribute their ancient, glittering slate to the world.

Atholl Gathering: May 28, 2023 - Highland Games, Blair Castle - strongmen, dancing, family fun.

Taigh Festival: May 19-21, 2023, Glen Dye Estate - music, food, Highlands, nature, fun.

Highland Food and Drink Trail: Various dates this month - Inverness street food event, showcasing local produce.

Cabin Coffee Aviemore: Newly opened mobile specialty shop, Dalraddy Holiday Park - Birch coffee, local treats.

The Dell Soundscape Day Retreat: June 18, 2023 - Immerse in music, nature, relaxation, and rejuvenation in a serene setting.

Bute Yard Official Opening: June 4, 2023 - local food, drinks, art, crafts, entertainment, every first Sunday.

Traquair Medieval Fayre: 27th and 28th May 2023 - Authentic medieval weekend - jousting, falconry, combat, archery, crafts, music, and fun!

Glasgow Press Letterpress Workshop: May, 23rd 2023 - Glasgow Press Letterpress Workshop: Craft your A3 poster using vintage presses, learn type-setting, and take home print goodies!

Got an event or newsworthy story? email [email protected]

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