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Kinloch Castle

Isle of Rum

Nestled on the picturesque Isle of Rùm, one of Scotland's Small Isles, stands Kinloch Castle, a testimony to Edwardian opulence. Once the lavish summer residence of Sir George Bullough, a Lancashire textile magnate, this red sandstone castle built in 1900 represents an intriguing blend of history and decadence. Today, under the stewardship of Scottish Natural Heritage, Kinloch Castle, a Category A listed building, stands as a majestic landmark amidst the rugged beauty of the island, its timeworn elegance still fascinating visitors who partake in the explorative tours through its grand rooms.

The Hidden Gardens

Glasgow

Tucked away in Glasgow's Pollokshields, the Hidden Gardens is an urban oasis of tranquillity and harmony. A legacy of NVA Europe, this public greenspace serves as an environmental artwork, a sanctuary, and a bridge for intercultural dialogue. It is set uniquely beneath a stunning Gurdwara temple and behind the Tramway Theatre, accessible via both entrances. Steeped in historical significance and offering a myriad of engaging activities, it aims to inspire peace, learning, and community integration. Whether you seek a tranquil refuge from the bustling city or wish to engage in community events, the Hidden Gardens provide a serene backdrop for all.

The Carsaig Phonebox

Isle of Mull

The Carsaig Phonebox on the Isle of Mull stands as a cinematic treasure, featured in the 1945 film "I Know Where I’m Going". This unassuming fixture, tucked beside a roaring waterfall, was saved from demolition by devoted film fans, now holding Category B Listed status. Its fame originates from its impracticality - a phone conversation here is humorously drowned out by the cascading waters. The phone box, enduring amidst Scotland's rugged beauty, is a testament to the Isle's rich film heritage and its enduring charm. Though rarely used for actual calls, its fame calls out to film buffs worldwide, ready for their snapshot moment.

War of the One-Eyed Woman

The Isle of Skye has a history as dramatic as its landscape. During the 16th century it was the scene of a fierce feud between the MacDonalds and the MacLeods, two clans who shared the island but almost never saw eye to eye. In a rare attempt to create lasting peace, Rory MacLeod arranged a marriage between his sister Margaret and Donald Gorm Mòr MacDonald.

The couple were handfasted and so Donald had a year and a day to make sure he was happy with his new bride and more importantly, that she would bear him a child. It should have been a joyful occasion and the start of a new chapter, spelling peace for the island. Unfortunately, things didn't quite go to plan.

Margaret didn't end up pregnant before the year was through and to make matters worse, she lost one of her eyes in an accident. Donald was a vain man who didn't want his bride anymore and he took this opportunity to show how cruel he really was.

He ordered poor Margaret to return to her brother, rejecting both her and the marriage. To add insult to injury, she was sent home riding a one-eyed horse, led by a one-eyed man accompanied by a one-eyed dog.

When she arrived at Dunvegan Castle, Rory MacLeod was furious and ordered an attack on the MacDonalds to make them pay for his sister’s dishonour. A chain reaction of raid followed by counter raid started which became known as the War of the One-Eyed Woman. The confrontation spilled over into the surrounding islands, resulting in some of the bloodiest small battles in Scottish history.

Things got so bad that it looked like the two clans wouldn't stop until they were both wiped out and the islands left desolate. The King's Privy Council had to step in and order both clan chiefs to surrender to the crown and make peace. Surprisingly it worked and they joined together to celebrate, throwing a party that lasted three whole weeks.

It’s unclear if Margaret joined in the celebrations or not.

Words by Graeme Johncock, Photography Simon Hird

Weekend Hotel Breaks

The Balmoral Arms

Ballater

Tucked away in the heart of the Victorian village of Ballater, Balmoral Arms stands as a newly launched five-star inn, seamlessly blending Scottish heritage and contemporary elegance. This Royal Deeside gem boasts luxurious rooms and suites, an inviting restaurant serving locally-inspired cuisine, and the enchanting vistas of the Cairngorms National Park. At Balmoral Arms, guests are invited to immerse themselves in Scotland's natural grandeur while enjoying an unparalleled level of comfort and service.

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Forss House Hotel

Caithness

Experience the charm of the original country house hotel in the hidden Highlands - Forss House. Nestled amidst 20 acres of lush woodlands and a picturesque waterfall, this Georgian manor promises rejuvenation and tranquility. Choose between heartwarming comfort of the main house, the rustic allure of quaint cottages, or the secluded River House bedrooms. Enjoy genuine Highland warmth and hospitality under the Caithness skies, and appreciate refined dining in our elegant restaurant. Forss House is a gem of unexpected joy where Highland heritage and comfort meet, setting the stage for an unforgettable retreat.

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Some more worth a mention

• Grandtully Hotel (link)

• Inver (link)

• The Gleneagles Hotel (link)

• Inverlochy Castle Hotel (link)

The Crusoe

Lower Largo

Perched on the harbour of Lower Largo, The Crusoe offers an exquisite Scottish culinary journey paired with stunning sea vistas. This historic establishment revels in the bounty of Scotland's natural larder, with menus celebrating local catch like mackerel, lobster, and crab, plus seasonal fruits and vegetables from the East Neuk of Fife. Their brand-new first floor restaurant and cocktail bar, awash in light and sea views, adds to the charm. From traditional pub favourites to the freshest Scottish seafood, each dish exudes a sense of place. Sip on a world-class wine or local ale to complete your Crusoe experience.

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Some more worth a mention

• The Fix Fife (link)

• The Bothy Bistro (link)

• Hendersons (link)

• Tickled Trout Cafe (link)

Escape with Mairi Helena Wilks

Scotland’s landscapes are at the heart of designer Mairi Helena Wilks collections of wallpapers, textiles and homewares. Based in Edinburgh, and with a studio in the city’s New Town, Mairi’s designs have names that evoke their origins, from Hebridean Homeland and Island Botanist to Whispering Bramble and Highland Tundra, as each design references a specific landscape and place.

Working from her photographic portfolio of Scotland, Mairi translates these landscapes into abstracted surface pattern designs that feel like paintings in their dynamic forms and expressive use of colour. In The Explorer collection, for example, each wallpaper and fabric design has a distinct memory: Wild Peak captures the surrounding colours while travelling through the pass of Glen Coe, while Forest Light reflects the delicate, bare branches of trees caught in the morning light along a mountain path. Likewise, the latest design in Mairi’s Back to Nature collection, Tern of the Tides, was inspired by a trip to North Uist in mid-June when “the day lengths were at their height and the clouds and skies mesmerising as a result.”

When asked to choose her favourite place, and with so many inspiring locations to choose from, the clue lies in the name that Mairi and her husband Richard chose for their eldest daughter: Iona.

Tell us about your favourite place - where is it?

I have fond memories of so many beautiful places across Scotland. From the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders where I grew up to the rugged coastlines as well as living here in the heart of Edinburgh. However, my favourite place to sit and watch the world go by are the beaches on the Isle of Iona, and in particular, The North End.

Why does this place mean so much to you? And why are you always drawn back there?

I feel immediately at home here. I’ve always thought I was an islander at heart! Perhaps it’s the calm and tranquillity, or the inviting turquoise waters, or watching the waves crash against the rocks… I find the island enchanting.

Do you have a first memory of visiting this place? Or a favourite more recent memory perhaps?

I’ve been fortunate to have visited the Isle of Iona on a number of occasions. I have early childhood memories of playing on the beach with my fishing net and yellow wellies. And later a lovely memory of watching a murmuration of starlings against a sunset with my husband. My most recent memories are visiting with my husband and eldest daughter who we named Iona. She first visited when she was 8 weeks old! She enthuses about the island as much as we do. I can’t wait to take our younger daughter, Arabella Skye, and visit as a family of four.

Has the island changed over the time that you’ve visited?

Yes, there have been a few changes, but what I love about it is the familiarity each time we visit. We have made wonderful friends on the island and they make us feel part of their community. I can pretend when I’m there that I am in fact a true islander for the extent of my stay.

How does this place inspire your work?

I love the gorgeous light that moves across the land and the changeable weather which creates dramatic skies and whips up the sea. I love the sound of the wild wind and getting soaked to the skin. And then when the sun comes out, it really brings the colours and island magic to life.

If someone was thinking of visiting Iona, what’s the one thing they should know?

The island is a perfect size for exploring by foot – there’s no need for a car. In fact, you can only take a car on the ferry from Fionnphort (on Mull) to Iona if you have been granted special permission with a permit.

What’s the place you’d most like to explore in Scotland, that you haven’t yet?

I’ve always wanted to visit the Isle of Tiree and we have finally booked a trip at the end of June, which I’m very excited about! I can’t wait to explore the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides.

Discover Mairi Helena’s collections here and see more of Mairi’s work and inspirations on Instagram.

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