It’s not often you fall asleep in one country and wake up in another; at least on dry land, anyway. The Caledonian Sleeper is an iconic railway experience which connects London with Scotland’s cities and scenic destinations. On social media, I often see videos of London city-dwellers journeying north on the Caledonian Sleeper in an overnight quest to escape the bustle of the big smoke for a healthy dose of fresh Scottish air and Highland landscapes. I did the journey in reverse, travelling from my home in Scotland’s capital for a food-filled, sightseeing city break in London. As someone who fr ..read more

Call me biased, since I’m a local, but Edinburgh is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Believe the hype. This enchanting global reputation and capital city status does, however, come at a price. Visiting Edinburgh can put a substantial dent in your budget, particular on weekend stays and during the world-famous Edinburgh Festival (August) and Hogmanay (New Years Eve) celebrations. Don’t worry though, there are many to visit Edinburgh on a budget, while still experiencing what the city has to offer. These are my top tips. Let’s go! This post was written as part of a pa ..read more

Inverness is a small city with a lot to offer. Known worldwide thanks to its proximity to the famous Loch Ness and the ‘Outlander effect’, there’s so much more to Inverness than legendary monsters and fictional time travel. Nestled in the heart of the Highlands on the banks of the River Ness, Inverness boasts the best of both worlds; a compact city centre and a vast scenic playground within close reach. Together they provide a superabundance of cultural sights, outdoor attractions, historic gems and a thriving food & drink scene. Inverness can be a city break or a base for epic adventures ..read more

Iona is my favourite island in Scotland; my happy place and my escape. Many people speak of a special feeling or energy that they experience on Iona, myself included. This island is like a calming embrace for the soul; the beauty and serenity here is unmatched. To top it off, you don’t need a car, because they’re not allowed anyway (locals only) and this miniature paradise is a breeze to explore on foot or by bike. This post contains affiliate links which I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This wee island had an overwhelming impact on me before I’d even set foot upon it ..read more

Are you looking for a dreamy wee day trip or short scenic break on the west coast? Inveraray is ideal. From the historic sights and picturesque town design, to the loch-side location and mountain vistas, this small town is irresistibly charming and calming. These are my top things to do in Inveraray, including my go-to places to eat, where to stay, and how to get there by public transport. Two of my trips to Inveraray have been on paid campaigns with Citylink; many other visits were purely for pleasure. This post contains affiliate links on which I might make a small commission at no extra cos ..read more

Glenfinnan is a destination for railway enthusiasts, tales from the past, home-cooked local produce, and heart-tugging Highland vistas. There is so much more to this Highland hamlet than the Jacobite Steam Train and ‘Harry Potter’ claims to fame: majestic scenery, Jacobite history, friendly locals and the charming Glenfinnan Station where you can eat and sleep in vintage railway carriages and visit the heritage museum right on the station platform. These are my top tips for making the most of your visit; avoiding the crowds, supporting local businesses, and really getting to know Glenfinnan. I ..read more

Rannoch Station is one of the most remote railway stations in the UK; a small settlement in a vast mountainous moorland. Experience a bombardment of wild beauty, from the journey on the West Highland Line to your arrival in Rannoch; feast on tearoom treats and bask in the station’s isolation. Whether you’ve been walking all day or you’ve just stepped off the train onto the platform, a wilderness oasis awaits and I challenge you to find better cakes in the whole country. IMPORTANT: Rannoch Station Tea Room is closed on Thursdays and Fridays. This post contains affiliate links on which I might m ..read more

Are you planning a trip to the delightful wee seaside town of Oban? This charming, bustling west coast port is famed as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and the prelude to island adventures. Oban is not just a ‘Gateway to the Isles’ or a place to simply pass through, however; it is a destination and experience in itself. These are all my favourite things to do in Oban: attractions and accommodation, walks and beaches; where to eat, drink, dance and wander. This post contains affiliate links which I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You could blindfold and teleport me to ..read more

Have you explored the Mid Argyll region? If not, it’s time to change that. Experience a unique and diverse tapestry of natural and mad-made marvels, spanning a mind-bending timeline, from the Neolithic monuments in Kilmartin Glen to the famous Crinan Canal built during the Industrial Revolution, and all the precious environments in-between: rainforests, bogland and coast. Mid Argyll is under-the-radar and out of the ordinary. Written as part of a paid campaign with Wild About Argyll This post contains affiliate links which I might make a small commission from at no extra cost to you. WHERE I ..read more

Would you like to explore the historic wonderland that is Kilmartin Glen? These are my top tips for visiting the renowned Kilmartin Museum and the prehistoric monuments scattered through the glen, plus where to eat, stay and walk. All without a car. Spoiler alert: it’s super easy to get there by bus. Written as part of a paid campaign with Wild About Argyll This post contains affiliate links which I might make a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Temple Wood Stone Circle After the scenic bus journey south, daydreaming through rain-dropped windows, we arrived at our destination. Qu ..read more