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00:00 00:00 Press play to listen to the audio version of this story 00:00 The 16th-century Alloway Auld Kirk in Ayrshire is probably the most famous small church in Scotland. Already a haunting ruin by the time the poet Robert Burns was born in the village, this church that he would have known well as a child, became the scene of his most famous story – Tam o’ Shanter. Tam was a local farmer who travelled to Ayr every market day to sell his wares. Much to his wife Kate’s despair, Tam doesn’t often head straight home once his business is done but spends much of his earnings in the ..read more

00:00 00:00 Press play to listen to the audio version of this story 00:00 The slender, elongated Loch Katrine is one of Scotland’s most enchanting locations. Just as beautiful but far quieter than its famous big sister Loch Lomond, the scenery here has inspired countless artists and writers such as Walter Scott and Horatio MacCulloch. It’s more than just a place of breathtaking beauty though, Loch Katrine is also home to fascinating legends. Official sources will tell you that the name Katrine comes from Cateran, a word used for wild bands of armed warriors who made their living f ..read more

7 interesting things you maybe didn’t know about Lewis and Harris Written by Laurie Goodlad They are actually the same island When you hear people talking about Lewis and Harris, you would be forgiven for believing that these were two separate islands. In fact, the two islands are connected, and despite what people may think, the islands are both parts of the same landmass, creating the largest part of the Outer Hebrides. The islands are metaphorically sliced in half by a rugged mountain range. Luskentyre Beach has been voted on of the best in the world The stunning sands of Lusk ..read more

Walking the ring of Brodgar Words by Beth Reid Photographs by Simon Hird Let’s go for a stroll around one of the UK’s most significant, striking and mysterious archaeological sites… Approaching the site as you walk along the meandering loch-side path, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Ring of Brodgar. From a distance the ring of stones appear as a row of dark silhouettes jutting out from the gently sloping hillside into the open sky. Taking in your surroundings, it is easy to see which this location might have been chosen for a monument of such importance. The stone circle feels as if ..read more

Cambuskenneth Abbey and the Disinherited Words by Beth Reid Photographs by Simon Hird Cambuskenneth   Abbey   is   an   underrated   gem   from   Scottish   history. Beneath the shadow of the mighty Stirling Castle, the ruins of the abbey are   often   overlooked   in   favour   of   their   royal   neighbour   on   the   rock. However,   in   November   1314   th ..read more

Stirling Castle and the Murder of the 8th Earl of Douglas Words by Beth Reid Photographs by Simon Hird Stirling Castle is a magnificent example of the power and ambition of the Stewart dynasty. However, the castle is also the site of one of the most unpleasant events associated with the Stewart kings – the murder of William Douglas, 8th earl of Douglas, at the hands of King James II himself. William Douglas had gained the vast Black Douglas inheritance after the death of his father in 1443. Despite the Douglas earl and James initially having a good working relationship, this quickly soured ..read more

Castle Tioram and the Adventures of Allan MacRuari Words by Beth Reid Photographs by Simon Hird Grim events are scattered across Scotland’s history, with one of the most chilling being the murder of the young earl of Douglas and his brother at the Black Dinner in November 1440. This dark event of violence and betrayal was said to be the inspiration for the infamous ‘Red Wedding’ in G.R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.  James II became King of Scots at only six years old after the assassination of his father James I in 1437. As a mere child on the throne, the early years of his reign were ..read more

3 Hidden Gem Walks in North Aberdeenshire North Aberdeenshire may be known for its cold and wind, but that doesn’t stop it from being beautiful! There are lots of quieter walks which are hidden gems in North Aberdeenshire. This is great if you are looking to find somewhere new and different.  Three of our favourites are Bin Forest in Huntly, Mormond and Waughton Hill in Strichen, and the Gardenstown to Crovie circular route on the very north Aberdeenshire coast. They are all quite different, but all super and usually quiet! 1. Bin Forest, Huntly The Bin Forest in Huntly is one of the ..read more

Christmas Markets to get you in the festive spirit this winter. As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets pop up across the country to bring a distinctly Alpine touch to our high streets. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift to give to a special someone or can’t wait for the warming tastes of mulled wine and sweet treats that can be found at every Christmas market, these are the best seasonal markets taking place across Scotland. We might not get a white Christmas, but we can certainly usher in festive celebrations with the local community here. Photograph by @explorin ..read more