Airts & Pairts

28/04/2024

Where did all the time go? We're back behind the steering wheel of our Land Rover and on the jumpseat.

This week's adventures included an exploration of the prehistoric sites of Orkney and Shetland. A very different pace and scenery, at its best.

01/01/2024

𝕊𝕝à𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖 𝕄𝕙𝕒𝕥𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℍ𝕠𝕘𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕪

As the wind whispers farewell to 2023 and the flames of anticipation dance across the land, we at Airts & Pairts raise a dram to celebrate.

This year, let's chase away the shadows of the past and embrace the fiery spirit of Hogmanay. Let the ancient traditions ignite our souls, from the sparkling clean houses to the stories shared by crackling fires.

𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕚𝕤 ℍ𝕠𝕘𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕪 𝕤𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕘 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕

Well, the reformation banned Christmas for almost 400 years and Christmas Day was not reintroduced as a public holiday until 1958. Boxing Day was even a normal working day until 1974 and so, as the rest of the world celebrated Christmas, Scots were going to work just like every other day.

The big family get-togethers happened at Hogmanay instead. These start at New Year’s Eve, continue throughout New Year’s Day into 2nd January, which is still a public holiday in Scotland.
To begin the celebrations the house needs to be cleaned until it sparkles before Hogmanay, ideally with the whole family joining in.
A fab meal shared with the family, some whisky, stories and Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight is a must.

There are several traditions of course. One of the most popular ones is first-footing, where the first person to enter the house after midnight – ideally a tall, dark man – brings gifts such as food, whisky and coal. This tradition is supposed to affect the household’s fortunes for the coming year. Thankfully, all members of the Tyler Clan are tall and dark.

Many traditions involve fire, like the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, beginning on the 30th December with a torchlit procession and fireworks. On 31st December, the town of Stonehaven welcomes the new year with the Fireballs Ceremony: Locals make balls of chicken wire and fill them with cardboard, set them on fire and swing them around. And a few days later, still following the old Julian calendar and therefore celebrating New Year’s Eve on 11th January, the people of Burghead carry their Clavie (a barrel full of burning staves) around the town.

Also the islands have their own traditions. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, holds the “Ba Game”, an enormous game of street football that can last anything from four minutes to five hours and feature as many as 350 players.

This year, let Airts & Pairts be your compass. We'll lead you through hidden glens and vibrant cities, where ancient customs mingle with modern revelry. We'll craft an adventure tailored just for you, filled with laughter, stories, and memories that will outlast the winter frost.

So raise a glass, dear friends, and let the spirit of Hogmanay ignite your soul. We can't wait to welcome you to Scotland in 2024, where landscapes are breathtaking, and every corner whispers a story.

Sláinte mhath and a Happy New Year!
Dan & Elle

24/12/2023

ℂ𝕠𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕠𝕟, 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕜𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕝𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤 𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕤!

This year has been a whirlwind of laughter, shared secrets, and breathtaking landscapes explored with amazing people who, by the end of each adventure, felt more like family than guests.

So raise a glass (or a steaming mug of hot chocolate!) to YOU. May your Christmas be a cozy haven of love and laughter, and may the New Year bring even more adventures to share.

Slàinte mhath, and a Happy New Year!

With love and gratitude,
Dan & Elle

30/11/2023

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎉Happy St. Andrew's Day: Celebrating Scotland's Rich Heritage! 🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

As the sounds of bagpipes float on the breeze today, we celebrate ! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and November 30th honors his life as well as this nation's proud cultural heritage.

According to legend, a Pictish king prayed to St. Andrew for victory in battle against the Angles. Clouds formed a saltire (X-shaped cross) in the sky - and the king took this as a divine sign, leading to triumph! The Saltire - a blue flag with a white diagonal cross, is believed to be the oldest flag in Europe.

Castles, Tartans & More
On St Andrew's Day, cities, towns and villages across Scotland host parades, ceilidh dances, whisky tastings, and events embracing our enduring traditions from medieval tales to tartan textiles.

St. Andrews
On the east coast lies the historic town of itself. Known for its ancient cathedral ruins and the prestigious university, it's a jewel steeping all who visit in Scottish knowledge and resilience through the ages.

Celebrating Together
Whether you raise a toast with friends or sway along to trad music, St. Andrew's Day uniquely bonds all who share this storied land. Its meaning transcends simply honoring one saint - it embodies the tapestry of customs and triumphs woven through centuries past.

However you celebrate, may you feel a renewed sense of connection to these enduring cultural threads! Reach out to share how you're embracing Scotland's heritage today.

12/11/2023

Today is here in Scotland. This day holds deep meaning for Scotland, as countless sons and daughters have given their lives in service of peace and freedom throughout history.

Remembrance Day started after World War I ended on November 11, 1918. Poppies growing on the battlefields inspired using them as a symbol of remembrance. At 11am on the 11th, we observe two minutes of silence to remember those who fell.

Today we remember the many brave Scottish soldiers like the courageous Commandos who fought valiantly. Though gone, these lads will never be forgotten.

As we take a moment of silence across Scotland’s gorgeous glens and misty lochs, we feel grateful for the sacrifices that allow us to live freely. The poppy is a flower of hope, keeping the fallen's memories alive.

Let's take a moment to read this lovely Scottish poem about poppies and remembrance:

Poppies for Armistice
by Margaret Macpherson

Splashes of red on city streets
Paper poppies pinned on, neat.
Memories of those who sacrificed their all;
In conflicts cruel, gave their lives to fall.

A simple bloom reminds us every year,
Of brave souls lost; we shed a tear.
Though gone, forgotten they will never be.
As poppies sway, their memory lives on, you see.
We honour those who gave us liberty.

Thanks for taking this moment with us to reflect. However you spend today, remember that brightness always follows even the darkest night.

06/09/2023

Good morning, everyone! 📚

There's something truly magical about getting lost in the pages of a great book, especially when it transports you to the enchanting landscapes of Scotland.

To celebrate, National Read a Book Day! 📖🎉 I've decided to dive into the world of Scottish authors, and right now, I'm captivated by Ian Rankin's masterful storytelling. 📝🏰 His crime novels set against the backdrop of Edinburgh have me hooked from the very first page.

As I journey through the mysterious streets of the Scottish capital alongside Rankin's iconic detective, Inspector Rebus, I can't help but be swept away by the allure of this incredible city. 🕵️📖

Share in the comments below what you're reading on this special day, whether it's an Ian Rankin classic or another author's work. Let's inspire each other to explore new worlds, gain fresh perspectives, and experience the wonders of storytelling. 🎒📚

Happy National Read a Book Day, fellow book lovers! Let's turn those pages, create some literary magic, and plan our next adventure to Scotland. 📖✈️

26/08/2023

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

Today, we're taking a moment to paws and celebrate our furry team member, Sherlock! 🕵️‍♂️🐶 While Sherlock usually takes his role as our GDPR Officer very seriously, even the most dedicated dog deserves a break. Today, he's traded in his detective hat for a cosy blanket and is enjoying some well-deserved belly rubs and treats!

Sherlock, you've been with us every step of the way, ensuring our data remains as secure as ever. Your commitment to sniffing out privacy concerns is truly remarkable. 🐕💼

So here's to Sherlock, our diligent GDPR Officer turned professional relaxation expert! Enjoy your day of rest, buddy! You've earned it. 🎉🐾

23/04/2023

Of all the things that can stir the soul and move the heart, few are as magical as a ride on the Aviemore Steam Railway line. As we chug along through the stunning Scottish countryside, it's easy to forget about the present and get lost in the past.

The Aviemore Steam Railway line is staffed entirely by volunteers, each one dedicated to preserving the rich history of this iconic mode of transportation. From the whistle-blowing engineer to the smiling conductor, everyone onboard is committed to making your experience as unforgettable as possible.

And why not make it even more unforgettable? Book a tour with Airts & Pairts and we'll take you on a journey that includes the Aviemore Steam Railway and much more. You'll discover the stunning Ballindaloch Castle, the pearl of the north, and experience firsthand the magic and mystery of Scotland's breathtaking landscapes.

Every ticket helps to support the Aviemore Steam Railway and preserve this incredible adventure for generations to come. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey through the heart of Scotland. We can't wait to see you onboard!

Strathspey Railway VisitScotland - Your Scotland

17/04/2023

Hello everyone! We are back from our amazing holidays and can not wait to welcome our guests.

As tourist guides, we're passionate about exploring Scotland's stunning landscapes, sharing fascinating stories, and experiencing the best of Scottish culture and cuisine with our guests.

Our name, Airts & Pairts, has a special meaning that reflects our love for this amazing country. 'Airts' refers to directions or points of the compass, while 'Pairts' means 'parts' in Scots. Together, our name represents our mission to help you discover every direction and part of Scotland, from the rugged Highlands to the charming coastal villages and everything in between.

As we guide you through this beautiful country, we want to share not just the sights, but also the stories behind them. We want to introduce you to the people, culture, and traditions that make Scotland so special. And of course, we want to treat you to the delicious local cuisine and spirits that Scotland is famous for.

So come join us for a journey that will take you beyond the tourist trail and into the heart of Scotland. Let us show you the magic of this country, and let us turn your travel experiences into stories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. We love what we do, and we can't wait to share it with you. Let's explore together!"

16/04/2023

Today, ​Sunday 16th April 2023, ​we remember and honour those who have fallen at Drumossie Moor, 277 years ago.

We also remember all whose lives were lost or changed forevermore in the aftermath of the battle of Culloden by the suppression of Highland culture, language, and heritage.

Every life that was lost was one life too many.

This verse from a Gaelic Waulking song powerfully describes how a young woman experienced the aftermath of the last pitched battle fought on British soil:

𝔸𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕙 𝕟𝕒𝕟 ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕙𝕒𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕟
A Theàrlaich òig, a mhic Rìgh Seumas,
’S mise bha brònach gad fhògradh aig bèistibh -
Iadsan gu subhach 's mise gu deurach,
Uisge mo chinn tighinn tinn o m' lèirsinn.

Mharbh iad m' athair, mharbh iad mo bhràithrean,
Mhill iad mo chinneadh is chreach iad mo chàirdean,
Loisg iad mo dhùthaich is rùisg iad mo mhàthair -
'S cha chluinnte mo mhulad nam buinnigeadh Teàrlach.

A Theàrlaich òig a' chuailein chiataich,
Thug mi gaol dhuit, 's cha ghaol bliadhna,
Gaol nach tug aon do mhac diùic no iarla
B' fheàrr leam fhìn nach faicinn riamh thu.

✶✶✶✶✶

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔽𝕚𝕖𝕝𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕒𝕟𝕥
Young Charles, son of King James,
I was so sad that you were banished by beasts.
They are so cheerful and I am so tearful,
crying incessantly.

They've killed my father, they've killed my brothers;
They've destroyed my clan and plundered my kinsfolk;
They've burned my country and stripped naked my mother -
but if Charles won, my grief would not be heard.

Young Charles of the beautiful hair,
I gave you love, not the love of a year (but)
a love that’s never been given to duke's son or earl's son -
I’d much prefer that I'd never seen you.

VisitNairn

08/03/2023

Today is , we would like to remember a remarkable woman, our Highland Heroine Flora MacDonald.

In 1746, on the island of Uist, a young Flora MacDonald came face to face with Bonnie Prince Charlie, the young pretender, fleeing for his life after the defeat at the battle on Culloden Moor. After some hesitation, she agreed to help the Prince escape, despite her fiancée Allan MacDonald and her step-father being in the army of King George II.

Flora obtained permission from her step-father to travel to the mainland, accompanied by a crew of five boatmen and two servants. One of her servants was the Bonnie Prince, disguised as Betty Burke, a spinning maid. They set sail on 27th June 1746, not to the mainland but over the sea to Skye, landing in Kilmuir two days later at what is today known as “Rudha Phrionnsa” - the Prince’s Point.

After hiding overnight at Kingsburgh House, where Betty Burke was remembered as a strange maid who “walked like a man”, they made their way to Portree where the Prince was able to arrange a boat to the Isle of Raasay and from there, passage back to France. They never met again.

Flora was arrested after the news of the escape and her involvement in it made the rounds. She was imprisoned at Dunstaffnage Castle near Oban and also in the Tower of London.

In 1747, Flora was released and returned to Scotland, and this was by far not the end of her adventures! She had already become some sort of celebrity when she married Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh in 1750. The family had to emigrate to North Carolina.

When the MacDonalds arrived in the New World, the American Revolution was already in the making. Like many Highlanders, Flora and her family took the side of the King. Allan joined a regiment of Royal Highland Emigrants but was captured at the Battle of Moore’s Creek and imprisoned. Flora was forced into hiding while the rebels destroyed the family plantation, she lost everything.

Flora was persuaded to return to the Isle of Skye in 1779. During her voyage, her ship was attacked by French privateers, pirates with papers. Flora, being the heroine she was known as, is said to have refused to go under deck during the attack and she was wounded in the arm.

Flora enjoyed a wonderful and peaceful life after she arrived on the Isle of Skye, with her husband at her side after his release in 1783.
Flora MacDonald died on 5th March 1790. Reportedly, her body was wrapped in a sheet in which Bonnie Prince Charlie had slept in. The congregation of mourners who attended her funeral are said to have drunk 300 gallons of whisky. The funeral party included 3000 mourners, quite a wake. Aye, you’re right, the folk attending Flora’s funeral must have filled “the parting glass” a few times. On average, they would have had more than half a bottle each.

Not only has Flora MacDonald been immortalised by Samuel Johnson’s tribute to her, engraved on her memorial and also on her statue in Inverness:
‘Flora MacDonald. Preserver of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Her name will be mentioned in history and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour.’

The ‘Skye Boat Song’, published in 1884, is dedicated to the bravery of helping Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape. Flora did not commit to the Jacobite cause, but she decided to help a man in need.

“Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing
Onward, the sailors cry!
Carry the lad that’s born to be King
Over the sea to Skye.”

21/02/2023

Happy . To celebrate this occasion we wanted to do a wee to 2020 when VisitScotland asked us "What does tourism mean to you?".
Are you asking if anything has changed in the last three years? If anything, we love our job even more! Sharing the stories, landscape, food, and drink with people from all Airts & Pairts simply makes this the best job in the world.

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. (WFTGA) Scottish Tourist Guides Association

07/01/2023

What stories would this Wych Elm be able to tell us? It is one of our favourite trees, and possibly also the oldest Wych Elm in Europe, at least it was. The Beauly Elm was believed to be almost 800 years old, and stood at the entrance to Beauly Priory. References to this tree have been found in records dating back to medieval times.

It is so sad that the tree fell victim to Dutch elm disease. At the beginning of January 2023, a storm has taken its last toll.

Historic Environment Scotland have created a 3D model that you can enjoy online:
https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/beauly-elm-bf14d2bdc7604599bddf5aad549959ec

31/12/2022

Happy Hogmanay!

Why is Hogmanay such a big deal in Scotland?
Well, the reformation banned Christmas for almost 400 years and Christmas Day was not reintroduced as a public holiday until 1958. Boxing Day was even a normal working day until 1974 and so, as the rest of the world celebrated Christmas, Scots were going to work just like every other day.

The big family get-togethers happened at Hogmanay instead. These start at New Year’s Eve, continue throughout New Year’s Day into 2nd January, which is still a public holiday in Scotland.

To begin the celebrations the house needs to be cleaned until it sparkles before Hogmanay, ideally with the whole family joining in.

A fab meal shared with the family, some whisky, stories and Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight is a must.

There are several traditions of course. One of the most popular ones is first-footing, where the first person to enter the house after midnight – ideally a tall, dark man – brings gifts such as food, whisky and coal. This tradition is supposed to affect the household’s fortunes for the coming year. Thankfully, all members of the Tyler Clan are tall and dark.

Many traditions involve fire, like the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, beginning on the 30th December with a torchlit procession and fireworks. On 31st December, the town of Stonehaven welcomes the new year with the Fireballs Ceremony: Locals make balls of chicken wire and fill them with cardboard, set them on fire and swing them around. And a few days later, still following the old Julian calendar and therefore celebrating New Year’s Eve on 11th January, the people of Burghead carry their Clavie (a barrel full of burning staves) around the town.

Also the islands have their own traditions. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, holds the “Ba Game”, an enormous game of street football that can last anything from four minutes to five hours and feature as many as 350 players.



24/12/2022

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Happy Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Dan & Elle

30/11/2022

Happy St Andrews Day.

St Andrew became Scotland's patron saint in 1320, when "The Declaration of Arbroath" was signed declaring Scotland's independence.

We have celebrated St Andrew`s day ever since with a heartwarming "Cullen Skink" some "Haggis, Neeps and Tatties" and a "Clootie Dumpling".

24/11/2022

You may know, how much I love the threads that make Scotland’s fabrics, our tweeds and tartans. The perfect attire for our (in)famous Scottish weather. Therefore, I wanted to start our series of “Our Treasured Places” with Johnstons of Elgin.

225 years ago, in 1797, Alexander Johnston found the ideal location for his mill on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin. The river powered the mill, Elgin offered many workers, and traderoutes were established via the nearby sea. By 1811, Alexander had built a vertical weaving mill and today, Johnstons are one of the last mills that dye, blend, spin, weave, and finish everything in one place.

Taking care of their employees was always important for Johnstons. Alexander and James built homes and a reading room for their workers in 1830.

In 1853, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert asked Johnstons of Elgin to weave the Super Balmoral Tweed, an estate tweed to blend into the environment of their newly purchased holiday home.

There is so much more to say about this lovely place, from receiving a Royal Warrant in 2013, to their superb products, woven from the most luxurious materials such as cashmere and vicuna. And not to mention the fantastic cakes at the Weavers Restaurant at Johnstons of Elgin would be a sin.

Would you like to find out more about the mill, and see how the stunning scarfs, blankets and high-quality fabrics are made? Just email: [email protected] for a tour of the mill or [email protected] for a tailor-made adventure that explores the textile heritage of our area.

with

17/11/2022

Well, that`s a wrap. We just finished our last tour of our season: Three wonderful gentlemen from Germany on an Island-Hopping Whisky Adventure. Some wet and wild weather included - the perfect conditions for a wee dram by the fire.

A huge THANK YOU to all our guests on our tours this year. We had such a wonderful time.

It`s time to rejuvenate. Therefore, we will be working in our office in the mornings and spending our afternoons reading, taking Sherlock for long walks, and most importantly we’ll keep exploring, looking for yet another gem to share with you next year.

We are planning to share some of our treasured places over the coming weeks with you.
Did you make any special memories or have discovered places that you loved while touring Scotland with us?

with

11/11/2022

Lest we forget

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

by McCrae, May 1915

08/11/2022

During our walk with Sherlock, we came across this wee delightful fellow. Although winter is not quite here yet, we have seen the first snow on our beautiful hills.
So, we wanted to share this poem in Scots:

ℝ𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕟 ℝ𝕖𝕚𝕕 𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤𝕥 ʙʏ ᴊ.ᴋ ᴀɴɴᴀɴᴅ

ℝ𝕠𝕓𝕚𝕟, ℝ𝕠𝕓𝕚𝕟 ℝ𝕖𝕚𝕕𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕚𝕤𝕥,
ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟' 𝕠𝕟 𝕒 𝕓𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕣
𝕆𝕠𝕥 𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕟𝕒𝕨 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕔𝕖,
𝕎𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕀 𝕤𝕚𝕥 𝕓𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖.
𝕋𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕚𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕟𝕘
𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕖'𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟 𝕤𝕒𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖,
𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕘𝕚𝕖 𝕪𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕜
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕚𝕝 𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦.

If you would like to hear the poem read by Joanne Fae St Madoe follow the link to the Scots Language Centre.
https://www.scotslanguage.com/Christmas_uid20/Robin_Rid_Breist

VisitNairn

27/10/2022

We would like to apologise for the radio silence. This season was just unbelievably incredible. We shared so many stories, laughter, and places with our lovely visitors. We can truly say strangers became friends.

There wasn't even the time to share the news of our newest addition. Our (as Elle likes to call her) wee Land Rover. We already travelled over 20000 miles and have taken our guests to so many parts of Scotland.

While we are still out and about, things get a bit more quiet, so there will be more and more office time to share some of the fantastic places we visited this year with you.

Here are just a few impressions of our adventures this year. Scotland - you're a wee beauty!

19/09/2022

Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the Royal Family, and we share in the sadness and the sense of loss felt around the world at this time.

10/09/2022

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

On behalf of all the team here, our thoughts and sympathies are with the Royal Family.

Rest in peace, Ma'am.

17/06/2022

Fàilte An t-Eilean Sgitheanach.

Isle Of My Heart
O, would that I were in the Isle of my Heart,
My dear island where I grew up;
O, would that I were in the Isle of my Heart,
Isle of the high cold mountains.
Barefoot I'd run over moorland and heather
If I could cross over the ferry to Kyle,
I would go in a hurry to the village I love
To the home where I was raised.
O, would that I were ...
Content I would be if I were justnow
Beside the peat-stack on a hillock at rest
The most beautiful mist, wreathing and swimming
And falling o'er the shoulders of Blath-Bheinn
O, would that I were ...
My wish is to stay with the kin of my heart
In William's wee bothy by the waves on the beach,
Where forever we'd listen each night and each day
With but moorland and sea beside us.
O, would that I were ...
I see the Meall and I see the Sgorr
The side of Quirang and the hills of the Storr
Little Helaval and Big Helaval
The Three Streams delta and Gearraidh
by Donald A. Mackenzie.

01/06/2022

“The Highlands Gift Card is like the golden ticket to the Highlands. It supports our local economy."

Hear more about our story and about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, where you can use it and what fantastic adventures you can have while discovering new places, shops and our Highland larder.
Nairn Connects BID VisitNairn VisitScotland Scottish Tourist Guides Association

The Highlands Gift Card can be spent with over 90 businesses in the Highlands, like tour firm Airts & Pairts in Nairn, which is owned by Elle and Dan: “We set up Airts and Pairts after Dan completed his Scottish Tourism course. I left my job at the Red Cross shop to join Dan in […]

22/04/2022

The Clootie Well in Munlochy, has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. In pagan times, it was believed that the well was home to a goddess, later the place became associated with St Boniface.
It is said that the well has healing powers. If you are ill you take a “clootie”, wrap it around your illness, dip it in the well, and hang your clootie on a nearby tree. Your illness will rot away, as the clootie decomposes.
This tradition is still lived today, as many people hang their clootie at Munlochy by the well. 

What is a clootie? Clootie is Scots for a strip of cloth or a rag.

If you would like to bring an offering to the well and try this tradition yourself, please do so. However, please make sure it is made from natural materials like pure wool or cotton. As other materials may never disintegrate, which is, of course, not the idea behind it all...

16/04/2022

Today, we remember and honour those who have fallen at Drumossie Moor.

We also remember all whose lives were lost or changed forevermore in the aftermath of the battle of Culloden by the suppression of Highland culture, language, and heritage.

Every life that was lost was one life too many.

This verse from a Gaelic Waulking song powerfully describes how a young woman experienced the aftermath of the last pitched battle fought on British soil:

Achadh nan Comhaichean
A Theàrlaich òig, a mhic Rìgh Seumas,
’S mise bha brònach gad fhògradh aig bèistibh -
Iadsan gu subhach 's mise gu deurach,
Uisge mo chinn tighinn tinn o m' lèirsinn.

Mharbh iad m' athair, mharbh iad mo bhràithrean,
Mhill iad mo chinneadh is chreach iad mo chàirdean,
Loisg iad mo dhùthaich is rùisg iad mo mhàthair -
'S cha chluinnte mo mhulad nam buinnigeadh Teàrlach.

A Theàrlaich òig a' chuailein chiataich,
Thug mi gaol dhuit, 's cha ghaol bliadhna,
Gaol nach tug aon do mhac diùic no iarla
B' fheàrr leam fhìn nach faicinn riamh thu.

***

The Field of the Covenant
Young Charles, son of King James,
I was so sad that you were banished by beasts.
They are so cheerful and I am so tearful,
crying incessantly.

They've killed my father, they've killed my brothers;
They've destroyed my clan and plundered my kinsfolk;
They've burned my country and stripped naked my mother -
but if Charles won, my grief would not be heard.

Young Charles of the beautiful hair,
I gave you love, not the love of a year (but)
a love that’s never been given to duke's son or earl's son -
I’d much prefer that I'd never seen you.

16/04/2022

The Museum at Dunrobin Castle, is home to a collection of hunting trophies and other fascinating things from all over the world. The Summer House was built by William, Earl of Sutherland in 1732, and later extended by the 3rd Duke in 1878.

You can also find a vast collection of Pictish stones, why not have a closer look at these carvings from over 1500 years ago. Do they tell us their stories?