Scotland Magazine

Published 6 times a year every issue of Scotland Magazine delves in to the history of Scotland; from the mysterious clans to the great leaders, from the spirited creative individuals to the historical life of Scotland’s greatest castles and houses. Filled with the wonderful hidden secrets of the country, Scotland Magazine captures the spirit of this great nation, explores its history and heritage and recommends great places to visit.

Scotland Magazine

Editor’s letter

CLAN COURIER • We pay tribute to a much missed scholar, and the MacLeod clan gathering returns

CLAN MACLEOD HOMECOMING

TIMELESS TARTAN

MEET THE OWNER

FIVE-STAR FINGAL

GOLDEN FIND

LOVE SCOTLAND? YOU’LL LOVE THIS

FROM GLASGOW WITH LOVE

JACOBITE SCHOLAR DIES

Notes from the Isles • Our friend has been busy this issue, crossing down into England, before returning via the centre of 18th-century elopement – Gretna Green

WE’VE GOT MAIL • A selection of messages from our readers across the globe

Romanticising the STONE • A symbol of Scotland, the Stone of Scone has attracted many myths throughout its history but are any of them true or were they just a ruse to wind up the English?

SEE THE STONE OF SCONE

WHERE TO STAY – KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY

SING WHILE YOU WORK • Writer Marg Greenwood takes a lesson in ‘waulking’ songs – folk songs that have been sung for centuries by women fulling newly woven tweed or tartan to lightly felt it

To the Manor reborn • Ever wondered what it’s like staying in a palace or castle? With a stay in one of these grand stately homes, you need wonder no more

TRAVELS WITH TOM • This issue, our tour guide reflects on the observations of General Wade, whose insights into Highland clans proved prophetic during the ’45 rising

Win a luxury spa break in The Highlands • The Golf View Hotel & Spa on the Moray Firth will leave you feeling rejuvenated

CHARLES THE CROFTER • In the 1980s our future king spent a week ensconced in a farming community on a small Outer Hebridean isle and his host remembers his visit well…

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WHISKY SPECIAL • We celebrate the history & legacy of Scotland’s national drink, plus tour the best distilleries

The Ultimate WHISKY TOUR of Scotland • From the Lowlands to Campbeltown, Islay to The Highlands and Speyside, Christopher Ruane drinks in the scenery in all five main Scottish whisky regions

THE CRAFT OF CASKS • Meet John Richard, a master cooper at Speyside Cooperage, upholding the ancient craft of coopering

THE WATER OF LIFE • Our pick of some of the best distilleries, tours, and whisky experiences in Scotland where you can learn about, taste and buy our national drink

SCOTLAND’S LOST TREASURE • David Willem traces the history of the Black Rood, once the premier symbol of Scotland’s sovereignty, which gave its name to the Holyrood area of Edinburgh where the Scottish Parliament now stands

A LEGEND IN HIS OWN LIFETIME • We examine whether the Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy, lives up to his romanticised literary reputation as the Scottish Robin Hood

BUCHANAN STREET • Named after an 18th-century Tobacco Lord, this street is now the nucleus of shopping in Glasgow

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY • The best Scottish-themed events and clan celebrations taking place across the world – start planning now

THE STORY BEHIND… • In The Lamplighter, author Pamela Hanson Ryder takes us back to 19th-century Scotland, a time of shipwrecks, lighthouse building, and the rise of a little-known writer by the name of Robert Louis Stevenson