Scotland Correspondent Issue 21

Bringing The Bruce to life in epic style At home in the heart of Edinburgh Roo Irvine on the trail of Deacon Brodie p1

Highlanders on the march Big views from the small screen

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inside this issue 10 Hail

the Outlaw King

World premier for blockbuster movie about Robert the Bruce.

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20 The

luxury hotel with homely appeal

Inside the award winning Chester Residence in the heart of Edinburgh.

40 Dram

fine way to explore the Hebrides

New Hebridean Whisky Trail puts island distilleries on the map.

52 History

from around the world Museum treasures go on view for the first time.

58 Deacon

Brodie and the attractions of a good story

Roo Irvine reveals how a good tale adds value to antiques.

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70 Highlanders 96 Celebrating

on the march

Over 170 years of tradition at the Lonach Gathering.

82 Location,

location, location

New guide reveals the real stars of Scotland’s iconic TV shows. p6

seafood

Fun and food at the Stranraer Oyster Festival.

106 Clan

Column

MacLeods, Davidsons and Brigadoon in the news.

Date 4 Yours Diary 120

What’s on this month in Scotland and abroad.

Cover Photo

Photo by Paul Tomkins/ VisitScotland Yacht moored off the village of Plockton.

112 The healing

of honey

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A short story by Ella Gallego.

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Local hero to international icon

Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotlamd Robert the Bruce Statue at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

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by Scott Aitken

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he long awaited and hotly anticipated new movie about one of Scotland’s greatest national heroes, Robert the Bruce, is to premier at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Billed as the untold, true story of The Bruce “who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I of England”, the film has been tipped to be a major blockbuster for producers Netflix in the same mould as Braveheart.

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The movie has been directed by David Mackenzie, one of Scotland’s most talented and exciting talents.

His previous hits include ‘Hell or High Water’ which starred Hollywood actor Chris Pine who plays the role of The Bruce in the new movie.

It is the largest feature movie to be made in Scotland to date and was filmed across Scotland in locations as diverse as Linlithgow Palace, Dunfermline Abbey, Doune Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, Craigmillar Castle, Isle of Skye, Blackness Castle, Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Aviemore and the University of Glasgow.

The epic will open the highly prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Thursday 6 September and is the first Scottish film ever to be given that honour.

“I cannot imagine a better place to have our world premiere. Scotland and Canada’s histories are bound together, forged in the crucible of

Chris Pine, the face of Robert Bruce 2018

the struggles of history, bringing this day an affinity and sensibility that I hope will translate to a profound, visceral, and riotously entertaining experience,” said director David Mackenzie.

“We have an amazing cast and crew working at the top of their game, and we are really looking forward to spreading some Scottish goodwill on the great city of Toronto.”

Filming on the movie began in Scotland last autumn produced by long time filmmaking partners David Mackenzie and Gillian Berrie via their company Sigma Films, and Richard Brown and Steve Golin of Anonymous Content.

The screenplay written by Mackenzie, Bash Doran, James MacInnes, Mark Bomback and renowned Scottish playwright David Harrower takes place over the extraordinary historic

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Linlithgow Palace and St Michael’s Parish Church

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Dunfermline Abbey

Photo by VisitScotland Doune Castle

Photo by VisitScotland Glasgow cathedral

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Photo by cc Georgemiller381 Robert the Bruce, as imagined in 1800, which hangs in The National Portrait Gallery of Edinburgh

How the hero of Bannockburn might really have looked Scotland Correspondent issue 1 (GO TO ISSUE)

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Craigmillar Castle

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Blackness Castle

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland View of Loch Lomond from Ben A’an

Photo by Damian Shields/VisitScotland Loch an Eilein near Aviemore

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year when Robert the Bruce fights to regain control having been crowned King of Scots, only to be defeated in a surprise attack and made an outlaw by the English King and his occupying forces.

“I am so happy to have the opportunity to dig deep into the story of Robert the Bruce and to discover some of the truths that often get obscured by legend,” said Mackenzie.

“This is my sixth feature film shot in Scotland. I am proud that our little Glasgow based production company, Sigma films, has been able to make this film and thank Netflix for letting us do it.”

Mackenzie said he was delighted to be working with such a talented Scottish and international cast led by Chris Pine.

“I know Chris will bring intensity and flair to Robert the Bruce and his struggle to take back his country, being crowned King of Scots, then suffering a disastrous defeat and left on the run with just a handful of supporters only to claw his way, with bravery and cunning, back to victory.

This was an early form of guerilla warfare against the might of a vastly bigger, better resourced enemy and is one of the great comeback stories of history,” said Mackenzie.

The film is due to get its first global showing on Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service with 104 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, on Friday 9 November 2018.

“David’s talent as a filmmaker and storyteller is undeniable. We are excited to be working with him on a project of this scale bringing such a powerful story to life.” said Netflix’s Scott Stuber.

“We believe in the universality of this David and Goliath tale, and that it will be enjoyed and appreciated by audiences all over the world.”

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Photo by David Eustace/Netflix Chris Pine as Outlaw King Robert The Bruce

Some of the funding for the movie came from a Creative Scotland which invested £500,000 from its Production Fund and £500,000 from the Production Growth Fund “Outlaw King is a major production for the Scottish screen sector and I am delighted that it will open the Toronto Film Festival showing our rich history, stunning locations and creativity to the world,” said Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s Culture Secretary.

“Encouraging film and TV productions to base themselves in Scotland generates significant returns for the Scottish economy and Outlaw King has brought huge benefits to the whole screen industry.

Scotland’s film and TV sector is

growing. Since 2007 total production spend on film and TV in Scotland has increased by more than 200 per cent.”

The movie ‘Outlaw King’ is just one of four feature films and documentaries from Scotland receiving heir world premiers at Toronto this month.

The other titles from Scotland being shown at the festival are “Tell it to the Bees”, “Wild Rose” and “Freedom Fields”.

Anna Paquin and Holliday Grainger star in “Tell it to the Bees’, an adaptation of Fiona Shaw’s 1950s set novel of the same title.

The story chronicles the lesbian romance between a single mother who is dealing with the breakdown of her marriage, played by Grainger, and a doctor, returning to her small hometown to take over her latefather’s practice.

Directed by Annabel Jankle, the visually captivating movie was shot entirely on location in Stirlingshire.

‘Wild Rose’ starring Jessie Buckley and Julie Walters, tells the engaging story of Rose-Lynn Harlan, a Glasgow singer and single mum who dreams of becoming a Nashville star.

Scottish Writer Nicole Taylor teams up with director Tom Harper, to tell this inspirational musical tale set in the heart of Glasgow.

Love, marriage and aspirations collide with history in director Nazilha Arebi’s compelling documentary Freedom Fields. Produced by the Scottish Documentary Institute, and set in post-revolution Libya follows a group of women brought together by one dream: to play football for their damaged nation.

Robbie Allen, senior screen executive at Creative Scotland: “We are enormously excited and proud to see the epic ‘Outlaw King’ receive its premiere at one of the world most important film festivals. It’s an incredible achievement for David, Gillian and all involved.

“To then be followed by the world premieres of yet more exciting films from Scotland is a testament to the current strength of our filmmaking nation.

“This is an exceptionally positive time for our sector. With increased resources, a strong commitment from partners, and with such an amazing selection of films at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, this is an ideal time to sell Scotland to the world.”

Also screening at TIFF 2018 is Scotland-based director Mark Cousins’ ‘Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema’.

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Photo by cc Chgraham

Produced by Hopscotch films, the documentary celebrates female directors from around the world

and will receive its North American premiere on Friday 7 September.

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Elegance and excellence in the heart of Edinburgh

The Chester Residence, Edinburgh

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O

f all the awards that have been won by The Chester Residence since it opened the doors of its elegant Georgian faรงade, there is one accolade that never fails to raise a smile among the staff of the luxury property.

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For the past 10 years, the venue has earned the title of Edinburgh’s top-rated hotel on TripAdvisor. But, much to the surprise of the hundreds of guests who’ve checked in over the years, The Chester Residence isn’t actually a hotel.

Edinburgh’s romantic beauty transcends the seasons Photo by VisitScotland

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The luxurious bolthole in the heart of the New Town may offer all the perks of a five-star hotel, but it is in fact a series of incredibly spacious apartments which offer a genuine home away from home for the travellers who stay there.

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General manager Scott Walker said guests are always taken aback at the sheer scale of the apartments – set within a series of classic townhouses in neighbouring streets - when they walk through the door for the first time.

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“People may think they are coming to a hotel, but The Chester Residence offers so much more. The footprint of the apartments is beyond what anyone expects. For example, the living room space in our Mews apartment is 40sqm,� he said.

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“I think the best description I’ve heard is that being at The Chester Residence gives the welcome experience of residency over guesting. That’s exactly how we want people to feel – like this is their home for as long as they are visiting.

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“A significant number of our visitors come from North America and Canada, and many of them base themselves in the capital while exploring the city and the rest of Scotland. What we offer really appeals to that market because of the space we can offer – you’re not going to feel claustrophobic after a couple of days.”

The townhouses are located close to one another on Chester Street and Rothesay Place – both of which are a short walk to the stunning Georgian architecture of the New Town, the historic Old Town and the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare, Princes Street.

The Chester Residence opened its doors in 2006 and very quickly became one of Edinburgh’s top-rated venues. The original apartments were on Chester Street, with the additional townhouses on Rothesay Place following three years later.

Chester Street houses five of the

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Residence’s 23 apartments – four one-bed and one two-bed – and all of these have recently been refurbished.

In Rothesay Place, there are Classic, Grand and Penthouse one-bedroom apartments – the latter being well worth the climb of 100 steps for the simply stunning views over the city and beyond. Rothesay Place also offers a two-bedroom Club and a two-bedroom Mews, which enjoys a private landscaped garden.

There’s a small bar in the Rothesay Place reception, but guests can have a cocktail delivered to their room at any time of the day or night if they prefer to enjoy their own company.

While each apartment has a very well-appointed kitchen, guests can order in breakfast and have it delivered to their room each morning.

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Regardless of the style of apartment guests opt to stay in, they all enjoy the same level of luxury that has become a hallmark of the five-star property. High quality furnishings, Egyptian cotton bedding, tempting toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, kitchens to envy, and state of the art technology all come as standard.

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However, there is one apartment that takes the luxury element to a simply ridiculous level. The Owner’s Residence is the pinnacle of hedonism: bespoke designer furnishings by Louis Vuitton and Armani Casa, a huge jacuzzi big enough for eight people, two 50-inch LCD televisions – and if that wasn’t enough there’s also a private cinema room with a 6ft screen.

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“The Owner’s Residence certainly has the wow factor – I once heard it described as borderline bonkers.

It’s actually one of our most popular apartments, especially those who want to book it for something special like a honeymoon or anniversary,” said Scott.

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The Chester residence is a luxurious and elegant venue but great effort is taken not to come across as being stuffy or exclusive. There is a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and once guests get used to the space, the well-appointed rooms and the setting, then that’s what they remember most about their stay.

“We want them to leave feeling like they have been part of our family and I think that’s why we have so many returning guests who come back to stay with us time and time again,” added Scott.

“Autumn is a great time to visit Edinburgh, and it’s one of my favourite times of the year. Edinburgh is very much a festival city so although the internationally famous festival is over by the end of August, there’s lots of other events to look forward to.

“Some of the city’s most historic and interesting buildings will be providing tours to the public for Doors Open

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Photo by cc Alljenji Edinburgh’s winter festivals are world famous

Day in September. These are often buildings that are not normally open to the public, so it’s a great way to learn about our architectural heritage.

“Our famous Christmas markets start to arrive in late November, but before that Edinburgh will play host to its own version of Oktoberfest in the West Princes Street Gardens. As well as a great selection of traditional

Bavarian beers, there’s lots of music and entertainment.

“Many of our guests really enjoy the ghost walking tours that take place in the evenings, and there’s no better time to enjoy them than Hallowe’en.

The Old Town is very atmospheric and some of our top attractions like Mary King’s Close and the Edinburgh Dungeon put on special events.”

Photo by VisitScotland Edinburgh at night

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Whisky trail highlights intoxicating beauty of the Hebrides

The road to Raasay

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by Scott Aitken

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he island landscapes of Skye, Raasay and Harris are the backdrop to Scotland’s newest whisky adventure, the Hebridean Whisky Trail.

The new trail has been designed with intrepid whisky wanderers in mind, connecting four neighbouring distilleries – the Isle of Raasay, Torabhaig, Talisker and the Isle of Harris – through one spectacular 115-mile route.

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Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, described the project as a fabulous achievement for the four distilleries involved and for the islanders who made it happen. “The trail is a wonderful addition to Hebridean tourism. Newcomers to Scotch Whisky and aficionados alike can enjoy visiting these uniquely island distilleries, each offering something quite different in terms of heritage, location and, of course, Scotch.,� she said.

Photo by VisitScotland Raasay Distillery visitor centre

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“What the distilleries on the trail have been unable to agree on is whose is the best whisky and whose distillery has the most spectacular view – that is now for each visitor to decide.”

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Whisky tourism is increasingly important to Scotland’s economy and rural communities. In 2017, there were 1.9 million visits to Scotch Whisky distilleries from all over the world, spending £61 million in the rural economy.

“I’m sure visitors to our new Hebridean whisky trail will find the combination of beautiful landscapes, a friendly welcome and outstanding whisky a uniquely memorable experience,” added Ms Betts.

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Photo by Richard Elliot /VisitScotland Seilebost beach, Isle of Harris

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Photo by Phillip Thornton Raasay Island

Set amid some of Scotland’s most scenic sea and mountain locations, each distillery has its own distinctive character and atmosphere. From the oldest, Talisker, founded in 1830, to the youngest, Isle of Raasay which began production in 2017, all four have unique stories and approaches to the craft of making whisky.

The new trail can be enjoyed by road or by sea with three Calmac ferry crossings linking the destinations, as well as yacht berthing facilities near to each distillery.

By sea, the trail can be charted clockwise or anti-clockwise around Skye. Intrepid sea-farers can set sail from any of the four distilleries from points north, south, east or west while road travellers can begin their journey either by crossing over the Skye Bridge at Kyle, or start at the trail’s northernmost point on Harris, or its southernmost point, at Torabhaig on Skye’s Sleat peninsula.

Shona Macleod, Guest Services

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Photo by Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland Isle of Skye road bridge

Manager at Isle of Harris Distillery said: ‘In just its second year, The Isle of Harris distillery welcomed over 80,000 guests in 2017 and we are pleased to be contributing to the growth in tourism in the Outer Hebrides. The Hebridean Whisky Trail will provide an impetus for whisky lovers to go that extra mile and visit

the first legal whisky distillery on the Isle of Harris’ The even younger distillery of Raasay is only a short 25-minute ferry journey Sconser on Skye and is located a short stroll from the ferry terminal.

The Isle of Raasay Distillery opened to visitors in January 2018 and has pioneered a new provenance for Scotch Whisky. In just a few short months it has become a welcome new tourist destination for the small Hebridean island.

Having already won plaudits for its unique style of whisky making, unrivalled views and dedication to the local community, the distillery is an addition to a trail that celebrates the distinctive whiskies, landscapes and island heritage of the area.

“The Hebridean Whisky Trail offers an opportunity for visitors to experience the rich culture, provenance and landscape of three of the Scotland’s Hebridean Islands; Harris, Raasay and Skye while visiting four very different Scotch Whisky distilleries,” said Alasdair Day, co-founder of Raasay Distillery.

Wild Raasay

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Raasay Distillery’s guided tours cater for all levels of whisky knowledge, from the curious to the connoisseur.

Photo by Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland A small beach near Luskentyre, Isle of Harris

Tour guides are local islanders who share their unrivalled knowledge of Raasay’s geography, community and whisky mythology.

Visitors can pause their Hebridean odyssey on Raasay by booking to stay in the luxurious distillery accommodation where they can enjoy a few drams in the lounge and then wake up to the magnificent panorama of the Cuillin mountains on Skye.

The journey between the distilleries is a spectacularly beautiful route encompassing many iconic Hebridean sights, from the vertiginous peaks on Skye to the

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white sandy beaches of Harris.

The Hebridean Whisky Trail offers whisky pilgrims and touring visitors another reason to explore the majestic Hebridean islands.

“We are lucky to live and work in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and to make one of the most iconic products in the world, Scotch whisky,” said Diane Farrell, Talisker Distillery Manager.

“We are delighted to work with our fellow distillers to welcome visitors to the Hebrides and to offer them the very best in Scottish hospitality.”

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Public debut for museum treasures

by Paul Watson

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killer whale skull, a silver tea kettle and a unique selection of ~Japanese ceramics are among a variety of rare and fascinating objects in a new display at the National Museum of Scotland.

The skull is from the only resident killer whale pod in the UK while the silver kettle is one of just two known to have been made by Ebenezer Oliphant, one of the most accomplished goldsmiths of the 18th century.

The items form part of an exhibition called ‘New to the National Collection’ which highlights some of National Museums Scotland’s recent acquisitions.

From world cultures and art to natural sciences and Scottish history the selection of artefacts, some of which have never been seen in public before, showcases the breadth of Scotland’s world-class national collections.

This display includes a group of

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Photo by National Museums Scotland Talking clock, Bernhard Hiller 1911

Photo by National Museums Scotland Skull of Lulu the killer whale

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Photo by National Museums Scotland Seifu Yohei V yellow vase

Japanese ceramics made by some of the finest potters of the late 19th century. Five striking pieces from five generations of the Seifū Yohei lineage will be on show, demonstrating craftsmanship in a variety of styles.

Jurōjin by Seifu Yohei I is a stoneware figure representing one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, associated with longevity. Seifū Yohei III became the first ceramicist to be awarded the prestigious title of Imperial Household Artist in 1893, and on display is a late-19th century vase by him, featuring a manganese glaze and Chinese-inspired phoenix.

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Science and technology are represented through some very unusual timepieces. The 1911 talking clock by Bernhard Hiller developed Thomas Edison’s earlier recording methods incorporating tape-based voice technologies into the piece.

The electric regulator clock from 1924 designed by Alexander Steuart of Edinburgh was extremely accurate and used to set the time on other clocks.

silver canteen - which is also on display at the National Museum of Scotland - Oliphant was one of the most accomplished Scottish goldsmith’s of the 18th century.

Also on display is a tea kettle by Ebenezer Oliphant from 1752-3 which is one of only two known to have been made by him. The maker of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s

The free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh runs until 24 February 2019.

The skull and some teeth from a Scottish killer whale known as ‘Lulu’ will also be displayed. Lulu came from the only killer whale pod in the UK and was found dead on Tiree in 2016.

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Antique hunting with Roo Irvine

The added value of an interesting tale

by Roo Irvine

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I adore it when history and antiques come together. A great story behind even the most simple piece of furniture can greatly affect the value.

even deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights. As president of a trade guild which controlled the craft of cabinetmaking in the city Deacon Brodie was automatically a member of the town council.

Back in the 18th century a very prominent duo, consisting of father and son, were regarded as Edinburgh’s leading cabinet-makers.

Brodie and son were extremely reputable and the son William was

In addition to making cabinets part of Brodie’s work was to install or repair locks and other security mechanisms used by the gentry of Edinburgh to protect their homes and valuables.

He was a trusted member of the

George III mahogany serpentine chest of drawers made

by Brodie and Son sold by Lyon and Turnbull for £7,500

community, acquainted with the poet Robert Burns and the painter Henry Raeburn, but he was also living a double life.

Despite having inherited a thriving business and £10,000 from his father in 1782 William, in his search for excitement, ran up massive debts via two mistresses, multiple children and a fondness for gambling.

In a desperate attempt to escape his

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money worries he used his respected position as a craftsman and locksmith to become a housebreaker.

He took impressions of the keys to the homes of his many well-to-do clients so he could return at night to burgle them.

one risk too many. In 1788 Brodie, with three accomplices, attempted an armed raid on an Edinburgh customs’ office. Two of Brodie’s associates were arrested after a third turned King’s evidence in return for a pardon.

Unfortunately the success of his nefarious nighttime activities went to his head and filled the young Brodie with an over inflated sense of confidence which led to him taking

Brodie immediately fled Scotland in the hope of escaping to America but was captured in Holland and brought back to Edinburgh to answer for his crimes.

Chief among the evidence used against him was 25 lock-picks for the very cabinets he had designed and crafted for his clients. Some of these were found on Salisbury Crags up

Painting of the execution of Brodie, by Alexander Hay Ritchie, held by Edinburgh City Council

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on Arthur’s Seat overlooking the city.

Brodie was convicted and hanged on 1 October 1788 in front of 40,000 spectators at The Old Tolbooth on Edinburgh’s High Street.

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My favourite part of this fascinating tale is that Brodie’s tumultuous life is thought to be the inspiration for the infamous Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

What has this got to do with antiques? Fast forward to today and an 18th century Scottish George III

chest of drawers, said to be born of Brodie’s workshop, is valued at around £8,000. At many auctions I have seen Georgian chests of drawers sell for just £30. Many people might wonder why there is such a difference in the values, the answer is simply the quality of the story behind the individual item.

Photo by cc Kim Traynor View of Arthur’s Seat from Edinburgh Castle

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On the beautiful peninsula where I live many of the old Victorian houses are blessed, or cursed - depending on your view, with antique wooden furnishings, commonly referred to in the trade as ‘brown furniture’.

Once the epitome of style these items were once the backbone of

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the antique industry. The Fulham Road in London with its abundance of antique shops was dubbed the ‘brown mile’ back in the 1970s and 1980s when buying a piece of antique wooden furniture was seen as a worthwhile investment until fashions changed.

In recent months there has been much talk in the Antiques World about the downfall of Brown

Photo by cc Daniel Naczk Brodie’s Close in Edinburgh and the Deacon’s House Cafe

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Furniture. Some say you can’t give it away and I have seen that myself.

Auction Houses and dealers have seen a huge drop in prices and a lack of interest as mid 20th century furniture becomes the ‘in-thing’.

However, tastes change and quality usually wins out. If you are surveying the furniture in your own home look

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Photo by cc Lorna M Campbell Deacon Brodie’s Tavern, Edinburgh

at the age. If it’s Victorian it’s most likely ‘too common’. Aside from a few exceptions, like decorative papier mache examples or stylized Art Nouveau/ Arts and Crafts pieces, there is little interest at the moment.

Furniture that is likely to attract the eye of a serious buyer or collector needs more age and craftsmanship.

Georgian and Regency pieces, those made in the 1700’s or early 1800’s, are still relatively available but more sought after. However, if you really want to go big then hunt out some

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17th century or Tudor furniture, that’s still very much in demand.

Currently the American furniture market is very popular. It’s easy for us to scoff at America’s idea of what is antique, especially when our country is so rich in historical pieces, but some of it is much older than you think. Some American pieces date back to the 1600’s and are very collectable indeed.

Brown furniture may not be ‘in’ at the moment but that’s good news for

buyers willing to bide their time. A lot of items are currently undervalued and will undoubtedly make a comeback in the popularity stakes sometime in the future.

Already furniture prices are slowly rising again so if you see something you like don’t be afraid to buy it and enjoy it until the market is stable again. Look for something that is good quality, shows real craftsmanship and if possible has a great story behind it and you won’t go far wrong.

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March of the Lonach Highlanders keeps 177 years of history alive

Heads of the Lochaber axes carried by the Lonach Highlanders

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by Ian Mclaren

T

he sights and sounds of one of Scotland’s most iconic Highland Games filled the Aberdeenshire valley of Strathdon as the annual Lonach Highland Gathering and Games got underway for another year.

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Bellabeg Park, Strathdon hosting the 177th Lonach Highland Gathering and Games

A crowd of around 7,000 descended on the small Aberdeenshire village of Bellabeg to enjoy one of the highlights of north-east Scotland’s summer events calendar.

After morning showers, warm sunshine prevailed throughout the afternoon as the crowd watched a packed programme of over 70 events including Highland Dancing, piping, tug o’ war and light and heavy athletics.

It was the 177th time this iconic Aberdeenshire event had taken place, starting in the usual spectacular style. At 8:00am, as the strains of the pipes and drums of the Lonach Pipe Band pierced the cool morning air, the Lonach Highlanders began their six-mile march through Strathdon.

Dressed in kilts and full Highland regalia, carrying eight-foot long ceremonial pikes and Lochaber axes which sparkled in the sunshine, the 170 men who marched this year formed an impressive sight as they headed westward out of Bellabeg.

Led by Sir James Forbes of Newe, patron of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, their journey enroute to the Highland Games saw them visit six local properties. At each, the health of its owners, the

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Photo by Steven Rennie A competitor in the long jump

society and the local area was toasted with a dram of whisky and the cry ‘Ho Ho Lonach’.

This year, in the Year of Young People, the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society which oversees proceedings, welcomed three new young members into its ranks.

The oldest marcher was 78-yearold marshalling sergeant George Thomson from Strathdon.

At one o’clock the Highlanders marched into Bellabeg Park to officially open the 177th Lonach Gathering. They were greeted with

Lonach Highlanders marching in to the Gathering and Games

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Elaine Wyllie (back centre) and Jennifer Stewart (back 2nd from right) with Lonach Highlanders and Daily Lonach Mile participants

passionate cheers and steady applause from spectators who packed the grandstands and stood five deep in places round the arena. Following on, pulling the traditional ‘cairt’ was Socks, the Lonach horse led by his owner Derek Gray. The well-turned-out nineyear-old Irish Heavy Cob received a rousing welcome and many admiring glances from onlookers.

The day-long celebration of Scottish culture and sporting heritage saw history being made when 45 youngsters took part in the first ever Daily Mile event at a Highland Games. Held in conjunction with Active Schools Aberdeenshire and The Daily Mile, the primary school age children were sent off on their mile round the games arena by Elaine Wyllie, the founder of the children’s health initiative.

Commenting on the day, Elaine said: “The first Daily Lonach Mile was fantastic. Over 40 children, boys and girls, took part. There

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Photo by Steven Rennie Competitors in the ladies race

Photo by Steven Rennie A colourful assembly of runners set off in the hill race

was lots of family support and everyone completed the 15 minutes and really had a great time. What is evident at Lonach is the real sense of community which fits with the community ethos of The Daily Mile.

“The committee showed great vision in having the very first Daily Mile at a Highland Games. So it is an absolute joy to have them onboard through The Daily Lonach Mile. I think they would like to have it as part of the Lonach Gathering going forward.

I do think it is the most famous and best one, so for them to have included it is a real honour for The Daily Mile.”

Keen competition was witnessed across all disciplines at the gathering.

The four-mile hill race attracted a field of 85 runners. Hamish Battle from Craigievar won the men’s race, while the first female home was Stephanie Owen of Larbert and Rowan Currie from Strathdon was the first Lonach Society member to finish.

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Photo by Steven Rennie Competitors in the light athletics events set off in one of their races

Hotly contested as ever was the ladies tug o’ war competition. The Rest of the World team – made up of ladies from throughout the UK and overseas – overpowered the Lonach Ladies team to be crowned victors.

In the heavy events, Scott Rider from Dartford was named the overall heavy event champion for 2018, whilst Lukasz Wenta from East Kilbride retained the Rob Walker Memorial Shield by winning the open caber event.

Photo by Steven Rennie Highland dancers take to the stage

The Lonach Society School of Dancing celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special performance by its pupils. The school was established by Louise Anderson in 2008 to help preserve the traditions of Highland Dancing

and encourage more children in the Strathdon area to compete in the discipline at the Lonach Gathering. Pupils from the dance school once again won all of the Lonach area competitions in the local Highland Dancing section.

Photo by Steven Rennie A young Highland dancer prepares to compete

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Photo by Steven Rennie A Highland dancer in action

In acknowledgement of 40 years of service in the secretary’s office at the Lonach Gathering, Alison Webster from Kildrummy was presented with a gift and bouquet of flowers by the society.

Throughout the day four local pipe bands performed for the crowd, which included visitors from Australia, Austria, Hawaii and New Zealand. Joining Lonach Pipe Band were Ballater and District, Huntly and District and Towie and District.

Jennifer Stewart, secretary and chief executive of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, said: “The Lonach Highland Gathering and Games is one of north-east Scotland’s most iconic summer spectacles and it is always heartening to see a good crowd turning out to support us. It is a major event for the area and continues to attract visitors from around the world. This is a unique Scottish event, amid stunning scenery, and the sunshine has made the day sparkle.

“There is a rich history and heritage at Lonach and encouraging our

Pipers of the Lonach Pipe Band

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Lonach Pipe Band Pipe Major Alastair Laing

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next generation to get involved is extremely important. The length of the march and right round the arena you see youngsters with beaming smiles who are eager to get involved. It is heartening to see.

it receives. From volunteers and visitors, to competitors, sponsors and those with trade stands, they all contribute to making the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games the special event that it is.”

“What is also reassuring is the success that the Lonach Society School of Dancing has had in inspiring local youngsters to compete in the Highland Dancing events. This year, The Daily Lonach Mile has added a new element for youngsters to participate in. We hope it inspires youngsters to get more involved in Highland Games.

Established in 1823, by Sir Charles Forbes, 1st Baronet of Newe and Edinglassie, the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society is a charitable organisation based in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire.

“A huge amount of work goes into making the day happen and the society is grateful for all the support

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The society organises the annual Lonach Gathering at Bellabeg Park, Strathdon, which is held on the fourth Saturday of August. The main attraction at the gathering is the march of the Lonach Highlanders, a unique body of non-military men.

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Photo by Guy Phillips

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A view to a thrill with new guide to top tv locations

Photo by VisitScotland Cruden Bay appeared in The Crown

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by Scott Aitken

A

new guide to famous locations which have starred in some of the world’s most popular television shows aims to attract the attention of small screen fans.

VisitScotland hopes to capitalise on the “set-jetting� phenomenon which attracts thousands of people to the country each year. The TV trail contains details of more than 60 television programmes filmed in Scotland or which have Scottish links.

A free 36-page guide giving directions to top TV destinations has been dedicated to John Logie Baird, the inventor and engineer born in Helensburgh 130 years ago on 13 August 1888. He is universally considered to be one of the fathers of television and the first person to show TV pictures to the world.

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From the milestone documentary, Night Mail, to the Agatha Christie adaptation, Ordeal by Innocence, the guide delves into the animations, documentaries, dramas, sitcoms and soap operas which have been filmed in or inspired by Scotland over the

Photo by VisitScotland Dunure Castle appeared in Outlander

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past 80 years.

In keeping with the ‘TV guide’ format, it also has a selection of film highlights and contains special sections on Outlander, Doctor Who and famous Scottish small-screen

characters, including Scrooge McDuck from DuckTales and Scotty from Star Trek.

Some of the star stunning locations mentioned in the guide include Victoria, starring Jenna Coleman.

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The popular ITV series focuses on the early years of the Queen’s reign, during which time she visited Highland Perthshire on a number of occasions. Filming took place at Blair Castle to tell the story of one of those visits, with two of the estate’s native

Highland ponies used as Victoria and Prince Albert’s own ponies.

Iconic crime series Taggert, fondly remembered for its catchphrase “There’s been a murder”, is the UK’s

longest-running TV crime drama.

Filming took place across Glasgow with the original title card of the show using a panoramic shot taken from the summit of the Cathkin Braes to the south of the city. In later years,

Photo by VisitScotland Glasgow skyline from The Lighthouse – where the opening of Taggart was filmed

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a shot of the city centre was taken from The Lighthouse – Scotland’s national centre for design and architecture – on Mitchell Lane.

Shetland, the detective story which

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takes its title from its archipelago setting, stars Douglas Henshall as Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez. Based on the books by Ann Cleeves, filming took place in various locations around the Isles, including

Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, the Lodberries area and on the Fair Isle, which lies 24 miles from the Shetland mainland.

Downton Abbey, the historical period

Photo by VisitScotland Tobermory, Mull appeared in Balamory

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drama television series created by Julian Fellowes depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants during the post-Edwardian era at their Yorkshire country house. For the

2012 Christmas special, the Crawley family head north to the fictional Duneagle Castle, filmed on location at Inveraray Castle.

Hamish Macbeth, which was loosely

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based on the novels by M. C. Beaton, revolves around Constable Hamish Macbeth played by Robert Carlyle as a local police officer of the fictitious town of Lochdubh on the west coast of Scotland. Filming took

place in the villages of Plockton and Kyle of Lochalsh and the surrounding area.

Two Thousand Acres of Sky was set on the fictional island of Ronansay off the coast of the Isle of Skye. Filming for this TV drama starring Michelle Collins actually took place in the seaside village of Port Logan, just north of the Mull of Galloway – the most southerly point in Scotland.

Photo by VisitScotland Stirling Castle featured in Colditz

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In a specially written foreword to the guide Peter May, author and cocreator of Gaelic soap opera Machair, claims Scotland’s “breath-taking scenery” makes it the “envy of the world”.

“Filmmakers and TV companies from far and wide make the annual pilgrimage to Scotland to fill their viewers’ screens with stunning images of snow-peaked mountains, silver beaches and turquoise

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Photo by VisitScotland Ring of Brodgar, Orkney

seas. Scotland presents a unique landscape and culture for those film and TV companies as settings not only for documentaries, but for toprated timeless dramas,” he said.

TV Set in Scotland, which can be downloaded from www.visitscotland. com/film, aims to capitalise on the growing trend of set-jetting.

Research shows that one in five visitors to Scotland have been inspired to visit the country after seeing locations on the big and small screen.

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“The list of television shows and locations featured in TV Set in Scotland is not exhaustive, but this fun and informative guide, which contains firm fan favourites alongside little-known gems, serves as a starting point for visitors wishing to explore the many on-screen locations and nearby attractions,” said Jenni Steele, Film and Creative Industries Manager at VisitScotland.

“The impact of filmmaking in Scotland goes far beyond production spend. Scotland’s appearances on TV have the potential to reach huge

global audiences and, with research finding that one in five visitors are inspired to visit after seeing it onscreen, the opportunities for the tourism industry are immense.”

The latest figures show that spend on film and TV in Scotland in 2017 reached £95 million – the highest level since records began – and a £26 million increase on the previous year. Over the past decade, spend has increased by more than 300 per cent.

Photo by VisitScotland Luss, Loch Lomond appeared in Take the High Road

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Shuck it and sea

Fresh wild native Scottish oysters

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by Paul Watson

O

ysters so tasty Roman Emperor Julius Cesar described them as the best in the world are to be celebrated in a three day gala showcasing the quality of Scotland’s last remaining wild native oyster fishery.

Once a common find around the coast of Scotland natural wild oysters have been harvested to near extinction and the majority of those sold in restaurants and shops today are larger, commercially farmed oysters.

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Many a seafood aficionado of the delicacy will claim that if you haven’t tried a Loch Ryan oyster then you don’t know what you’ve been missing.

In an attempt to right that wrong the

Stranraer Oyster Festival returns for a second year, after a highly successful inaugural launch in 2017, to honour and promote the world-renowned industry centred on the sea loch in Dumfries and Galloway.

Getting ready for the 2018 Stranraer Oyster Festival

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Celebrity chef Nick Nairn

Celebrity chef Nick Nairn will headline a full programme of events which includes an eclectic line up of attractions combining a local seafood-themed food jamboree with lots of family fun.

The festival takes place from 14th to 16th September and marks the start of the oyster harvesting season.

The weekend will commence with an official landing ceremony complete with oysters being piped ashore, and features live music and a spectacular fireworks display.

Other attractions include oyster tasting classes, informational talks, competitions, cooking demonstrations and a huge makers market packed with locally produced food, drink, arts and crafts. There will also be ghost walks, children’s craft activities and a return of The Big Oyster Bash, hosted on a curling ice rink in a nearby hotel. “Following on from the incredible success of our inaugural festival

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Oysters and champagne on the menu at Stranraer

Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery Harvested wild native oysters

last September, we have all approached this year’s event with a confidence and determination to create something even bigger and better,” said Romano Petrucci, chair of Stranraer Development Trust, the organisation that runs the festival.

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“While the focus of the festival will always be our unique wild, native oysters, this year we are also celebrating the wider bounty of seafood that is caught in our local waters such as smoked salmon, lobster and fish.

“We will have seafood showcased in every demonstration and talk, our celebration marquee will be bursting with a huge variety of street food options and the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championship returns courtesy of Seafood from Scotland.”

The festival has attracted widespread volunteering support from the local community and generous sponsorship from local businesses, keen to support the event that seeks to raise awareness of Stranraer and the surrounding area as a tourism destination.

Gordon Reekie (That’s Yer Dinner) and Andy Cumming (City of Glasgow College) Seafood Scotland prepare for the Shuck Off

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“Stranraer has become a top destination for seafood lovers. The Oyster Festival has very quickly established itself within Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland as an important food festival to promote our wonderful produce and show off picturesque Loch Ryan,” said Councillor Adam Wilson, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s events champion.

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Clan Column Dram good time at MacLeod Parliament

Clan MacLeod visit to Raasay Distillery

G

etting together with family and friends is always a good occasion for a dram or two but this year members of the MacLeod clan were give the chance to go one step further.

Every four years the clan returns to its ancestral home on island of Skye.

Known as a Clan Parliament the first one took place at Dunvegan Castle in 1956 and has been held regularly

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ever since.

In addition to learning about their common history and enjoying a variety of activities, including ceilidhs and workshops, they get to go on excursions to the likes of McCrimmon Pipers’ Cairn at Boreraig and the island of Raasay This year around 150 members of the clan, some from as far away as Tasmania, went to visit the historic

island stronghold of the MacLeods which is now home to the Raasay Distillery to see how the land is faring today.

With a nod to the island’s evolution Raasay Distillery filled a cask for the MacLeods, which had their distinctive Clan tartan painted across one side, which will be ready to be bottled from July 2022 as a Raasay “MacLeod” single cask single malt whisky - just in time for the next Parliament at Dunvegan Castle.

Chief named for Brigadoon 2019

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wale

O

rganisers of Australia’s world famous Bundanoon Highland Gathering have announced the name of their Chieftain of the Day for 2019.

Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales to preside over the day, accompanied by his wife Mrs.Linda Hurley

The New South Wales event which, for one day a year, changes the name of the town to Brigadoon has invited His Excellency General The

The 38th Governor of New South Wales, who started his five year tenure in October 2014, served with the Australian army for 42 years,

Mrs Linda Hurley

concluding his service as the Chief of the Defence Force.

He was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2010 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force and a Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership during Operation SOLACE in Somalia in 1993.

Davidson Clan to gather in Aberdeen they are all considered part of the family.

In previous years the clan has held its annual gathering and AGM in locations as widespread as Northumberland, Aviemore, Stranraer, Kelso and Elgin but this is its first foray to the granite city.

I

Photo by cc Peter Moore / Tulloch Castle / CC BY-SA 2.0 Tulloch Castle traditional seat of Clan Davidson

t’s said there are more people called Davidson in the north-east of Scotland than anywhere else in the world and later this month there will even more.

Members from the Clan Davidson Association from as far afield as New Zealand, Australia and South

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Africa are to meet for the first time in Aberdeen.

Anyone with links to the Davidson clan, and that includes people with names such as Davison, Davie, Davis, Dawson, Dean, Deas, Dey, Dow, Dyson, MacDaid, McKeddie or Slorach, are welcome to attend as

Originating from the central Highlands the clan, whose motto is “Sapienter Si Sincere” meaning “Wisely if Sincerely”, has spread like all the other clans to the far fun corners of the globe.

Traditionally Tulloch Castle in Dingwall, near Inverness is the clan seat. Now a hole it has a Dvidson Room fluff interesting historical information.

This year’s gathering will take place at the Hilton Beach Boulevard Hotel in Aberdeen on September 28-30.

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The healing of honey A short story by Ella Gallego

I

n the 53 years Callum Dunn had been in the apiary business, a family tradition so ingrained in himself as his own name, he had never fallen ill. He claimed his clean bill of health was largely due to the heather honey he put in a glass of warm water three times a day. As the sweet concoction slipped down his throat he even swore it stilled the tremble that claimed his rheumatic hands.

Callum was not the only person to boast about the healing nature of the golden, sticky liquid. Years ago he had read in an inflight magazine about a young Slovenian bee keeper who used the honey for just about anything, from bleeding gums to fertility issues. He had glanced over the article before grunting and placing it back in the seat pocket.

It bothered him that his beautiful family product had been frivolously claimed by new age youth as yet another fad but he also found himself thinking about his wife and their children. Jeanie had religiously drunk the honey water with her husband for the 50 odd years that they had been married and together they had produced five beautiful babies.

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Photo by Gerry McCann

When his children had all left home and Jeanie passed Callum bought a one bed caravan and moved out. He didn’t want to sell the house, it had been in the family for so long and there was too much rubbish inside to move. All of Jeanie’s china, the family photos and his children’s old toys.

Lately he found he disliked the house. There were many reasons but one in particular, of which he was almost certain about, was that it was haunted, not by his late wife’s spirit nor even that of his father’s or grandfather’s but some random entity. He kept catching glimpses of it in the recesses of the room out of the corner of his eye. Sometimes

while he was working with the hives he thought he saw it, like wisps of smoke curling in the air.

Callum had lived in the house since he was a boy and had seen it even then. It didn’t scare him and he had never had any issues with it growing up, nor while he was raising his children or when he and Jeanie lived by themselves. But now?

He told himself it was just easier to live in the caravan as he was continuously moving between the lowlands and northern moors, following the fleeting and fickle warmth of the Scottish summer with his bees. When he was home

Photo by cc Munro1986

he parked the caravan next to his hives, far away from the house. He preferred looking at it like that - when it appeared small and white, pressed up against the rolling hills.

His family worried about him, particularly his youngest child Connie. She visited him often with her own five children in tow. They ran wild across the moors, shrieking and whooping and testing the edges of space now that they were out of Glasgow.

“Dad, I maybe think you need to look into hiring someone to help you,” Connie said suddenly one afternoon. Callum blew on his tea and continued to stare out the caravan window. He recently didn’t like to look at his daughter too long or hard. She had started to resemble his Jeanie so much.

For a few moments he sat silently and continued to gaze out the window as his grandchildren zipped around the heather clad moorlands as busy as his bees.

“I’ll be fine,” he finally responded.

“Your granddad and great-granddad worked on the farm well into their late 70s and early 80s, no problem.”

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Photo by Michael Palmer

Photo by Gerry McCann

“I know that but maybe a little extra help won’t hurt. Granddad had you to help out and he helped out his father,” said Connie.

When Callum didn’t respond Connie sighed and sat back against her chair.

“I have someone who could help.

She’s a young American girl about Grace’s age looking to live abroad.

Grace met her while she was studying abroad in Montana, she also comes from a family of beekeepers,” said Connie, extolling the virtues of her daughter’s friend.

Callum wrinkled his nose at the mention of an American but kept his

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mouth shut. He didn’t want to admit how the work was getting harder, how the damp and cold mornings made his joints ache so much that no amount of honey water would alleviate the pain. He would have to move the bees south soon now that the warmth of the days was getting shorter.

When Connie left he held onto the slip of paper she had slid across the table with the young American girl’s contact information. He had wanted to throw it away but his hands were throbbing. He looked at the paper containing an email address and phone number.

Her name was Caroline, he later

found out during a conversation over the phone, and she said she was from a small town in Montana.

After meeting his granddaughter Grace, who told her all about Scotland during her semester in the states, Caroline decided to give up her apartment lease and move to the UK for a change of pace after graduation.

She was talkative. His ear ached as he held the phone up to his head and mhm’ed and yah’ed through the conversation. She was one of those people who claimed to be Scottish as she recounted him with tales of how her ancestors had migrated to the States way back in the 1700s.

Her last name was McLeod and if

she looked hard enough she could probably find some kilts in storage somewhere.

Callum nodded his head and diverted the conversation, asking how soon she could get there. Caroline laughed on the other end, confessing that she was looking at tickets to Glasgow within the week.

Days later Callum found himself at the airport to pick her up. The traffic made him nervous and he wrung his hands around the steering wheel as he scanned the sidewalk for somebody who would fit his imagination of how Caroline would look. Luckily it was easy for him to spot the American. She was a tall, tan girl who took broad, strong steps like she knew exactly where she was and where she was going. Her entire life’s possessions were stashed away in one large suitcase that she lugged into the back of the car.

“Hey there! You must be Callum!” she said, settling down into the passenger side. The car jostled as she closed the door and she thrust her hand forward. Callum blinked, her voice seemed too large for his small car. He shook her hand after a brief moment of hesitation.

“Erm, aye. I’m Callum. Pleased to meet you Caroline. You ready to go?

It’s a long drive,” he said.

Caroline nodded emphatically, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Oh yes. I can’t wait to see everything.

It’s just so foreign, you know? So strange to see the traffic on the wrong side of the road.”

Callum snorted and she caught herself, laughing. The noise filled the car. “Sorry, not wrong. Opposite!

Opposite!”

It surprised Callum that the drive back from the airport was quiet, peppered here and there with interjections from him pointing out landmarks or Caroline asking a question.

She was pressed against the

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window, her eyes wide as she stared at the countryside. When the glass began to fog as it started to rain she cleared the haziness with her coat sleeve.

“It’s so grey,” she whispered. She said it so softly Callum wondered if she was speaking to herself. He hadn’t realised she was capable of being that quiet.

“Will that be a concern?” he asked, knowing that many Americans couldn’t deal with Scottish weather.

She looked like the kind of person who spent a lot of time outside in the sun.

tomorrow off to readjust that’s fine with me.” He turned off the ignition and listened to the patter of the rain on the car roof.

Caroline shook her head. “No. I’ll get up when you get up, no matter how early. I want to get started.” She opened the car door and, before he could protest as he always kept a spare umbrella in the car for the inevitable rain, she jumped out and stood still to let the drizzle gently hit against her skin as she raised her face to the sky.

“Oh! No, it’s really beautiful. Makes the colours pop. Everything is so green,” she said He grunted and nodded. “Aye. That would be the rain,” he replied.

For a brief moment Callum thought he saw Jeanie standing there, Jeanie before the children. The girl he first met when they were teenagers. She always loved the rain, even though it was never a rarity. She never tired of it. He would often find her perched at the window, silent and still, in the same way cats situate themselves in front of windows intently watching the world outside. Callum used to joke that if ever a person was meant to be somewhere Jeanie was supposed to be in Scotland.

Callum pulled into his driveway, listening to the gravel crunch beneath his tyres. His cheeks and the tips of his ears suddenly felt heated and he cleared his throat.

“She would have liked Caroline,” he thought to himself as he came to his senses. He tried to swallow but there wasn’t enough saliva to wet his dry throat.

“Erm. I set up the house for you. I’ll stay out in the caravan but the house is all yours.”

Callum grabbed the umbrella from the backseat, opened the door and climbed out. “Hen,” he called over the car. “You alright?”

Caroline finally tore herself away from the door to glance over at him. She had large brown eyes, framed in dark short lashes. They reminded him of cow eyes, trusting and dark.

“Oh, Callum, I don’t want to force you from your own home,” she started to say.

“No, no. I prefer it out there,” Callum quickly interjected. “I’ve been living in the caravan for a few years now, since the wife passed.”

“If you’re sure?,” queried Caroline.

Callum considered whether to tell her about the ‘maybe’ ghost but quickly thought otherwise.

“Aye,” he replied, clearing his throat again. “I start my mornings early but I expect jet-lag will mess with your sleep pattern. If you want to take

Carline turned and looked at him.

Her hair was wet and her clothes darkened with rainwater.

“Yeah. It’s just so beautiful. I’ll grab my bag and we can head in.”

Caroline collected her possessions as Callum held the umbrella above their heads and the two of them made their way to the small white house.

The next morning came early. Callum rose before the sun and opened the caravan door. The hives were nestled in the valleys of the dark green swells. Dawn was breaking and as

Photo by cc Foxypar4

the darkness of the night gave way to a soft grey the mist hung low to the ground. The heather, damp with rainwater, was a rich purple, the colour of royalty and ripe plums.

He could see the gentle and softly rounded slopes of the hills through the passing fog, a patchwork of roan and forest green.

The house was still dark and Caroline was nowhere in sight. It was drizzling so Callum unfurled his umbrella and stepped outside.

He wondered if Caroline was still asleep although she had promised to be ready and outside the house at 4:30. He checked his watch, it was 4:36. Callum shifted from foot to foot. Yesterday he had walked her to the entrance of the house and gave her the key. He had refused to walk inside and felt relieved she was too tired to think much of his wariness.

He looked at his watch again, 4:38.

His eyes flittered from window to window searching for a flicker of light or movement. Perhaps if he knocked on the door she would answer. Callum tentatively rapped his knuckles against the wood.

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“Caroline? Are you up?” he asked through the closed door.

“Callum! Yes! I’m so sorry I slept through my first alarm but I’m...”

Behind the wood, her voice faded as he heard the thump of her feet on the floor as she walked from the kitchen into another room. She was still talking but now her words were muffled noise. “...I made some tea!”

The door jerked open and Caroline stood in the cavity with a smile on her face and her hair damp from the shower.

“I have to put on my shoes and then we can get going,” she said. “Come inside from the rain. I have both coffee and tea.” Before he could answer Caroline stomped back into another room talking as she walked through the house. “I’m very excited for today! I think...”

Once again her voice faded as his ears rang. With the door wide open Callum saw the house exactly the way he had left it. All those old books and dusty picture frames.

His children’s, and even his father’s,

heights notched in the wood frame.

Honey on the table. Jean’s favourite window.

Caroline sat in a chair as she laced her boots. “You’re still outside?

Please, it’s so cold out there! I insist you come in for tea.”

Callum collapsed the umbrella and turned his face to the underbelly of the rainclouds. Standing absolutely still the rain collected in the small wells of his face, slipping down his cheeks. He could feel his heartbeat in his fingertips and the echo of its pulsation made his bones ache.

He took a deep drag of air, letting it fill his chest, and then stepped forward over the threshold.

Ella Gallego is an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz where she is studying Literature with a creative writing concentration. She studied at the University of Edinburgh for a year, during which she learned it’s actually called ‘tartan’ and not ‘plaid’.

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Date 4 ur diary

Scotland

1 September Dalmally Show Mart Park, Dalmally, Argyll PA33 1AP Dalmally proudly presents its annual agricultural show, a celebration of our rural community. This is a well-attended show where you can enjoy a variety of attractions, view exceptional exhibits, and sample wonderful Highland produce in a spectacular setting. http://www.dalmally-show.co.uk 1-9 September Perthshire Open Studios Wester Lix, Killin, Perthshire, Fk21 8RD From professional artists and makers opening their workspaces, to art clubs and groups getting together to exhibit, this annual nine day event offers the opportunity to see a huge range of work and meet creators throughout Perthshire and Kinross-Shire. https://www.perthshireopenstudios.com 1-2 September Scottish Championships – Cross Country Series Mountain Biking Series Dunoon This year Dunoon will host the Scottish Cross Country Championships! This is one of our favourite venues, that is so much closer to home than you think! This year the course designers are going to town so expect the unexpected! https://www.sxc.org.uk/glentress 1 September Braemar Gathering Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK While there have been Gatherings of one sort or another at Braemar since the days of King Malcolm Canmore, nine hundred years ago, the Gathering has been run in its present form since 1832.

During much of that time large crowds have come each year to acclaim their Monarch as Chieftain of the Braemar Gathering. https://www.braemargathering.org 1-2 September The Scottish International Airshow Ayr, KA8 9SD Since 2014, The Scottish International Airshow has been bringing the very best in flying displays to Scotland. http://www.tsia.scot 1-9 September Largs Viking Festival

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If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com 30 Main Street, Largs, Ayrshire, KA30 8AB This Annual Festival marks the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and Norse.

Each year the living history Viking Village is open to the public so that they can get a glimpse of what life would have been like in a 13th Century Viking Village. https://largsvikingfestival.org 1 September Carve Carrbridge Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland, UK Top chainsaw carvers both from the UK and around the world, including entries from the USA and Europe, will compete for the magnificent Claymore trophy and prize money. A day of family events including activities, games, stalls and food & drink. https://carvecarrbridge.com 1-2 September Edinburgh Mela Edinburgh, EH6 8HW The Mela is a celebration of world music and dance and we have established ourselves as an essential part of the arts landscape of this city. It is essential that the Mela is in touch with and reflects the diverse cultural groups that make up Edinburgh. http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk 1 September Ben Nevis Race Fort William, Inverness-shire, PH33 9AE In 1895 when William Swan, a Fort William barber, set off on the first recorded timed ascent and descent of Britain’s tallest mountain he could not have envisaged the modern day Ben Nevis Race which now has a field of 600 runners accepting a challenge which is not for the unfit or faint-hearted. http://www.bennevisrace.co.uk 2 September Tour o’ the Borders Peebles, EH45 9HB A cracking ride in the Scottish Borders. Welcome to the Tour O The Borders, a top class, closed road event which takes you through stunning scenery on beautiful Borders roads. http://tourotheborders.com 2 September Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games Essendy Road, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6QU The annual Games, a blend of spectacle and fun, take place on the first Sunday after the first Saturday in September in beautiful Perthshire. http://www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk

5-9 Septembre Linlithgow Folk Festival West Lothian, Scotland, UK Friendly festival featuring live music concerts, a ceilidh, street entertainers and a craft fair. http://www.linlithgowfolk.com 7-9 September Best of the West Festival Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8XE The festival is now arguably Scotland’s finest boutique festival, one where music and food lovers from the world over gather to celebrate the very best in Scottish music, food and drink. http://www.bowfest.co.uk 7 - 9 September 2018 Live@Troon Troon, KA10 6EF https://www.liveattroon.com 8 Septmber Pitlochry Highland Games Ferry Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland, UK The Pitlochry Highland Games were one of the first reestablished in Scotland, in 1852. https://www.pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk 8-9 September Perth Festival of Yarn Glover Street, Perth, Perth and Kinross, PH2 0TH https://perthfestivalofyarn.uk 9 September Farming Yesteryear Vintage Rally Perth, PH2 6BD Vintage tractors, stationary engines, steam engines and agricultural machinery will be on display together with vintage cars, lorries and other vehicles. Working demonstrations of vintage agricultural machinery including ploughing, combining and threshing, plus trade stands and auto jumble. https://scone-palace.co.uk/whats-on/farming-yesteryearvintage-rally 10-16 September Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival Glasgow, Scotland, UK Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival is an annual event celebrating the city’s architecture, culture & heritage through a free programme of open buildings and events.

Join us 10-16th September to explore some of the city’s iconic historic buildings and architectural gems, and to go behind the scenes of theatres, working factories, distilleries and more! http://www.glasgowdoorsopendays.org.uk 11-16 September Nairn Book and Arts Festival Nairn, IV12 4BQ https://nairnfestival.co.uk

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13-16 September Ceol Cholasa Colonsay Isle of Colonsay, PA61 7YW Isle of Colonsay’s Annual Music Festival. http://ceolcholasa.co.uk 14-16 September Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland, UK The Festival is promoted by Jazz Scotland and the Islay Arts Association and is sponsored by Lagavulin. http://www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk 14-23 September The Lammermuir Festival Elizabeth Hamilton Buildings, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 4DA The Lammermuir Festival was born of a conviction that historic architecture and beautiful landscape can be an ideal environment in which to experience great music and music-making. https://www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk 19-22 September Hebrides International Film Festival Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2LD The theme for our annual film festival is Islands, Environments and remote communities.

The festival will run across venues in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra including the award winning An Lanntair Arts Centre with pop up cinemas in Stornoway town centre and in Uist. http://www.hebfilmfestival.org/hebrides-internationalfilm-festival 21-23 September Bloody Scotland Stirling, FK8 2QL Scotland’s international crime writing festival - is shaping up to be ‘a weekend to die for’. https://bloodyscotland.com 21-23 September The Scottish Adventure Travel Film Festival Poolewe, Achnasheen, IV22 2LG The Scottish Adventure Travel Film Festival is a celebration of great adventure travel films in a unique destination at the end of one of the best road journeys in the world, at Inverewe in Wester Ross. http://www.adventuretravelfilmfestival.com/scotlandfestival/ 22-30 September Shetland Wool Week Hay’s Dock, Lerwick, ZE1 0WP Shetland Wool Week is a world renowned celebration of Britain’s most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and the rural farming community on these islands. http://www.shetlandwoolweek.com

22 September - 1 October Wigtown Book Festival County Buildings, Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, DG8 9JH This year we’re having a party - and you’re invited. For 2018, the festival marks the 20th year since Wigtown became Scotland’s National Book Town with our largest and most diverse progamme ever. Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve visited before, we’d love to celebrate with you in the autumn. http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com 23 September World Stone Skimming Championships c/o 9 Easdale Island, by Oban, Argyll, PA34 4TB The tiny Hebridean island of Easdale gears up to host the World Stone Skimming championships. http://www.stoneskimming.com 26-30 September Findhorn Bay Festival Forres, IV36 1NU A spectacular six-day celebration of arts and culture, taking place at the heart of Moray showcasing artists of national and international renown. https://findhornbayarts.com 28-29 September Loopallu Festival The Pier, Ullapool, IV26 2UH On paper they said it wouldn’t work, a festival in late September in a remote village on the West Coast of Scotland 60 miles from the nearest town, but that was ten years ago. 2017 sees a few changes for our friendly, small (but we think perfectly formed) festival enter its enters its thirteenth year. Moving to the Pier in the centre of the village, still expect another year of fun regardless of what the weather has to say about it. Another year making new friends, and catching up with old ones.

Follow us on social media to see who’s going join the ranks that include Paolo Nutini, Mumford and Sons, Twin Atlantic, The Stranglers and Franz Ferdinand who have graced our little stage. You’ll just have to come and see… http://www.loopallu.co.uk 28-30 September Callander Jazz & Blues Festival Callander, Scotland, UK The Callander Jazz and Blues Festival is the largest rural Jazz & Blues festival in Scotland and is firmly established on the UK festival map. First held back in 2006, the festival has grown every year, with this years event featuring over 50 gigs at 15 venues, performing live jazz, blues, soul and boogie over 3 days. http://www.callanderjazz.com 29 September - 19 October 2018 Highland Archaeology Festival Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX The festival is provided by the Highland Council and runs

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over two weeks each October to celebrate the heritage of the Highlands from earliest settlers to modern times, below ground and above. Whether you are a seasoned archaeologist or a complete beginner, the festival will let you explore an amazing range of places and collections. http://www.highlandarchaeologyfestival.org

Australia

8 September Ipswich Piping and Drumming Solo Championships (IPADS) Ipswich, Queensland, Australia Ipswich’s premier solo piping and drumming competition, at an all new venue as part of the Ipswich Fused Arts Festival www.ipswichthistle.com 9 September Armadale Highland Gathering and the Perth Kilt Run Armadale, Western Australia Join us to celebrate all things Scottish at the largest Highland Gathering event held in Western Australia!

You don’t need to be Scottish to take part in this annual tradition, so gather your family and friends to enjoy the visual spectacle of kilts, bagpipes and a medieval fair. https://www.armadale.wa.gov.au/events/highlandgathering-and-perth-kilt-run 15 September Clans on the Coast Celtic Festival Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia We have everything from Scottish Pipe Bands, Celtic band, Variety and Celtic Stalls, Food Stalls, Caber Toss, Tug-Of-War, Celtic Dancers, Highland Dancers, Irish Dancers, Dog Parade, Rusty Harper Irish Folk Band www.clansonthecoast.com.au 22 September Sydney Thistle Pipe Band Centenary Ceilidh & Ball Kensington, New South Wales, Australia http://www.sydneythistle.com 22 September City of Port Adelaide Highland Dancing Championships Enfield, South Australia https://www.facebook.com/events/1099323100122785

Canada

1-2 September Canmore Highland Games Canmore, Alberta, Canada Aiming to foster and encourage Celtic culture and tradition in all its forms – dance, music and sports, and to establish the Canmore Highland Games as an entertainment/cultural destination event. www.canmorehighlandgames.ca

1 September Calgary Highland Games Calgary, Alberta, Canada The Calgary Highland Games is one of the oldest gatherings in North America and will be celebrating 105 years since the first games, held in 1913. Organised by the Calgary United Scottish Games Association, these games have gained the reputation as being one of the most prestigious Highland events in the West. Attracting competitors and spectators from across Western Canada and the USA www.calgaryhighlandgames.org 2 September 27th Annual Tall Ship Cruise Toronto, Ontario, Canada Once again, the crew of the Empire Sandy, Canada’s tallest sailing ship, will be hoisting the sails to get the Scottish Studies Foundation’s annual cruise underway www.scottishstudies.com 6-9 September Quebec City Celtic Festival Quebec City, Canada The biggest francophone Celtic festival in North America www.festivalceltique.com 8-9 September The Beach Celtic Festival Toronto, Ontario, Canada A two-day event nestled in the Beach at Kew Gardens, Toronto’s very own Brigadoon. www.thecelticfestival.com 8 September Trenton Scottish Irish Festival Quinte West, Ontario, Canada The Trenton Scottish Irish Festival (TSIF) this year is going back to our roots! We are back to a one day event promoting and celebrating Celtic culture and heritage. www.trentonscottishirish.com 8-9 September Colchester Highland Games & Gathering Bible Hill, Colchester County, Nova Scotia, Canada In this, our second year, we are bringing a host of new activities and entertainment to our schedule. We will also have indoor facilities if weather is inclement. www.colchesterhighlandgames.com

New Zealand

1 September NZ Solo Drumming Championship Wellington , New Zealand The RNZPBA is delighted to announce the inaugural NZ Solo Drumming Championship to be held at The Drama Theatre, Scots College, Wellington. www.nzpipebands.org.nz

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16 September Shetland Society of Wellington AGM & Anniversary Lunch Wellington, New Zealand We are a group of people with an interest in Shetland – some of us were born there, some have a family connection, and others are just “interested”. One thing we all have in common is an enthusiasm for these unique, far-flung islands, their culture, music and heritage. Through the Society and its activities we can celebrate all things “Shetland” and the New ZealandShetland connection. www.shetlandwellington.org.nz September 28 Encounters in a New Zealand Colonial Settlement Wellington – New Zealand Wellington , New Zealand “It is curious how keenly allied in character are the Scottish Highlander and the Maori” – Encounters in a New Zealand Colonial Settlement Formerly Director of the VUW Stout Centre Irish/Scottish Studies, Brad Patterson will tell of his research into the intriguing story of this relationship. www.wellyscots.wordpress.com

USA

1-2 September Virginia Scottish Games The Plains, Virginia, USA www.vascottishgames.org 1-2 September Capital District Scottish Games Altamont New York, United States www.scotgames.com 6-9 September Long’s Peak Scottish/Irish Highland Festival Estes Park, Colorado, USA The best in Celtic music and a fun-packed few days for all the family www.scotfest.com 7-9 September Estes Park, Colorado, USA International Clan Arthur Chief John MacArthur of That Ilk of Scotland will be attending this event! He will be an Honored Guest of this event. Also Clan Arthur USA will be having their Annual General Membership meeting during this time. Come meet the Chief, enjoy the Scottish games, food, dancing and music all in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. www.facebook.com/groups/2221538694/ 8-9 September Columbus Scottish Festival Columbus, Indiana, USA A weekend of Scottish entertainment, competition,

history and much more… www.scottishfestival.org 8 September The Middle Tennessee Highland Games Nashville Tennessee, United States The Highland Games and Celtic Festival is getting ready for the fouth annual gathering at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday September 8, 2018 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. There will be plenty of music, dancing, exhibitions, games, competitions, as well as food & craft vendors. www.midtenngames.com 14-16 September Prescott Highland Games Prescott, Arizona, USA The Prescott Area Celtic Society is proud to be able to host the Prescott Highland Games & Celtic Faire and welcome all the Celtic Nations to join us in helping to share our heritage with the world. www.prescottareacelticsociety.com 14-16 September ScotFest Tulsa, Oklahoma USA Oklahoma’s Premier Celtic Music Festival and Highland Games, where over 25,000 attendees come to ‘BAGROCK’ their sporrans off to some of the best of Celtic rock and folk music from around the globe. www.okscotfest.com September 14 - 15 Celtic Festival and Highland Games of the Quad Cities Davenport – USA Davenport, IA USA www.celtichighlandgames.org 21-22 September Big Stone Celtic 2018 Big Stoen Gap Virginia, United States A celebration of the traditions of the Celtic Nations - music, song, stories, food, crafts and dance. www.bigstoneceltic.com 21-23 September The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA The Games are a spectacle like no other, set against the scenic Loon Mountain. Don your tartans and enjoy how we transform the Loon Mountain Resort into the impressive mix of sights and sounds of a Scottish Highland Games & Festival www.nhscot.org 22 September 60th Ligonier Highland Games Ligonier, Pennsylvania, USA www.ligonierhighlandgames.org

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28-30 September Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival Bethlehem, PAennsylvania, USA The Celtic Classic Highland Games is an internationally known celebration of all things Celtic promoting the Celtic spirit, history and culture. www.celticfest.org 28-30 September KVMR Celtic Festival Grass Valley California, United States Founded in 1996, the KVMR Celtic Festival includes eleven performance areas including five musical and six demonstration stages and a weekend-long youth arts instruction that has included Celtic music, magic, dance and songwriting. www.kvmrcelticfestival.org 28-29 September St Louis Scottish Games & Festival Chesterfield, Missouri, USA Gather your clan and join us in Chesterfield on Friday for our opening ceremonies, food, drink, the Torchlight Calling of the Clans, and folk and celtic rock concerts.

And then come all day Saturday for all things Scottish. www.stlouis-scottishgames.com 29 September Dixon Scottish Highland Games & Gathering Dixon, California, United States Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish Highland and Irish-step dancing performances, find your Scottish ancestry at the many clan information tents, children’s games, Scotch whisky tasting, rugby tournament, sheepdog trials, Scottish living history displays, Scottish animals, after-games Ceilidh music party and barbecue and a wee bit more! www.scotsindixon.org

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