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Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland's 9 Best Prehistoric Sites to Visit
5 Best Beaches in the Borders
Hidden Scotland 2022 Wall Calendar 2022
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CONTENTS

Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway

A Hidden Scotland Guide

Nestled among the rolling green hills of Scotland’s south-west, Dumfries and Galloway is something of a hidden gem. Away from the bright lights of Glasgow, the history of Edinburgh and the lure of the rustic Hebrides, peace, tranquillity and no shortage of adventure await in this beautiful corner of Scotland. Easily accessible from Edinburgh, Glasgow and the north of England, Dumfries and Galloway offers an alluring blend of nature, chocolate box villages, livelier towns, history and culture, and the great outdoors – plus a destination perfect for food lovers.

Historic

With two of Scotland’s most notable sons having strong links with the area, it’s little surprise that Dumfries and Galloway oozes history. As the homeland of the legendary ‘Outlaw King’, Robert the Bruce, as well as the final resting place of National Bard Robert Burns, the region plays a key role in Scottish heritage.

Dumfries and Galloway can also claim Peter Pan author JM Barrie as a notable former resident, while there are numerous castles and sites for history buffs to enjoy too.

Caerlaverock Castle

Built in the 13th century just south of Dumfries, Caerlaverock Castle paints a stunning picture across the south-west Scotland landscape. Its twin-towered gatehouse and wide moat make it a perfect example of a medieval stronghold and, as a result, also a popular filming location.

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Caerlaverock Castle

Photography by @simonhird

Threave Castle

Overlooking the River Dee and only accessible by boat on its picturesque island, Threave Castle is located just outside of Castle Douglas. The fortress was built in 1369 by Archibald ‘the Grim’ and was later inhabited by Margaret, Lady of Galloway.

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Dunskey Castle

The remains of 12th century tower house, Dunskey Castle, sit just outside of Stranraer overlooking the Irish Sea. Despite being derelict since 1700 – having only had the building work completed 80 years previously – the ruins make for an incredibly picturesque spot perched on the rocky coastline.

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Dunskey Castle

Photography by @simonhird

Cruggleton Castle

Looming over Wigtown Bay, Cruggleton Castle is a fascinating example of an archaeological site which spans many periods in history. Excavations of the site in both the 1970s and 1980s showed Cruggleton Castle was first used in the first century, with evidence of use extending all the way to the 17th century.

Drumlanrig Castle

A trip to Drumlanrig Castle offers far more than just a step back in time. While the stunning 17th century castle is itself a sight to behold, the 90,000-acre estate also provides opportunities for scenic walks, bike rides, mountain biking, fly fishing and game shooting. You can also wander round the castle, built by the Duke of Queensberry, and admire its impressive paintings and tapestries, including the Buccleuch Art Collection.

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Greyfriars Church

The site of the monastery where Robert the Bruce participated in the infamous murder of John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, the Category A listed building can be found in the heart of Dumfries. Although the present Greyfriars Church was rebuilt in 1868, the nearby Friars Vennel pays homage to the original friary.

Girdle Stanes & Loupin Stanes Stone Circle

Found near Eskdalemuir, Girdle Stanes and Loupin Stanes are linked by a line of stones, which are thought to be the remains of an avenue connecting the two sites. Girdle Stanes today had just 26 of the original 40 to 45 stones, with the others washed away by the River Esk, so the circle is now incomplete, while Loupin Stanes has just 12 stones forming an oval shape.

Twelve Apostles stone circle

Located just to the north of Dumfries, the Twelve Apostles stone circle is the largest on mainland Scotland. Not quite a true circle and comprising 11 stones rather than the 12 the name would suggest, it’s an intriguing place to visit and wonder as to its origins.

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TwelveApostlesStoneCircle1

Photography by @simonhird

Dundrennan Abbey

The ruins of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey can be found to the south of Castle Douglas. The Abbey was where Mary Queen of Scots spent her last hours in Scotland back in 1568 following the Battle of Langside and was home to a community of Cistercian monks for more than 400 years.

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Dundrennan Abbey

Photography by @simonhird

Sweetheart Abbey

Found to the south of Dumfries, the Abbey of Dulce Cor – or Sweetheart Abbey as it is better known – was a 13th century Cistercian monastery and remarkably retains much of its original features and structure. A stone effigy of Lady Dervorguilla, who founded the abbey, can still be seen, albeit a 16th century copy of the original destroyed during the Protestant Reformation.

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Orchardton Tower

Dating back to the mid-1400s, Orchardton Tower is a unique sight in Scotland. The unusual free-standing round tower can be found south of Castle Douglas and is such a rare example as it was built by first inhabitant, John Cairns, more than 200 years after the round tower went out of fashion, being replaced by square towers.

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Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn

Two cairns sit atop a hill offering impressive views across Wigtown Bay, where they have been surveying the landscape since 4th millennium BC. The tombs are known as Clyde Cairns, said to be characteristic tombs of this part of Scotland. Cairn Holy II is also believed to be the tomb of mythical Scottish king Galdus.

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Photography by @simonhird

Whithorn Priory

One of Scotland’s earliest Christian sites, many still flock here to follow in the footsteps of the legendary St Ninian. The priory was built in the 1100s and while today not much is left standing, you can still visit St Ninian’s shrine – the route taken by medieval pilgrims.

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Garlieston Mulberry Harbour

Garlieston Mulberry Harbour played an important role in the preparation for the D-Day invasion during World War II, as it was one of three sites used to test prototype harbours to be used in Normandy. Garlieston, while remote, also offered similar tidal conditions to that of Normandy, making it an ideal test site. Today, a monument remains in the form of surviving elements of the prototype harbour, including seven floating pontoons and a stone and concrete plinth.

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The Old Kirk, Parton

Within the grounds of Parton Parish Church, the Old Kirk can be found – the final resting place of James Clerk Maxwell, his wife and parents. Maxwell was a prominent mathematical physicist, famed for developing formulae governing electricity and magnetism. He also developed the idea of the Maxwell distribution in the kinetic theory of gases.

Family Friendly

With so much to see and do around Dumfries and Galloway, the region is ideal for a family getaway. Outdoor spaces, educational days out and child-centred attractions are plentiful, with all ages well catered for.

Dino Park

Found between Dumfries and Gretna, Dino Park at Hetland guarantees kids a roaring time at this adventure wonderland. With soft play for little ones to burn off some energy, velociraptors, triceratops and the notorious t-rex to get up close to, and a Dino Den and Dino Mine to explore, youngsters will be occupied for hours on end.

Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura

Great fun for the whole family, Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura can be found in the heart of Dumfries. Set in an 18th century windmill, the museum itself is packed full of local history for young and old to enjoy, while it also boasts the world’s oldest working Camera Obscura, offering a 360 panorama of the surrounding landscape.

Mabie Farm Park

Located just south of Dumfries, Mabie Farm Park offers a wonderful array of outdoor fun and adventure for all ages. Little ones will enjoy the menagerie of animals, including goats, donkeys, alpacas, rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as the play barn, while older explorers can let loose on trampolines, go karts, quad bikes and a whole range of other activities too.

Dalscone Farm Fun

To the north of Dumfries, Dalscone Farm Fun is a must when on family holidays in Scotland. Kids will love meeting the meerkats, llamas, donkeys and plenty more furry friends. There are also great activities to enjoy, from the indoor soft play with an area dedicated for toddlers, a pedal car circuit, climbing frame, slides and ball cannon, to the outdoor activities including crazy golf, go karts, bumper boats, a play fort and trampolines.

Moat Brae: National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling

Situated along the River Nith in Dumfries, Moat Brae is a fantastic place to take youngsters during family holidays in Dumfries and Galloway. Set within the very house which inspired JM Barrie to write Peter Pan and create Neverland, children can explore the house and gardens and the magic set within.

Photography by @simonhird

Family Friendly

Explore the giant adventure playground that is Dumfries and Galloway. The gorgeous and varied landscapes lend themselves perfectly to outdoor activities, ideal for thrill seekers, hen and stag parties and active families.

Galloway Activity Centre

Located on the banks of the beautiful Loch Ken, Galloway Activity Centre boats a fantastic array of outdoor adventures to get to grips with. On the water, you can have a go at sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding or take on the wobbly water park, while back on dry land there’s laser tag, climbing, archery and mountain biking to set pulses racing.

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New Galloway Scottish Alternative Games

The Lowlands version of the infamous Highland Games, the New Galloway Scottish Alternative Games are held in August and competitors can take part in the Gird n’ Cleek World Championships, archery, tractor pulling or tossing the sheaf.

Food & Drink

Boasting its very own ‘Food Town’, Castle Douglas, and an array of mouth-watering local produce, Dumfries and Galloway is the perfect destination for those seeking some sumptuous morsels to feast on.

Castle Douglas

The 18th century market town is packed (or should we say ‘jam-packed’…) with delicious local produce to sample. With bread and cheese to preserves, fish and meat, there’s plenty to set every foodie’s mouth watering. There is also a fantastic range of restaurants and cafes to work your way around too.

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StreetLightsCafeCastleDouglas2

Photography by @simonhird

Cream o’ Galloway

In close proximity to both Wigtown and Castle Douglas, Cream o’ Galloway is deserving of a sport at the top of any hitlist for family holidays in Dumfries and Galloway. More than just a working dairy farm, it boasts a highly acclaimed ice-cream parlour, with plenty of quirky flavours to sample. We all love chocolate and vanilla, but how about banoffee, gooseberry and elderflower or whisky, honey and oatmeal. Well, there’s only one way to find out! Then you can work off the sweet treats with a round of crazy golf, farmer-led tour, or nature trail walk.

Art and Culture

Culture vultures will find plenty to float their boat throughout Dumfries and Galloway, with the region’s wealth of intriguing museums, monuments and creative juices giving plenty to explore.

Mull of Galloway

Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway is a great place to explore and wander through the Mull of Galloway Experience, where you’ll see the only operational foghorn on mainland Scotland, climb the lighthouse and visit the exhibition on lighthouse history. Beyond the lighthouse itself, the surrounding area is an RSPB Nature Reserve and well worth walking round.
MullofGallowayCoffee&GiftShop1

Photography by @simonhird

Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum

Found just north of Dumfries, the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum makes a fantastic day out for all ages. Boasting numerous wonderful historic aircraft, including the Loch Doon Spitfire from the Battle of Britain, there’s also memorabilia to explore, as well as exhibits on the Home Front, RAF Dumfries and the Bomber War.

Robert Burns Centre

Located in Dumfries, the Robert Burns Centre is an attraction not to be missed when in south-west Scotland. Uncover the background of the National Bard, who spent his last years right here in Dumfries. Contemporary performances of Burns’ most famous work are often taking place, while you can also step back in time to see what Dumfries life was like for Burns during the late 18th century. There’s also plenty for kids to get involved with too, with colouring sheets, word games and a gallery trail.

The Open Book

Located in Wigtown, this charming bookshop and apartment is a treasure trove for literary lovers. Offering staying guests the chance to run their very own bookshop, it’s a really unique holiday experience. Change displays, re-price the books and find creative ways to entice paying customers into the store, The Open Book is a wonderfully quirky way to enjoy Scotland’s National Book Town.
Wigtown-TheOpenBook1

Photography by @simonhird

The Devil’s Porridge Museum

Small but packed with fascinating information and memorabilia dedicated to the largest munitions factory in the world during World War I – HM Factory Gretna. The state-of-the-art museum also delves into stories of the Solway Military Coast during the Second World War and beyond, making an enthralling day out for the whole family.

Photography by @simonhird

The Moffat Ram

In the heart of Moffat stands a bronze effigy of a ram, atop a sandstone fountain, surveying the central market square. The statue was commissioned in 1875 by William Colvin, a local businessman who wanted to present a gift to the town, commemorating its rich association with sheep farming. William Brodie, a widely celebrated Victorian sculptor created the artwork.

Photography by @simonhird

Crawick Multiverse

Found to the north of Dumfries and Galloway, Crawick Multiverse is a land art installation, created by world-renowned landscape artist Charles Jencks to showcase that our universe is just one of many. It opened in 2015 after a three-year development and consists of landforms and sculptures including Comet Walk, Andromeda, the Milky Way, Supercluster of Galaxies, Galactic Collisions, the Multiverse and an amphitheatre.

Big Water of Fleet Viaduct

To the east of Newton Stewart, the disused granite viaduct is a spectacular sight. At 900-foot long and 70-foot high, the single-track viaduct consists of 20 arches and has been out of commission since 1965 when the line closed.

Murray’s Monument

Head just outside of Newton Stewart and you’ll find the impressive, imposing Murray’s Monument – a stone obelisk built in 1835 to commemorate Alexander Murray, a local shepherd boy who became professor of oriental languages at Edinburgh University. A climb to the top will see you rewarded with stunning views across Galloway and beyond.
Murray'sMonument1

Photography by @simonhird

Southerness Lighthouse

An impressive white tower perched on the coast south of Dumfries, Southerness Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland, having been in place since 1749. It was decommissioned in 1936.

Gretna Green

Just north of the England border, Gretna Green is infamous for weddings, with the 1754 Marriage Act meaning couples under the age of 21 could elope without parental consent – something which was banned in both England and Wales. Today, Gretna Green makes the most of its heritage, with the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop boasting shopping, a marriage museum, a sculpture garden, maze and restaurants.

Whisky

No visit to Scotland is complete without a trip to a distillery and sampling of the local produce. And Dumfries and Galloway is no different, with several distilleries dotted throughout the region giving plenty of opportunities to try the various offerings and choose your favourite.

Annandale Distillery

Producers of single malt Scotch whisky, Annandale Distillery can be found on the outskirts of Annan, towards the east of Dumfries and Galloway. Originally established in 1836, the distillery was closed in 1924 but was bought in 2007 and in 2014 the Annandale Visitor Centre opened and the first casks were distilled. Today, visitors can take a tour of the distillery, learn its history and all about its famous Man o’ Words and Man o’ Sword Single Malts.
AnnandaleDistillery3

Bladnoch Distillery & Visitor Centre

On the River Bladnoch, just outside of Wigtown, the Bladnoch Distillery and Visitor Centre is a must visit for any whisky fan. The distillery has been at the heart of the local community for more than 200 years, producing Single Malt. Visitors can take a tour and of course, taste some of the delicious releases from Bladnoch.

Wildlife, Walking and Nature

It’s impossible to spend any time in Dumfries and Galloway without noticing – and revelling in – the region’s spectacular natural landscapes. Emerald-green rolling hills, sweeping beaches and dramatic coastlines can all be found in abundance, not to mention the glorious wildlife which calls this area home. So, take some time to step away from the demands of modern life and relax and unwind in the comforting arms of Dumfries and Galloway.

Bruce’s Stone

Head out on an adventure to explore Bruce’s Stone on the banks of the gorgeous Loch Trool and uncover a piece of history. The stone commemorates Robert the Bruce’s maiden victory over an English army in 1307 during the Scottish War of Independence.
Bruce'sStone&LochTrool4

Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve

As one of the UK’s tallest waterfalls, it’s easy to see why Grey Mare’s Tail is a captivating place to enjoy a bit of time in the great outdoors. Found just outside of Moffat, the nature reserve provides breath-taking views, not just of the plunging falls but also the native ospreys, goats and peregrine falcons. Ranger-led walks are also available.

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GreyMaresTailNatureReserve4

Craigieburn Gardens

The six-acre garden located just outside of Moffat is a beautiful spot to come and relax and brings a touch of the Himalayas to Dumfries and Galloway. Take a gentle stroll around the garden and immerse yourself in the picturesque Himalayan plants, traditional Himalayan shrines and prayer flags. A nursery is also on site where you can purchase many of the plants grown in the garden.

St Ninian’s Cave

Legend has it that this seaside cave, just south of Whithorn, was a retreat for Saint Ninian in the late AD 300s, when he is believed to have been active in Dumfries and Galloway. Excavations of the cave in the 1880s and, more recently, 1950 uncovered medieval stone carvings, which can now be viewed in Whithorn Priory Museum.
St.Ninian'sCaveWalk

Forest of Ae

North of Dumfries, Ae Forest is a National Forest and one of the UK’s largest, meaning it has an abundance of wonderful things to enjoy. Whether it’s a gentle afternoon walk, a riverside picnic or wildlife spotting, or something a little more energetic such as horse riding or tackling the range of mountain bike trails, the Forest of Ae caters for all.

Otter Pool

Found within the spectacular Galloway Forest Park, Otter Pool is one of the most popular attractions in south-west Scotland and it’s easy to see why. Along the route of the 10-mile Raiders’ Road forest drive, the series of shallow pools located where the neighbouring Blackwater of Dee widens out, provide a beautiful and tranquil spot to enjoy a picnic or simply while away some time drinking in the views.

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The Raiders’ Road forest drive

A 10-mile route through the stunning Galloway Forest Park, Raiders’ Road forest drive is a wonderful way to see some of Dumfries and Galloway’s most breath-taking natural sights. The road itself can be a little bumpy but take it steady and it will be well worth it. The route passes the mesmerising Otter Pool, as well as Stroan Loch and the start of Buzzard Trail.

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RaidersRoadForestDrive1

Glenkiln Reservoir

To the west of Dumfries, Glenkiln Reservoir was built in 1934 and is a beautiful spot for a walk, cycle or drive. Here, you can also wander around the Glenkiln Sculptures, a series of artworks put in place by landowner Sir William Keswick in the late 1950s.

The Devil’s Beef Tub

One of the two main sources of the River Annan, the Devil’s Beef Tub is a scenic point just north of Moffat, where four hills come together to create a spectacular 500-foot hollow. The Devil’s Beef Tub gets its name as it is believed to have been used as a place to hide stolen cattle until they could be moved to market between 1300 and 1610.

Criffel

One of the most prominent hills across Dumfries and Galloway, providing stunning views across the surrounding landscape from its summit. It’s so prominent, in fact, that on a clear day it can even be seen from across the border in the Lake District.

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Wood of Cree

The largest ancient wood in southern Scotland, Wood of Cree is located just to the west of Galloway Forest Park, near Newton Stewart. Its spectacular bluebells come alive in spring, while it’s also a wonderful spot for birds, including willow tits, barn owls, tawny owls, warblers and pied flycatchers, plus eight types of bat.

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Merrick

The highest mountain in the Southern Uplands, casting an imposing shadow across the Range of the Awful Hand, Merrick stands at 2,766 feet, making it a must for keen walkers. While there aren’t really any rock climbing routes at Merrick, in the winter there are a few good ice climbing options. Head to Glen Trool car park – near Bruce’s Stone – for the shortest walking route to the summit.

The Southern Upland Way

Britain’s first coast to coast long-distance path, the Southern Upland Way connects Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway to Cockburnspath on Scotland’s east coast, across 214 miles of stunning scenery. Among the most challenging of Scotland’s Great Trails, it has the wonderful benefit of also offering smaller sections of route which is a lot more family-friendly too.

Crichope Linn

Nestled in the middle of Drumlanrig Castle, Morton Castle and Closeburn Castle, Crichope Linn is a real hidden gem in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway. The gorge and waterfall can be found by following a short path through woodland, along which you’ll pass red sandstone walls towering over either side of the gorge. Many inscriptions have been left here over the years – one supposedly even by Robert Burns.

Rhins of Galloway

To the west of Dumfries and Galloway, stretching 25 miles north to south are the Rhins. At the peninsula’s southernmost tip is the Mull of Galloway – the most southerly part of Scotland – while you’ll also find Portpatrick, Glenwhan Gardens and Glenluce Abbey.

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Scotland's 9 best prehistoric sites to visit

Written by Laurie Goodlad

Scotland’s archaeology spans over 7,000 years, and with everything from Neolithic villages, Iron Age brochs, Bronze Age houses and an invasion of Vikings and Norse settlers, you’re sure to find a site to whet your archaeological appetite. Here are a few of the top picks from around the country.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney

With Unesco World Heritage Status, The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is undeniably one of the most incredible trios of archaeological sites in Scotland – if not the world. Made up of the Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones and Maes Howe, these three fascinating sites are all within a stone’s throw of each other and have forced archaeologists to rethink settlement patterns throughout Neolithic Britain.

The Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness are both huge prehistoric stone circles. The Stones of Stenness are believed to be the oldest stone circle in the UK – even older than the famous and iconic Stone Henge – and is made up of four stones up to six metres in height. Originally the circle held 12 stones, although the remainder are no longer standing. The Ring of Brodgar is sure to take your breath away. With 36 massive stones still standing in this impressive stone circle with a surrounding ditch.

Maes Howe is an altogether different structure that stands from the surrounding flat farmland like a great green pimple. So prominent on the landscape, Maes Howe is an impressive Neolithic chambered cairn and passage grave, dating to around 2,800 BC. Maes Howe is the largest and best-preserved example of a chambered cairn in Orkney. One of the most incredible things about Maes Howe is its connection with the winter solstice. For several days around midwinter, the final rays of the day’s sunlight slip through the passage of the cairn, illuminating the darkened back wall and bathing it in soft, winter light

These incredible sites offer a tantalising glimpse into the life of Neolithic settlers some 5,000 years ago, and, although they ask more questions than they answer, they certainly indicate that Orkney was an important centre of the Neolithic world

Callanish Standing Stones, Lewis

Remaining rooted in the Neolithic, the Callanish Standing Stones are another of Scotland’s impressive prehistoric structures. Dominating the area from their hilltop position, it has been suggested that these were associated with astrological observations some 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists still ponder over how these massive stones were moved. One suggestion is that seaweed from the shoreline was used to slide them into position …

Photography by Laurie Goodlad

Mousa Broch, Shetland

Recent winner of the World Cup of Brochs, Mousa Broch on the small uninhabited island off Shetland’s east coast, is the best-preserved and most complete example of a broch from anywhere in the world.

Brochs, unique to the north and west of Scotland, were built during the mid-Iron Age, some 2,000 years ago. Archaeologists still debate what they were used for – were they defensive or offensive? Were they homes for high-status chieftains or large agricultural grain stores? Were they roofed or roofless? – nobody knows, and all we can do is guess at their purpose.

Mousa is nonetheless an impressive sight, standing at over 13 metres tall and dominating the narrow confines of Mousa Sound.

Mousa Broch

Photography by @shetland_by_drone

Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay

The Scottish Crannog Centre is a living history heritage site on the shores of Loch Tay. Sadly, the reconstructed Crannog was lost to fire in 2021, but the centre remains open with lots of hands-on activities for all the family, including fire-starting and cooking demonstrations.

Crannogs were a common feature of Iron Age Scotland. They are roundhouses that were built on artificial islands on inland lochs. Most appear to have been made for one family, and the earliest examples of these dwellings date back some 5,000 years.

The Crannogs found in the Perthshire area were timber-built structures, supported on piles or stilts bedded into the loch bed. In areas where wood supply was limited, rocks were used to form crannogs.

Photography by Laurie Goodlad

Jarlshof, Shetland

A fascinating site encompassing some 5,000 years of human habitation in Shetland, Jarlshof is a complex and awe-inspiring multi-period site at the southernmost tip of Mainland Shetland.

Visitors to the site are guided through each era of human occupation, from the small, individual Neolithic farmstead, through the Iron Age where communities formed and came together under a changing climate, into the Broch era and the later Wheelhouse period. From here, there’s a wholescale change, most visible in the architecture that dramatically departs from the roundhouses of pre-Viking times, with the arrival of Viking and Norse settlers to Scotland’s shores.

Jarlshof offers an almost uninterrupted pattern of habitation and remains one of the best multi- period sites in Europe.

St Kilda World Heritage Site

Okay, so this one involves a bit of effort to get to, but it’s oh so worthwhile! St Kilda will blow your mind and carry away a piece of your heart forever. The weather-beaten archipelago of St Kilda lies some 40 miles from the Outer Hebrides.

As Britain’s most remote point, it feels like the final frontier, a wild and foreboding place that echoes noisily with the sound of hundreds of thousands of seabirds. Until 1930, it was home to a population of resilient islanders who had occupied the islands for some 2,000 years.

Evidence of the lives they carved out on this remote outpost of the British Isles are scattered all over the islands today, from the roofless ruins of homes on the once-bustling Main Street to the lonely cleats that cling to the slopes of Conachair.

Photography by Laurie Goodlad

Skara Brae, Orkney

We’re heading back to Neolithic Orkney and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, which provides a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the first farmers who tilled the earth and set down their roots in the Northern Isles.

Like many throughout Scotland’s islands – including Jarlshof – the site was uncovered by a violent storm in the 19th century. This Unesco World Heritage site, set on the picturesque shores of the Bay of Skaill, includes eight stone-built dwellings dating back 5,000 years.

Kilmartin Glen, Argyll

Situated on the west coast of Scotland, between Lochgilphead and Oban, picturesque Kilmartin Glen has a scattering of prehistoric cairns, standing stones, carved rocks, stone circles, forts and castles. The density of sites historically important sites – mostly Neolithic and Bronze Age – is impressive; 350 ancient monuments are found within a six-mile radius of Kilmartin village (150 of which are prehistoric).

Knap of Howar, Papay, Orkney

Orkney’s northern island of Papa Westray, lovingly known as Papay, is home to northern Europe’s oldest preserved stone house. Set on the small island spanning no more than four miles by one mile and with unrivalled views out to sea, this Neolithic farmstead is incredibly well- preserved and dates back almost 6,000 years to 3,700 BC.

If you’re visiting Papay, you can take the world’s shortest scheduled flight – a journey that will take less than two minutes to complete!

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5 Best Beaches in The Borders

A Hidden Scotland Guide

Bordering the City of Edinburgh, the Lothians and the North of England, the Scottish Borders is home to plenty of beautiful beaches. Though most of the county is landlocked, its location on the edge of the North Sea has a dramatic coastline that’s well worth visiting. These are the five best beaches to visit in the Scottish Borders.

Coldingham Bay

The Beach Guide named it the most popular beach in the Borders – and when you visit, you’ll see why. Coldingham Bay stretches out for just over a kilometre, sitting at the base of Buskin Burn in Coldingham Village. Surrounded by green space, the beach is popular all year round with those who want to soak up the rays, go for a bracing walk along the water or explore the rock pools, which are home to a significant number of hermit crabs.

Its location near the St Abbs & Eyemouth Marine Reserve and the St Abbs Head Nature Reserve mean it’s a great place to spot local wildlife, including cliff-nesting birds and even butterflies in the surrounding grass.

ColdinghamBay

Photography by @simonhird

Eyemouth Beach

A small town in Berwickshire, Eyemouth’s dramatic high cliffs overlook the sandy Eyemouth Beach. The bay is surrounded by black rocks to the west and the famous town harbour to the East and often attracts surfers during the off-season thanks to the consistent surf. This beach can be enjoyed all year round, whether you want to search for crabs, starfish and other marine life or soak up the sun during the warmer months.

Eyemouth Beach is also on the edge of a charming coastal walk. Beginning the nearby village of St Abbs, the pathway follows along the coastline and clifftops, giving you a perfect view over the Borders coastline. It makes for an excellent walk for hikers looking to take in the natural beauty of the area.

EyemouthBeach

Photography by @simonhird

St Abbs Beach

St Abbs is a fishing village and popular tourist destination during the summer months on the Borders – and its central beach is one of the biggest draws of the town.

Particularly popular with scuba divers because of the clear waters and the large variety of marine life found near the shore, the St Abbs Beach – otherwise known as Starney Bay – is great for anyone wanting to walk or explore the many rock pools on the pebbled beachfront.

St Abbs is also quite the hotspot with celebrities – musician Harry Styles filmed the music video for his song ‘Adore You’ on the North cliffside of the village. The area was also featured as ‘New Asgard’ in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Upon entering the village, you’ll find a welcome sign that – since the release of the film – has been changed to say ‘Twinned with New Asgard’.

Photography by @simonhird

Pease Bay

With the Pease Bay Leisure Park stretching just beyond the beach, Pease Bay is a popular waterside spot with visitors to the Borders. A tranquil space on the Berwickshire Coast, the beach offers panoramic views of the North Sea, as well as the surrounding cliffside that shelters the bay. The area is also very popular with surfers, who can hit the excellent waves throughout the peak and off-season, as well as walkers looking to explore the coastal paths that connect the towns along the coast.

Pease Bay is also a stop on the east coast section of the mammoth 212-mile-long distance Southern Uplands Way Walk, which stretches from coast to coast across Scotland. If you’re undertaking this feat of long-distance walking – make sure to take a well-deserved break on this beautiful stretch of beach.

Burnmouth Beach

Sitting alongside a working harbour, Burnmouth Beach is one of the focal points of the town of Burnmouth, the most Southerly point on Scotland’s Eastern coast. Drive over the border from England and Burnmouth is the first Scottish town you’ll meet.

The harbour, which has been functioning since the 1800s, is home to plenty of rock formations and a dramatic cliffside. However, this is a beach without sand, so it’s not that great for sunbathing! The beach is very popular with walkers as the coastal walk beginning in Berwick passes through the town of Burnmouth.

If you’re an ornithophile, Burnmouth is also worth a visit thanks to its dense variety of sea-birds.

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Hidden Scotland 2022 Wall Calendar
2022

Hidden Scotland Magazine Issue 3 – Pre-order Now

Brand new to 2022, Hidden Scotland is delighted to be offering it’s first wall calendar for you to enjoy throughout the year, or gift to someone who you think needs a piece of Scotland in their home/space. Christmas gift wrapping is also available, where you can also add a gift message.

Each month let us transport you to a different stunning location in Scotland, through the captivating photography within. A full image to be enjoyed on each page, with the choice to use as a print afterwards. 

A full page for each calendar month, with a square for each day to write in, as well as a notes section at the bottom for any additional information you need to jot down for that month.

Details
Size: A4 (210mm × 297mm) / (8.27 × 11.69 inches)
Front cover: 400gsm Thick Matte Card Stock.
Inside Pages: 250gsm Thick Matte Card Stock.
Ring bound – Black wire.

Destinations
January – Megget Reservoir, Scottish Borders by Fran Mart
February – Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney by Rachel Eunson
March – Fair Isle, Shetland by Kev Morgans
April – The Vennel Steps, Edinburgh by Shawna Law
May – Dhiseig, Isle of Mull by Fran Mart
June – Achmelvich Beach, Sutherland by Simon Hird
July – The Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct by Daryl S Walker 
August – Plockton, Wester Ross by Justin Nugent
September -Glas-allt-Shiel, Loch Muick, Aberdeenshire by Martin Bennie
October – The Quiraing, Isle of Skye by Chris Houston
November – Castle Stalker, Argyll by Simon Hird
December – Glencoe, Lochaber by Emilie Ristevski

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Doom & Gloom at Castle Campbell

Written by Greame Johncock

In the 15th Century, the Earl of Argyll requested special permission from King James IV to change the name of this tower to Castle Campbell. Up until then, the stronghold perched above the Burn of Care and the Burn of Sorrow went by the equally melancholy name of Castle Gloom.

The word Gloom probably came from the word for gorge rather than the atmosphere that lurks here. However, locals would tell a different story. A tragedy that would explain all these evocative descriptions.

Over a thousand years ago, the daughter of a Pictish King was held prisoner in an ancient fort near where Castle Campbell now stands. She had fallen in love with a man far below her station and as was often the case, her father didn’t approve. The princess refused to follow orders to abandon her love, so she was kept here under lock and key.

The girl was allowed to wander the glen under strict supervision, but the sound of her weeping echoed around the hills. She would often drink from a small pool of water, a little way up into the hills behind the present castle. Hundreds of years later, that pool had become known as the Maiden Well and was rumoured to be haunted by the spirit of the princess.

She would only appear at night and was so beautiful that those who laid eyes on her were immediately entranced. Many even attempted to carry the apparition home to keep for themselves but the princess would not be imprisoned for a second time. All who tried were struck down where they stood.

Castle Campbell

Photograph by @a.mackenzie_photography

When Castle Campbell was inhabited by a chief of the McCallums, there was a grand feast for his son’s 21st birthday. Edwin was handsome, brave and already an accomplished warrior. He was his father’s pride and joy but thought far too much of himself. As the night wore on, stories and legends were shared amongst the group and inevitably turned to the captivating ghost and her many victims.

A drunken Edwin declared that he would be the one to win over this maiden. The young man believed that nobody, not even a long dead Pictish Princess could resist his charms. He stumbled out into the darkness, making his way up the hill towards the Maiden Well.

Standing before the pool of water, Edwin called out to the spirit twice with no reply. He was starting to think all the stories were just superstitious nonsense but gave it one more go. On the third attempt, the spirit appeared before him. She was more beautiful that Edwin ever could have imagined and the foolish young man was lost for words.

There was no happiness in the girl’s eyes though, only anger and pain. As she stared at Edwin, he felt an icy chill spread through him. He panicked and tried to reach for his sword but couldn’t move a muscle. Slowly, the spirit placed one hand on his shoulder and Edwin collapsed face forward into the water, sinking to his doom.

Written by Graeme Johncock

Graeme is the writer and storyteller behind Scotland’s Stories, sharing the traditional folklore and legends that make Scotland truly incredible.

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Sandyhills Beach

Taken by Simon Hird

There is excellent walking everywhere, but one of the finest hikes in the region is Sandyhills to Kippford along the Solway coast, which is often called the “Scottish Riviera”. It takes in sandy beaches strewn with shells, castle ruins, the site of an Iron Age fort and the grave of smuggler Joseph Nelson, whose body washed up in 1761.
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Hidden Scotland Magazine Subscription

Hidden Scotland Magazine Issue 3 – Pre-order Now

Subscription to future Hidden Scotland Magazines Automatically receive every new issue.

You will receive every future issue as soon as it’s released (there are two per year). Today you will pay for the next issue (Issue 4 Spring/Summer 2020) and then going forward you will be charged one month before subsequent issues, so you never miss a copy.

Hidden Scotland magazine is a bi-annual printed magazine, which comes out twice a year; Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter, and we have just launched a standard subscription service for your convenience, to ensure you never miss a copy. As part of the subscription, you will also be able to gain access to Hidden Scotland’s exclusive content online. We have collaborated with travel writers and creative storytellers in order to bring you articles and features that won’t be shared anywhere else. To give you a taster; you will have access to slow travel guides as well as articles from previous issues of the magazine. This will be updated regularly so you will see fresh content popping up throughout the year.

All of this will be accessed through your own account, where you can also login to update any details, such as view orders you have placed, change your details; e.g updating your delivery address, and if you would like to, you can also cancel your account from here too.

HOW IT WORKS

Simply add a subscription to your checkout, this will cost £15.00 + delivery, which is payment upfront for the next issue; so in this case, you will be paying for Issue 04 // SPRING/SUMMER 2022. If you wish to include our current issue, Issue 4, then you can also add this from the checkout.

This will set you up with your own account, and you can start accessing the exclusive online content right away. Your Standard subscription will then auto-renew until you cancel, which means that every issue of Hidden Scotland magazine will be sent out to you as soon as it is available.

Each issue is £15.00 + delivery, and you will be charged automatically about one month prior to release. Make sure you keep your shipping and payment details up-to-date, so we can keep sending you the magazine.

Subscribe now

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