Some of our favourite Scottish places:
Islay.
We like Islay because it’s a proper working island and not a Hebridean fantasy. It’s got real distilleries and beautiful beaches. It’s noted for golf and it has plenty of wildlife to view, plus lots of clan heritage, notably on the theme of Clan Donald (part of Johanna’s ancestral heritage), the Lords of the Isles. Good ferry links, plus direct flights from Glasgow. Our range of whisky soaps and other whisky-based skin care comes from here.Bits of Perthshire.
If it was a person, then it would probably wear expensive wellingtons and not be very good at parking the 4 x4. But as well as the cosy look, it can be pretty rugged as well. It’s scenically adventurous without being too far from a delicatessen. Yeah, we live here, I know, I know…..plus Claire at Barony Handcrafted Soaps based in Madderty makes great soaps too!Shetland.
Imagine, all that Viking heritage, amazing seascapes, distinctive culture and Aly Bain too – and you can’t even see it from mainland Scotland as it’s below the horizon. Daring to be different, you can’t blame them sometimes for wondering what the rest of Scotland is for.The Moray coast.
While the rest of Moray deals with its identity crisis – is it really a bit of the Highlands or not? – the Moray coast confidently offers some of the finest beaches in Scotland. That’s why we like it.The North-West, when it’s dry.
It’s the weird shapes on the horizon that do it for us. Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, Cul Mor and those other mini-mountains. A wonderful atmosphere, except when it penetrates the waterproofs. (This is the only instance you’ll ever find of us reinforcing that rainy Scotland stereotype.)Towns
Cromarty, St Andrews, Nairn and Dornoch on the coast, and Kelso, Newton Stewart, Aberfeldy and Huntly inland. (And Forres as well.) They all still have little shops and something authentic about them. Kirkcudbright, Blairgowrie, Lochgilphead and Kirriemuir should also be here. (Remember, we’re prepared to put up with a few boarded-up shops – it’s the times we live in.)For lots more information on Scotland see our feedback website www.extramilescotland.co.uk
