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

Scotland Magazine

Editor’s letter

CLAN COURIER • Communities pulling together, Tartan Army success and a stately sale

CONNERY HONOURED

SECRET SHETLAND

STATELY HOME FOR SALE

GIFT CARDS DRIVE SCOTTISH RECOVERY

A GAME OF TWO HALVES

COMMUNITY CHEER FOR BEER

JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Notes from the Isles • Each issue, our friend on the Black Isle, Kate Francis, fills us in on her life in rural Scotland – this issue she outlines how she’s coped during the pandemic…

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

POTTER ABOUT PERTHSHIRE • Best associated with the Lake District, it was long childhood summers in Perthshire that first inspired Beatrix Potter’s beloved animal stories

MULL’S GUARD • Duart Castle is the seat of Clan Maclean, whose story is one of great antiquity, power, acquisition, loss, determination and rescue

LIQUID GOLD • Our Master of Malt ponders how whisky has been used as a political football for successive governments

WOVEN into the FABRIC • Made only in the Outer Hebrides, Harris Tweed is a textile that calls to mind its location and is still produced using age-old techniques

GOTHIC GLAMOUR • This flamboyant and theatrical hotel is quite unlike anywhere you have stayed before

A LIFE IN FILM • We reflect on the Bond actor’s career, following his death, aged 90, on 31 October 2020

THE NAME’S GLENBUCKET, SEAN GLENBUCKET • In memory of the late actor, we trace Sir Sean Connery’s Scottish and Irish ancestry

SCOTLAND’S ‘UNCROWNED’ KING, JAMES I • Kidnapped by pirates and held captive for 18 years, when James I was finally crowned King of Scots in 1424, he became a ruler unlike any of his predecessors

FESTIVAL THROWBACK • As the pandemic pushes Glasgow’s mid-winter Celtic music festival online, our writer relays his visit in 2020, to give a taste of what you can expect from next year’s event

PEACE AND APPIN-ESS • The tranquil setting of this secret shoreside haven is at odds with the historic unrest in the region

Shepherd’s DELIGHT • What began centuries ago as a practical and necessary means to sort stray sheep is now a red-letter date on the calendar for Scottish Borders farmers and visitors alike

THE BIRTH OF NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR • In this extract from the novel Barnhill, the author sets forth his theory as to why George Orwell came to the island of Jura to complete his seminal work – to escape the clutches of Stalinist surveillance

VILLAIN or SCAPEGOAT? • Forever known for his part in the Glencoe Massacre, Captain Thomas Drummond also played a lead role in the failed Darién scheme

THE TALENTED LUTHIER • With his love of nature and creative craftmanship, Steve Burnett turns dead trees and driftwood into beautiful instruments inspired by some of Scotland’s literary greats

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY • With the events industry starting to wake up from its slumber, here are some of the best gatherings, both in-person and virtual, coming up

THE LIBRARY • Inspiring adventures, a celebration of Scottish wit and humour, and a family memoir discovered in the most unlikely of places