Posts by Morag Bootland
Nick Gardner’s Munro challenge of a lifetime
Morag Bootland speaks to the remarkable Nick Gardner about his mountaineering challenge. I’VE heard some incredible tales of adventure, tragedy, and love in my years as a journalist. But few have touched me as deeply as Nick Gardner’s real life love story. Nick is now 82, and has spent the last two years of his…
Read MoreREVIEW: Island Hopping Adventures
Morag Bootland finds a family camping and island hopping adventure in the Outer Hebrides has something for everyone. PLANNING a family holiday can be tricky. The about-to-be-teen wants to lie on the beach in the sun eating ice cream, the all-action boy wants to camp somewhere he has lots of space to run around, Dad…
Read MoreREVIEW: Eòrna restaurant pop-up triumph
Morag Bootland visits a pop-up by Eòrna restaurant in Edinburgh. AS HUMANS, it’s in our nature to want to be the first to do things. For some it’s scaling a mountain the hard way, or rowing single-handedly around the world. But for me there’s nothing better than being one of the first to try out…
Read MoreIsland Dark Rum from Barra
Morag Bootland takes a look at the new rum from Barra. ISLE of Barra Distillers is delighted to announce the launch of its very first Island Dark Rum. If you’re planning a trip to the Outer Hebrides this summer, or if you fancy a taste of the islands at home then you’ll be pleased to…
Read MorePREVIEW: Join the supper club at Eòrna
Morag Bootland previews a new pop-up restaurant from two of Scotland’s culinary and wine stars. Eòrna – a new Edinburgh restaurant from two of Scotland’s brightest hospitality stars, chef Brian Grigor and sommelier Glen Montgomery – is set to open. The two have a wealth of experience gathered from some of Scotland’s finest restaurants, including…
Read MoreAnyone for Gin and Tennis?
Made to commemorate Eden Mill St Andrews’ partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), their new Wildcard Gin embodies the spirit of British Tennis. The gin, infused with locally sourced strawberries and raspberries, is the perfect base for any summer refreshment. The climate conscious brand has packaged Wildcard Gin in a lightweight crystal cut bottle…
Read MoreSay ahoy to luxury at Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant
Edinburgh’s Fingal has just been crowned one of the UK’s most romantic hotels. TripAdvisor users voted Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel into the top 25 most romantic places in the country to stay. So, when I was invited along to have dinner in the beautiful Lighthouse Restaurant onboard the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender ship,…
Read MoreLifelong country wear from Barbour
Barbour jackets are as much part of life in the countryside as Land Rovers and Tweed and when I discovered that the business was founded by a Scot it immediately piqued my interest. A childhood spent tearing around the Borders on horse-back meant that a Barbour jacket was my usual weekend uniform. The smell of…
Read MoreEnjoy a feast of Scotland at Cannonball
When the invitation to visit Contini Cannonball Restaurant to sample the new Feast of Scotland tasting menu came into the office there was a moment of tension. I read the words Peterhead plaice, Shetland mussels, Highland red deer, North Sea monkfish and cheese and honey from the Borders and was sold. To be honest they…
Read MoreLiving a wild life
Here in Scotland, and probably in our neighbouring countries, we can be guilty of dreaming of summer. And I’ll hold my hands up and say mea culpa when it comes to this attitude. Hibernation can be a tempting prospect when the outdoors is chilly, but let’s face it our weather can change at the drop…
Read More