Scotland
The forgotten past of Scotland’s secret gardens
This summer’s dry weather has revealed the forgotten past of hidden and long-lost gardens across the country. The Oxford English Dictionary describes a garden as ‘an enclosed piece of ground devoted to the cultivation of flowers, fruit or vegetables’. And to all intents and purposes that is exactly what it is, but it still seems…
Read MoreOur 2018 Whisky Challenge winners are revealed
Scottish Field has announced the winners of our Whisky Challenge 2018. Held at the Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh today, the awards were the culmination of another 12 months of Scottish Field’s enduring commitment to the whisky industry. The winners are – Under £50: gold, The GlenDronach Original Aged 12 Years, Brown – Forman; silver, Benromach…
Read MoreBattle royal – the story of the Battle of Culloden
In 1746, the last land battle fought on the mainland of the United Kingdom ended the Jacobite ‘Forty-Five’ rising. It also terminated both the military and the political cause of the exiled Stuarts and, as in all civil wars, was followed by merciless retribution from the victors. The political background was simple; the Stuarts wanted…
Read MoreThere’s a new name for an old Macallan favourite
The Macallan Fine Oak has been given a new name, to reflect its triple cask maturation. The range will now be known as The Macallan Triple Cask Matured, and are a series of single malt whiskies crafted in a triple cask combination of European and American sherry seasoned oak casks and American ex-bourbon oak casks.…
Read MoreWill millenials ever be able to retire?
If the dream of home ownership seems beyond most young people these days, then retirement must appear an impossibility. Not only does the official state pension age keep rising, but research from the Resolution Foundation earlier this year suggested that around one-third of the internet generation will still be renting into retirement. Is there any…
Read MoreNature-depleted Scotland needs new era of rewilding
A sticking plaster approach to conservation is failing Scotland’s wildlife – and species such as red squirrel, wild cat and capercaillie are declining or on the edge of extinction. The only thing that can help save them all is a new era of massive rewilding is needed, according to a landmark new book from Trees…
Read MorePheasant is so pleasant with this delicious recipe
Sourcing food from his own back doorstep is something that Kinloch House chef Steve McCallum is keen to do. The hotel is based near Blairgowrie in Perthshire, which Steve has called: the ‘best larder around’. Steve is often called on to prepare locally shot woodcock and partridge by the many shooting parties that take over…
Read MoreScotland’s rural communities urged to attend event
Organisers of the 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament have urged community groups, organisations and activists to make sure their voice is heard by attending this year’s ‘critically important’ event. Convening in three weeks’ time in Stranraer, organisers say there has never been a more important time for rural Scotland to speak up. The full programme has…
Read More58-year-old whisky in 222 bottles – at £1700 each
A 58-year-old Scotch grain whisky has been given its first-ever commercial bottling. The North British Distillery, which was incorporated on this very day, October 24 1885, has joined forces with Scotch Whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co to release a remarkable one-off 58-year-old limited edition of only 222 bottles, distilled in July 1960. This is…
Read MoreThe Machrie Hotel and Golf Links – just unique
Whether you’re just looking to explore the stunning island of Islay, home to some of the world’s finest whiskies, birdlife, seafood and dramatic coastal seascapes, or you’re taking on the challenge of the championship links golf course, The Machrie will be the perfect place to start your stay. An 18th century converted farmhouse, The Machrie…
Read More