The Highland Post is a collection of editorials, articles and posts created by the bloggers we host. If you’d like to see your work here, simply join our site and look for the POST icon in your membership dashboard.
Buchanan Bespoke stands as a paragon of Scottish craftsmanship, rooted deeply in the proud heritage of traditional shoemaking. Their website offers a seamless gateway into the world of custom Scottish footwear, providing an exceptional showcase of both their historical legacy and the bespoke products they offer. Established in 1925 and operating near the historic River Clyde in Glasgow, Buchanan Bespoke carries forward a nearly century-old tradition of shoemaking excellence.
The website itself is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and heritage. It features a rich tapestry of information that highlights the meticulous care and artisanal skills involved in...
Folklore Scotland is an enchanting portal to the mystical and mysterious aspects of Scottish culture, making it a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by legends, myths, and age-old tales. This website is beautifully crafted, inviting visitors to delve deep into the rich tapestry of Scotland's folklore history. The design is user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and well-organized, making navigation a breeze and the journey through its content both engaging and educational.
The content on Folklore Scotland is robust and well-researched, offering an extensive array of stories that cover a wide range of topics from eerie tales of supernatural beings to the storied...
In the digital age, access to scholarly information is crucial for the advancement of knowledge and innovation. The Edinburgh Research Archive (ERA), hosted by the University of Edinburgh, stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and accessibility, making it a worthy feature for the Best of Scotland websites.
ERA is an online repository that houses a wealth of research outputs from the University of Edinburgh's vibrant academic community. The archive includes theses, papers, articles, and datasets produced by students and faculty members across various disciplines. What sets ERA apart is its commitment to open access, ensuring that anyone around...
Flowers Grown in Scotland is an exemplary website dedicated to showcasing the richness of Scotland's floriculture directly from the fields of local growers. The site stands out for its commitment to promoting sustainable practices and supporting the local flower industry. Its user-friendly interface allows visitors to easily navigate through a comprehensive directory of flower growers across Scotland, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in authentic Scottish botanical products.
What sets this website apart is its focus on community and environmental sustainability. Each listed grower provides a unique insight into the cultivation processes, emphasizing organic and eco-friendly farming techniques....
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Scottish Culture at the Scottish Yarn Festival
In the heart of Perthshire, the Scottish Yarn Festival, previously known as the Perth Festival of Yarn, has woven a vibrant thread through the fabric of Scotland's cultural scene since its establishment in 2016. As Scotland’s largest and longest continuously running contemporary yarn and fibre festival, this event has become a beacon for fibre craft enthusiasts from around the globe. You can visit its website here.
A Celebration of Scottish Wool and Craftsmanship
The festival is a dynamic celebration that brings together independent yarn dyers, producers of single-origin wool, and...
If you're keen on delving into the dynamic world of Scottish theatre or simply looking for a cultural deep dive from the comfort of your home, the Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA) located at www.drama.scot is your go-to digital destination. This community has actually existed since 1926, long before the internet. Its beautifully designed website is not just a portal; it's a gateway to Scotland's vibrant performing arts scene, packed with features that celebrate and support the theatrical craft across the country.
Why Visit Drama.scot?
Comprehensive Coverage: Drama.scot stands out by offering an extensive look at all things related to...
In the fascinating world of rail network mapping, Andrew Smithers' Project Mapping stands out as a rich repository and a critical platform that redefines how we perceive and engage with transportation maps. His website, Project Mapping, not only showcases innovative rail maps but also serves as a vibrant forum for discussions on map-making.
He has a page dedicated to Scotland here.
Andrew Smithers, inspired by the iconic London tube map during his youth, developed Project Mapping out of his graphic design consultancy. The site is a deep dive into the intricacies of designing maps that are both functional and reflective of...
Language is not just a means of communication but a tapestry woven with the history and folklore of the people. Each term here, from the mundane to the mystical, carries the whisper of tales told by the fireside and legends passed down through generations.
Compiled to aid readers in understanding the language found in Scottish fairy tales, this glossary serves as a bridge to the rich oral traditions that continue to captivate and enchant. As we explore these words, we not only learn their meanings—like "bairn" for child and "eldritch" for weird—but also open a door to the fairy-tale landscape...
In his seminal work, "A Critical Inquiry into the Scottish Language," Francisque-Michel embarks on a scholarly exploration of the intricate tapestry that is the Scottish vernacular. Published in 1882, this inquiry delves deep into the linguistic threads that weave together to form what is distinctly recognized as the Scottish language, distinct yet parallel to its English counterpart. Michel challenges the prevailing notions of his time, particularly those posited by John Sinclair, who asserted minimal differences between English and Scottish, suggesting instead a landscape rich with unique idioms and words untraceable to English origins.
Michel's analysis moves beyond simple linguistic comparison...
"Clan Bruce" by T. Innes presents a historical exploration into one of Scotland's most illustrious and legendary families—the Bruces. Originating from the Norman De Bruis family, who arrived in England with William the Conqueror in 1066, the Bruce lineage has been integral to the narrative of both English and Scottish history. This scholarly piece traces the family's roots from its early establishment in Yorkshire to its pivotal role in the Scottish independence movements led by none other than Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland's most revered patriot monarchs.
Clan Bruce
Our Patriot monarch, King Robert the Bruce, belonged to the Norman...
"History of the Plague in Scotland," authored by L.A. Barbe in 1919, offers a meticulous account of one of the most devastating events in Scottish history—the plague. This comprehensive study provides an unedited glimpse into the terror that gripped Scotland from the mid-fourteenth century onwards, profoundly shaping the social and economic landscape of the nation.
In the original print, replete with historical spellings and formats, Barbe chronicles the initial absence of the plague in Scotland, attributed to the region’s temperate habits and salubrious climate. However, the narrative darkens with the arrival of the Black Death in 1349, marking the beginning...
"The Old Scottish Wine Trade," authored by L.A. Barbe in 1919, offers a meticulous exploration of Scotland's historical involvement in the importation and regulation of wine, a significant commodity in medieval Scottish trade. This scholarly work delves into legislative acts, historical records, and economic practices surrounding the wine trade from as early as the twelfth century, revealing the depth and complexity of Scotland's commercial and cultural ties with continental Europe.
Unedited from its original print, the text preserves the historical integrity and linguistic style of its period, providing readers with an authentic glimpse into the legislative and societal norms that...
In "The Old Scottish Fisheries," L.A. Barbe provides a detailed historical account of Scotland's rich and abundant fishing heritage, as documented from medieval times through the perspectives of early chroniclers like John of Fordun and Andrew Wyntoun. This work, which remains in its original unedited print, delves into the diverse and plentiful marine and freshwater resources that have historically surrounded Scotland, offering insights into the societal and economic impacts of these natural endowments.
Barbe begins with descriptions from ancient texts, highlighting the natural abundance of fish in Scotland’s rivers, lochs, and seas, which served as a cornerstone for both local...
A comparative view of the lengths of the principal rivers of Scotland with a comparative view of the height of the falls of Foyers and Corba Linn.
Drawn by W.H. Lizars. Published by John Thomson of Edinburgh in 1831.
SEE FULL SIZED IMAGE
Introduction The rivers of Scotland weave through the landscape like threads of silver, each telling its own story of the land, culture, and history. On our website, we feature a detailed map titled "A Comparative View of the Lengths of the Principal Rivers of Scotland," meticulously drawn by W.H. Lizars and published by John Thomson of Edinburgh in 1831....
This historical map by L.G. Bullock, was printed and published by John Bartholomew & Son Ltd. in 1962. It is a richly detailed cartographic representation that serves both as a visual historical archive and a piece of art. This map is part of a tradition of decorative maps that blend geographical information with historical and cultural elements, making them both educational tools and collectible items.
Features of the Map:
Coats of Arms: The inclusion of the coat of arms for main cities and towns adds a heraldic and genealogical dimension, highlighting the historical governance and the significant families associated with...
This is a traditional Scottish recipe and you will need to decide how you'd like to adjust it to modern ingredients and methods.
You will need:
- 3 cup fulls of flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 oz. butter
- 3 tablespoonfuls syrup
- 1 tablespoonful dried egg
- 1 teaspoonful of ground ginger
- 1 teacupful of milk
- 4 tablespoonsful of treacle
- 1 teaspoonful of baking soda
- 6 oz. fruit (if desired)
Method:
1. Put the milk, syrup, treacle, and margarine into a pan and dissolve slowly.
2. Sieve the flour and spices into a basin.
3. Add the liquid from the pan, the egg mixture, and beat...
This recipe is from Mrs. Bruce of Aberdeen.
Filling:
- 1 pound of hamburger meat (mince)
- 1 pack of streaky bacon
- 2 to 4 cubes of chicken stock (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium to large carrots sticks, shredded
- 1 large onion, diced up
- 1 large bell pepper, diced up
- 1 teaspoon powdered garlic
- 1 tube of tomato paste (adjust to taste)
1. Cook the bacon until it is crisp and set it aside.
2. Cook hamburger (mince) and break it down while you cook it so it looks like taco meat
3. Re-add the bacon, crumbled or finely chopped
4. Now add in the chicken...
Once upon a time there was a young man named Farquhar MacNeill. He had just gone to a new situation, and the very first night after he went to it his mistress asked him if he would go over the hill to the house of a neighbour and borrow a sieve, for her own was all in holes, and she wanted to sift some meal.
Farquhar agreed to do so, for he was a willing lad, and he set out at once upon his errand, after the farmer's wife had pointed out to him the path that he was to...
There was once a King whose wife died, leaving him with an only daughter, whom he dearly loved. The little Princess's name was Velvet-Cheek, and she was so good, and bonnie, and kind-hearted that all her father's subjects loved her. But as the King was generally engaged in transacting the business of the State, the poor little maiden had rather a lonely life, and often wished that she had a sister with whom she could play, and who would be a companion to her.
The King, hearing this, made up his mind to marry a middle-aged Countess, whom he had...
Of all the young gallants in Scotland in the thirteenth century, there was none more gracious and debonair than Thomas Learmont, Laird of the Castle of Ercildoune, in Berwickshire.
He loved books, poetry, and music, which were uncommon tastes in those days; and, above all, he loved to study nature, and to watch the habits of the beasts and birds that made their abode in the fields and woods round about his home.
Now it chanced that, one sunny May morning, Thomas left his Tower of Ercildoune, and went wandering into the woods that lay about the Huntly Burn, a little...
This is a Scottish traditional recipe that has not been modified from its original version. You will need to substitute for modern ingredients as required.
You will need:
- 1 cup of oatmeal
- 1 teaspoonful of melted fat
- pinch of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoonful of salt
- hot water
1. Mix dry ingredients and add fat.
2. Add sufficient water to make a moderately stiff dough.
3. Roll out as thin as possible.
4. Bake one side on girdle till corners begin to curl, toast in front of fire or under grill.
5. May also be baked in moderately hot oven. When rolling out use plenty of...
This is a Scottish traditional recipe. You will need to modify with modern ingredients as required.
1. Procure a large stomach bag of a sheep, as well as its liver, lights and heart. The bag must be well washed, first in cold water, then plunged in boiling water and scraped.
2. Then soak it in cold water and salt all night.
3. Wash the pluck and soak in ocld water and salt.
4. Boil pluck (which is liver, lights and heart) for 14 hours. In boiling, leave the windpipe attached and let the end of it hang over the edge of the pot...
A poem about the importance of cooking well, circa 1940 (possibly older) found in an old collection of Scottish recipies. Obviously, times have changed since then.
Ladies who wish to keep their spouses
Content and happy in their houses
Must learn that food to be a blessing
Must not be ruined in the dressing
It's very nice to be good looking
But that will not excuse bad cooking
And men have got such funny natures
They'll judge you on your beef and taters
So if you want to rule and lead them
You'll do it if you nicely feed them.
Have you ever taken a drive through the Scottish countryside and come upon a dilapidated structure and wondered what led to its demise? Or have you heard tales about demolished historical estates and want to know where they once stood?
There are many reasons Scottish estates have fallen to ruin during the 20th century, and Dr. Alastair Disley has been researching them since 2002. He opened his Scotland's Lost Country Houses website in 2006 and since then he has been managing this fabulous non-commercial resource without any assistance from the public body. The result is nothing short of a gift...
Located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Stonehaven is a town steeped in a rich tapestry of history that reflects the broader narrative of Scotland’s past. The town's origins are deeply rooted in the early practices of fishing and farming, which have shaped the region for centuries.
Historical Beginnings and Development
Stonehaven's development is closely tied to its strategic location by the sea. Originally known as a small fishing village, the town grew in significance during the Middle Ages. It served as a safe harbor on the eastern coast of Scotland, where fishing fleets and merchant ships found refuge and trade flourished.
Dunnottar Castle and...
Nestled about 10 miles from Edinburgh city center, South Queensferry is a picturesque waterfront town renowned for its stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridge. This historic bridge, a marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominates the town's skyline and is visible from virtually everywhere in South Queensferry, including the charming Edinburgh Road.
Archaeological Significance
The construction of the new Forth road crossing brought to light South Queensferry’s deep historical roots. During the early stages of this project, archaeologists unearthed Mesolithic and Neolithic settlements at two sites beside the Forth estuary. These findings offer a glimpse into the...
Skateraw Road in Newtonhill, Scotland, encapsulates the charm of a village steeped in history and community spirit. Originally known as Skateraw, this picturesque locale is marked by its scenic coastal views and remnants of its past as a bustling fishing village. A notable historical landmark is the old smokehouse on Skateraw Road, a relic from when the village thrived on maritime activities.
The transformation from Skateraw to Newtonhill was significantly influenced by its railway station, operational until 1956. Today, while the station itself has closed, the signal box continues to be used, and remnants of the old platform still remain....
Nestled about 40 miles north of Aberdeen, the historic fishing village of Pennan has transformed into a charming holiday retreat, bustling with activity during the warmer months. Known for its stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, Pennan also holds a special place in the hearts of cinema enthusiasts as the filming location of the 1983 film Local Hero. This quaint village is often affectionately referred to as “Ferness” by locals and tourists, echoing its fictional name in the movie.
One of Pennan’s most iconic landmarks is the little red phone booth featured in Local Hero. This phone booth, more than just...
Montrose, a picturesque coastal town in Angus, Scotland, is steeped in a rich historical tapestry that dates back centuries. Situated between Dundee and Aberdeen, Montrose serves as a window into Scotland's intriguing past, from its prehistoric roots to its strategic importance in national and international conflicts.
Early History and Development
The origins of Montrose can be traced back to the Mesolithic era, evidenced by archaeological finds in the area. By the medieval period, Montrose had developed into a bustling port town, its economy buoyed by fishing and trade. The town was officially designated as a royal burgh by King David I...
Nestled in a picturesque bay near Montrose, the Fishtown of Usan stands as a haunting reminder of Scotland's rich maritime past. Established in 1822, this once vibrant fishing village has now mostly fallen into ruin, with its buildings bearing the marks of time and neglect.
Historical Significance
The Fishtown of Usan, dating back to the 13th century, was more than just a cluster of fishermen's cottages—it was a thriving community where daily life was intimately tied to the rhythms of the sea. The village's architecture typically featured single-story cottages that housed fishermen and their families, who were integral to its bustling,...
Nestled along the rugged coast of the North Sea in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the quaint village of Catterline is a place where history and art beautifully converge. Known for its breathtaking seascapes and serene atmosphere, Catterline offers a glimpse into Scotland's rich Bronze Age past with archaeological findings in nearby areas like Fetteresso, Dunnottar, and Spurryhillock, revealing a deep historical significance.
Catterline's picturesque landscape has not only attracted history enthusiasts but also creative souls, most notably the renowned artist Joan Eardley. Eardley was captivated by Catterline’s wild and dramatic seascapes and its rustic charm during the 1950s. She made the village...
Women in Scottish History, or WISH, is a project funded and developed by the University of Guelph, and it's a fascinating effort that originally launched in 2000.
The WISH database strives to collect and maintain four types of Scottish records, including:
- Bibliographies of Scottish Women
- Biographies of Scottish women
- Documents relating to the Women in Scottish History
- A list of researchers specializing in the field of Women in Scottish History
The database can be searched by keywords or by selecting a specific date range. While it's not the easiest archive to navigate, the hunt is well worth it for tidbits of...
Do you know the difference between a skellie and a skerrie or a smiddie and a souter? Or that wast is west and waster is wester? No? Then this website will help you out of the wuid and through the yett.
Scots Words and Place-names (SWAP) is a simple but highly useful website created through the collaboration of several organizations, including the University of Glasgow, the National e-Science Centre (NeSC), the Scottish Place-Name Society and Jisc. The project concluded in 2011, but its database is timeless.
The glossary itself is only 8 pages long, but it's fully searchable and each entry...
I am simply delighted to have stumbled upon a website that not only offers detailed information about all of the beautiful plants and flowers we can grow in Aberdeen, but also tells us the life story of the gardener, and family, and his great love of gardening.
"My interest in gardens and gardening began as a child. My brother and I visited and stayed over at our grandparents house regularly. We lived on the top floor of a tenement block, making the visits to grandmas house all the more special. They had a large garden which was beautifully maintained, the...
Bothies are a great way for groups of 5 or less to seek shelter from the elements while visiting remote areas and enjoying the glorious Scottish outdoors. Bothies are a wonderful example of community teamwork and when everyone follows basic guidelines, visiting one is almost always a pleasant experience.
Bothies are simple structures that lack most creature comforts outside of four walls and a roof. However, with careful planning, you can pack in essentials and a few extras to create a warm and welcoming arrangement in some of the most scenic and breathtaking locations around Scotland. And because the shelters...
Tucked away in the Highlands, just off the A96 and a few miles in from the Moray Firth, you'll find Caledonian Maps - a business known globally as the foremost specialist in historical maps of Scotland. Its range of maps will take you on an adventure dating back to 1610, but the company is also dedicated to the development of new maps using modern technologies.
Its archives include a rare atlas of Scotland dated 1912 (these are not copies, they are the originals published by Edinburgh Geographical Society), Town Plans from 1746 to 1825, Thomson Scottish Maps, Large Scale Counties...
Martin McCarthy has been taking photographs of Scotland's landscape since 1993 and selflessly documenting Scotland's ancient sites online since 1995. Based out of Glasgow, McCarthy left his computer business to become a full-time photographer in 2007.
McCarthy's story is evidence that when people follow their passions, all of us benefit. His website is modest, but he's done a fantastic job organizing thousands of photos. Visitors can browse by list or map, and both are equally easy to navigate. What makes his site especially useful, however, is that he's linked photos together based on location and distance. Click on any photograph...
The Roman occupation of Scotland in first century AD brought brick-making skills to the Scots. Before the industrial revolution all bricks in Scotland were moulded by hand, a long process which began with the excavation of clay in autumn and ended the following summer when the bricks were fired in small kilns. One of the first industrial buildings to be built from bricks in Scotland was Stanley Mills in Perthshire, followed shortly after by numerous cotton mills in Glasgow.
The Scottish Brick History website is a growing index of brickmarks, the distinct markings that identify where bricks were produced. These...
The Highlands Astronomical Society (HAS) began like most astronomy clubs do, with a small group of passionate star-gazers meeting up to observe the world above together. In 1994, HAS was born from a sensible merger of two groups - the Moray Astronomical Society and the Inverness Astronomical Society. Its first public observing session was held in the car park at Culloden Battlefield. These gatherings continued on a somewhat informal basis until about 1997 when members began to push for more structure. Jim Savage-Lowden, Richard Pearce, Mike Reuss-Newlands, James Dick, Richard Green, Maarten de Vries, and Pauline Macrae are just...
