Hidden Scotland Magazine Issue 05

This is the fifth edition of Hidden Scotland magazine – we’re thrilled to be sharing it with you. Welcome to our Autumn/Winter 2022-23 issue.

You’re likely familiar with The Kelpies, the extraordinary steel horse-head sculptures that rear above the Forth estuary. Towering up to a height of some 30 metres, the silvery colossuses are inspired not just by local folklore but by the working heritage of the region; in their scale, they capture something ineffably powerful. They’re the work of acclaimed sculptor Andy Scott, whose portfolio of work spans the globe from Falkirk to Queensland. We speak to him on page 52.

The raw grace of the Kelpies serves as a kind of totem for the issue as a whole. Elsewhere in these pages, we spend a week on the beautifully remote island of Eilean Shona, where writer JM Barrie was inspired to create Neverland. We also take a long delve into the natural glories of the Isle of Skye, exploring the nooks and crannies that make it such an iconic destination, and pay tribute to that most elusive but alluring of wild Scottish animals: the pine marten.  

Elsewhere we celebrate some of the country’s most notable traditional pubs, many of which have been welcoming drinkers over their thresholds for centuries. Their collective tales weave together history, hauntings, hillwalkers, and legendary hospitality. On a related but more contemporary note, we also give due reverence to Scotland’s burgeoning artisan cider scene, which recently gave rise to the country’s first dedicated cider festival.  

And there’s much, much more. We share the lowdown on the unforgettable prospect of castle accommodation, explore the edges of Edinburgh, and hand-pick some of the best off-the-beaten-track experiences around Scotland. We also venture into the storied past of Culross, a village with newfound fame after appearing on screen in Outlander, and as ever, we champion the independent makers, craftspeople and food producers that make this country such an extraordinary one.  

Happy reading, and enjoy the journey. Slàinte mhath.