HAVEN UNDER WILD SKIES

In the expansive landscape of the Scottish Highlands sits a single whitewashed building. Dwarfed by the surrounding hills, it nonetheless stands out with its brilliant red roof beneath gathering storm clouds. This type of simple cottage usually features thick stone walls, with small windows to lock out the harsh weather. They are often part of a croft, a form of landholding found exclusively in the Highlands. The croft refers to the parcel of land to which the cottage belongs and not to the building itself, each unit consisting of 2-5 acres. Prior to 1886, tenants had very few rights and were vulnerable to eviction, but a change in the law gave them greater security and compensation for improvements. Sturdier houses began to be built and can still be seen in the region today. Some have become derelict, some converted for use as simple mountain shelters and others renovated for holiday accommodation.