Looking Ahead
ICAN’T help feel there’s an air of optimism about the country just now. With more than half of Scotland’s adults vaccinated, we all hope the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic is past.
Lockdown restrictions are easing, the country’s opening up and we’re starting to enjoy our freedom once again.
Everyone seems more positive and upbeat than they have in months. The fact we’ve enjoyed a lovely spring must help – who doesn’t feel better with a little sun on their face after a miserable winter?
And of course, the Scotland team will be playing at the Euros this month. Reasons to be cheerful indeed, to paraphrase Ian Dury.
For many, keeping fit during the most recent lockdown has been a challenge – I know my fitness has certainly slipped. So I reckon Kerry Macphee’s recordbreaking achievement of cycling all 96 miles of the West Highland Way in just 11hrs, 46mins is even more remarkable.
Kerry conceived of the plan just a few days before executing it as soon as lockdown restrictions allowed. It’s a phenomenal ride time, and you can read all about her amazing adventure on page 96.
This issue of your favourite magazine is – as ever – absolutely brimming with brilliant content. On page 89, Polly Pullar brings you an interview with Helena Cochrane, an astrophotographer from Wigtown who shares some of the most incredible imagery of the night sky.
We’ve another visually stunning article on page 60 as paramotorer Dan Burton – he pilots what is basically a parachute with an engine – traces from the air the route of the spectacular North Coast 500.
Elsewhere in the issue, we have cracking interviews with comedy actor and writer Sanjeev Kohli and Michelin Star-winning chef Tom Kitchin, reviews of the latest Scottish books, news of the best in-person and online events and, in our fabulous outdoor section, all the inspiration you need for your next adventure.
So whatever you want to do in Scotland this month, do it with The Scots Magazine!