Spirit Of Adventure

WHAT a fantastic summer so far! And, now I’ve written that, I’ve probably jinxed it and it’ll be hosing it down by the time you read this. It’s pretty rare that we enjoy such a long spell of sunny, settled weather across the country – but when we do, there’s nowhere than can compete with Scotland.

I’ve certainly tried to make the most of the good conditions and, with my Scots Magazine for inspiration, have had some brilliant adventures this month.

In our July issue, we showcased some of the best things to see and do in the Inner Hebrides. With my appetite well and truly whetted, I loaded up the van, grabbed the dog and headed for Skye.

We arranged to meet friends who were staying at Carbost and had a tremendous few days roaming the hills, enjoying a local beer or two and dining on some wonderful fresh island produce.

In all my visits to Skye, I’d never walked the Corbett Glamaig and the other Red Hills – so Storm the Collie and I spent a very warm and dry Saturday doing just that.

The photo above is Storm admiring the view from the shoulder of Beinn Dearg Mhor – I swear he enjoys the hills in the same way a human does.

After Skye, and a bit of R&R back at home in Trossachs, we headed off to Mull and Iona. I’d never been to Scotland’s sacred isle and it was just as described in the July issue – incredibly tranquil, with a unique light that lends everything an ethereal quality.

No photograph I’ve seen really does the place justice. It’s not hard to see what attracted St Columba and his followers some 1,500 years ago, and how it came to be the burial ground of the nation’s kings.

In this issue, we reveal the best fun to be had in Edinburgh this August – away from all the usual Festival events. We also bring you an amazing interview with violinist Nicola Benedetti, celebrate the world’s biggest ever bike event, Glasgow’s UCI Cycling World Championships, and much, much more.

So what are you waiting for? Be inspired!