On August 6, 2025
By Tammy Reynolds
Why I Call the Scottish Highlands Home—and Why You Should Visit
Some of you may never have heard much about Scotland. Some of you might know it well. And some may feel pretty indifferent about it.
Well, let me tell you—I live here, in the Scottish Highlands. And I couldn’t be prouder to call this magical part of the world home. Here’s why.
A Landscape Straight from the Imagination
I’ve always had a wild imagination, and I can’t think of a better place to let it run free than here, where magic feels close enough to touch.
The Highlands are unlike anywhere else on earth. Picture rolling green hills, glassy lochs, misty glens, and carpets of purple heather. Add in a history steeped in legend and a deep sense of belonging, and you’ll understand why people are drawn here year after year—whether for a day trip or a week-long escape.
Stac Pollaidh, Assynt, Scotland – north of Inverness
The Famous Highland Coo—and Other Icons
One of the Highlands’ most beloved residents is the Highland cow—or “coo” as we say. With its shaggy ginger hair and gentle eyes, it’s no wonder this photogenic creature has become a Scottish icon. You don’t even need it on your bucket list—seeing one in person automatically ticks a box you didn’t know you had. Artists paint them, photographers chase the perfect shot, and you’ll find coo-themed keepsakes all over the Highlands. They’re one of a kind—and you’ll only find them here.
Walk Through Living History
There’s something deeply authentic about Highland life. You can feel it in the landscape, in the stories, in the ruins of ancient castles that still whisper of the past. These aren’t just stones and walls—they’re the remnants of a world where clans ruled, lairds and ladies walked proudly, and people lived lives that shaped Scotland’s very identity.
History isn’t tucked away in museums here—it’s under your feet. Paths once trodden by Jacobite soldiers, rivers that once carried tartans hidden from British rule, lochs that hold secrets from centuries ago… It’s all still here, waiting for you to explore and ask questions. Scotland doesn’t hide its past—it invites you to feel it.
Where Myth and Magic Still Live
Beyond the history lies something more elusive: legend. From the mysterious Loch Ness Monster to the mythical water-horse Kelpie, Scottish folklore is alive and well. Some say the Highlands are a doorway to the “Otherworld,” a place where magical beings dwell, hidden from view but always present.
It’s not hard to believe when you’re walking alone through a quiet glen or standing beside a loch as the mist rolls in. If you let your mind wander, you might just feel the presence of something ancient and unknowable. That’s the magic of Scotland—it never fully reveals itself, but it’s always there.
Andy advising some guests on weather and hiking
Weather That Changes Like a Spell
The weather here can feel downright mythical too. Thanks to the Highlands’ unique microclimates, you can go from sunshine to fog to rain and back again—all in one afternoon. The clouds move fast, the light shifts constantly, and the result? Some of the most breathtaking rainbows and skies you’ll ever see. It’s nature’s theatre, and it never plays the same show twice.
Ben Alder Munros
The Mountains That Call You Higher
And then there are the munro —the mighty mountains of Scotland, especially prominent on the west coast. They draw adventurers from around the world: hikers, climbers, dreamers, and challenge-seekers.
Each Munro has its own personality. Some are gentle giants, others wild and unforgiving. In winter, the weather can be brutal—winds strong enough to take your breath away, snow deep and wild, rain that tests even the toughest trekkers. But that’s part of the appeal.
To climb a Munro is to test yourself—to feel humbled, awed, and invigorated all at once. You might arrive thinking it’s just another walk, but you’ll leave with a story—and a longing to do it all again.
Scotland Welcomes You
Scotland is more than just a destination. It’s a place that invites you in, challenges you, inspires you, and maybe even changes you. Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking stillness, or simply want to experience something real—Scotland has something for you.
Let it work its magic. Let the Highlands stir your soul.
Scotland is waiting. Will you come?
Written by Tammy Reynolds, as a guest writer.
Tammy worked with us before Covid. She is now proud mother to 2 children, professional baker and works at the Osprey Coffee Shop in Boat of Garten
