Wild for Scotland Podcast

'Good for Crofting' is a story about living with and off the land. Crofting is an integral part of Scottish culture in the Highlands and Islands, and on a crofting tour with DJ Cameron in South Uist, you can learn more about it. We learn what distinguishes crofting from farming, talk about sustainable crofting techniques and get a glimpse of the unique relationship between a crofter and his land and animals.

DJ takes us to the machair to meet his sheep and cattle, shares about the challenges he faces throughout the year and the joys he gains from crofting. We also hear from his wife Lindsay, who is fully on board sharing their island way of life with visitors to the Outer Hebrides.

Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and links to places I mention in this episode.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here!

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

'The Sounds of Mousa' is a story about two back-to-back trips I did to Mousa, a small island off the west coast of Shetland. First, we head there at night to witness the return of thousands of storm petrels to their nests. The next day, we return in daylight to explore Mousa Broch and the trails across the island. Along the way, we'll meet the men who take you to the island, learn about traditional sheep farming and dive into the history of the island.

At the end of the episode, I share my top tips for a slow adventure to Mousa and the surrounding area.

Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and links to places I mention in this episode.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here!

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

Last week, I spoke with Francesca Lo Verso, an outdoor therapist and host of the “We Are Here, Too” podcast. One of the questions I asked her was about exercises we can do to tune into our surroundings, feel more present in the moment and connect with nature around us.

From this, we came up with the idea to create a special episode with a couple of guided nature meditations for you.

So, today, we aren’t travelling anywhere in particular. Instead, I invite you to hit pause, metaphorically speaking of course, and take a moment to connect with nature through two guided exercises.

This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

Join me for a conversation with outdoor therapist Francesca Lo Verso about nature connection and how to be more mindful of nature on the go. Francesca is a therapist with a focus on outdoor therapy and host of the "We Are Here, Too" podcast about life abroad and mental health. We met up to dive deep into that feeling of connectedness with nature, why it’s important and how it can add to our travel experiences.

Francesca tells us how we can connect more deeply with nature while we’re out and about, and also how we can implement more mindful time in nature while we’re travelling. We’ll talk about the relationship between nature and wellbeing, how different natural environments can affect us differently, and how to make more space for nature at home and on the go.

Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and links to resources mentioned in our conversation.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here!

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

Join me for a conversation with Russell Fraser, the Managing Director at Loch Ness Hub & Travel and Chair of the Scottish Community Tourism Network, SCOTO. We hear the story of the local community in Drumnadrochit, and how they stepped up to the challenge of running the local visitor information centre. But that's not all they do - from e-bike hire and baggage transfer for hikers on the Great Glen Way, to providing public toilets and offering school meals, the Loch Ness Hub works hard to benefit both visitors and the local community.

Russell tells us about the leading role of community tourism in Scotland, the potential of local communities to get involved with tourism and what an unforgettable trip to Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit could look like.

Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and links to resources mentioned in our conversation.

This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here!

This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

This story was recorded LIVE at the Tremula Festival in Brighton on 21 September 2024.

Local communities should be at the heart of sustainable and slow tourism in Scotland.

'A Slow and Winding Journey' is a story about discovering the wild landscapes of the Isle of Harris - without losing sight of its community of people who take care of North Harris, its mountains, beaches and coastlines.

We'll go for a hike to spot eagles on the North Harris Estate, join local guide and former ranger Daryll Brown for a snorkel session at Huisinis beach and learn about community ownership & stewardship in this part of the Outer Hebrides.

At the end of the episode, I share my top tips for a slow adventure in the Isle of Harris.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here!

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

Covering great distances isn't necessarily the best way to see as much as possible when you travel.

'One Mile Magic' is a story about picking a mile-long stretch on the Berwickshire Coast and exploring it in depth. We'll enjoy a slow morning on the beach of Coldingham Bay, go snorkelling and swimming on the Berwickshire Snorkel Trail, and follow the coastal path to the charming fishing village of St Abbs.

None of the places we visit in this story are further than a 30-minute walk apart - let me convince you that mileage isn't everything!

At the end of the episode, I share my top tips for a slow adventure on the Berwickshire Coast.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here!

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

'Push and Pull' is a story about slowing down and exploring the Isles of Barra and Vatersay by bike. I spent 3 nights on these islands which I had only visited once before - to travel even slower, by foot on the Hebridean Way. Yet somehow, I never felt like I did these islands justice - seeing so little of them on my hike...

That's what this story is about - maximising your time on the island, while also slowing down to immerse yourself in the landscapes.

We'll explore Barra and Vatersay by bike, battle the hilly roads out of Castlebay and learn about the transformations that happen at Traigh Mhor - the big beach up north on the Isle of Barra. We meet the merry dancers in the night skies and follow the road south to the beaches of Vatersay.

At the end of the episode, I share my top tips for a slow adventure in Barra and Vatersay.

Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and links to places I visited on this trip.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here!

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

Wild for Scotland is coming back soon with brand new stories and conversations digging deep into what it means to travel slowly and with purpose.

Season 6 of Wild for Scotland is all about "Slow Travel". We’ll take it slow, soak up our surroundings, pay attention to the littlest details, and will find joy in the small things all around us.

Our journey will take us to distant islands and ancient civilisations, to bustling villages and crowded pubs.

We'll slow down physically and mentally, make encounters with unexpected inhabitants, and peek behind the curtains of Scottish traditions.

Along the way, we’ll hear from locals who are experts in capturing a moment in time, and will help us find ways to be fully present on our adventures.

The first episode of Season 6 "Slow Travel" will drop in your feed on 1 October 2024.

Make sure you’re subscribed and share this trailer with a friend so we can all slow down together - and be Wild for Scotland.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

How far north can you go in Scotland?

In today's episode, I'm sharing with you a bonus story that I produced for my Patreon community, the Wild for Scotland Social Club, back in season 1!

'The Art of Nature' is a short story about my first trip to Unst, the northernmost island in Shetland (and thereby in Scotland as well as the entire UK). We're visiting a glass artist who draws inspiration from her surroundings and go for a walk to one of Scotland's most picturesque cliffs - all in the search for a connection between nature and art.

Resources:
Read more about Up Helly Aa in Lerwick
Use my Shetland itinerary to plan your trip
Don't miss these essential learning experiences in Shetland!

Find the full transcript of the episode here.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Birch Grove Cabin. Book now at birchgrovecabin.co.uk and quote “Wild for Scotland” to get 10% off your stay from December to February 2024.

Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.

Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you!

Join our email list for weekly resources and glimpses behind the scenes.
Follow us on Instagram @wildforscotland
Also check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!