Janice from Quebec, Canada along side of Mairiuna and husband Jean-Claude, are three friends who fell in love with Scotland.
Since the early 2000s, Mairiuna and Jean-Claude have explored Scotland by every means imaginable, plane, car, camper van, ferry and on foot, trekking countless miles along both well-worn trails and hidden paths. Along the way, they’ve met remarkable people, captured thousands of photos, and devoured books and documents about Scotland’s rich history and culture. Their passion for this land runs deep, and they have much to share with fellow travelers, whether you’re already familiar with Scotland, or just beginning to discover its allure.
But Alba, as it’s called in Gaelic, guards its secrets well. The more we uncover, the more we realize how infinite the journey is.
Janice joined the adventure in 2006 and has returned many times since, each visit deepening her connection to her Scottish heritage and the land itself.
Through this blog, we aim to give voice to our beloved Scotland—one post, one photo, one memory at a time. Like assembling a colorful mosaic, we add a new piece with each story we tell, hoping to inspire others to one day experience the magic of Scotland for themselves.
Building Bridges Between Cultures
One of the most meaningful moments of our travels was meeting our dear friends Iain and Margaret, in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway. Their generosity, wisdom, and local insight quickly made them beloved collaborators. Through their “Letters of Scotland” series on the blog, they share an authentic Scottish voice that beautifully complements our own perspectives as visitors and cultural admirers.
Eilean Donan Castle
Janice
Mairiuna
Jean-Claude
A Journey of Hearts Across Borders
Welcome to Scotiana.com a digital home built from a heartfelt love for Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and enduring stories.
Since 2009, this blog has been our way of sharing the magic of Scotland with the world—through articles, photos, videos, and personal reflections. What started as a travel diary between friends has become a living tapestry woven from threads of French, Canadian, and Scottish heritage.
A Story of Friendship, Heritage, and Discovery
The journey began when my dear friend Mairiuna and husband Jean-Claude, both native of France, visited Scotland for the first time in 2000. She was instantly captivated and her love for this beautiful country became contagious. they went back in 2001, 2003 and 2004. In 2006, I had the joy of joining them on their travels, and I too fell under Scotland’s spell. Together, we returned again and again in 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2015 each time uncovering new treasures and stories worth telling.
Born in Québec, Canada, I carry Scottish roots through my paternal grandmother, a Mitchelson, which has deepened my personal connection to the land. While exploring Scottish cemeteries and historical sites, I’ve embarked on a genealogical quest to retrace my family’s footsteps. That story is still unfolding…
What You’ll Find Here
At Scotiana.com, you’ll discover a mosaic of content celebrating Scotland:
-Thoughtful travel articles and off-the-beaten-path discoveries
-Photographic journals capturing the moody skies, heather-covered hills, and timeless architecture
-Audio and video reflections bringing the journey to life
-Cultural deep dives into Scottish history, myths, traditions, and books
-A spirit of kinship and curiosity, uniting readers from all over the globe
Whether you’re a fellow traveler, a Scot-at-heart, or someone following your ancestral roots like us, we hope this space inspires you as much as creating it inspires us.
Scotland is a feeling. A connection. A call of the soul.
We’re honored to answer that call and invite you to join us on the journey.
Janice Dugas, Mairiuna & Jean-Claude Leducq, Iain & Margaret McEwan
—The Scotiana Team
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