I didn’t read Mark Helprin’s Winter’s Tale but I can’t think of a better quote than his to introduce my post today! 😉 We are at the end of January and there have been some unusually cold days here in Périgord Noir. Although I do love winter walks in the frost-white countryside, especially in our lovely corner of Dordogne … Continue reading →
Bon Appétit and Happy New Year 2025! As we gather around the table to enjoy these delicious festive foods, let us celebrate the rich culinary heritage that unites Scotland, France, and Quebec. Each bite of shortbread, bûche de Noël, or tourtière carries with it centuries of tradition, stories, and the joy of shared moments. May your holiday season be filled … Continue reading →
Dear readers, If you’re familiar with the wonderful city of Edinburgh, you won’t have missed The Outlook Tower, one of its most famous landmarks situated at the top of Edinburgh’s High Street, next to the Castle, but what do you know about Sir Patrick Geddes, the remarkable man behind the creation of this extraordinary museum? We’ll try to know … Continue reading →
Halloween Across Borders: France, Canada, and Scotland’s Unique Take on a Timeless Tradition As October 31st dawns, Halloween brings its familiar thrill and mystery, casting a spell over many regions worldwide. This beloved holiday, filled with costumes, eerie tales, and gatherings, holds special significance in places where its Celtic origins are deeply rooted. Lean in as we explore Halloween’s spirit … Continue reading →
Whether you are a great lover of nature, authors and books, films, castles, whiskies, historical subjects or whatever your tastes you can be sure to find in Scotland a thematic trail about your favourite author or subject. Of course you can create your own itinerary as we’ve done in our previous trips in Scotland, but what I’ve discovered quite recently … Continue reading →
In our ongoing exploration of Quebec’s rich history and its connections to Scotland, I’m excited to feature some fascinating insights shared by Scotiana’s reader, George A. Neville, historian and genealogist whose recent work sheds light on a nearly forgotten chapter of the province of Quebec railway history. George’s meticulous research, titled New Glasgow, QC, the Smallest Village in Canada Once … Continue reading →
One more garden to add to our series of Great Scottish Gardens & Parks ! Leith Hall Garden, a hidden Scottish gem, is situated in Aberdeenshire, not far from Huntly. In August 2007 when we discovered it for the first time, we immediately fell in love with the place. This visit had not been planned, we just fell upon it … Continue reading →
Moving time! As I was packing my books for the move, I came across my Sherlock Holmes beloved printed editions and found interesting to recall that Sherlock Holmes was inspired by Joseph Bell, a doctor and mentor to Arthur Conan Doyle. By the way, Joseph Bell served as Queen Victoria’s personal surgeon during her visits to Scotland. 🙂 Bell was … Continue reading →
“I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book’ (J. K Rowling) I can’t but agree with J.K. Rowling for this is exactly how I feel when I’m reading a good book, especially if it is a book about Scotland. As a great fan of this fascinating country it’s always magical for me to get … Continue reading →
Scottish Contribution Recently, we at Scotiana had the pleasure of assisting Robert Hunt, a dedicated member of the Letter Box Study Group, who reached out to us with a request as he shared his working on an article that explores British post boxes in twin towns across France and Germany, focusing on how these iconic symbols of communication have been … Continue reading →
A new star in the Scottish sky? Not exactly but the name of a monumental sculpture which might well shine like a star, in a near future, on the heights of Gretna Green, one of the most mythical places situated in the south of Scotland, near the border between England and Scotland. . “Susan Houston, chair of the Star … Continue reading →
On a particularly inspiring day, triggered by an amusing yet enlightening email received from Iain, our dear Scottish friend and contributor to the Letters of Scotland, I found myself diving into the niche world of topical stamp collecting, specifically under the theme of Food and Beverage. Iain’s heartfelt correction of a porridge recipe mistake led me down this path, showcasing … Continue reading →
January… February…what about sitting by the fireside with a good book when it’s freezing cold outside and the wind is howling ;-). Add to that a cup of tea, coffee or chocolate and you’ll begin to like winter! Unless, of course, you prefer to go out and face the elements. I must admit that when travelling in Scotland, even in … Continue reading →
As the last page of the calendar turns and we bid farewell to another year, Hogmanay celebrations are under way in Scotland, much like the Réveillon in Quebec and the Saint-Sylvestre celebrations in France, and these celebrations stands as beacons of cultural identity and tradition amidst the universal celebration of the New Year. In Scotland, Hogmanay illuminates the … Continue reading →
Kenneth White n’est plus… The great Scottish-French poet and visionary thinker passed away peacefully, at the age of 87, on the night of 11 August 2023, in Gwenved, the house he had lived in with his wife Marie-Claude for fourty years, in the Côtes d’Armor, Brittany. All our thoughts are with his lifelong companion to whom he had been married … Continue reading →
