Scotland’s Mythical Unicorn on Postage Stamps
The enchanting story of Scotland’s mythical unicorn featured on postage stamps, from its royal symbolism to stunning philatelic designs celebrating Celtic heritage.
Continue reading →From a mysterious ring to a Pictish Stone in Cromarty…
Uncover the intrigue of a mysterious ring discovery leading to Cromarty’s ancient Pictish stone, blending Pictish symbolism, local legends, and Highland history in the Black Isle region.
Continue reading →The Bethune Legacy Across Scotland, France, and Canada
Explore the Bethune family’s enduring legacy across Fife, from Balfour Castle’s medieval towers to their ties with Mary Queen of Scots and the whisky world, tracing noble roots and historic sites.
Continue reading →Discover the Magic of Orkney with George Mackay Brown…
Journey through Orkney’s timeless landscapes and folklore with George Mackay Brown, Orkney’s beloved poet and storyteller whose works capture the islands’ Norse heritage, Viking echoes, and mystical spirit.
Continue reading →Samuel de Champlain: The French Explorer with Scottish Ties
Samuel de Champlain, the famed French explorer and founder of Quebec, reveals surprising Scottish roots through his mother’s lineage tied to the Frasers of Murihead, blending transatlantic history and Highland heritage.
Continue reading →Give me a book about Scotland to read by the fire…
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 →
A Shared Culinary Heritage of Scotland, France, and Quebec
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 →
In the steps of Patrick Geddes from Scotland to France…
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 France, Canada, and Scotland’s Unique Take
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 →
The Merlin’s Trail: a new thematic Trail in Scotland…
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 →
Forgotten Railway in New Glasgow, QC
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 →
Great Scottish Gardens & Parks: Leith Hall Garden…
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 →
Sherlock Holmes’ Extraordinary Powers of Observation
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 →
Discovering the Scottish Borders with Alistair Moffat…
“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 →