Lichens on the apple tree in Ardtornish Kitchen Garden
Written by Sandy & Brian Coppins, Sandy is an internationally recognised lichen expert and recent visitor to the estate. Reference: Atlantic Hazel – Scotland’s special woodlands Lichens are amazingly varied in shape, form and colour. Ask anyone about lichens, and the usual answer is “Oh, very long-lived and indicators of clean air”. Both true but there’s a whole lot [...]
Scottish Halloween Traditions
Scotland has a rich and varied Halloween tradition. Over the years, traditional pagan rituals have largely been forgotten or adapted by the Christian church, into what we are familiar with today. But as this most mysterious of days approaches, there is no better time to have a closer look at what this day used to involve. Some traditions remain [...]
Foraging is Fun!
What’s the one thing better than relaxing over a dinner of the finest fresh produce Scotland has to offer? It is of course tucking in to your feast knowing that you foraged everything you are eating yourself. Fresh and free, are the bywords of the recent renaissance in foraging and here are a few pointers to inspire you. This [...]
Kyle Noble Residency
At Ardtornish we are lucky enough to have the most biodiverse nature reserve in the Scottish Wildlife Trust portfolio. The management committee of the reserve have established a creative residency to promote the reserve to a wider audience and to raise funds for winter work. This year we have had two artists making work based on the reserve and this [...]
A Little Taster of St Kilda
The highlands has many remote and difficult to access spots, but few capture the imagination quite like the island of St Kilda. A journey to this near-mythical outpost, 40 miles into the Atlantic, is akin to approaching the edge of the world as well as stepping back in time. What is it that captivates us about this barren and isolated [...]
Beachcombing in the Highlands & Islands
The Highlands & Islands are blessed with some of the best beaches in the world. Some keep coming back for the amazing views, to play with their children, walk their dogs or to go fishing, but for a small group of enthusiasts it’s the beachcombing that is the major attraction. Part of the appeal of this activity lies in [...]
