Tag: scotland

Unpopular opinion: Unalome by Graeme Cheevers

Unpopular opinion: Unalome by Graeme Cheevers

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Unalome, a one Michelin-starred dining experience in Glasgow.  Having only opened their doors in June 2021, Unalome by Graeme Cheevers earned their Michelin Star within one year of opening. For someone who enjoys fine dining in Glasgow, I…

Scottish Islands Passport: a new app and holiday planner!

Scottish Islands Passport: a new app and holiday planner!

The Scottish Islands Passport combines two things that many travelers enjoy – (1) collecting stamps in a passport and (2) island hopping. Many people have a favorite stamp in their passport. With island hopping, this usually isn’t commemorated with regular passport stamping, since multiple locations…

Food and Whisky Pairing at SMWS: Edinburgh Queen Street Edition

Food and Whisky Pairing at SMWS: Edinburgh Queen Street Edition

It’s August and there’s lots to celebrate – it’s food and whisky pairing month at SMWS!  Maybe that’s not an internationally recognized holiday, but here in Scotland, it could be!  It comes as little surprise to most of you dear readers that delicious food is…

The Exclusive Benefits of SMWS membership

The Exclusive Benefits of SMWS membership

It’s no surprise to everyone that I now live on the delightful whisky island of Islay. Today, I’ll be sharing how you can keep that love of whisky alive on a regular basis – with a membership to an exclusive, global whisky club – the…

A whisky tasting in Glasgow, with Scotch Malt Whisky Society

A whisky tasting in Glasgow, with Scotch Malt Whisky Society

I have been fortunate to be able to surround myself with incredible whiskies since making Islay and Scotland my home. Living an island life, though wonderful in itself, requires a mainland fix sometime. Well, hello Glasgow – the largest city in Scotland! Even better when…

Where to find Bluebells in Islay

Where to find Bluebells in Islay

Before I lived in Scotland, I didn’t know what a bluebell was. For Americans, bluebells in Scotland (or even bluebells in Islay) wasn’t a thing you knew about. Blue Bell is an American brand of ice cream, which evokes happy memories. On this side of…

Kilchoman tastings during Fèis Ìle 2021

Kilchoman tastings during Fèis Ìle 2021

I was delighted when Kilchoman Distillery invited me to join along in some Kilchoman tastings during Feis Ile 2021. But before I begin, for those new to Islay or whisky festivals, what is Feis Ile? And for those who appreciate my pronunciation guides – a…

Visit Holyrood Palace, the King’s Residence in Scotland

Visit Holyrood Palace, the King’s Residence in Scotland

If Scotland or royalty are minor obsessions of yours, then you must visit Holyrood Palace (or the Palace of Holyroodhouse) on your next trip to Edinburgh! Located at the end of the illustrious Royal Mile in Edinburgh, this historic palace serves as the official residence…

The Scottish pyramid hidden in the Highlands

The Scottish pyramid hidden in the Highlands

When someone says pyramids, most people think Egypt. But, would you ever think Scotland? I’ll have you know that there is in fact a Scottish pyramid hidden in the Highlands. If I’ve intrigued you, then sit back and let me tell you the story and…

Two wonderfully delicious nights at the Port Charlotte Hotel Islay

Two wonderfully delicious nights at the Port Charlotte Hotel Islay

My first time visiting Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides, was in August 2020 after the first covid lockdown lifted. And I stayed for about a week. My time on Scotland’s famous whisky island was absolutely wonderful, so wonderful that I moved to Islay in…