A Curious Scottish Excursion

History of this riverside castle dates back to the 1300s, and yet only a total of four families have called it home. Though the original castle no longer exists, portions of old stonework were saved and reincorporated into the current facade. The acres of forest and gardens that surround the estate can be attributed to the third owner, Sir David Hunter-Blair, who ordered nearly one million trees to be planted during the construction of the new ediface.Today the castle operates as a private venue space, and if you do spend a night be sure to take a trip to the basement where you will find a hidden billiard room, a miniature museum of the estate’s history, and remnants of the castle’s past.

Built by Maggie McIver, the “Barras Queen”, the market celebrated its 100 year anniversary this year.  The term “barra” is Glaswegian dialect for “barrow”, relating to the market’s early years, where traders sold their wares from handcarts.  Wares range from kilts, jewelry, antiques and everything in between – making it the perfect place to pick up those last minute souvenirs. 

Originally designed as a ballroom, Barrowlands has evolved into an epic music venue complete with an iconic sprung dance floor.  The enormous neon sign outside is nearly impossible to miss.  It is thought to be the biggest of its kind in the UK and one of the biggest in the world.

Bar owner Andy Gemmell likes a good challenge.  The abandoned 200 year old pub had been on the market for over 5 years with no takers, until Andy stepped in.  He rolled up his sleeves and started peeling back the building’s layers, literally.  Six different ceilings were found stacked on top of each other, one of which ended up collapsing, almost bringing the entire bar with it.  That oak beam now stands with pride as a beer table in what has become a staple neighborhood pub. 

With more than 8,000 objects on display and 22 themed galleries, it’s not hard to see why Kelvingrove is one of the top attractions in the country.  The museum is also a world record holder but not for its artwork.  Just as the Edinburgh One O’clock Gun erupts everyday at 1PM, Kelvingrove holds a daily organ recital every day to mimic the Edinburgh tradition – but maybe a little more pleasurable for your eardrums.

When Luigi Coia immigrated to Glasgow in 1989, he opened an ice cream parlour and named it Kelvingrove Cafe.  This line of business was common for Italian Scots at the time and were known as “hokey pokey men” for their chant of “O che poco!” meaning oh how little or cheap.  Luigi eventually sold the cafe and over the years, the storefront changed hands several times, becoming everything from a furniture store to a Chinese restaurant before a fire destroyed the major part of the facade and interior.  When Barry Oattes and his team took over the derelict space for a new bar, he uncovered the original hand painted sign from Luigi’s ice cream parlor under the ash.  After struggling with what to call their new cafe, they decided to keep the name Kelvingrove Cafe to honor Luigi and pay heritage to Glasgow’s Italian culture. 

“Open to the people for ever and ever” was declared by Lord Rosebery at the building’s opening ceremony in 1898 and remains true to this day.  In the 1980’s this was also true for a cat named Smudge.  Hired by the Palace to take on the ever growing rodent problem, she gained local fame. After NALGO refused to acknowledge her as a blue collar worker she was inducted as a member of the General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trade Union,.  Today, a plaque dedicated to Smudge can be seen just outside the Palace kitty-corner of the The Doulton Fountain, the largest terracotta fountain in the world.

Considered one of the most important, but least understood historic buildings in Edinburgh, the ways in which the fabric of the building has changed over the centuries has remained a mystery. It had played host to a royal banquet in 1598 attended by King James VI and been the home of David Hume who was regarded as one of the most important philosophers to write in English.

This place is sure to cast a spell over all who enter.  From cocktails to concerts to a pet Tiger named Couscous, the Voodoo Rooms brings a modern touch to the nearly 200 year old building it calls home.  In 2007 a team of  music purveyors and restaurateurs took over the dilapidated Cafe Royal Crown Bar and rejuvenated its Victorian opulence with a flare of gold and black magic.

Hidden within a classic barber shop facade behind a bookshelf lives a magical place filled with quirky cocktails and hundreds of panda bears.  The prohibition style speakeasy is far from secret landing itself on World’s Best 100 Bars not one but two years in a row.  It’s safe to say, this curious cocktail lounge will continue their panda-monium for years to come.

A “cocktail pub” for those who want to enjoy a drink without the need for flashy costumes. Patrons are encouraged to come as they are, and you’ll be sure to spot a friend or two at this Community staple. Among the decorations you will find easter eggs of history including the story of the path paving whiskey merchant Mrs. William Pennycuick who didn’t let her gender stop her from selling Whiskey in the Victorian era. So next time you find yourself at the bar, be sure to pour one out for Mrs. William Pennycuick.

Grab your swim cap, the water’s just fine.  Opened in 1899, the iconic Victorian pool is affectionately known to locals as ‘Leith Viccies’.  In its early days the building housed individual baths, a recreational swimming pool and public laundry facilities, known as a ‘steamie’.

Possibly the cutest lighthouse in Scotland, Elie Ness was first lit in 1908 and proved to be a great assistance to vessels coming up the Firth of Forth.  Thanks to the Elie Ness Historical Society, the tower and the stout keepers’ cottage were fully restored in 2010, and the lighthouse continues to keep sailors safe with one flash every six seconds.

St. Andrews’ best kept secret might just be a fudge donut.  Now in its fifth generation, the Milne family has been serving up sweet treats along with their top secret recipe fudge donuts for over 100 years.  To make sure no sweet-toothed thieves try to steal their secret formula, the recipe has been broken up and hidden across five locations. The owners claim that the secret is only revealed to their “pure-bread Viking bakers” who are equipped with their delectable “weapons of dynasty”: a shield of custard and a sword of fudge.

This stunning lighthouse begs for your attention and for good reason.  The tower is painted white to stand out from its background, so that by day and night it guides ships safely in the Sound of Mull and the Firth of Lorne.  In 1830, the small island of Eilean Musdile, where Lismore Light calls home, was purchased for a cool £500 by the Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Board.  What a steal.

Serving up homemade ice cream to beachgoers, Robin’s Boat is exactly that – a boat.  Built from the keeper’s grandfather’s upturned hull, this wee ice cream hut sits on the edge of Calgary Bay complete with a Wildlife Sighting Board highlighting any otters or whales who decided to pop by the beach to say hello.