Scotland
My love affair with Scotland began in 2022 when I visited the land of myths and legends for the first time. Since then I have been obsessively looking int the mysteries of its ancient past that are lost to images of kilts and highland coos.
Over 3 million people visit Scotland every year and rarely hear about the hidden history that gives this land its unique feeling of spiritual connection. Anyone who has walked among the heather, or strode through Glencoe knows this intense feeling of love for the land.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the cultural and political capital of Scotland and many peoples first visit will be to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. But what secrets lie within Castle Rock?
In my first video in Scotland I go over the bloody history of Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction.
The Picts
While we may look at the history of the Scots and see a deep rich connection with Gaelic culture, the Gaelic culture is not native to Scotland; at least not until around the 4th-5th centuries. Before the Gaels, there were the Picts, and the Picts are the people I spend most of my time researching as I believe they contain the true heart of the Scottish spiritual soul being the last people of Scotland to follow any form of native spiritual belief before christianity.
In my first video I share and explore the history of the Picts and their spectacular symbols that have captivated millions with their unknown meanings and beautiful designs.
Less than 1% of Scots still speak Gaelic.
The Isle of Skye
Everything changed for me when I picked up a copy of Skye: The isle and it’s Legends by Otta Swire which contained a wealth of very unique Scottish tales that seemed to not just be influenced by their Gaelic roots, but also by the Scandinavians who lived and raided among the western shores of Scotland long past the Viking Age.
Not only is the Isle of Skye a place of immense beauty it is also an isle of many incredible ancient sites that give us a look through a peep hole of Scotland’s shrouded past. In this project I visit the Fairy Glenn to discuss the mischievous nature of Fairy lore and belief in Scotland as well as how sites such as the Glenn incapsulate the identity of Scottish Spirituality. I also visit the site of Dunscaith, crumbling fortress on the edge of the sea covered in nettle. This castle was once home to a legendary warrior woman who hosted the Irish hero Finn MacCool. This woman may also be one of the few examples of a native Scottish deity, most of which have been lost to us.
Less than 1% of Scotland’s native woodland remains.
The Spirit of Scotland
My love letter to Scotland would come to light in the spring of 2024 when I would meet with fellow content creator Tom Langhorne. Tom is a wilderness survival enthusiast who also loves putting on the plaid and setting off to live like a 17th century highlander. Teaming up with his partner Caoimhe, and his sister Ceit, we created a video to show Scotland as it exists beyond the kilt.
This project is one of deep love for me as we share so much information that is not commonly known even by people who live in Scotland today. The beauty of the highlands, the tales of the battles, and the popular image of who the Scots were, are all brought to question in this deep dive into the spirit of Scotland,
Dùthchas
Gaelic: “A feeling of belonging to land and heritage.”
I was introduced to the term dùthchas while working with Tom, Ceit, and Caoimhe. It’s a word that I felt long before I heard it. And it’s a feeling more than a definition. Something I will feel for the rest of my life. Just as I will continue to explore and share my findings on the ancient history of Scotland on my Youtube and in projects such as the ones you read here.
Sending my love and admiration to all those who have shared with me their love for the amazing place that is Scotland.