12 Days of Christmas - Dunkeld

On the first day of Christmas, the wee yin said to me…...let’s go see Dunkeld Cathedral!

We happened to chance upon Dunkeld after a day trip through to the Falls of Bruar. I have driven past the House of Bruar sign on the A9 for the last 20 years and always thought it was just a shopping complex and to be honest shopping is not my forte! Lorna had read up on the falls and thought it was worth a look. I did have my suspicions with all those shops a bit close by.

We actually chose a day that was raining hard to see falls at full flow. So after coffee in the Campervan, it was on with full waterproofs off, we set. It’s a 2.5 km walk that should take around an hour and a half. It’s not a hard walk but does have a few wee climbs. All that said it is so worth the effort, the falls are absolutely spectacular. I remember seeing something like this in Australia and travelling for hours to get there. The way in which the water cuts through the rock is stunning and the size and falls breathtaking. Genuinely, if you haven’t been its a great walk and start to a day. One word of warning though, leave your wallet in the Campervan! Coming back through the House of Bruar shopping complex it’s hard not to find something you think you desperately need 

So from here, we decided to make their way to Dunkeld for a bit of brunch and to have a look at the historic Dunkeld Cathedral. Lorna had already scouted out a few spots to visit so first up was @aranbakery on the high street for some well-earned coffee and cake. Absolutely beautiful. The coffee was exceptional and the cake beautiful and light. A great find.

We then proceeded on to the Cathedral which was closed due to the pandemic. We meandered around the outside and read the information about the historical significance of the town and cathedral. Did you know that the bones of Saint Columba are said to have rested here until the time of the Reformation! A beautiful building and well worth a visit. The fact it has a wee charity shop - Three Churches Charity Shop just next door is also a bonus. Who cant resist a Charity shop? Here we also popped into Going Pottie @jaggedthistle_goingpottie, a real cool pottery studio. I was looking for a painted tile to complete an upcycled hall stand project but they didn’t have the size i needed in stock. It did, however, have some gorgeous pieces that would make a perfect gift.

A walk around town revealed a number of small independent retailers all offering individual gifts and ideas. Perthshire is also very highly regarded for its culinary offerings and the range available in town again didn’t disappoint. 

One of my favourite finds was the Corbenic Cafe and shop. Set up to help support the local community and in particular offer work experience to people with special needs. We didn’t eat here however the smell of the homemade soup did kick in my appetite. Also, some great local arts and crafts for the community workshop. One definitely to come back too. 

Lunch location was very hard to choose, Lorna had her eye on afternoon tea at the grandiose Dunkeld House, former residence of the Duke of Atholl, but seeing so many local treats on offer we decided to stay in town and try The Taybank @thetaybank. The main reason for this was she could also pop in next door into Jeffrey Interiors - one of those independent furniture shops like most towns used to have. Some really fantastic unique pieces and it was tough to get the wee yin out. She was seriously eyeing up a large 3 seater sofa!!! Back to lunch, the Tay was lovely, in particular, the friendly and courteous staff. A good choice.

Fed and watered it was back to the local shops and first up The Blue Magpie @BraeStDunkeld.  A magic wee gift shop with all the individual gifts you could ask for, particularly the card range. Lorna was keen to also visit Kat n Kat  @katnkatdunkeld which again was jammed packed with stunning locally designed silver jewellery and textiles. Again, the wee yin was ready to batter the credit card until i managed to intervene. Next was my choice and the Dunkeld Whisky Box @dunkeldwhiskybox 

really this was more a tease than anything. As I was driving I couldn’t try any of the Craft beers or spirits but what a range. 

Last but not least was Lon Store @lonstore for a nosey and some culinary inspiration. A really well-stocked deli also with coffee and sandwiches available. There was so much on offer we decided to make another visit and pick up those wee essentials that can be hard to find. Again, an essential stop whilst in town. 

Bellies full and wallets intact we decided to hit the road and find out spot for a night of wild camping. Dunkeld just oozes history and is one of those beautiful Scots towns you marvel at. Historical, friendly, warm and welcoming. Don’t drive past, honestly pop in, you are in for a real treat.

COVID Blues

As Lorna and I were watching the news reports from China about COVID19 I asked her if she thought this might affect my summer bookings. Within 72 hours the diaries for both the vans, Mork & Mindy, along with my fallback Airbnb flat had been cleared, all bookings cancelled. COVID19 had arrived for me! 

Initial thoughts were for the people coming to Scotland on vacation and reassuring them about their deposits. I didn't want to take a % or hold onto them; you can't punish someone for something entirely outside their control. Given the uncertainty, I expected everyone would want the money back asap! But the generosity from the majority was overwhelming; some instantly responded to my email showing more concern for me, my well-being and the company instead of their money. A few, in particular, stand out. Kirsten from Canada, aka @mistresskofos on Instagram, responded to say they fully intended to get to Scotland when this is finished. She continued that I should "hold onto the total payment" received for a two-week trip. Kirsten knew my business world was folding in on itself and wanted to help keep me going. I just didn't expect that kind of caring and understanding. Will aka @willrhickman on Instagram, mailed straight back to acknowledge what was happening. He then offered to pay the full amount and that we will rearrange, just incredible! Finally, Ethan & Laura aka @lauraramsden & @ethanconlin91 came back to say the same things, "we want you to hold onto the deposit as your service to date has been fantastic ". Just when I thought I was staring into a small business abyss, they picked me up, genuinely humbling.  

That week Lorna had some time off work and I was determined to get her away a few days respite before the anticipated “tsunami”. Lorna works for the NHS, and we expected she would be busy!  We decided to aim for Glenfinnan Monument; I’ve driven past the signs at Fort William so many times but never visited Bonnie Prince Charlie. He certainly didn’t disappoint, and we enjoyed gorgeous sunshine while wandering around also taking in the famous viaduct.—both top iconic Scottish views.

As the sun was shining we decided to chase a sunset, the nearest point being Arisaig and the breathtaking Silver Sands of Morar. We were gobsmacked; it was stunning; I mean real, not Instagram faked! Parked on the beach, we knew Mother nature was about to give us a show. She didn't disappoint! The setting was perfect, looking onto the islands of Skye, Rum & Eigg, watching the sun slowly sink we had our very own wee Cafe Del Mar. The campervan was pre-packed with all our food and drink so no need to shop anywhere else, and after sunset, we cooked up steaks and inhaled a glass or 2 of wine—what a start. 

The next day after breakfast on the beach we caught the @calmacferries ferry from Mallaig to Skye for an overnighter as Lorna hadn't seen much of the island. A short ferry trip in glorious sunshine was too good to miss. There is something special about our local ferry connections if you live near one you take it for granted. The service to these beautiful islands is essential, and it's great to see all kinds of folk, locals and tourists, take advantage of the hop between.

Once docked, we drove to see the Fairy Glens, climbed the Old Man of Storr and walk the Quiraing. Listen, if you're Scottish and you haven't been to Skye, you really need too, it's just incredible and impossible to do justice in words or even pictures. With clear blue skies, we again wanted a sunset, and that could only mean heading to Neist Point lighthouse. As we had decided to park up here for the evening, we took a bottle of wine over to sit near - not too near - the cliffs and watch the show. The ever-changing colours on the landscape, along with the iconic lighthouse, are hard to beat. We take for granted the light in Scotland, the stunning colours we accept without wonder. It's good to stop, breath and appreciate how lucky we are. After another fantastic meal - cooked by yours truly - we hit the bed early as we wanted to catch the sunrise. In the van, we tend to sleep in the upstairs bunk, leave the mess downstairs until the morning. It's a bit like being in a tent but very comfortable.

In the morning over coffee, things had begun to filter through that the locals were growing anxious about tourists, possibly bringing COVID to the remote and sparsely supported communities. Instantly we decided to drive home. Supporting our rural communities is essential, and it was disappointing to see convoys of caravans, campervans and motorhomes of all sizes going in the opposite direction. We all know that was soon to change and rightly so. Getting back to Glasgow the day before Lockdown was announced was a huge relief.

To survive in Lockdown, the company has had to make some big cuts. Firstly giving up my van storage unit which we had worked so hard on last year. I had no option, we had to remove all overheads straight away. I've also taken a job delivering groceries to get me through this lean time. This, along with my customer's generosity, means the company will be ready to rock and roll as soon as we are in more understanding time.

Through the company, we have met some lovely people, in particular, the @adventureharlots who describe themselves as "Fi and Shirl taking on adventures in Scotland. Living our way, our terms, over 50s inspiration and giggles". The girl's regular messages and upbeat attitudes have made things so much easier. I look forward to getting up the Munros with the girls soon as we are allowed back.  

On a positive note, as we begin to look forward, I've now received two pre-bookings and several notes of interest. Obviously, that's great to see; however, as I mentioned earlier, I will always put our local communities first. Only when the local communities are ready and comfortable with visitors will I be allowing my vans to travel. If areas such as the Hebrides have requested no visitors, I won't let my vans to go in that direction, no arguments. Mork and Mindy themselves will be thoroughly sanitised before and after any trips, and I will have done my utmost to ensure the safety of my guests. Customers always have been and will remain to be the priority. If you're wondering where you can go on holiday safely when Lockdown lifts, think about all that Scotland has to offer. Do your bit and help support local businesses and enjoy the flexibility, freedom to roam in your self contained home away from home. Drop me a message for further information.

Looking to the future, I'm working on a more cost-effective 'long weekender' van. This will be aimed at those wishing to go hill walking, snowboarding, running, cycling and all the outdoor pursuits Scotland is famous for. The van will be whatever you want with different options on kit available. Something I think will be more appealing to people on tight budgets or with limited time. Keep your eyes posted.  

Stay safe, be kind and keep believing.