Category Archives: Whisky

The Western Isles, Day One

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Kate Cowie Riley

When they were under Norse rule, the Western Isles were called Innse Gall (“islands of the foreigners”) by the Gaelic-speaking Highlanders of mainland Scotland. First settled 5000 years ago, the Isles have been home to those who farmed and built … Continue reading →

Posted in Callenish Stones, Eco-travel, Gàidhlig, Harris and Lewis, Scotland, Scots Gaelic, Scottish ancestry, Scottish Dialect, Self drive Scotland tours, Travel, Uncategorized, Western Isles, Whisky, Whisky tasting, Women Writers | Leave a comment

To Ullapool, Almost

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Kate Cowie Riley

Our little sunrise excursion to the cliffs of Duncansby left us a bit chilled; we returned to Bencorragh House for a warm shower and a good breakfast and then headed south along the coast of Caithness. The A99 runs from … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancestry, Dornach Castle Hotel, Eco-travel, Hill O'Many Stanes, Scotland, Scottish ancestry, Scottish Dialect, Sutherland, Travel, Uncategorized, Whisky, Whisky tasting, Women Writers | Leave a comment

I’ll Have Whisky, Hold the “e”

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Kate Cowie Riley

I read a blog today that lists the benefits of drinking whisky (though they spelled it with an “e” so we know right off that it has a very American slant). It lists pretty much the same health benefits as … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancestry, Eco-travel, Ecology, Scotland, Scottish ancestry, Self drive Scotland tours, Travel, Uncategorized, Whisky, Women Writers | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Highlands, Day One

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Kate Cowie Riley

Dunstaffnage Castle stands on a small peninsula three miles north of Oban on the south-west entrance to Loch Etive, Loch Eite, (“little ugly one” ).  It is pronounced Dun-STAF- nidge, from the word dun which means “fort” in Gaidhlig, and stafr-nis  from … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancestry, Dunstaffnage Castle, Eco-travel, Ecology, Glen Coe, Highland Single Malt, Highland Titles, Land trust, Oban, Oban Distillry, Scotland, Scottish ancestry, Self drive Scotland tours, Travel, Uncategorized, Whisky, Women Writers | 3 Comments

Sheep Don’t Know The Green Cross Code

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Kate Cowie Riley

“These Scotch streams, full of stones, and clear as glass, are most beautiful; the peeps between the trees, the depth of the shadows, the mossy stones, mixed with slate, etc., which cover the banks, are lovely; at every turn you … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancestry, Eco-travel, Ecology, Edradour Distillery, Heathergems, Highland Titles, Land trust, Pitlochry, Queen Victoria, Queen's View, Scotland, Scottish ancestry, Self drive Scotland tours, Travel, Uncategorized, Whisky, Women Writers | 2 Comments