SPRING has sprung, and what better time to start thinking about getting out into Scotland’s great outdoors?
Whether you’re a seasoned Munro-bagger, relaxed beach-comber or avid wildlife-watcher, there’s nothing quite like getting away from it all.
READ MORE: Made in Scotland: Little treasures are inspired by striking scenery
For those who take their outdoor pursuits seriously, companies such as Hilltrek, Dhu and Trakke offer high-quality clothing and accessories made to last. Hilltrek’s Assynt jacket is fully waterproof, breathable and robust, while Dhu’s women’s “basecamp” hoodie, made from a mix of cashmere and superfine merino wool, combines style and practicality.
The design of Trakke’s Assynt backpack is inspired by vintage mountaineering equipment, but it’s brought bang up to date with a 15” laptop pocket. For those with a little less to carry, Staunch’s versitle camo stuff pouches can be used to carry everything from fishing tackle and surf wax to cash and make-up.
If you’re planning an expedition it’s always wise to take a compass as well as a map. As well as being practical, those made by Highlands-based firm Dalvey (established in 1897) make for beautiful gifts. If you’re on a slightly smaller budget, a Munro-bagging journal would make a great present for anyone who has caught the mountain-climbing bug or has always planned to give it a go.
A Richness of Martens: Wildlife Tales from Ardnamurchan tells the story of a couple who moved to the peninsula 15 years ago and found themselves sharing a garden with a family of pine martens. Written by Pilly Pullar, it has has been long-listed for this year’s Highland Book Prize. Of course, you don’t actually need to hit the road (or even look out of the window) to appreciate Scotland’s landscapes, as plenty of makers can bring it to you in the form of paintings, cards, ceramics and jewellery. Jenny Moran’s Misty Glen is painted on to a box canvas and comes ready to hang, while artist Cath Waters offers cushions bearing her atsmopheric landscape paintings.
This month’s featured maker, Miriam Emerton, turns her goregous paintings of places like Kildonan Bay on Arran (above) and Treshnish Headland on Mull into pendants and cards, while Laura Cooke’s beautiful Botanic Isles jewellery incorporates tiny flowers, ferns and even moss.
Highland Stoneware, based in the north-west Highlands, brings seascapes, rock pools and wildlife to your dining table in the form of mugs, plates, quaichs and may other products, no two of which are the same.
Whether you are venturing into the wild or just popping to your local park, a picnic rug from Kinloch Anderson will ensure your can enjoy the view while keeping your bottom dry.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here