Wilderness Scotland, the award-winning journey journey firm and chief in sustainable tourism, affords unparalleled alternatives to expertise the serene great thing about Scotland’s iconic landscapes by way of its many expertly guided excursions. From the enduring Highlands to the enchanting islands, vacationers can immerse themselves within the nation’s gorgeous landscapes and wealthy cultural heritage as they discover such breathtaking areas because the Cairngorms, the Isle of Skye, Shetland, Orkney, the Hebrides, and extra, discovering the various traditions formed by the land and the individuals who name it house.
Amongst these traditions is Scotland’s famend textile arts heritage – from weaving and wool manufacturing to the enduring legacy of tartan, carefully related to kilts and clans – these traditions are celebrated by way of connections to communities visited as a part of Wilderness Scotland’s many small group guided itineraries. Providing a extra trendy reflection on tartan’s deep-rooted previous, the newly launched ‘Witches of Scotland’ tartan, designed by Claire Campbell, founding father of the Prickly Thistle mill within the Highlands, memorializes the victims – primarily girls – of the Scottish Witchcraft Act, which was in impact from 1563 to 1736. That includes shades of black, gray, pink, and pink, the design symbolizes a story that’s deeply rooted in Scotland’s individuals, historical past and landscapes.
Exploring the locations which have formed these traditions – from the enduring New Lanark Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s dedicated to sustainable wool manufacturing, to the small but modern mills like Ardalanish (Isle of Mull) or Uist Wool (North Uist within the Outer Hebrides) – guests can join with the tales of artisans respiration new life into the nation’s wool trade.
Scotland’s textile arts additionally carry echoes of centuries-old practices, resembling ‘waulking’ newly woven tweed. Frequent within the Outer Hebrides – islands recognized for his or her tweed (notably the Isle of Harris) – prior to now, this was achieved by hand, historically by girls, who would sing ‘waulking songs’ (òrain luaidh in Gaelic), as they labored to maintain the rhythm of the beating course of and to make the hours spent doing it extra fulfilling (this scene from the Outlander sequence depicts this custom).
Equally, Shetland’s wool and textiles are as iconic as they’re timeless. With sheep believed to be of Scandinavian origin, possible dropped at the islands by Viking settlers, the wool produced right here has particular qualities not seen wherever else. The Shetlanders themselves are additionally maybe greatest recognized for his or her knitting, specifically the high quality Shetland lace and distinct Honest Isle knitting.
Harris Tweed originates within the Outer Hebrides, on the Isle of Harris, and the weavers right here and throughout all of those islands are celebrated for his or her ability. (Wilderness Scotland)
Listed below are just a few Wilderness Scotland journeys that immerse vacationers within the cultural threads which might be as enduring because the landscapes themselves:
Argyll & the Isles: A wonderful coastal area of western Scotland, it’s recognized for its glittering sea lochs, wild islands, hills, glens, and its personal wealthy textile custom. Good for exploring on foot, the surroundings right here is excellent, and the traditional heritage, considerable wildlife, and plenty of whisky distilleries (on Oban and Islay) provide equal enchantment. Subsequent departure: June 7-13, 2025.
Isle of Skye: Discover golden sands and stark, darkish spires, as you find out about this island’s fascinating historical past. Go to the ruins of deserted villages, discover historic Iron Age brochs, hike out to lonely lighthouses, watch as pink deer choose their means throughout heathery hills, and take house some Skye wool. Folklore runs deep right here, and Scottish tradition is distilled to its most vivid. This journey can also be accessible as a luxurious departure. Subsequent departure: July 5-11, 2025.
Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay: This guided strolling journey within the southern Outer Hebrides visits at the least seven islands, together with the wild, lovely, and uninhabited island of Mingulay, in addition to North Uist, house Uist Wool. Vacationers might be rewarded right here by uncrowded landscapes, splendidly scenic walks, considerable wildlife, and welcoming lodging. Subsequent departure: July 19-25, 2025.
Highlights of Shetland and Orkney: Uncover the salt-stung magnificence of those Northern Isles on this unforgettable strolling vacation. Recognized for his or her spectacular coastal surroundings and wealthy historical past, folklore, and heritage (together with its famend weaving), this ‘deluxe’ itinerary affords an enchanting mixture of iconic sea stacks, cavernous caves, sheer cliffs that shimmer with hundreds of seabirds, well-known archaeological websites, and considerate, participating museums. Subsequent departure: August 4-13, 2025.
The West Highland Manner: One for the world’s greatest walks, this traditional long-distance trekking journey weaves collectively problem, objective, and camaraderie while studying in regards to the space’s wealthy historical past and legends, figuring out the natural world, absorbing the atmospheric landscapes of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, and discovering the various traditions born of this land. Subsequent departure: July 2-9, 2025.
For extra data on Scotland’s fascinating textile traditions, click on right here.
For particulars on all of the above Wilderness Scotland journeys and extra, go to WildernessScotland.com. To find the equally wealthy histories and heritages of England, Wales, and Eire, go to WildernessEngland.com, and WildernessIreland.com.
In regards to the Wilderness Group
Wilderness Scotland, established in 2001, is rated Europe’s No.1 Rated Journey Journey Firm by Nationwide Geographic and is Scotland’s solely five-star accredited journey tour operator. In 2012, its outpost Wilderness Eire was launched, and the launch of Wilderness England adopted in 2020. Providing an unrivalled vary of small-group departures, self-guided journeys and customized holidays, Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness Eire, and Wilderness England cleared the path in lively and nature-based journey to the distant and wild corners of Scotland, Wales, Eire, and England. In style outside experiences embody mountaineering, highway biking and kayaking. Wildlife, cultural, pictures and crusing adventures are additionally accessible. For extra data, go to www.wildernessscotland.com.
