Issue 11

A very warm welcome to Issue 11 of Hidden Scotland Magazine, our Autumn/Winter 2025–26 issue. This is a time of year when the evenings draw in – when fires are lit, drams are poured and tales are shared – and, as such, we wanted the following pages to capture something of that sense of comfort and community.

Some of the features stand in defiance of the approaching cold weather. Our round- up of the best wild saunas (page 22) in the country travels from the Cowal Peninsula to the Cairngorms – working up a healthy sweat in the process – while our interview with architect Mary Arnold-Forster (page 42) celebrates the rawness of nature and how it can inspire creativity.

The outdoors features heavily, in various guises. We journey to the stirring landscapes of Mull and Iona on a family break (page 12), highlight the green-valleyed gifts of the Isle of Arran (page 76), and retell the legendary tale of Schiehallion, the ‘Fairy Hill of the Caledonians’ (page 64). Elsewhere, Hamish and Liberty Martin talk us through their passion for life in the country (page 122) and, as our cover star hints in handsome fashion, we look more closely at the red squirrel, one of Scotland’s most charismatic native species (page 66).

Devotion to a cause is about passion, purpose and doing things the right way. In this issue, we uncover several businesses that are living proof of the fact. These include Stewart Christie & Co, the oldest bespoke tailor in Scotland (page 50); The Free Company, an à la carte rural restaurant with a committed farm-to-fork ethos (page 58); and Yard 97, a treasure trove of reclaimed furniture and salvaged architecture (page 72).

And there’s more. Artist Zanna Wilson shares her local insights into the wonderful town of Aberfeldy (page 34), Lucy Gillmore looks at the work involved in restoring forgotten buildings (page 130), and Emily Rose Mawson highlights six of Scotland’s best self-catering Landmark Trust properties (page 110). As you’d expect, the list includes some absolute beauties.

Above all, we hope the following pages bring you joy and inspiration. Happy reading – and enjoy the journey.

Slàinte mhath.