Introducing a Scottish travel blog with an adorable USP
Writing a Scottish travel blog – hmm where to begin? Ok, here goes – I’m Samantha but I usually go by the name of Sam, Mrs G or Mum. I have a passion for exploring Scotland with my hubby Mr G. Our trusty, four-legged friend is rarely far from our side. He’s The Wee White Dug aka Casper, or Merrylegs Lord Toby to give him his posh name! But, shh don’t let him know I’ve shared that hilarious little nugget with you. When our activities or destinations are deemed sufficiently interesting we’re also joined by our Daughter, The Teen.
But back to the namesake of this Scottish travel blog – Casper the Wee White Dug. He’s a typical Westie – naughty, loving, bolshy, funny, loud and fearsome – sometimes all at once. He makes my heart melt and I absolutely adore him.
Why a Scotland blog? Well, my friends joke that Casper has a better social life than they do, as he’s always on the road exploring, exciting new places. I’ve been encouraged to document our travels and share our stories. So here I am dipping my toe tentatively into the water, and setting up this blog thingy so I can start sharing our 2016 Scottish adventures with you – whoever you may be.
A busy year ahead
If you love Scotland and wee dugs then buckle up and join us, as 2016 looks like it’s going to be a wonderful year. Here’s a sneak peek of some of the gems we’ll be sharing:
- We’ll be visiting the Moray coast, which is a great place to spot dolphins and watch the Aurora Borealis dance
- The stunning Isle of Mull, a wildlife lovers dream and home to the insanely pretty town of Tobermory with its brightly painted houses
- After a trip to NYC, the city that never sleeps we’ll recharge our batteries and unwind in Assynt, famed for its magical mountains
- In Ardnamurchan we’ll explore long winding roads and remote lighthouses
- Using the harbour town of Mallaig as a base, we’ll stroll on some of Scotland’s finest beaches and go in search of a loch monster named Morag
Why a Scottish travel blog?
So what drives me (other than my lovely hubby Mr G, in his car which now has more mileage than a space shuttle thanks to my wanderlust) to spend all of my spare time on the road exploring Scotland?
I’m passionate about all things Scottish and am fascinated by the language, customs, myths, literature and history of my country. I think it’s vitally important that they’re shared in order to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy. My blog will be peppered with all of the above but with a generous dollop of history, as I’m a history geek and proud.
A look back at 2015
Before I start documenting 2016 I’d like to reflect on 2015. It’s a very Scottish thing to reflect as the year draws to a close. 2015 is a year I’ll remember fondly due to going on some amazing trips.
Isle of Arran
The photo above was taken in August at Machrie Moor on the Isle of Arran. These ancient stones were out of this world. I was totally blown away by them and Casper seemed to love them too. We’ll definitely return to explore more of Arran.
Glen Coe
The photo above was taken on one of several trips we took to Glen Coe at the beginning of 2015. Glen Coe is spectacular, and that little cottage is a firm favourite with photographers. It’s a place so naturally beautiful it often looks surreal. We prefer to visit in the winter months when it’s quieter and more often than not dusted with snow.
I love the red deer which are a permanent fixture outside the Kings House Hotel. Although wild, they’re greedy and can be hand fed. I take them oatcakes which they gratefully devour in record time. They’re mercenary though, and will even kick their young as they compete with each other for an oaty treat. I can never leave until I know they’ve all eaten something, so it often turns into a bit of a marathon feeding session. Why oatcakes you might ask? Well, I reckon oatcakes are a reasonably healthy snack and won’t lead to an obesity epidemic amongst the deer population.
Eilean Donan, Dornie
The photo above is of one of Scotland’s most instantly recognisable castles, Eilean Donan. It was taken in April en-route to Harris and Lewis. We were lucky that day, as the sky was bright blue and the water reflected beautifully. I can never pass Eilean Donan without stopping to admire it. I attempted to set Casper up for a photo here but he was having none of it. Photos of Casper generally involve a lot of pleading, coaxing and bribing with beefy treats.
Isle of Lewis
I met this guy at Uig on the Isle of Lewis, where the famous Lewis Chessmen were discovered on the beach. Their expressions are really comical. There are a few pieces in the National Museums of Scotland here in Edinburgh, which incidentally is my home. Not the museum though, Edinburgh the city with the medieval castle on a rock in the centre of town.
That’s enough from me for now
Anyway, this was meant to be a quick intro to my new blog. You’ve probably realised by now that I’m a blether (Scots for likes to talk – A LOT) and here I am still waffling on despite having set the scene for this blog a good couple of hundred words ago.
I really hope that you’ll enjoy journeying with The Wee White Dug and I, as we embark on a wonderful Scottish adventure to share the best bits with you here in this new Scottish travel blog.
And if you’re wondering how 2016 turned out – read on.
A year in the life of a Scotland blogger – my 2016 highlights
Until next time …
I’m enjoying your blog very much–as a dog lover and new enthusiast of Scotland, both. From Ohio, USA, my husband and I are planning a trip to Scotland for this fall, and we greatly appreciate the insights you’re providing in your travels with Casper and co.! Keep it up. 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the blog and for your kind comment. You’ll love Scotland. Please let me know if you need any hints or tips for your visit.
Caspar is gorgeous! I have a Westie too who also matches your description.
Loving this. Brilliant pictures of some of my favourite places and that wee dug makes them look all the more special.
Thanks – he’s no a bad wee dug at all. 😊🐶
I was SO happy to find this blog! Wonderfully written by someone who is experienced in and loves Scottish travel and history, lovely photography, AND a wee white Westie?! I will gladly stalk this blog for as long as it exsists. I absolutely adore Sdotland and the rich history it holds. I am quite excited to see what the next year holds for you and Casper!
Thank you for stopping by. We look forward to you joining us on our travels.
Sam, I’ve been following you on Instagram for a while and so happy about your blog. My heritage is Scottish (Aberfeldy) and I plan a long trip to Scotland for my 50th birthday in 2019. I’m using your feed as inspiration and now your blog as well. My name is also Samantha and I have a wee Morkie named Charlie. Happy New Year! My instagram is @kaisersamantha. It’s not nearly as nice as yours!!
Hi Samantha – thanks for stopping by. So glad you like the new blog. How exciting planning a Scottish adventure for your 50th. I’ll be more than happy to give you advice on some not to be missed locations. Happy New Year to you too. 😘
What a fine idea, Sam, and looking forward to following your adventures! Also, very nice blog format, with a good balance of words and pictures.
So glad you like it – couple more ideas up my sleeve that I’m tinkering with and we’re out wandering over the next couple of days. 😊Thanks for stopping by. X
Hey Sam, I like it! My family back is Oz will love it. My mum likes anything to do with a Westie so I’ll forward to her and on FB. Think you might be the source of my Scottish questions from now on! Kristy x
Aww thanks Kristy so glad you like it. More than happy to answer your Scottish related questions. X
Sam, glad to share your blog on our page https://www.facebook.com/JTB47/ and I am sure it will go from success to success.
Thomson Bruce
Thanks Thomson much appreciated. X
How fun that Casper has his own blog (sort of) now, Sam!! Will be fun to follow your adventures both here and on Instagram.
Thanks Susan – you know how Casper loves an adventure so it’s about time he started blogging. 🐶
Super beginning Sam. You know I’m already fond of you and your travels with the 2 young men, so very much looking forward to more. Best of luck for success with your new blog!
Thanks for reading Tom. Much appreciated. X
Sam I look forward to your adventures with Casper. I just started watching the Outlander series. I’m in love with Scotland’s rugged beauty, and hopefully I can venture one day and see it in person.
Michele from Toronto
Thanks for reading Michele – I watched the series recently and loved it. I’ll be visiting some of the film and book locations soon so watch this space.
A brilliant start. I’m impressed. Congrats.
Thanks Alison
We are looking forward to your 2016 adventures, especially with Casper! Both my kids live animals alas we have none of our own yet so we will make do with your cheeky boy for now!
Thanks for reading Kirsty. Hope you enjoy the adventures of the cheeky wee boy. X
Yea! Great start to your blog, Sam. Maybe a book is in your future. Casper is a great model! The Machrie Moor was my favorite spot on Arran in fact I have a canvas print enlargement on my living room wall of a shot I took there. Thanks for sharing your travels with us!
Thanks Eileen. Appreciate you taking the time to read. It’s such a beautiful spot isn’t it.
Looking forward to your adventures!
Thank you Susan – glad you can join us. X
Great blog and Casper is adorable 🙂 x
Awww thank you Rebecca. X
Hi there, Sam,
Looking forward to lots of pictures and history! As you know, I have an interest in your country. 😄
Thanks Dusti – I’ll be sure to track you down lots of Outlander themed snippets. We’ll be visiting Culloden soon and the split standing stone nearby. X
Sam, I look forward to following your Scottish adventures with Casper. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for taking the time to read. We look forward to you joining us.
Loved reading your blog look forward to reading more on your travels around Scotland with the wee white dug and of course Alex as well
Thanks Mo – Alex may just get a wee mention. X