How our Scottish team celebrate Burns Night
Haggis, kilts and bagpipes are just a few of many famous Scottish traditions, all of which come together for the well-celebrated, Burns Night on 25th January.
Tonight marks a staple in the Scottish calendar. Every year on this day festivities begin throughout Scotland to celebrate the life and work of famous poet, Robert Burns. They usually include plenty of haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as poetry and music (bagpipes of course). If you haven’t already made plans, our agents told us how they spend their evenings in a recent blog.
The date for us often puts a spotlight on Scotland. The wilds of its countryside, flair of its cities and its dramatically beautiful coastline make it hard not to guess why people opt to move there. We’ve picked some of our favourite reasons why you might – and homes to go with them:
Scotland’s capital is full of charming buildings which you cannot help but admire. Everywhere you turn down its cobbled streets is an architectural marvel. Its Old Town was even declared a UNESCO Heritage site.
The city’s architectural beauty isn’t its only draw. It is alive with a vibrant culture, from its eclectic art galleries, enviable food scene and famous fringe festival. Palmerston Place would be a great home if you want to enjoy the most of city living – it’s located in Edinburgh’s prestigious West End and enjoys easy access to Princes Street, George Street and Lothian Road.
Dotted between lochs and glens, they are some of the most striking in the world – and, fortunately, many still stand impressively tall.
The thought of owning one of these castellated or turreted buildings is an alluring prospect for many. You can imagine the grand banquets that would have been hosted in their dining rooms or looking out over clashes of clans from the parapets. Kelly Castle remains a fine example – and it even comes with its own tittle.
Mostly because it is shrouded in mystery of a monster that lurks beneath its surface. Dozens of references of the famous ‘Nessie’ appear throughout Scotland’s history. One of its earliest records is in A.D. 500 when locals Picts carved creature into the stones near the lake.
But, if you look beyond the myths and legends of its waters, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, the Highlands. Imagine looming mountains, densely populated forests and waves of purple heather surrounding you at every turn. Clunebeg Estate is right in its centre – and you’d even get fishing rights on Loch Ness.
There’s 3,000 miles to choose from and each stretch is unique. Look north and you’ll find dramatic cliffs or to the west you’ll find miles of white sandy beaches.
One stretch of coast which is often overlook is in the east. There you’ll find grand castles, quaint fishing villages, miles of beaches and, of course, lots of golf courses. Right on the doorstep of one of its coastal paths is Inner Gellie House – a wonderful A-listed country home and you can even stand on its roof and enjoy sea views.
There are so many wonderful remote villages tucked away behind mountains, alongside stretches of river or scattered along lochs to discover. It helps that the country has dramatic seasonal shifts from winter snowscapes to long summer nights which means your view will never stay the same for very long.
Cedar Lodge is situated in an ancient Caledonian forest in the Northwest Highlands. You’ll have views of sweeping coastal and mountain vistas, as well as access to stunning walking, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking. It all sounds rather idyllic, doesn’t it? Take a look…