Features

Ghost Hunting in Loch Lomond

Who needs Derek Acorah when you have Colin Sykes?

10 Sep 2009

Greetings dear reader, and welcome to another grim tale of mystery, madness and trouser-filling terror. This being our Halloween issue, I thought I would go all out and investigate a genuine haunted castle or an authentic creepy mouldering ruin, so I…

Skydiving in Scotland

Our guide to jumping out of planes. With a parachute, natch

10 Sep 2009

To jump or not to jump, that is the question. Read on for our comprehensive guide to parachute jumping as we speak to a qualified instructor and grill our brave writer as she prepares to plunge

Drams in the Field

We preview the autumn music festival

10 Sep 2009

Drams in the Field, Glenelg’s annual music festival, is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and, if previous years are anything to go by, it should be one hell of a hoolie. In a nutshell; be prepared to dance like a lunatic, make loads of new…

Out of Africa

Neil Radley takes us on a trek around South Africa

10 Sep 2009

‘Bump bump. Ouch my ass, my balls, my ass, my balls. But ooh wow, what amazing scenery’. This is generally how my journey through South Africa, on pony-back, proceeds. Nonchalantly we wave to fellow musketeers and others whose path we cross, smiling…

A Polish Adventure

A mini-trip to make you fall in love

10 Sep 2009

As the anticipation builds for visiting an unknown foreign land, my brain often starts making its own mental images. These are usually a deconstructed, or reconstructed, mish-mash of images already gleaned from travel brochures, the internet and similar…

MOBO Awards Come to Glasgow

Celebrating Music of Black Origin in Scotland

10 Sep 2009

‘We’ve been at every major venue in London: the Royal Albert Hall, Alexandra Palace, Wembley Arena, London Arena and we were the first multi-artist show to appear at the O2 Arena, so we thought it was time to take the unprecedented step of moving the…

All About the Dram-a

Looking for the real Scottish whisky experience

10 Sep 2009

Two years after Columbus discovered America, a Scottish friar made an equally important discovery: whisky. However, his was not the golden delight that we now know as Scotch whisky. What Friar John Cor concocted was brutal and raw, and were it to be…

Visiting Skye

Taking a trip to the idyllic isle

10 Sep 2009

‘If you’ve never been kissed on the Isle of the Mist, it’s a joy you must try before you die …’ The whole pub crowd joins in for the chorus of this jaunty tune; swaying to and fro along with local band, Bramax, in the tiny seaside village of Kyleakin…

Wheels on Fire

A day at Knockhill racing track

10 Sep 2009

Nothing brings out the little boy in a fully grown man quite like shiny fast cars. We send our adventure sports correspondent, Ren Deakin, for a day at Knockhill. Needless to say he enjoys every last minute of it

The Enchanted Forest

Myths and legends in Faskally Wood

10 Sep 2009

‘ We thought it would be fun to set a fire-breathing dragon loose in the forest,’ says Tricia Fox, one of the organisers for The Enchanted Forest autumn event. She is referring to this year’s Scottish myths and legends theme, for the annual light and…

Go Ape

Become king of the swingers with this adventure amongst the tree tops

10 Sep 2009

So here I am, standing in front of a group of strangers – a strapping great harness hitched around my nether regions – trying to remember which karabiner attaches on to which safety line and which foot to put where. Welcome to Go Ape, the high-wire…

Glasgow: Merchant City Festival

The celebration of cutting-edge Scottish arts, music and live performance

10 Sep 2009

The Merchant City is all of Glasgow in a few square blocks. At its most north-westerly point, as it merges into the city centre around George Square, it’s all about opulent buildings, trendy boutique shops and a range of desirable restaurants and delis.

Visiting Orkney

Having an adventure on this treasure island

10 Sep 2009

Orkney is a compelling place, with a rich history – but also plenty sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and fun activities to please the casual visitor. Simon Varwell digs beneath the surface

A Traveller's Guide to Wales

It's not all just Tom Jones and rugby

10 Sep 2009

Just a short journey from central Scotland, Wales is an ideal spot for those of you who want to do a little bit of exploring without leaving the United Kingdom. Here’s our traveller’s guide of top things to see and do  Bright lights, big city A…

5 Reasons To Love Cornwall

Why the final days of summer are best spent on the Cornish coast

10 Sep 2009

As the summer fades on British shores, we automatically start thinking about woolly jumpers, cosy nights in and what colour of thermal pants we’ll go for this year. We can’t help it; it’s in-built that we prepare for cold weather every year like it was…

Hubble Bubble

The ugly history of witch trials in Scotland

10 Sep 2009

Since it’s Halloween, Kirsty Gibbins decides to delve into Scotland’s witch culling history. What she uncovers ain’t pretty, in fact, it’s decidedly gruesome

Scottish Watersports

Ahead of the Tiree Wave Classic, we prepare to get wet

10 Sep 2009

Scotland’s plentiful supplies of wind and water make it a fantastic destination for windsurfing. ‘But isn’t it cold?’ I hear you ask. My dear readers, don’t be so defeatist. All you need is a decent wet suit, rock-solid determination, and an acceptance…

Kilmarten Glen

Visiting one of Scotland's most important historical sites

10 Sep 2009

The Scots do history pretty well. Perhaps you even learnt a little about it at school? But, if you fell asleep during that lesson, let us give you a little re-cap: Scotland’s history is one of immigration, its people forged through waves of invaders…

Going for Gold

The world championship events held in Scotland

10 Sep 2009

You may not be the next Mohammed Ali, but here in Scotland we offer some quainter – and less punishing – ways to become a world champion. Simon Varwell tells you how

Talk to the Tour Guide

We chat to Stevie Christie from Wilderness Scotland

10 Sep 2009

Name Stevie Christie Age 33 Hometown Edinburgh How long have you been working as a tour guide Eight years Interests The outdoors and adventure travel What sort of people come on your tours? We get all sorts of people from all over the world.

It's A Weird World

A round-up of autumns most interesting global events

10 Sep 2009

Woolly Worm Festival in North Carolina, Cabbage Festival in Germany, Bald-Headed Men of America Convention, Gorilla Run in London, Rubber Duckie Race in Surrey, Santa Claus Championships in Switzerland

Homecoming Scotland Finale

The big events lined up to close a year of celebration

10 Sep 2009

The Homecoming Scotland year has been jam-packed with events and, as it draws to a close, we highlight the best finale celebrations

Samhain

Investigating the inspiration for Halloween

10 Sep 2009

Halloween is about more than just pumpkin lanterns, apple dooking and dubious fancy dress. The true meaning of All Hallow's Eve harks back to the ancient fire festival of Samhain, the celebration of the final harvest and the beginning of the Celtic New…

Sweden's Jumbo Jet Hostel

It's a little easier to get to sleep on this plane

10 Sep 2009

Jumbo jet heaven isn’t a nice place. The poor jumbos are torn limb for limb and their parts are used for scrap metal. It’s enough to bring a tear to a glass eye. But this jet has a happier tale, because Swedish entrepreneur Oscar Diös took pity on this…

White Knuckle Adventures

1 Jun 2009

There’s something about summer that makes us embrace all kinds of wild adrenalin sports. We send our very own macho man, Ren Deakin, for a day of white knuckle adventures

Surfing

1 Jun 2009

There are several surf schools situated along Scotland’s coastline. Here’s our guide for taking to the waves.

Sea Kayaking

1 Jun 2009

For a proper sporting adventure, you can’t beat sea kayaking. Flitting around Scotland’s coastline, ducking in and out of caves and getting to grips with nature. Ren Deakin offers his personal guide.

Mountain Bike World Cup

1 Jun 2009

With the legendary Mountain Bike World Cup talking place in Fort William this June, we give you a sneaky preview of what’s in store for the 2009 championships.

Wild Camping

1 Jun 2009

Wild camping is one of the best ways to get up-close and personal with Scotland’s hills, glens and coastlines. Here Jo Morgan, the self proclaimed ‘Queen of Camping’, gives us her tips on enjoying the outdoors without causing a riot.

The Outer Hebrides

1 Jun 2009

When Ren Deakin felt in need of some peace, he simply packed up his trusty Volkswagen camper and together they went in search of solitude in the idyllic Outer Hebrides.

Summer Work

1 Jun 2009

Many travellers like to secure a part-time job so as they can fund their trip more successfully. Here’s some useful information on finding work.

Swamp Soccer

1 Jun 2009

Most people grow out of their love of playing in the mud. But, as the Swamp Soccer World Championships hit Argyll this June, Anna Docherty discovers it’s still fun to get down and dirty.

Rockness

1 Jun 2009

RockNess boasts beautiful scenery, top bands and a chilled vibe. Kirsty Gibbins tells us why it’s become her festival of choice.

Festival Fever

1 Jun 2009

Each year, the glow of summer brings with it a particularly exciting string of events - the live music festivals! Here’s the low-down on the big Scottish ones you won’t want to miss

Five Pound Fringe - Edinburgh Fringe Festival

1 Jun 2009

The Five Pound Fringe is new for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2009, so Anna Docherty takes a look at the highlights of this innovative budget option

Edinburgh International Film Festival

1 Jun 2009

The Edinburgh International Film Festival is a firm highlight in the capital’s calendar. Here Anna Docherty gives you the low-down on what to expect

Edinburgh Festivals

1 Jun 2009

There’s a pretty big chance you’ll already have heard of the Edinburgh Festival and if you happen to be in Edinburgh over the month of August, you sure as hell aren’t going to miss it. For a whole month the city becomes a colourful jamboree of theatre…

Festival Survival Special

1 Jun 2009

If you want to survive the festival gauntlet, then make a little room in your backpack for this lot.

Highland Games

1 Jun 2009

Not sure which Highland Games to check out? Simon Varwell offers a comprehensive round-up of this summer's best Games. And, if you still can't decide, you could always just visit them all.

Burke & Hare

1 Jun 2009

You wouldn’t want to bump into Burke and Hare on a dark night, but we still want to know all the gory details about their crimes. Kirsty Gibbins meets the man behind a brand new tour

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

1 Jun 2009

This year is the centenary of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s biggest design triumph – Glasgow School of Art. David Pollock profiles the famous Art Nouveau architect.

Oban

1 Jun 2009

Oban is a beautiful little pocket on the West Coast of Scotland, perched on the shores of the Firth of Lorn. Jo Morgan tells you how to make the most of your visit.

Balkanarama

1 Jun 2009

Balkanarama is a Balkans influenced night of music, dance and revelry. But, as Anna Docherty discovers, it’s the passion of the performers that raises the event above the crowd.

Ireland

1 Jun 2009

Obviously Scotland is top of many backpackers’ lists (well, you’re here aren’t you?), but most of you won’t be able to resist a wee trip across the water to Ireland. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump away after all. Here’s our travellers guide to the…

West End Festival

1 Jun 2009

The West End of Glasgow is currently gearing up for its yearly festivities. David Pollock meets the festival’s founder and finds out what’s new for 2009.

Africa

1 Jun 2009

Deciding that he needed a radical change of scenery, Neil Ratley travelled to Africa in search of adventure - and he sure found it. Here’s a snapshot of his escapes

The Leith Festival

1 Jun 2009

As the Leith Festival enters its eighth year, Anna Docherty profiles the best events of 2009 and takes a look at what makes the festival such a continuing success.

Ghost Hunter

1 Jun 2009

Our regular Ghost Hunter Colin Sykes takes another spooky expedition into the unknown. Only the bravest of the brave could tread in this man’s gargantuan footsteps.

The Mill

1 Jun 2009

The Mill is a new free music night run in conjunction with Miller beer. But, as David Pollock discovers, the new bands on display are anything but run of the mill.

St Andrews

1 Jun 2009

The key to St Andrews lies not only in its beauty but in its accessibility from Scotland’s major cities. Jo Morgan gives us her guide to getting to know Scotland’s favourite coastal town.

London

1 Jun 2009

With cheap transport running from Scotland to the bright lights of London, a trip south is now an easy option. Here’s our guide to making your experience a little more memorable.

Talk to the Tour Guide

1 Jun 2009

Name Simon Lee Age 27 Work for Co-owner of Scottish Vibe Tours Home Comrie, Perthshire How long have you been working as a tour guide Four years Interests Rock climbing, music festivals, camping and travelling. What sort of people come…

Farm Foods

1 Jun 2009

Working on a farm means you can earn money while re-connecting with the outdoors. But who wins in the battle of fruit picking versus tattie rogueing? The Midgie puts them to the test.

Weird & Wonderful

1 Jun 2009

Dog surfing, Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, Pizza Day, Camel Racing, Cardboard Boat Race and Twins Days Festival.

Futuristic Retro Champions

1 Jun 2009

During music festival season there will likely be lots of ‘cool’ new indie bands thrust upon us. But Anna Docherty meets a bright young band that is unashamedly pop.

Ice Cream

1 Jun 2009

Ice-cream queen Joanne Eadie tells us about her love affair with Luca’s of Musselburgh and decides to go for a wee tasting session. Any excuse, really.

10 Best gigs in Scotland

July-August

1 Jun 2009

We Were Promised Jetpacks, Jarvis Cocker, Emiliana Torrini, Malcolm Middleton, Come On Gang, The Cat Empire, The Wilders, Bruce Springsteen, Orkestra Del Sol and Frightened Rabbit.

Pittenweem Arts Festival

1 Jun 2009

We all like to think we know our Monet from our Matisse, but what about the modern Scottish art scene? The Pittenweem Arts Festival is a chance to swat up on local talent.

Auntie Midgie

1 Jun 2009

She’s here to answer all your niggling travelling queries and questions. But she’d rather not know about your love life problems …

Isle of May

1 Jun 2009

For an island only 1.5 miles long and 0.6 miles wide, The Isle of May has seen its fair bit of action. Archaeologists suggest that people inhabited the island as far back as 6,000BC and its dank caves were apparently popular with smugglers hiding their…

Pamplona Bull Run

1 Jun 2009

The Pamplona Bull Run takes place at 8am every morning over the course of a week. It may be early, but if anything’s going to get you moving in the morning it’s some big burly bulls running towards you. Runners, dressed in the traditional white and red…

La Tomatina

1 Jun 2009

What would you do with 100,000 kilos of over-ripe tomatoes? Here at The Midgie we quite like tomato soup, with a wee bit of basil. But each year, on the last Wednesday of August, the Vanecian town of Bunol plays host to the biggest food fight in the…

Glasgow Comedy Festival

1 Mar 2009

More than most of the big names appearing at this year’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Dublin-born Ed Byrne knows how to work a Glaswegian crowd. He did, after all, used to go to the University of Strathclyde in the city (to study horticulture…

Isle of Skye tour

1 Mar 2009

This Midgie writer is not a morning person. But I am a welly boots, fleecey jacket, two-pairs-of-socks and thermal underwear person. Because, even as spring begins to blossom in Scotland, at this tiny hour in the morning extra layers are still…

Fence Collective

1 Mar 2009

‘There was an article in the Sunday Times at the start of this year,’ says Johnny Lynch, head caretaker of Fife’s Fence label and also known as The Pictish Trail to his own musical fans. ‘They had an A to Z of musical genres in the world, all the…

Sports round-up

1 Mar 2009

SIX NATIONS The hype surrounding these matches is at bursting point, as they enter into the final stages. And while Scotland may not be the hottest at rugby (in terms of skill or dashing good looks), you can’t deny that we still continue to throw…

Findhorn

1 Mar 2009

It’s the morning of my first day at the Findhorn Foundation and Community and I’m having a chat with Gretal, the owner of the bed and breakfast I’m staying in (one of the many houses that make up part of the Eco-village of Findhorn). ‘When we first came…

Return of the Wolf

1 Mar 2009

It seems the world is set out to vilify wolves. Or the world of children’s story books at least. Peter and the Wolf; Little Red Riding Hood; The Boy Who Cried Wolf – they all depict wolves as child scaring/Grandma guzzling creatures to be feared and…

Walking in Scotland - Hillwalking safety measures

1 Mar 2009

Planning Many accidents result from poor preparation. Think through your day in terms of clothing, equipment and effort. Always take spare clothing, waterproof gear and a hat and gloves. Ensure you have enough food for the day, as well as drinks to…

Walking in Scotland - Mountains

1 Mar 2009

Scotland’s mountains are more than just bits of ground that have got above themselves; they are majestic. The Fort William Mountain Festival celebrates these haughty hills, finds Ren Deakin

Walkers Anonymous

1 Mar 2009

Name Alan Kimber Experience/level Over 30 years of experience. Alan is an International Mountain Guide and a member of the British Mountain Guides Association. Favourite walk/route Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Isle of Skye are where I spend a lot…

Walking in Scotland - Be prepared!

1 Mar 2009

Your Rucksack If you’re planning to camp make sure your rucksack’s big enough (recommended 65-75 litres) to accommodate your tent, sleeping bag, cooking utensils and food, as well as changes of clothing. Choose a rucksack with good support straps…

Beltane Fire Festival

1 Mar 2009

Do you ever feel like you just don’t quite belong in a modern world? I’m not getting all new age-y on you, but in a fast-paced and fleeting society it can be difficult to find your place and feel part of a static community. Perhaps this is why…

Talk to the Tour Guide

1 Mar 2009

Name Will Stockham Age 30 Home Tolsta Chaolais, Isle of Lewis How long have you been working as a tour guide 3 years Interests Anything to do with the outdoors, in fact, anything to do with mountains! I love hill walking, mountain…

Walk Scotland

1 Mar 2009

As Scotland's spring bursts into bloom, Ren Deakin explores the country's most popular stomping grounds

Fence Collective - Favourite East Neuk places

1 Mar 2009

The Haven ‘It’s a really nice, cosy pub. It’s got a bit of character, because it’s right on the harbour. When there was a bird flu scare in the area a few years ago, we all rushed to the Haven for a pint to watch the helicopters overhead and George…

Uri Geller

1 Mar 2009

Lamb Island is a tiny outcrop in the Firth of Forth. To any passing ferry, it is basically a little lump of land consisting of some craggy rocks and patchy grass - maybe a seagull if you’re lucky. It’s nothing special, but then it never deigned to be…

Winter Sports

1 Dec 2008

Ice Climbing Absolutely not to be undertaken without experienced supervision, climbing a frozen sheet of ice is still one of the most rewarding winter sports. As well as a hefty dose of courage, anyone trying it out will need to be physically strong…

Alain Baxter: Northern Exposure

1 Dec 2008

It looked like the perfect victory. In February 2002, after becoming the first Briton to win an Olympic medal in Alpine skiing – with a glorious run in the ski slalom event at Salt Lake City – Alain Baxter was celebrating with his family. But his joy…

The Ba: Spot the Ba

1 Dec 2008

I can't imagine spending Christmas Day any other way than heading down to see the Ba. For Kirkwall people, it's huge. To win it is a huge honour, especially if your families been in the Ba for generations and generations. It's probably the highest…

Homecoming Scotland: Making the Most of it

1 Dec 2008

The Gathering 2009 The centrepiece of the year's celebrations, The Gathering is the largest clan meeting in history. Six thousand flights from America to Scotland have already been snapped up and demand is so high that more are being specially…

Santa's little helpers

Reindeer

1 Dec 2008

I'm wondering how it was, exactly, that I came to be carrying a sack of grain, up a hill, in the rain, trying to avoid being antlered in the bum. As well as the reindeer, I’m here to meet Tilly Smith who, along with husband Alan, took over an Aviemore…

Up-Helly-Aa: Norse Code

1 Dec 2008

I'm standing in Lerwick town square, watching the early morning fog whip around the narrow cobbled streets, surrounded by a throng of local islanders and a few hardy tourists. Suddenly, as the steady beat of drums and the drone of bagpipes shatters the…

Hogmanay: How Hogmanay Got Hip

1 Dec 2008

Shiny silver baubles, mince pies and novelty socks don’t quite cut it in the coolness stakes for most trendy young Scots. In fact, Christmas was once just another working day here. During long Scottish winters, it’s New Year that we turn to for our…

Up-Helly-Aa: What did the Vikings Ever Do For Us?

1 Dec 2008

Mousa Broch, Shetland This Iron Age tower is over 13ft high and one of the finest examples of its kind. More importantly, it’s old enough to have seen some fairly exciting goings on. In the spring of 1153 Erlend the Young had a bit of a crush on Earl…

Hogmanay: The best of Hogmanay

1 Dec 2008

EDINBURGH Edinburgh hosts the daddy of all celebrations, with a four-day extravaganza running from 29 Dec-1 Jan, highlights include: Torchlight Procession, 29 Dec, 6pm, departs City Chambers. The Dancin’ (open air dance event), Grassmarket, 30 Dec…

Hogmanay: Hangovers

1 Dec 2008

The Loony Dook It’s a new year and you wake up feeling anything but rejuvenated, with a tongue like sandpaper and a head thumping like last night’s party. It calls for extreme action and you can’t get much more extreme than throwing yourself into some…

Christmas: Away From Home

1 Dec 2008

Three times the fun If you can't be with your actual family on Christmas eve, the Three Sisters will quite happily provide you with a new one. In conjunction with the Backpacker's Card, we're holding a special Christmas eve party so don't worry, it…

Hogmanay: Outside the cities

1 Dec 2008

Oban’s Hogmanay Homecoming party This is likely to be the biggest party Oban has seen in a long time – and you can sense their excitement, by the fact their Hogmanay website has a ticker that is literally counting the seconds until the celebrations…

Just what is a Midgie anyway?

1 Oct 2008

For those who have recently arrived in Scotland - as opposed to residents who know these blood-sucking terrors all too well - the midgie (or midge) is a small biting insect that swarms across the Scottish countryside, delivering sharp nips to anyone…

Splash Down

1 Oct 2008

From deep highland lochs, to bubbling fresh springs, Scotland is a country overflowing with water. The lochs hide the monsters of Scottish superstition, while the spring water is fused together with malted barley to produce the ‘uisge-beatha’ or whisky.

5 to try: River sports

1 Oct 2008

Rafting The most famous, and by far the most popular river sport in Scotland, white-water rafting can be a huge adrenaline buzz or a relatively tame sail downstream. It all depends on the river you choose and the water levels on any given day, which…

Samhain: The Real Halloween

1 Oct 2008

It’s that time of year again when kids dress up as ghosts and ghouls, some girls dress up in next to nothing and the rest of us, who’ve left it a little late, poke three holes through a white sheet and pretend we’re ghosts. That’s right, it’s Halloween…

If you go down to the woods today...

The Enchanted Forest

1 Oct 2008

Jamie Struthers and Simon Lee run Vibe Tours, offering unique trips to music and other cultural events across Scotland. They explain to us about this year’s specially-programmed tour to the Enchanted Forest. Your route to Pitlochry and the Enchanted…

12 Questions: Julian Barratt

1 Oct 2008

With the Mighty Boosh stage show soon to hit Glasgow, Julian Barratt (the taller half of the surreal comedy duo) allows Mary Bowers a peek into the forest of his mind. Howard Moon - genre spanner, jazz maverick and Yorkshire’s foremost cream poet - adds…

The Monster Hunter

1 Oct 2008

You might expect a monster hunter to live in a castle, surrounded by the pelts of the mythical beasts he’s slain, but Steve Feltham’s home is unprepossessing to say the least. His obsessive search for Nessie is conducted from a small caravan parked on…

The Tiree Wave Classic

1 Oct 2008

Andy Groom has been organising the Tiree Wave Classic since 1986. We quiz him on what the Wave Classic means to those organising, and those taking part. Who competes at the Wave Classic? 48 of the top European windsurfers. Last year, when we…

Pick of the Autumn

1 Oct 2008

Bored? Not for long. Claire Ritchie chooses 14 of the best activities this autumn

Gizmos

1 Oct 2008

Solar Powered Backpack: How do you think the Ghost-busters powered their cheesy special FX, sorry, ghoul-killing weapons? The answer’s pretty obvious: with a battery powered backpack. Should you wish to have a few electronic goodies going as you…

Brewing a revolution

1 Oct 2008

It’s a wet Saturday on the eastern fringe of Scotland and my antique Corsa, my rather bewildered boyfriend (lured by the word ‘beer’) and I arrive in the pouring rain to interview one half of the young entrepreneurial duo behind microbrewery Brewdog. In…