I’ve always had a deep love for Scotland, it’s woven into who I am. Growing up, our family trips north were filled with a kind of magic only Scotland seems to hold. Over the years, that childhood wonder turned into a lasting pride in my heritage and a fascination with its wild, rugged beauty.
That’s why I decided to write this post, to share a piece of that love, and to capture one of my most memorable adventures yet: a wild camping trip across the Isle of Skye. What began as a nod to my roots became a journey that reminded me just how special this country really is.
I’ve grown up visiting Scotland to see family and have always romanticised the place. It has always felt magical to me. Perhaps it started with my auntie, who, as we drove past the Wallace Monument on the motorway, would tell us it was the “fairy tower.” Out the car window, fields of fairy rings whizzed by, sparking my imagination and leaving me utterly convinced: there must be fairies!
Growing up, Scotland was also our annual holiday destination, especially St Andrews. There’s just something about the country that has always enchanted me. I’ve always felt proud of my Scottish heritage, and that pride runs deep in my love for its culture, its wild landscapes, and its history. Over time, that love turned into a longing to explore more.
My husband Ben is an avid wild camper and had already travelled around Skye, so he was eager to show me the island. I’m not much of a camper myself, but being a good sport (and a good wife!), I agreed to wild camp across Skye this summer. We planned everything far in advance, but as soon as we hit the road, all plans went out the window we just went with the flow!
Our journey began early one morning from the Moray Firth. We drove all the way to Eilean Donan Castle, that famous fortress perched at the edge of the water near Skye (still on the mainland). We arrived around 5 p.m., just as the crowds were thinning. After exploring the grounds and snapping a few photos, we jumped back in the car and crossed the bridge onto Skye.
For someone who grew up visiting North Uist, I was surprised... Skye is busy! But despite the buzz, our first camping spot was pure magic. We found a quiet place nestled beneath towering mountains, beside a loch that flowed into the sea. That first night, as the sun dipped behind the hills, we watched dolphins swim through the loch, catching their dinner. It felt utterly unreal, the kind of moment that reminds you why you fell in love with Scotland in the first place!
