What a magical place to watch spring emerge – the Scottish Highlands. A beautiful weekend spent with friends old and new at the historic Georgian property Assynt House 20 miles north of Inverness. Photography, food, whisky and even more delicious food with our wonderful host for a few days – Natasha.
A huge house with stunning gardens surrounded by trees and countryside. Tucked away up a track, we wandered the grounds, learnt about food styling, taught a little styling ourselves and explored the highlands near and far.
Fires roared, inspiring conversation filled the air and Dean and I both learned a little crochet with the delightful Kat by the fire. We searched the hedgerows for signs of spring, climbed down gorges and walked through a sea of wild garlic.
Warming our cockles on the Balblair distillery tour, we rejoiced in all things whiskey and took in the historical surroundings. Aged barrels, cobwebs and views of the hills beyond.
Pulling over on every drive to snap pictures of lichen and branches budding up with the promise of spring, so much later up here in Highlands, making every flower petal even more anticipated.
Food styling with Catherine Frawley and day trips to Skye with a stop off at an ancient castle. The sky was unusually sunny for Scotland and meant blossom dared to peep some petals out. After expecting moody, wet and wild weather the sun was a magical treat.
Wandering the bay and streets of Ullapool, we discovered antique shops, great food and sweet ice cream, parlour.
Rustic textures and clematis in bloom, a spot of garden peeping and more blossom hunting, with the sounds of seabirds and ferries in the background.
Everyone was out in the sunshine making the most of the unusual temperatures, we all packed for winter and were greeted with California style skies. So the wellies staying in the car and the suncream came out!
Weathered wood and breathtaking views out over the bay and into the hills. Ullapool is such a lovely little town, the winding streets frame the view in perfect glimpses between the buildings.
More amazing lichen and moody hues for styling tea and linens.
Just enough time for a wander out over the Falls Of Mesach (a must see if you aren’t afraid of suspension bridges or dizzying heights) before our drive home to the South coast. Happy Spring! x
