#Assynt

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The 'Hermit's Castle', Achmelvich, Sutherland

On a rocky stretch of shore at Achmelvich, in the remote Assynt district on the west coast of Scotland, is a little concrete structure. Built in the early 1950s, it is known today as the Hermit’s Castle and the tale is told that having erected a shelter in the form of miniature fortress, the builder spent only one night under its roof. Continue reading Untitled

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SCOTLAND IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES - CLAN CARRUTHERS CCIS

SCOTLAND IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES   SCOTLAND IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES In 1124, David I fitz Malcolm ( Carruthers ancestor ) united Alba (the north), Cumbria, and Lothianas one nation under a single set of laws called the Law of the Brets andScots, which remained in force until 1305.Think of this as a panoramic picture taken with time-lapse photography ofthe geographic, political, and…

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Cliff Hand, with a view towards Assynt and Coigach, Highlands, Scotland

Photograph: David Hutchings

Mountain Photo Of The Year Competition

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Storm whipping up on Loch Assynt, NW Highlands

Click on photo

📸 by MaureenPlatts/via X

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Cairns in Clusters: Chambered Cairns in Assynt

By Gordon Sleight Carrachan Dubh chambered cairn near Inchdnadamph Over the last twenty years I have thoroughly enjoyed tramping around Assynt, sometimes on my own and sometimes with groups of friends.  That sense of enjoyment is often enhanced by surprises.  It might be disturbing a mountain hare and seeing it race away at speed or watching an overhead confrontation between golden and…

[bwthornton]

Highland Stoneware Assynt Evening Ginger Jar

Designed and Painted by Dawn Healey

Hand Thrown by Paul Gow

A Limited Edition of 50

Highland Stoneware Assynt Evening Ginger Jar

Designed and Painted by Dawn Healey

Hand Thrown by Paul Gow

A Limited Edition of 50

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Good Morning from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A rain soaked sunrise over Loch Druim Suardalain in Assynt, The unmistakable silhouette of Canisp in the distance

📸Veirtymilligan on Instagram

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Ardvreck Castle, Loch Assynt

Scottish Highlands

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 Ardvreck Castle - Loch Assynt

[justforbooks]

Long before Dave Myers, one half of the TV duo the Hairy Bikers, was hairy, or a biker, he was a cook. While still a child, he prepared family meals when his mother, a former shipyard crane driver, became so debilitated by multiple sclerosis she was scarcely able to leave her bed. “Dad and I became Mam’s carers, muddling through each day,” said Myers, who has died aged 66. “Sometimes I got out a cookbook and made a pie or a stew out of whatever ingredients we had in.”

His mother had been “a fabulous cook and was often preparing food while I played at her feet”. His father, the foreman of a local paper mill, would put little Dave on the saddle of his motorbike so he could pretend to ride. “I loved the smell of oil and machinery and rubber; just one whiff would set my pulse racing.”

But it was only half a lifetime later that Myers, after many years of working as a television makeup artist, managed to make an onscreen career by combining these two childhood passions. In 2004, when he was 45, Myers and his friend Simon King, a locations manager on the Harry Potter films, pitched their idea for a TV show focusing on motorbikes and food to the BBC. “It was midlife crisis time and you can’t have more of a midlife crisis than going off on a motorbike,” said Myers.

The show’s premise was that two burly, hirsute motorcyclists would visit foreign locales, often getting off their bikes to cook by the roadside. In the first episode of The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook (2006), the pair motored through Namibia, stopping off to cook crocodile satay and oryx rolls.

This culinary travelogue ran across three series, taking them to Portugal, Vietnam, Turkey and Mexico, and became such a hit with the viewers that a memo circulated the BBC praising the two men for winning over “a difficult-to-reach audience”. “Basically a ‘difficult-to-reach audience’ translates as ‘normal people’,” said King.

The two self-taught cooks had a disarmingly unpretentious love of food and easy on-screen banter redolent of Keith Floyd, if less bibulous, or Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson, if less posh. In a sense, Myers and King were the male northern riposte to the Two Fat Ladies. What’s more, their two fat lads were refreshing fare in the age of telegenic cooks such as Nigella Lawson or angry chefs like Gordon Ramsay.

Spin-off shows followed, including The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain (2009), The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best (2010), The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure (2012) and The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure (2014), along with allied cookbooks and a 2015 memoir, The Hairy Bikers Blood, Sweat and Tyres.

What was the secret of their success? “We are mates, it’s not something that’s been manufactured,” said Myers. “We’re not snobby about food. We’re very happy with egg and chips, as long as it’s very good-quality eggs and good-quality potatoes. About 95% of good cooking is good shopping.”

They met by chance in a Newcastle pub in the 1990s when Myers was working there as makeup artist and prosthetics technician on an adaptation of Catherine Cookson’s The Gambling Man starring Robson Green. King, an assistant director on the project, was at the bar ordering a curry. The barman told King that if he ordered two curries he would qualify for a special offer: four poppadoms instead of one. “I just stepped up and said, ‘I’ll have the other curry’,” Myers said.

The pair cemented their friendship with road trips up the west coast of Scotland, travelling with a pan, a single-burner stove, some butter, a lemon and some brown bread. “We’d go up round Loch Assynt, up by Lochinver, and catch wild brown trout.” The idea for the television series was born from these trips.

But, while the Hairy Bikers became celebrated and their cookbooks successful, some worried that their recipes were unhealthy. Their banana French toast recipe, consisting of brioche, bananas, peanut butter and cream, was ominously dedicated to Elvis Presley. One critic suggested that their full-English shakshuka, featuring sausages, lardons and black pudding, “looks as if it should come with a diagram on how to administer CPR”.

Indeed, as their fame expanded, so did their waistbands. By 2012, Myers recalled, he was taking tablets for high blood pressure and to lower his cholesterol, and both he and King were diagnosed as being morbidly obese during a medical. He weighed 17st 12lb, with a 49in waist, while King weighed in at 19st 6lb, with a 50in waistline. “I was prediabetic; human foie gras, basically,” Myers said.

The diagnoses pushed them to make the series The Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight. Both men lost 3st 7lb during filming and published their most successful series of books afterwards under the general title Hairy Dieters. “Doing it publicly was the thing that encouraged us to make it work. People admired the honesty. We sold about 1.3m copies of our first book. We learned an awful lot from it.”

The following year, 2013, Myers appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, performing a “Tartan tango” to the tune of The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) with his dance partner, Karen Hauer, and becoming, in the words of the show’s judge Len Goodman, “the people’s champion”, winning the weekly popular vote despite sometimes low marks from judges and armchair critics deriding his “ungainly boogying”. He didn’t win, but the Hairy Biker received the longest standing ovation for, fittingly enough, a Meat Loaf-themed paso doble.

Myers, the only child of Jim and Margaret, was born in Barrow-in-Furness ( then in Lancashire but now in Cumbria) and attended the town’s grammar school for boys, where an inspirational teacher, Mr Eaton, encouraged him to develop his artistic skills. He took a fine art degree at Goldsmiths, University of London and a master’s degree in art history.

His first job was as a trainee makeup artist at the BBC. He worked there for 23 years, including a stint on Top of the Pops, before the Hairy Bikers got together. While filming the show in Romania, Myers met Liliana Orzac. “In our hotel there was a striking woman on reception. Nudging Si, I whispered: ‘I fancy her!’” They married in 2011.

In 2022, Myers announced on the podcast Hairy Bikers – Agony Uncles that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He and King made a moving return to the screen in The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home for Christmas in December 2023, in which they discussed his illness and treatment; and had filmed a new series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which is currently screening on BBC Two, and which King described as “a celebration of a joyous and creative friendship”.

Myers is survived by Liliana and her children, Iza and Sergiu.

🔔 David James Myers, chef and television presenter, born 8 September 1957; died 28 February 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

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 Assynt

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Autumn Aurora Over Stack Pollaidh, Assynt, Scotland - by by Craig McDearmid

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High above the Highlands. The mighty Suilven, Assynt, Scotland - [1639 × 2048][OC]

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Hidden Gems of the Scottish Highlands: Explore Beyond the Usual Tourist Trails

Known for sweeping landscapes, misty lochs and rugged mountains, Scotland’s Highlands region is home to a rich legacy of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Although famous attractions such as Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Isle of Skye draw millions of tourists each year, there are dozens of lesser-known locations that can be found for those willing to stray from the pack. Here, we reveal some Scottish Highlands secret gems that will guarantee you an extraordinary escape from the crowds.

Assynt’s Enchanting Landscape

Assynt, which sits in the northwestern Highlands, is a remote land of dramatic terrain and few people. This part of the world bears all kinds of odd geological formations, including Suilven, a freakishly resembling mountain that towers over the surroundings. Suilven’s terrain is rugged and its unique shape makes it one of the most photogenic peaks in Scotland. Explore the Bone Caves of Inchnadamph, where polar bears and reindeer were once discovered. The spooky, atmospheric caves provide a window into Scotland’s ancient history. If you’re making plans to tour Scotland, be sure to include this magical place in your itinerary.

Just down the coast, the coves at Achmelvich boast white sand beaches and turquoise seawater that call for isolation. The beautiful beaches make for lovely walks in nature, and a great place for a picnic. Assynt is the perfect Scottish family vacation destination for a little exploration, relaxation and the most gorgeous views you could ask for.

The Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye

One of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. You may know the Isle of Skye for its Cuillin Mountains and the Old Man of Storr, but the Fairy Glen is otherworldly. This small, enchanted valley not far from Uig is perhaps best known for its odd hillocks, circular grass formations and rocks that look like they came straight out of a storybook.

Skye is a haven for hikers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by dramatic scenery and a touch of folklore.

Ardnamurchan Peninsula: Scotland’s Wild West

Scotland’s inaccessible and untouched part of the world — the Ardnamurchan Peninsula — provides a whole wilderness escape. With its untamed shoreline, scenic mountains, and varied flora & fauna, it’s a heaven for outdoor lovers wishing to family vacation in Scotland to experience Scotland’s unspoiled wilderness.

At the westernmost point of the mainland of Britain stands Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, one of the most prominent features of the peninsula. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the Hebrides and beyond, so it is a must visit for anyone visiting this gorgeous part of Scotland.

Glen Etive: A Quiet Alternative to Glencoe

Glen Etive is a tranquil gem of the Scottish Highlands that boasts some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery in the country. Skyfall is said to have been inspired by the glen, which boasts a beautiful route with winding roads that take tourists past aching Munros and sparkling Loch Etive.

One of the Highlands’ most scenic drives, Glen Etive showcases Scotland’s rugged natural beauty. It’s a perfect place for hiking, wild swimming or just enjoying the peaceful environment. So if you’re an explorer looking for something more with peace and tranquillity, then Glen Etive is a serene destination perfect for those seeking tranquility in tours of Scotland.

Knoydart: The Last Wilderness

Knoydart, accessible only by boat or an arduous hike, is often dubbed Scotland’s “last wilderness.” The rugged, remote peninsula provides sublime vistas, rugged trails & that requisite touch of isolation that's a bit hard to find elsewhere. The terrain is raw and rugged, ideal for escaping contemporary life.

Save a well-earned drink after your adventure for the Old Forge, Britain’s loneliest pub. Here, the world slows down enough so that you can hear nature and the raw Highlands. For the lovers of raw, unspoilt landscapes, Knoydart is a secret hideaway.

Plockton: The Jewel of the Highlands

Set on the shores of Loch Carron, the village of Plockton is an enchanting place famous for palm-lined streets and colourful cottage. Frequently bypassed by travelers on their way to the Isle of Skye, Plockton is a peaceful getaway for kayaking, wildlife cruises and fresh seafood. The village has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, & the loch's clear waters are ideal for a picturesque boat tour.

As you explore the coastline, watch for seals basking on the rocks. The tranquillity of Plockton is perfectly suited for anyone in search of a calming, picturesque retreat. One of the Highlands’ best-kept secrets, it’s a wonderful combination of natural beauty and tranquil character.

The Falls of Glomach

If you’re a fan of a decent hike, the Falls of Glomach are a hidden gem. Hidden in a remote dale, these falls are some of the highest in Britain, cascading over 100 meters into a deep gorge. The beautiful hike to the waterfall is absolutely worth the effort; it shows incredible views along the road!

Getting to the falls is in and of itself an adventure, as you traverse rugged ground and thick woodland. The waterfall is impressive, plunging into the gorge. The Falls of Glomach is one of the country’s most rewarding hidden gems for nature lovers and hikers.

Sandwood Bay: A Secluded Beach Paradise

Most cited beautiful beach in the UK, Sandwood Bay is recorded at the far northwest of Scotland. Only reachable by a four-mile hike, the beach features golden sands, high dunes and the dramatic sea stack known as Am Buachaille. It’s ideal for a quiet picnic, or a moment of quiet contemplation.

Sandwood Bay’s out-of-the-way location means few visitors, a quiet withdrawal from the world. This is one of the most beautiful secluded beaches for those who want a little extra peace away from the mass tourist places.

Tips for Exploring the Hidden Highlands

Be Prepared: Many must-see places are far from town with few amenities. Carry essentials such as food, water, and a map.

Travel Off-Season: Going in spring or fall can mean missing the summer swarm and enjoying a more peaceful experience.

Respect Nature: Use the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, leaving no trace and respecting local wildlife and communities.

Communicate with Locals: Locals usually know the best and most secret facts about the area as well as the history and culture behind it.

Summary of this Blog

The best-kept secrets of the Highlands make for an ideal way to explore the wild beauty of Scotland. When travelers are preparing a trip to the Uk, one of the frequent questions is, do i need eta for UK? Some foreign visitors to the UK will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter. Your trip: Make sure you are up to date on travel restrictions before you go.

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Check out Augusta Lardy Micheli, Assynt (2024), From DS Galerie

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 Suilven - Canisp - Assynt