Edinburgh
Today we’ll get to know Edinburgh from its wynds and closes to the top of Calton Hill and from the Royal Mile to the Georgian New Town.  Susan Anderson, founder and editor of The Journal of Scottish Yarn joins us to share her journey from knitter to publisher, plus her commentary on the state of wool, textile traditions and the contemporary fiber community in Scotland. 

EDINBURGH

Curious about what a Scotsman does or does not wear under his kilt? You’ll get an answer, plus lots more info during our visit at a traditional kiltmakery in the heart of Edinburgh. Then we’re off to visit the exceptional Edinburgh Botanical Garden and enjoy a yarn crawl of the city’s best LYSs before the day is done.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

We’re headed north today, out of the city and into the Highlands. Along the way, we’ll visit the Wemyss School of Needlework to hear about its history, review their amazing textile collection, observe some demonstrations and try our hand at the needlework still taught there today. But before driving up into the mountains, let’s stop at one of our favorite villages on the coast: Pittenweem! It’s a great place for lunch and a coastline wander. It’s also home to one of our favorite yarn shops in Scotland. We give no directions… let’s see if you can find it! After a little stash enhancement, we’re off into the Scottish Highlands, landing in the lovely town of Pitlochry.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

So much to see, learn and do today as we travel around nearby Loch Tay. We’ll start with a very special workshop in chocolate-making with artisan Charlotte Flower. She gathers from the landscape around her home, then infuses her chocolate creations with all kinds of wonderful, wild botanicals. Next, we’ll learn the ins and outs of making Scotland’s most important product at nearby Aberfeldy Distillery. But we’re not done yet! We’re rounding out this day of learning with a visit at the Scottish Crannog Centre. Newly rebuilt, this archaeological site and living museum is a treasure-trove of information about early Scottish civilisation. Whew! We’ll need to relax in the evening with some knitting, don’t you think? Perhaps a wee dram, too?

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The Highland Folk Museum is a must-do if you’re in Perthshire. We’ll have plenty of time to explore the open-air site, including its circa 1700s Highland village (filming site of the first season of Outlander). Add in a special, hosted tour of the museum’s archive and textiles collection and a really sweet lunch catered by the cafe and you’ve got a great outing! After, we’ll wind our way north to our next accommodation and meet with the folks from Black Isle Yarns. Might there be a distillery stop during the day??? Perhaps…

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Today our plan is to travel from the Highlands to Scotland’s west coast. Stops will include Inverness, the shores of Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle (most photographed castle in all the land) and a few specially chosen artisans. We’re headed for the Isle of Skye!

ISLE OF SKYE

There’s so much to do and see on Skye. Island life has its own rhythms and ways – a bit different from the mainland. We’ll get to know the place better by spending time at a local croft that specializes in raising rare breed sheep, creating bespoke traditional ganseys and keeping a couple of the friendliest Highland cows you’ve ever met. We’ll also explore the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula.

ISLE OF SKYE

More explorations on Skye… this time from the water. We’re headed out on the Seaflower to explore Skye’s coastline, marine life and nearby islands. In addition to teaching us about the area’s history and wildlife, our crew makes sure we’re well supplied with locally-caught goodies for an on-board feast. Afterwards, there’s time for a bit of shopping in Portree or taking a nice stroll to explore the town’s neighborhoods and views. 

FORT WILLIAM

This morning will find us heading back to the Scottish mainland. But first, a very special workshop in making Dorset Button Making, with TJ Frog! Then we’ll ferry across to the mainland and make our way to the town of Ft. William. There’s an amazing little yarn store there called The Caledonian Wool Co. We’ll be sure to stop in, plus visit the town’s high street and enjoy our favorite restaurant for some more fantastic seafood. 

EDINBURGH

Glencoe. Famous as a filming location, site of a dramatic historical incident. It’s a well-loved and iconic Scottish landscape. Our morning drive toward Edinburgh starts here and ends at the newest family-run endeavor by knitwear designer Louisa Harding, the Artisan Cafe & Deli. Louisa is a true delight. We’ll gather in the cafe for some fantastic treats while talking with her about her career in the industry and current design work. And then we get to peruse the scrumptious yarn offerings! We’ll be back in Edinburgh with time for a final, free afternoon to get in any last minute shopping, sites you’re still hoping to see, a pint at a streetside pub and/or time to pack up all that woolly goodness you’ve acquired!

HEADING HOME!

After a leisurely final breakfast together, everyone will make their way back to the airport for flights home – or onward to further self-guided adventures. 

Lindsay Roberts, aka "The Border Tart," will be your fabulous Fiber Ambassador as
she takes you through the history and textiles of the Scottish Borders, sharing its
rich culture and heritage all the while. Lindsay is a dyer, stitcher, maker, sharer and lover of words. She hand-dyes natural fiber yarns using indigo and a range of colored dyes and creates boro stitching kits for mindful stitching.