Reflections: On Dramatic Histories and Landscapes
In the intense heat of the summer, we take you to a magically-refreshing land, shrouded in cooling shade and mist. From its emerald glens – its waterfall-scattered mountainsides – and rocky isles cloaked in fog – being in Scotland can feel like you’ve been transported to a fantasy world. Often ranked among the most beautiful countries in the world, Scottish landscapes are dramatic and varied, and the weather changes in an instant. It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a day. As you venture from the cities and flatlands northward to the Highlands, you’ll discover a world unlike you’ve seen before: wild seas with some of the most beautiful (and cold) beaches, grassy hills scattered with volcanic rocks, remote islands, and vast lakes, with hairy highland cows greeting you along the way.
And yet, with all its natural abundance, what perhaps you’ll remember the most are the Scots themselves. Their culture. Their hospitality. Scots are a friendly, cheery bunch with a touch of grouchiness; gentle curmudgeons who aren’t afraid to share a joke. There are parts of the country where their accents feel entirely foreign, but it’s representative of a deep history from a place that has always fiercely craved independence. Scattered with battlegrounds and tales of hard-fought autonomy, the land tells a story of resiliency and pride. Restaurants source locally whenever possible, clan names and tartans are displayed prominently, and shared stories of their past are never in short supply. This history has also shaped large swaths of the US, a reason why many Americans are so often drawn to this shadier corner of Europe.
I had the pleasure of going to graduate school in Glasgow a little over a decade ago, and it remains one of the most influential times of my life. While reflecting on my time there, I’m flooded with memories of nights at the pubs, summer daylight until 11pm (and afternoon darkness at 3pm in the winter), extravagant Christmas displays, classes getting canceled due to wind, bagpipe buskers, and day trips to Edinburgh and the surrounding lochs. Glasgow is a city with industrial grit and an artistic haven, renowned for its live music and artists like Rennie Mackintosh, and a burgeoning food scene. They prioritize originality and expression. Edinburgh stands as the more formal, Gothic sibling to Glasgow with intricate cathedrals, broody alleyways, and ghost tours around every corner. The capital city has a mystery to it that draws you further, in.
My studies there were my first of eight subsequent visits to the country, and in this issue, we share this insider knowledge from a place of deep, well-earned passion. Always bring a rain jacket, always start up a conversation, and always join the dance.
Photo Credit: Syllogi
