Laura

Creating from the edge of a Scottish commuter town

What part does place play in creativity? For a time, I thought I couldn’t write about Scotland unless beautiful scenery was my backdrop. Here’s how my views have changed.

A reunion from the ruins

Daffodils behind a wall, with a view to hills on the horizon

As the travel restrictions ease in Scotland, families can reunite. But returning to my childhood village brings both new discoveries and a reminder of what has been lost.

How did you fall in love with the outdoors?

How would you tell your origin story of your relationship with the living world? I reflect on how my parents have shaped my love of nature.

Brighter days and beautiful scars in the Lomond Hills

On an early spring day, blue skies sit over the rolling Fife hills. As I walk, I consider how good weather can be a balm after the worst of winters.

On finding hope and adventure in familiar landscapes

A stone wall with a fence and a panorama of the River Forth in the background

Before, repeating the same walk every weekend might have been many people’s definition of boredom. Now, the small green spaces on our doorstep provide calm in the chaos.

What the term ‘slow travel’ means to me

I was asked at the start of the year to give a definition of slow travel to accompany an article. My definition is for a world where our phones are forever in our pockets.

Colours and reflections from a small hill in Highland Perthshire

The view south from a small hill in Perthshire

Words and pictures from a slow walk up a favourite hill in Perthshire, because autumn doesn’t feel like autumn to me unless I’ve spent a day in this place.

An ode (and guide) to some favourite Scottish coffee shops

Spending time in a coffee shop can be an experience of itself, not simply the act of sipping a hot drink. This is my love letter to some of my favourite cafés in Scotland.