As I write this Editor’s Diary, I’m about to embark on another holiday at home. Like so many people right now!
Normally, at this time of year, I’m preparing for my annual visit to Skye.
For more years than I care to remember, I’ve spent a week in March in a cottage on this beautiful island in the Inner Hebrides.
In 2020, my trip was cut short after only two nights by the announcement of the first lockdown.
Back home, I immediately booked for the following year. The crisis would be over by then, surely? Wrong.
So this year, I won’t be making the four-hour drive from home to the shores of Broadford Bay. Instead, my week away from work will be spent at home in Fife.
It got me wondering what I love so much about Skye. It’s the fantastic scenery . . . long walks in hills and woodlands . . . feeling close to nature. The sense of peace that washes over you when you’re close to the sea . . .
Spectacular
But do you know what? I can get most of that at home if I put my mind to it. Fife has different scenery from Skye, but it’s still pretty spectacular. My picture at the top of this post was taken from the summit of the hill behind my house.
We don’t have the sea, but we have the mighty River Tay!
And glorious woodlands, too, filled with flowers and birdsong.
In fact, one of the positives to come out of lockdown for me is the way it has made me see – and appreciate – my local area with fresh eyes.
So my week away from work will see me exploring even further. Long walks, good food and lots of books to read – my holiday at home won’t be all that different from my week on Skye after all!
And hopefully I will enjoy a few blue-sky days, too!
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
