Inverness castle sits prominently overlooking the river Ness and the town below. The current red sandstone buildings date back to 1836 and were designed by William Burn. Thomas Brown II was the architect for the additional courthouse.
The site itself has a long history as fortification and dates back to 1057 thought to have been built by Malcolm III and having been influenced by Robert I, James I, visited by Mary De Guise and her daughter Mary Queen of Scots. It has literary links to MacBeth.

The castle was closed for a £47 million renovation from 2021-2025.

As part of the Scottish Independent Tour Operator’s AGM & Shindig (SITOA) members were invited to sample this new experience.

As this had been a long anticipated reopening we were all quite exited to visit. On approach the buildings looked magnificent:

We were welcomed by the manager beside the Flora Mc Donald statue and entered the castle via an impressive staircases, taking us to a tower which provided breath-taking views.

We were equipped with an audio guide, which was available in many languages. Next on tour was the Rose window room, displaying an old church window with a funky show.

As the castle was designed and used as a court there are three court rooms. The second one displayed a show of iconic Scottish landscapes and number three was beautifully laid out as a whisky tasting room.

The experiences aims to tell the story of the people living in the Highlands and also facilitates a shop and a rather gorgeous cafe.

Have you visited Inverness castle? Let us know what you thought of it. Was this the experience you expected?

A good friend of mine, Amy Hardie, happens to be an amazing documentary film maker and is kind enough to join us at Morison DuncanVillage Hall in Gauldry on the 13th of February 2026 at 7 pm to screen and discuss her newest production: “Love & Trouble”

BOOK HERE

🎬 What It Is

Love & Trouble is a feature documentary film directed and written by Amy Hardie. It was completed in 2024 and has a 90-minute runtime. 

🧠 Synopsis & Themes

The film is an intimate, observational documentary that follows a young couple, Kenny and Kerry Watson, over roughly a decade as they navigate the deep effects of personal trauma on their family and marriage. 

• Marriage & Hidden Pasts: Kenny and Kerry marry with strong ideals but carry unresolved traumas that begin to seriously shake their relationship. 
• PTSD & Family Strain: After their baby is born, Kenny’s PTSD — stemming from his time as a sniper in Afghanistan — is triggered by his son’s crying, which he refers to as “the screams.” His mental health crisis threatens their marriage and everyday life. 
• Kerry’s Journey: In response, Kerry returns to education to study psychology so she can better understand and help both her husband and herself. This personal inquiry also leads her to confront her own childhood trauma. 
• Recovery & Resilience: The film depicts their path through challenges like therapy, psychiatric support, emotional breakthroughs and setbacks, and wellness activities (from horses and race-cars to ice swimming), evolving into a story of resilience, empathy, and transformation. 

🎥 Style & Approach

• The documentary is shot in a fly-on-the-wall observational style, giving an unfiltered view of the couple’s life without overt narration or sensationalism. 
• It places emphasis on honesty and emotional courage, offering viewers a deeply personal look at mental health, relationships, shame, anger, love and recovery. 

📍 Screenings & Distribution

• World Premiere: Dokumentale ’24 in Berlin (October 2024). 
• The film was acquired for worldwide sales by Journeyman Pictures ahead of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) 2024. 
• UK Cinema Release: It played in cinemas from 19 June 2025 onwards. 

🎼 Music and Production

• Music by Jeff Baxter, with original songs by Scottish singer Roseanne Reid. 
• Produced by Sonja Henrici Creates, Amy Hardie Productions, and Fruitmarket GmbH with support from Screen Scotland, BFI Doc Society Fund, and collaborators from SWR/ARTE. 

🧠 Critical Reception

• Reviewers praise the film’s raw and compassionate handling of PTSD and trauma and its insightful look at the emotional dynamics within a marriage under strain. The storytelling has been described as both intimate and rigorous, and the Watsons as relatable, deeply human subjects. 

⚠️ Content Advisory

According to classification notes, the film includes strong language, references to child sexual abuse, suicide and self-harm, and scenes discussing traumatic experiences. Viewers sensitive to these subjects should be aware. 

Amy Hardie also produced a very personal and insightful documentary: The Edge of Dreaming” (I still have a DVD and happily lend it to you)

🎥 

The Edge of Dreaming

 — Overview

Director: Amy Hardie

Year: 2009 (festival/official release), wide broadcast/streaming around 2010–2011 

Genre: Documentary, Personal Exploration, Dreams & Consciousness 

Runtime: ~73 minutes 

This documentary follows Amy Hardie herself — a rational, science-oriented filmmaker — as she experiences a series of vivid dreams that seem eerily connected to real life and personal loss. After dreaming about her horse dying (which then happens) and later dreaming of her own mortality, she embarks on a deeply introspective journey. The film mixes personal narrative, scientific inquiry into dreams, reflections on fear and mortality, and a search for meaning at the edge between waking life and the dream world. 

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🗣️ 

Critical Reviews & Responses

⭐ 

Positive & Thoughtful Reviews

1. New York Times (via Rotten Tomatoes)

Critic Stephen Holden praised the film as not the confession of a believer but of an intelligent woman with an open mind and heart exploring a metaphysical personal quest — giving it around 4/5 stars. 

2. Spirituality & Practice

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat called it “bold, creative, engrossing, and spiritual.” They highlighted its powerful depiction of confronting fear, mortality, and the mystery of dreams — and its emotional and spiritual richness rather than a dry psychological case study. 

3. Dennis Schwartz (Film Critic)

Schwartz described it as a “wonderful little film” that doesn’t overreach but uses clarity and intimacy to explore dreams, reality, and human curiosity. He appreciated its warmth, integration of scientific interviews (e.g., with neuroscientists), and heartfelt storytelling. Grade: B+. 

4. Eye for Film (Amber Wilkinson)

Described the documentary as having a structure that mimics a dream — poetic, reflective, and emotionally resonant, balancing personal narrative and broader metaphysical questions. 

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🧠 

Mixed / Critiques

5. Hammer to Nail Review

One reviewer noted that the film can feel “too self-focused,” spending a lot of time on Hardie’s personal anxieties rather than broader dream theory — though still finding value in its introspection and emotional honesty. 

Audience Reactions (Letterboxd & Amazon discussions)

On community platforms, reactions are varied:

• Some viewers find it deeply engaging and reflective, worth watching for its personal honesty and visual storytelling. 
• Others find it less compelling, sometimes feeling the focus is too narrow or self-referential. 

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🧩 

Themes & Style Highlighted by Reviewers

Across critical responses, several recurring points emerge:

• Personal & Intimate — The film is essentially a self-documented journey rooted in the filmmaker’s life, emotions and family. 
• Mix of Science and Spirit — It blends scientific perspectives (interviews with experts) with contemplative, metaphysical reflection on dreams and meaning. 
• Poetic Structure — Several reviews note its dreamlike structure and aesthetic, mirroring the subject itself. 
• Exploration of Mortality — A thoughtful look at fear, acceptance, and how dreams can catalyse confrontation with mortality. 

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📌 Summary

The Edge of Dreaming is widely praised for its intimate, honest storytelling and thoughtful metaphysical reflection, though some viewers feel it leans toward personal introspection more than broader scientific exploration. Critics highlight its emotional depth, creative structure, and capacity to make viewers reflect on dreams, fear, and life’s mysteries — making it a memorable and evocative documentary. 

Since the 1930ties sightings have been reported of a strange createor living in the depth of Loch Ness. Is she real? Who knows but thousands of tourists meaner along Loch Ness’ shore and explore on sightseeing boats if they can find any traces of this rare creator.

Since tourism is my business I frequently visit Loch Ness for exactly this reason. Have I ever encountered Nessie? No, I have not! Though admidly it is jolly good fun searching for her.

If you want to join me for an expedition get in touch here:

Contact

One of my lovely clients recently sendt me this:

So is Nessie a circus elephant enjoying a wild swim in the clear and cold waters of Loch Ness?

There were two men in particular who devoted their lives to the research of this strange creator:

Frank Searle – The Controversial Nessie Researcher (1960s–1980s)

If you meant the researcher with the dramatic ending, that is Frank Searle.

Who he was:

Frank Searle was a former soldier who arrived at Loch Ness in the late 1960s. He set up a basic lakeside camp and spent more than a decade and a half photographing and reporting alleged sightings of the monster. His pictures often appeared in newspapers, helping keep global interest in Nessie alive.

What went wrong:

By the late 1970s, Searle’s relationship with other researchers and the local community had deteriorated. Other investigators accused him of:

• staging or manipulating photographs
• making up stories to attract attention
• threatening behaviour toward rival researchers

Eventually, several of his most famous photos were exposed as fabrications or composites.

How his story ended:

Under mounting criticism, Searle abruptly left Loch Ness in the early 1980s.

He moved to England, kept a very low profile, and largely disappeared from public view.

Frank Searle died in 2005.

His legacy is complicated: he helped popularise Nessie worldwide, but he also damaged the credibility of Loch Ness research for years.

Steve Feltham – The Man Who Has Watched Loch Ness Since 1991

Who he is:

Steve Feltham is the most famous modern “Nessie hunter.” He gave up his home, job, and conventional life in 1991 to move permanently to the shores of Loch Ness and dedicate himself to solving the mystery. He set up a small base at Dores Beach, where he still lives in a converted mobile van.

His approach:

Feltham’s work is calm, methodical, and non-sensational. He spends long hours watching the water, speaking with eyewitnesses, and documenting sightings. Over the years he has been featured in documentaries, news stories, and books. He has never claimed to have definitive proof but believes there may be a large, as-yet-unidentified animal in the loch.

How his story continues:

Steve Feltham is still alive, still living at Loch Ness, and still watching. He has become part of the modern folklore of the loch—friendly, dedicated, and a respected local figure.

The modern history of the Loch Ness Monster

The modern legend of the Loch Ness Monster begins in 1933, when a new road was built along the north shore of Loch Ness, giving travellers clear views of the water. That same year, a local couple reported seeing a large creature crossing the road and sliding into the loch. Their account was published in The Inverness Courier, and it captured the public imagination. This report is widely considered the first major “modern sighting” of Nessie.

Soon after, the loch became the focus of growing curiosity. In 1934, the famous “Surgeon’s Photograph” appeared to show a long-necked creature rising from the water. For decades it was treated as evidence of a large animal living in the depths. Although it was revealed as a hoax in the 1990s, the photograph helped cement Nessie’s image and made the monster instantly recognisable worldwide.

Throughout the 20th century, expeditions attempted to find evidence of an unknown creature. The Loch Ness Investigation Bureau conducted sonar and surface watches in the 1960s. Later, in the 1970s and 1980s, more sophisticated sonar surveys revealed large, moving underwater targets—none conclusively proven to be a creature, but enough to keep speculation alive. Even in recent years, DNA surveys of the loch have found no unknown species; however, theories persist, from giant eels to misidentified waves.

Marketing the Monster

While the evidence has remained inconclusive, Nessie has become one of Scotland’s most successful and enduring marketing legends.

From the 1930s onward, newspapers quickly realised that Loch Ness Monster stories sold exceptionally well. Headlines about sightings, photos, and expeditions boosted circulation. As tourism grew, local businesses recognised that Nessie drew visitors not just to the loch but to the Highlands as a whole.

By the mid-20th century, Nessie appeared on postcards, tea towels, travel posters, toys, and guidebooks. Bus companies, tour operators, and cruise boats used the monster as a playful emblem of mystery and adventure. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in Drumnadrochit helped frame the story in a more scientific and historical context, balancing scepticism and curiosity.

In modern marketing, Nessie has become a global symbol of Scotland—friendly, mysterious, and full of charm. She appears in films, adverts, social media campaigns, and tourism branding. Even sceptics agree that Nessie remains one of the most effective tourism ambassadors ever created.

Why the Legend Endures

Despite decades of investigation, no definitive proof of the Loch Ness Monster has been found. What keeps the story alive is a combination of:

• Genuine eyewitness accounts, often by credible observers
• The unique environment of Loch Ness: deep, dark, and visually deceptive
• Media fascination, especially in the early 20th century
• Tourism marketing, which embraced the mystery rather than trying to solve it

Today, the Loch Ness Monster sits at the intersection of folklore, science, and tourism—a myth that has grown into a multimillion-pound brand, yet still retains its sense of wonder.

If you want to know more watch this:

I have a particular soft spot for Glencadam 21 and had the opportunity to visit the distillery back in the days. Since Glencadam Whisky Distillery is fairly local to Starfish Travel I have been watching the news to see when the new visitor centre will be completed and opened. It is this Saturday 15th of November! Here is the article in the Herald!

The project was granted planning permission back in 2022 and has taken a traditional approach of adding a pagoda roof to the centre which fits neatly with the rest of the beautiful distillery buildings.

The new facility coincides with Glebcadam’s 200th jubilee and benefits the local community with the creation of twelve new jobs, but will first and foremost exite all whisky enthusiasts.

Here is what you can expect:

Visitor Experience & Practical Info

Tours: As of the new centre’s launch, they are offering a standard 90-minute tour (at £22.50) which includes the production site, historic warehouse, and a guided tasting of three Glencadam single malts. 

A premium experience (120 minutes for £75) gives behind-the-scenes access, including the blending centre and premium / high-age whiskies. 

Café & bar: The café (Thur–Mon, 10 am–5 pm) is pet friendly and family friendly. The bar offers whiskies, gins, rums, and pairings of light bites. 

Accessibility & logistics: The distillery provides parking (including EV charging), wheelchair-accessible spaces, and allows dogs in the visitor centre (though restricted in production areas). 

Location: Smithfield Road, Brechin, Angus (postcode DD9 7PA). Good road access via A90; nearest train station is Montrose (plus taxi). 

If you wish to integrate this new experience into a tailor-made whisky tour contact us here:

Contact

Dass ich ursprünglich aus Deutschland stamme, habe ich auf dieser Webseite an der einen oder anderen Stelle bereits erwähnt. Seit Brexit habe ich allerdings so wenige Kunden aus Deutschland, dass diese Webseite nie zweisprachig war. Das heisst natürlich nicht, dass ich keine deutsch-sprachigen Ausflüge anbiete, ganz im Gegenteil kürzlich hatte ich das Glück mit sechs Deutschen zwei Tage lang durch Schottland zu touren. Wir besuchten Schloss Midhope besser bekannt als Lallibroch aus Outlander, die Kelpies, wanderten ein Stück entlang des West Highland Ways, aßen zu Mittag im wunderschönen Luss am Loch Lomond und hatten ein lokales Bier in der urigen Kneipe and den Falls of Dochart.

Am zweiten Tag unternahmen wir einen Ausflug in die Heimat des Golfs in St Andrews and machten uns dann auf unseren Weg zurück nach Edinburgh entlang des sogenannten East Neuk- “die östliche Ecke”. In St Andrews hatte wir grosses Glück mit dem Wetter und wurden mit erstaunlichen Farben am langen Strand: Westsands belohnt. Dort wurde unter anderem der Film Chariot of Fire gedreht.

Wenn Sie ihren Ausflug gerne in Deutsch unternehmen möchten, kontaktieren Sie mich bitte hier:

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Have you been dreaming of leaving it all behind? Going to a place where no one can reach you via phone or the internet? In Scotland there are plenty of places where this is still reality. Whether you wish to stay in a tent, Mountain Bothy, a remote B&B or cottage. Be my guest to embrace a social media/phone/email-free zone; just to reset and being in your own body with your own thoughts-> finding stillness

In Scotland you even have a variety of choices to escape the hussle of modern life. Perhaps you like to explore one of the remoter Scottish Island, such as Canna, Rum or Barra. From the latter you can start an entire journey island hopping all the way to Lewis.

You do not even need to leave the mainland to leave it all behind. Venture into Sutherland, which is part of the North Coast 500, nowadays a very popular tourist desitination. However, all you need to do is venture a little off the beaten track inland and you will meet no other soul. Scotland still has places you cannot reach by car, such a Sandwood Bay or Corrour estate.

In our hectic world of work it is so reassuring to know that you can get away to places no one can reach you and be totally safe, emercing yourselkves into safe and beautiful landscapes….

Interested? Contact me here:

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The East Neuk often features in the itineraries of my guests, especially if they disembark one of the cruise ships at Newhaven, South Queensferry or even Dundee. There is a lot to do as there are many attractions like Kellie Castle or events like the Pittenweem Arts Festival. They are well worth visiting.

Another prominent feature of the East Neuk and Fife as a wider region is the Fife Coastal Path. You can integrate section even into a day tour utilizing a vehicle.

Today, after performing a luggage transfer (which you can book HERE) I took my dog, Roy, to walk from Anstruther to Pittenweem and back (30 mins) each way. If I offer this as part of a tour I would pick you up at your destination. You will not get lost on the way I promise.

Here are some of today‘s impressions to generate your appetite to take a wee wander along Fife‘s coastline.

This year this is only the second post I am creating for the business I love so very much…

In January I lost Tim Snoeks, the love of my life and partner of eighteen years very suddenly to a heart failure. Tim was only 44. I had planned to grow old with him but this was not to be.

Life will never be the same again. I miss Tim tremendously as everyone else, who has met him along the way, does as well.

Since then I am trying to keep Tim’s business Starfish Taxis running with the amazing help of his drivers. My own passion still lies with Starfish Travel‘s Tours and YogawithKirstin.

Loosing your soul mate makes your universe crash and nothing makes any sense anymore.

Everything I touch, everywhere I look Tim is omnipresent but he is no longer here to touch, to hug, to speak to, to cuddle, to be comforted by…..

This on its own is incredible diffcult to navigate.

Then the formalities of an unsuspected death and the bureaucratic aftemath of that hit you -> fife months since Tim’s demise I am still fighting thise battles on daily basis.

I still love what I do and Tim would have wanted me to carry-on and find some happiness (if that is at all possible) again.

In February, Roy, the labrador joint my animal family of horses; Mona Lisa, Monkey and Maybe, cat; Phantom and two chickens.

Life does not go on but the animals give me pupose; someone needs to look after Phantom, who was so clearly Tim’s cat that for weeks after he died she would not speak to me. She is good friends with Roy now and both do get up to a lot of mischievous behaviour.

I am also surrounded by an amazing team of drivers and we have some exiting plans for Starfish Taxis, a bunch of really good friends and not to forget my yoga community!

Despite the silence on this website I have had the honour of touring Scotland with a number of amazing guests – some of which had to endure my crying (apologies!) but that only shows the love I have for Tim and all of you have been so very kind!

Onwards and upwards (family motto of the Lorimers)

I am often asked what my favourite place is in Scotland and I honestly cannot answer this. Scotland has such a vairety of landscapes, history, stories, fantastic people, culture for me it is impossible to choose.

However, here are some places I like visiting on my own, with clients and again and again as they change with the seasons, the weather and time.

The World’s End is a pub at the Royal Mile in Ediburgh, a good one at that, but in times gone by this literally happened to be the world’s end for the population of Edinburgh because the city was a walled city after the battle of Flodden

Tentsmuir beach close to St Andrews and only the second nature reserve in the UK, established in 1952. The landscape has changed dramitically over the years and the nearby military base adds on to its remarkable story, find out more at Nature Scot.

Brochel Castle, Isle of Raasay which is a small island next to the Isle of Skye having a population of only 193 plus a rather excellent Whisky Distillery. Try going over on foot or by bike and discover this stunningly beautiful place and learn about Calum’s Road.

Campbelltown, the town when attempting to get there by car feels also like the very end of the world. It is much easier reached by sea. Which immediately brings me to the fact that islands (and the are over 700 in Scotland) were the highways in the old days. What seems so remote in the 21st century was literally the belly button of the earth.

The Isle of Arran, which serves as miniature Scotland with it’s own highland fault but has so much more to offer, Standing stones, history of the clearances, geology it is all there.

Let me curate an itinerary to your wishes:

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Still no electric car just because it still is not feasible -let alone practical-to switch. The large V-Class I run is pretty fuel efficient and I drive it accordingly too. After all, all of you, my customers, are here to experience, explore and enjoy Scotland so driving efficiently is very easy.

What else can be done?

Starfish Travel is a member of Wild Scotland- having signed of to a code of conduct and is proud to be part of Green Tourism with a silver award.

Starfish Travel has also invested in Highlands Rewilding, who engage in:

1. Biodiversity Restoration

• Reintroducing and supporting native species, including flora and fauna, to revive ecosystems.

• Restoring degraded habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands.

2. Climate Action

• Sequestering carbon through reforestation, peatland restoration, and soil management to combat climate change.

• Enhancing natural carbon sinks to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations.

3. Sustainable Land Use

• Transitioning degraded or overexploited lands into areas of ecological recovery.

• Promoting sustainable agricultural and land-use practices that align with conservation goals.

4. Community Engagement and Economic Development

• Involving local communities in conservation efforts, ensuring they benefit from the rewilding process.

• Creating jobs and revenue streams through ecotourism, sustainable forestry, and other green industries.

5. Resilience and Adaptation

• Strengthening ecosystems to better withstand climate change impacts, such as extreme weather and biodiversity loss.

• Building ecological corridors to support wildlife migration and adaptation.

6. Education and Awareness

• Raising public awareness about the importance of rewilding and its benefits.

• Promoting research and knowledge-sharing to refine and expand conservation methods.

7. Policy Influence

• Advocating for land use and conservation policies that prioritize rewilding and ecosystem restoration.

By focusing on these goals, initiatives like Highlands Rewilding aim to achieve a harmonious balance between ecological health, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Furthermore we support Ecology to help with:

1. Environmental Protection

• Biodiversity Conservation: Preserves ecosystems, ensuring the survival of various species.

• Climate Regulation: Forests, wetlands, and oceans act as carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gases.

• Pollution Reduction: Healthy ecosystems filter air and water, minimizing pollution levels.

2. Economic Advantages

• Sustainable Resources: Ensures long-term availability of essential resources like water, food, and raw materials.

• Job Creation: Green industries such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecotourism generate employment.

• Disaster Mitigation: Healthy ecosystems provide natural barriers against floods, storms, and droughts, reducing costs of recovery.

3. Improved Human Health

• Clean Air and Water: Maintains the quality of life by providing natural filtration systems.

• Disease Control: Balanced ecosystems limit the spread of diseases by regulating host-pathogen relationships.

• Mental and Physical Well-being: Access to natural environments boosts physical health and mental clarity.

4. Social Benefits

• Cultural Significance: Protecting nature preserves traditions and lifestyles dependent on the environment.

• Educational Opportunities: Offers chances to learn about sustainable living and conservation practices.

5. Combatting Climate Change

• Supporting ecology strengthens the resilience of natural systems, helping them adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

By prioritizing ecological support, individuals and organizations can foster sustainable growth, protect the planet for future generations, and align with global sustainability goals like those of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Starfish Travel is small business but we have manage a step towards change:

You can be part of Starfsh Travel’s efforts at Ecology. If you are interested click here