Since 2015, when we first came to Scotland to retrace the steps of Frederic Chopin and Jane Stirling, we have been able to see many places across the country, from the remotest corners of Caledonian soil to those towns and villages close to Edinburgh or Glasgow, many inaccessible to the public. Rather than keep such experiences to ourselves, we wish to share our understanding of Scotland, its scenery, and its culture. In doing so, and certainly exceeding the academic bounds of the Jane Stirling Project, we intend this travel blog to bring our Scottish experience to everyone who loves discovering and rediscovering the known, and to depict Scotland as seen from our perspective, through foreign, Polish eyes.
Marcin Jaroszek
Kippenross
A few miles north of Stirling is Dunblane, a small town made famous by Andy Murray, Scotland’s most accomplished tennis player, yet sadly known as the location of a tragic mass shooting that took place more than two decades ago. Just a 15-minute walk from the train station is the area of Kippenross – a […]
Vastness of Glencoe
My breath was taken from me. Spectacular – that’s the only word for it. No description can do justice to the immensity of the land and the compelling character of the landscape. I am afraid photos can do the job only a little bit better. I was in the car when we entered the area, […]
Fort William
We arrived in Fort William at around 3pm. We checked into our cozy hotel with a dead-end view of a bricked wall and set out for what we call dinner in Poland. We did not want to see any more sights, still grappling as we were with the breath-taking implications of the Glencoe experience. All […]
Glenfinnan
I’m not a big fan of Harry Potter, I must admit. But I certainly am a big fan of Glenfinnan. When I came here for the first time I didn’t even realize Harry Potter’s 'Hogwarts Express’ is the same train that passes through this very valley twice a day. I have seen it. Twice. Not that […]
Spittal of Glenshee
This was my first trip all alone. Just me and my car and … Scotland. There is something in the land of Robert Bruce and William Wallace that I am absolutely fascinated with. One could even say that my fascination with Caledonian soil skirts the edge of obsession. If it is true that this really […]
High on the sacred mountain
We were playing a concert the next day in Gargunnock. I thought that climbing this daunting mountain the morning before would do us good. Kuba – our photographer – and I got in the car when the night was still enjoying the last of its darkness and headed for Callender. And then for the foot […]