Stalking up a munro across the Highlands, in the beating wind and rain, wrapped in a tartan throw with nothing but a flask of tea to keep you company is some people’s idea of a perfect holiday. The Highlands can offer this of course, total solitude in the wilderness, but there is much more to see and do in this remote and beautiful part of the UK this winter. You can mooch around the highland villages of Brora or Portree, exploring their distilleries and bric-a-brac shops. Or clamber up castle keeps at Glamis, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother, with its sumptuous interiors. Or the surprising and shocking museum at Dunrobin castle, filled with the heads of numerous animals shot by the family on safari over 100 years ago. And although it may not be achievable to join the cast of the Traitors at the round table while Claudia Winkleman stalks about you in her cloak, settling down around the fire at the Fife Arms for a wee dram of whiskey most certainly is.
There has never been a better time for a trip, with Scotland highlands aesthetics gaining in popularity and the Traitors unsurprisingly driven tourism there, with visitors keen to explore the rugged landscapes and imposing castles for themselves. But if the Highlands (and the journey there) isn’t for you, a stopover in Edinburgh is a must. Truly a magical city, it is in the dark and cold evenings that Edinburgh really comes into its own. With dinner in the grand reception of the Gleaneagles townhouse, outpost of the infamous Auchterarder retreat and built in the former headquarters of the bank of Scotland. Or the ultra laid back Notto with its cocktails and small plates and foliage on the walls. You can climb up Arthur’s seat for a taste of the outdoors but hurry back down for a cosy afternoon tea in the Palm Court of The Balmoral hotel. With all these activities on offer, it is vital to pack the right kit so you can enjoy them to the fullest. I have found myself atop a munro with nocht but some socks as gloves, and at an impromptu ceilidh without my favourite billowing skirt, so I know the drill.
As a long-time Scotophile myself, nothing pleases me more than to see Scottish inspired styles on the runways. Fabrics like tweed and tartan have a rich Scottish heritage, and patterns like Argyle, houndstooth, Fair Isle and Paisley are recognisable the world over. Dior, Chanel and Loro Piana frequently revisit their ties so it is no surprise to see Scottish fashion is really having a renaissance. This season it’s easy to add items to your wardrobe that are both chic and convenient to boot, and perfect to pack for the ultimate highland trip.
Inspiration on where to stay in Scotland
A long coat… or cape Not only the ideal companion on an all-weather amble, shielding everything from the elements. The long coat is also a stylish nod to Claudia’s Traitors wardrobe and the all important air of suspicion. Traditional tweeds and waxed cottons are the most appropriate in tones that imitate the moss, heather and slatey crags. Start with Byan, whose tweed and velvet coats are a mesmerising mix of outdoor and indoor perfection, and they’ve just arrived in London’s Liberty department store. Accessorise with a sturdy outdoor boot, thick gloves and a classic tweed 8 piece cap for a complete look. Inside a minimal skinny ankle boot, like Dune’s Odele in chocolate brown suede, is perfect.
Tartan anything
When in Scotland… but also around the world’s fashion capitals! Kilts have been seen on the runways in Milan and London this season at No.21, Burberry and new beaded styles at Chanel. Singing with traditional Scottish aesthetics, these modern interpretations are a great way to add a little luxury tartan into your wardrobe. There are also fully vamped up tartan options, like a suit from maximalist influencer Sarah Corbett-Winder’s nostalgic inspired collection for Monsoon. Or if that’s too tartan for you, a wrap-around scarf or bag from Barbour’s new collection with cult Scandi brand Ganni. Buying tartan in Scotland is a fun souvenir too, try Edinburgh based luxury Scottish knitwear brand Kiltane, with three stores in the city and a bright and traditional selection of soft wool and cashmere scarves.
Barbour x GANNI waxed tote bag
Soft and warm accessories
These are the packing knick-knacks that will save your trip. Don’t forget the extremities; hats, socks, gloves, scarf and sunglasses for those bright crisp days. Start with Scottish sock brand Pairs, which just relaunched its home spun socks in new colour ways but the same alpaca, mohair, merino and wool they’re famous for. And swap out a standard scarf for a cashmere kerchief from Edinburgh brand TBCo. Hats don’t have to be all beanies and bobbles, try a flat cap or wide brimmed waxed style instead.
Knitwear, go knit or go home
Arguably the most important piece to pack, your knitwear has to be durable and versatile. Soft enough to pair with a silk slip for champagne at Gleneagles but appropriate to pair with your breeks for a coastal walk. Pick a natural colour to blend seamlessly with the rest of your packed looks. Many luxury brands spin their wool and cashmere in Scottish mills and the Chanel-owned Barrie is one of the best, and founded in 1903, it is one of the oldest too. This heritage and craftsmanship combine to make the most stylish and comfortable knits, just don’t forget to pack a cashmere comb for those unsightly bobbles.
The weekend bag
Travelling to Scotland is no mean feat, scrabbling through the hoards at Kings Cross Station or going through the faff of airports for a quick flight can exhaust anyone. Carrying a good bag can at least relieve some of the travel stress. As there are many layers needed for a trip to the highlands, a versatile suitcase that can both fit it all and be easy to carry is of utmost importance. Pick a small wheelie with an expander (for the shopping) and space for your handbag to sit happily atop. Or a holdall with adjustable straps. For the more adventurous, a capacious backpack that can be lugged around on the move is a smart choice. For urban exploring, the Edinburgh based luxury bag brand Strathberry – loved by royalty, celebrities and fashion editors alike for their luxurious neutral colours and thoughtful designs – is an obvious choice.
All day nightwear
During winter the sun sets earlier than the rest of the UK in the highlands and as early as 4.04pm in January. So there is every excuse to jump into your pyjamas (or loungewear) well before bedtime and if you are staying in an Airbnb, you might never want to take them off. Increasingly nighties are being reintroduced into the bedroom, with great brushed cotton offerings from Smock London (check out their tartan take) or cult sleepwear brand If Only If. Silk pyjamas are also a brilliant packing hack, great for relaxing in but can double up as a cocktail look when paired with heels. Quiet luxury still reigns the runway, so why not echo the mindset of PJs all day with a covetable cashmere two piece from Scottish brand Johnstons of Elgin.
Isabel brushed cotton twill nightie
Outdoor boots
The ultimate highland trip must involve climbing to at least some height to enjoy and savour the magical views. Whether that’s up the Royal Mile to look down from the castle, or from the UK’s highest point atop Ben Nevis. Flatter routes around the coast and cobbles in the towns can still be unpredictable and the comfort of a firm footing can’t be understated. Nothing will make the experience more bleak than cold toes and blisters. Treat yourself to the luxury of a fur-lined boot that will feel as at home in the highlands as the journey there. Gorp-core is a trend that isn’t going anywhere soon, that is the blending traditional technical wear with your everyday, so don’t be afraid to pair a technical shoe with a long dress and knit for the Sunday roast back home.
Skincare for cooler climes
The cold conditions of the highlands, although highly refreshing if you’re coming from the city, can upset the balance of your skin. When packing, it might be potent to include some new or alternative lotions to your usual morning and night routine. For example, a barrier repair cream that will keep your face hydrated and protected as the colder the weather the faster the moisture in your skin evaporates. Ditto for your hands. UV levels are also unsurprisingly higher in the highlands where the air is thinner, so a good SPF for your lips and skin is vital. Ishga, a skincare brand born from seaweed on the Isle of Lewis, is a great souvenir.
Where to stay in Scotland
Now that you’ve got the Scotland highlands aesthetics sorted, consider our edit of the Best hotels in Scotland as a blueprint of where to stay. For something wholly traditional, look to Gleneagles or the Fife Arms, where outdoor persuits, tartan and roaring fires are par for the course, or go all-out Claudia Winkleman and book a stay in a castle.
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