Bothy Tales: Footsteps in the Scottish hills

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Steve described it perfectly whilst helping me forage and gather pine needles from lower hanging branches in the forest: we are guardians of the land and here to protect it for generations to come, to him this clearly isn’t just a job, his passion and commitment emulate and I definitely left feeling this is his vocation and the future of the forest was in safe hands.

Hot on the heels of their relaunch of the Jam Bothy range of preserves earlier this year, award-winning spirits manufacturer Gin Bothy has today (Wednesday 30 th August 2023) announced a move to new premises in Forfar, creating additional jobs as the brand sees continued growth. Muddle - Muddle raspberries together at the bottom of a serving glass (we used a jam jar!). Add in some sugar if you like things sweet. Gin Bothy, one of Scotland’s most established drinks brands has today (Friday 3rd September) unveiled their most progressive product to date, Gin Bothy Smoked Gin, where tradition meets tradition as botanicals are smoked in a fisher smoke house in Arbroath. Kim said: “The Hipflask Spirits’ branding harnesses the code for the road, a series of symbols and markings that are made to communicate helpful messages on the road less travelled, such as ‘bothy close by’ or ‘fish here’. We firmly believe a good road lies ahead and for those with a thirst for adventure we hope Hipflask Spirits will be with them as they forge their own path.”

Gary Morrison-Lundie of Alex Spink and Sons said: “Smoking fish in the traditional method in a bothy smokehouse is one of the few traditional skillsets still being passed down the generations, using the same techniques and equipment as generations before us. Using that knowledge in new ways creates a connection with other parts of Scottish culture, keeping it alive and in our communities.”

Decades ago many bothies were in a poor state, some in danger being lost completely. They had earth floors, tumbling walls and leaking roofs Our ancestors knew something about patience. The long wait between each season, a growing sense of anticipation, followed by the sheer joy of embracing fruits and flavours only available at certain times. The abundance of delicious produce on our doorstep ought to be used respectfully. Summer's first strawberry tastes better if you've had to wait an entire year for it! Rhubarb has been grown in the fertile glens of Perthshire and Angus for generations. Humble and hardy, rhubarb is often overlooked compared to raspberries and strawberries. Yet it's a hidden gem in Scotland's naturally rich larder.

Summary

And, after rescuing the Angus butter-making tradition, the range will be produced less than a third of a mile from Forfar’s historic Buttermarket area. The loch Arkaig project aims to secure the future of the Scots pine forest by helping the local community manage the forest through restoration techniques which involve the sensitive movement of non-native species encouraging natural regeneration and protection from deer browsing.