Morocco – The Atlas Mountains – A walk in Imlil – A relief from the Heat –

It was interesting, I’d always heard about the Atlas Mountains, but when I actually went there I just didn’t realise just how big they are. They look like the Alps. They go over 14,000 feet, I think 4,200 metres, and are very impressive.

They literally rise from the desert. It seems to go straight from desert trees, desert brush, immediately to an alpine type of feel. We started at our hotel in Marrakech, and about two hours, two and a half hours later with a suicidal ride in a taxi; we were there in Imlil. Absolutely insane. And to think that our driver actually wasn’t that bad, compared to some of the motorcycles or the other taxis that I saw. You had to do it to believe it.

Absolutely crazy. When we finally did get up there, we had a lovely hotel / hostel. Very basic, very clean, very centralised, and at night it was actually quite cold.

But something that I enjoy, as I can sleep much better when it’s cold – maybe it’s living in Scotland? We had a very friendly host, who had actually been to Scotland, and had climbed up Ben Nevis. Very impressive, and very knowledgeable about Morocco, Marrakech, and in particular the Atlas Mountains.

The place also had a lovely veranda on top of the roof, where you could see it seemed like many new-ish types of flats and apartments.. When I asked him who the flats belonged to, he said basically other Moroccans and other people from Marrakech, who want to live in Imlil or to have a mountain flat to escape from the heat, particularly in the summer, from Marrakech. We went and had some tea and coffee, and went through the village. They love their tea here, and it’s always green!

And even then it wasn’t as if we had the place to ourselves, as it seemed like there were quite a few tourists, both foreign and from Morocco. Look at the photos and in particular, the photo of the coffee. I don’t drink coffee, but the other partner in crime absolutely loved it. It almost looked like a Guinness beer. There that night, we had dinner, and it was very basic, but actually with variety and a good amount of food.

It seemed like they generally cared about their guests, and at the same time, they seemed to want to showcase the best of Morocco. The meal above with the rice was utterly beautiful, very healthy. And the service was not only prompt, it was very friendly, as I said before.

At night-time, the roof terrace was beautiful, although it was getting cold, in the single-digit figures. Next morning, we were up, and again a fairly huge but basic breakfast.

Honey, dried fruits, bread, orange juice, yoghurts. It was something, again, similar to the night meal. Basic, very Moroccan, but at the same time, they wanted to showcase exactly what they do here in the country.

We then started the walk / tour. It lasted nearly four hours with our guide, Muhammad , and followed an old road & trail, whilst it slowly got higher and higher with many waterfalls and a lot of water that we had to cross.

We were always safe. In addition to that, one of the early parts of the trip was going on a new road that was being constructed, and I know that rather than desert sand, this was solid rock, again, similar to the Alps, that they intend to have in the future. Again, they seemed very proud of the culture and very proud that this is being developed. Muhammad kept telling us, that tourism is the future for this area.

He also told us, all the water was previously used for agriculture, which was the main occupation here in the past. You can still see the small rivers that go through here, the small mini canals, but at the same time, fewer people are earning their livelihood from rivers, from agriculture, so hence, it’s being developed more for the tourists or more for the staycations. But please don’t think that with the water and mountains, it’s cold. even then he told us that in parts of the summer, it can still be 45-50 degrees here!

People flock, not only to stay at their summer houses or they come to hike, but they also come here on day trips from Marrakech. It was quite impressive just how many buildings have been erected here recently. At the same time, we went through some villages, and still saw the old way of life; handcrafts, making blankets, making jackets, making hats, even using the horses for the tours. There was a gang of cyclists who were in our hotel, who were getting their bikes taken up by donkeys for a 5 day biking tour, and then riding their bikes down.

I get the feeling, that the future for this area and for Morocco seems to be on a positive arc.

CB

Morocco – A Water Museum in Marrakech –

Water has always fascinated me being raised largely in a desert. BTW, speaking about water, go and check out Chinatown (1975).

If you want to watch a movie about water, go watch it; it’s also one of the best movies ever made.

Meanwhile, we were in Marrakech, Morocco recently, and the question kept coming up: where does it all come from? The city sits just north-northwest of the Atlas Mountains, so the answer, of course, begins up there.

On one trip we headed into the High Atlas Mountains to Imlil. Everywhere you look there are small barriers, channels, and ancient irrigation systems guiding precious melted snow down to the valleys and to the dwindling number of farms in the area.

It made me wonder how Morocco manages water for a city like Marrakech. How do they capture enough? How do they plan for it? What role does the government play—dams, reservoirs, distribution? That curiosity led us to this water museum in the northwest part of Marrakech.

It was utterly fascinating. Morocco has around 130–140 dams, and this museum tells the long story of the country’s constant battle for water across the centuries. We visited on a weekday and practically had the place to ourselves—only a small group of four arrived later.

We’d taken the local bus back into town for about 40 pence. We were the only Europeans on board, but that’s another story. The museum itself is grand—three floors, designed so you start at the top and work your way down.

The exhibits, videos, and interactive displays did a wonderful job of showing just how difficult, and how ingenious, water sourcing and distribution have been in this land. From the top floor there’s a striking panoramic view (or large display) highlighting Morocco’s water systems, with Marrakech prominently featured.

What impressed me almost as much as the content was the museum itself. Despite the light foot traffic, it was immaculate. The finishes—marble, granite, and high-quality materials—show that no expense was spared. You could feel the city’s (and the country’s) genuine pride in the place. It was spotless, dignified, and beautifully maintained. My only gripe, was that due to the UK, in my opinion, having more cafes than anywhere in the world (!), there was only a very small display unit here that was serving drinks; with the coffee hall being closed.

Other than that, it’s a real hidden gem that gave us a much deeper appreciation for a resource we so easily take for granted; particularly in Scotland.

CB

The comeback of panelling . . . when did this start?


A few years ago, I had clients working for a large internet company who mentioned complaints about their website. The feedback focused on its “old-school” colour scheme — think classic reds and greens — and how outdated it felt, even though the site targeted an older audience.


The suggestion?

Modernise it to appeal more to Millennials or even Generation Z, starting with a complete colour overhaul. They then told me they’d held a meeting just a month earlier to discuss exactly this! I was surprised and asked, “Is it really that important?” They assured me it absolutely was.

That got me thinking: Who decides these things? Is there some official process for declaring “new colours”?

Does a yearly ritual happen where certain shades are crowned as the colours for the next season?


It’s fascinating because, over the past year or so, I’ve noticed an aesthetic shift everywhere I go. From vape shops and doctors’ offices to retail stores, hairdressers, cafés, and even a hardware/DIY shop — I’ve seen these warm, brown, wooden panels popping up repeatedly.

I searched for them earlier this week (above), and sure enough, they’re widely available as “acoustic slat wall panels”! I found myself wondering:

When exactly did this trend start?

It reminded me of that client conversation — these things don’t happen by accident. Someone, somewhere, decides, and then it spreads like wildfire. It’s more serious (and influential) than it first appears.

* Now I’m left asking:

Start? History?

I decided to dig a little deeper into this acoustic brown wood panel phenomenon. It turns out this isn’t just a random coincidence that I’ve been spotting in Glasgow cafés and shops — it’s part of a genuine global interior design trend that really took off around the early 2020s and has continued gaining serious momentum through 2026.

In fact, only last week I was in a Specsavers and saw them; and then simply had to ask when did they have them installed? A few years ago? She looked back and started to laugh, “Oh, only about 6 or 7 months ago”!

Apparently, this style is called Japandi, Scandinavian-modern, and biophilic design (bringing nature indoors). With even Australia getting into the act; https://cladsmart.com.au/

And also the Chinese firm, Carsem:

https://www.carsemfloor.com/wall-panel.html

Where they swear that; “Our panel wall boards help people create hearing-friendly spaces where they can better live, work, learn, play, and heal.”?

“Heal”? Perhaps that’s taking it a bit too far.

* A quick history lesson 0n Japandi

So those warm brown wood panels aren’t just random — they slot perfectly into the Japandi trend that’s been quietly taking over recently. Japandi is a mixture between Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian cosiness (hence the mash-up name).

The story goes back about 150 years: after Japan finally opened its borders in the 1850s–60s, curious Danish designers and artists started visiting. They fell head over heels for the clean lines, natural materials, and a philosophy of beauty in simplicity. It DOES look Danish or Swedish, doesn’t it?

Fast-forward to the 2020s and boom — everyone wanted serene, clutter-free spaces that still felt welcoming, maybe during COVID? That’s why the same earthy wood tones keep popping up everywhere from here in Glasgow cafés to your local vape shop!

Trends really do start somewhere… and right now, Japandi feels like it’s winning.

🛣️ “Driving Home for Christmas” by the late, great, Chris Rea –

My Favourite Christmas Song – BTW, It’s still Christmas, and will be until 6 January –

It was with sadness when the other half informed us last week that Rea had died; knowing that I had a fondness for the tune and for Rea.

It was only earlier in the past month, some of my clients were discussing their favourite Christmas music and songs. One of them—an engineer from northern Germany whom I greatly respect—said he loved “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea.

I concurred and was somewhat surprised, that even in northern Germany this song had an effect on people. I had to tell him, that I remember when this came out in the UK. And from what I remember, it wasn’t that big of a hit, but has certainly endured to become one of the most remembered & liked Xmas tunes in the UK.

As for Rea, I’m old enough to remember “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)”, a strange late 70s song—not ballad, not easy-listening, just a decent pop song with that rasp in his voice. I still remember the album Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?. In fact, I recently found an interview where Rea revealed it was the only track he recorded that he didn’t play guitar on. So much so, that American reviewers at the time even compared him to Elton John!

I also recall him appearing in a star-studded UK comedy, directed by Michael Winner, where Rea was a hit man of sorts, and I quote from a review:

“Their most notable collaboration was the 1999 film Parting Shots, which was Winner’s final directorial effort and featured Rea in his only lead acting role. The film, a dark comedy about a man diagnosed with cancer who seeks revenge on those who wronged him, was widely criticized upon release and has since been described as one of the worst films ever made. Rea, who had no prior acting experience, was cast after Winner met him on a beach in Barbados, a decision that drew significant criticism for its mismatched casting.”

But what makes “Driving Home for Christmas” so special is its simplicity: it’s contemporary (“I’m driving…”), no bells, no snow, no reindeer, no tinsel—just a twinkling jazz piano and major‑seventh chords. Both make it my all-time favourite.

Interesting, Rea never performed the song until Christmas season 2014!

“In the Guardian interview, Rea stated that he never played the song live until 2014 at Hammersmith Odeon; he recalls: “the gig was on 20 December, so the road crew kept badgering me to do it. I went, ‘If I’m going to sing this fucking song, we’re gonna do it properly.’ So, we hired 12 snow cannons. When we started the song, you couldn’t hear it for the noise of the crowd, and we let go with the machines. We put three feet of artificial snow in the stalls. The venue charged me £12,000 to clean it up“!

Interestingly, even a day or two before Rea’s untimely death last Monday, I found myself wondering why I’m so drawn to that song, and particularly modern Christmas tunes.

Usually, three things must come together—especially in British Christmas songs:

1 – It’s by a mainstream’ish artist
2 – It’s contemporary and fresh.
3 – The artist is at the peak of their game when they record it.

Great examples include “Last Christmas” (Wham!), Elton John’s “Step into Christmas”, and even Band Aid. These songs were modern, culturally relevant, and infectious. Please forgive me if you’re annoyed that The Pogue’s with their Irish blarney didn’t make my list. (Ed, – Why do they always talk about New York City, instead of Dublin?), or Mariah Carey’s chart schlock—both feel like heavy corporate promotion. That’s not really my scene. But there’s something about UK and Irish audiences—you can feel their love for Christmas singles.

Although, in my opinion, it’s been around 20 years since a decent, new tune clinched the Christmas number one—that being The Darkness in 2004? I haven’t really heard many standout, new tunes since then.

🎶 My All-Time Top Three Christmas Songs

  • Chris Rea – “Driving Home for Christmas”
    A masterclass in contemporary yet personal Christmas songwriting.
  • Jonah Lee – “How to Stop the Cavalry”
    This anti-war gem has remained one of my favourite festive tunes as well.
  • Greg Lake – (Christmas piece borrowing from Prokofiev)
    A beautifully orchestral offering that nods to classic composers.

Glasgow Doors Open Day 2025- Inside St. Mary’s Masonic Lodge

A Hidden Gem on Glasgow’s Dumbarton Road –

Interesting as always, Glasgow hosts a Doors Open Day every September. We’ve done so many things through this event over the years, so I thought—why not try something just around the corner from us? That’s how we ended up at St. Mary’s Masonic Lodge.

First thing that I thought, was that this was not an Orange Lodge that most people know. This is the Freemasons. I’ll admit, I brought all my usual bigotries with me … and wow, was I wrong.

I’ve never met people more open, more friendly, and more diverse in appearance and background. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in sharing and learning. It was incredibly hospitable.

First of all, the name caught me: St. Mary’s. I always thought, “If they’re Protestant, why do they believe in saints?” But they’re not Protestant—they’re Freemasons.

Second, our guide wasn’t even British. He was Spanish, I believe, and was wonderfully inclusive in how he explained the beauty—at least from his perspective—of the Lodge. He spoke about their charitable work, their visitors, and their humility. When someone asked what they actually contribute (financially) to, he said that wasn’t the point. The people who receive help know who the Masons are, and it’s not for anyone else to know.

As the photos show, the main hall looks almost like a church—or even a synagogue. It was plainly decorated, and not overdone. Very tasteful, very open. The building spans three floors, and each space had its own character—never barren, never gaudy.

The top hall? That’s where they have a bar and a small tea room—well, “restaurant” might be pushing it. Still, there was free food for visitors, and the walls were lined with paintings and photographs of Glasgow past and present.

What struck me most was something I’d never noticed before, even after walking past this building countless times: the windows. They’re designed to blend into the tenement style while still standing out. The stairs—the “closes,” as we say in Glasgow—lead only to one thing: the Lodge itself.

I’m glad I finally saw it and is something I hope they continue to share with the public in the future.

CB

Dogs & Restaurants; a complete pet hate of mine. . .

Certainly, easy to believe – A loser of an Incel, with his pals – A recent survey stated that
almost 1/2 of men will not go out, if they can’t take their mutt with them?!

When did this even start? And now, as with many things, we are simply expected to just take it lying down, while thinking of England, et al.

As usual, I didn’t think that I could be the only one who feels this way. For another opinion, please go here:

https://www.foodandwine.com/dogs-allowed-in-restaurants-7370835

To be blunt, I’m probably a dog person, whatever that even means; thinking that at least they’ve always seemed more friendly and approachable, and certainly nowhere near as mercenary as cats; cats are simply awful.

But first some general info:

Dog-Friendly Trends (Indirect Stats and Surveys):

Directories and Listings:
Sites like DogFriendly.co.uk list over 1,300 dog-friendly restaurants and cafes as of 2024, but this is a self-reported subset and not exhaustive. Pub guides (e.g., Dugs n’ Pubs) highlight thousands of dog-welcoming pubs, often in rural areas.

Anecdotal and Media Reports:
A 2022 Telegraph article notes “pooch-friendly dining is a trend gaining pace,” with chains like Mowgli (14 UK branches) adopting dog-friendly policies since ~2017. By 2024, Costa Coffee (after a trial) allows dogs in many stores, joining others like Bill’s, Giraffe, and Zizzi.

Consumer Surveys:

One from the Mirror found:

83% of pet owners and 87% of dog owners believe pets should not be taken to restaurants. But 23% of people aged 34–45 thought it was acceptable. 74% said it’s good etiquette to leave if your dog is barking. 68% agreed dogs should only be allowed if the restaurant is clean.

Another one, from YouGov:

69% of Britons say it’s unacceptable to bring dogs to restaurants. Only 21% think it’s acceptable.

And a final survey, from Open Table found:

With a simply horrible headline; “Doggy Dining: Nearly half of new dog owners take their pooch everywhere” –

35% of Brits refuse to dine at a restaurant that doesn’t accept dogs. 49% will only take their dog if eating outdoors. 42% of new dog owners take their pet EVERY TIME they socialize. 88% of dog owners prioritize their pet’s comfort when dining out.

At least, let’s have some ground rules. . .

  1. Surely it’s possible to separate the customers with dogs, and the customers who have not brought their dogs with them. I.e, left side canines, right side humans?
  2. Can we not also, even have a pen or common area where the dogs have to be tied down at a table (underneath perhaps), as so many times when I’ve had to move by a table with a dog, I’ve had to step over it in order to proceed somewhere? And almost ALWAYS with no assistance whatsoever from their respective owners. They (the owners) just KNOW that they’re getting in your faces, don’t they?
  3. And it should be possible, to have an extra charge for the hounds, as it must take something to clean the areas due to the hairs, mud on the paws, etc. At least it could go to bring a balance between us (humans) and that lot (the dogs & their owners). I believe the Economics literature calls this an “externality“.

CB

Rap & it’s decline; at long last . . . ?

De la Soul – Alt Hip Hop – Sensational performance at Reading Festival in the Early 90s

https://www.nme.com/news/music/there-are-no-hip-hop-songs-in-the-us-top-40-for-the-first-time-since-1990-3905278

I found it interesting that I came across the above article, and it didn’t seem to get much attention in the press recently. I remember when I was young—in the late ’80s and early ’90s— I was completely wrapped up in the music scene, and then hip-hop arrived.

the Definition of Sound – Inventive, London Hip Hop

I always thought hip-hop was wonderful: a fusion of styles and sounds. Sure, many artists didn’t play instruments, but the music they created was fun, danceable, and perfectly suited to the genre. Also, I felt that there was an enormous variety to the genre; the pictures above and below showcase some of my favourites.

PM Dawn – “Hippy” Hip Hop

The thing about rap, is that I was never a big fan; always thinking that Hip Hop was just SO much more inventive and clever. Also, imho American music in general is at times, very compartmentalized. It always felt to me, that the country was more reliant on corporate acts, and simply did not have a very great “pop” tradition like the UK had.

Playlists were predictable: hip-hop for predominantly ethnic & city audiences, country for rural listeners, and so on. But then, in the early to mid-’90s, both genres began crossing over and hitting the pop charts. The rap acts started to become huge, as well as, in my opinion completely mediocre acts such as Garth Brooks; dreadful. How he is rumoured to be the best selling, single artist in history is mind-blowing. Let’s be honest here, did he ever write & record a Wichita Lineman? A Walk the Line? Etc?

Music Apps

As for rap, part of the popularity (as with any genre) may have to do with how charts work now compared to then. Today, many songs rely heavily on a small group of fans streaming tracks repeatedly. For example, five regular fans might play a song ten times a month—that’s 50 plays. But if one superfan plays it 100 times a month (about 3x / day) that single listener can push the numbers up dramatically (too my knowledge). This wasn’t the case back when you bought an album or a record. One sale was one sale, and that was it. If you never played that song / album again, or if you did; it meant nothing. The sale was the sale. Spotify doesn’t track unique listeners in the same way. They don’t say, “This person listened once three weeks ago, so that’s enough.” Instead, repeated plays count, which is why some pop and rap songs can stay in the charts for an incredibly long time.

This is something that probably needs to be addressed—but that’s another discussion. If Rap is fading, or if it’s just slowly declining, it raises the question: when the charts finally shift, what will take its place?

CB

PS – These are my own opinions. This is not a music blog, I could WELL be incorrect.

La Bohème – A night at the Scottish Opera

Years ago, when I was trying to learn guitar—classical and jazz—with an outstanding teacher on the West Coast of America, we started talking about the music we liked. Not just the usual pop and rock of the time—Van Halen, Foreigner, Earth, Wind & Fire, and all those disco acts—but what really spoke to us.

I told him I loved classical music, in particular Elizabethan, Baroque, Romantic. I mentioned composers like Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. He said he liked almost everything. He had a degree in music and could play classical pieces on both piano and guitar. But there was one thing he admitted: he didn’t care much for opera—he just couldn’t understand it. Not just that they were in Italian, etc, but that what was the point (or something like that).

I could relate. Opera always seemed like endless shouting, as if everything were a Wagner production. It made no sense to me. Even in musicals, you’d have spoken parts alongside singing, which felt more natural. But that was beside the point. It existed and was not going to change.

So when we decided to see La Bohème last month at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, I treated it like an excursion—a field trip. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it.

Boy was I completely wrong.

La Bohème composer Giacomo Puccini

Over the last decade or so, I’ve come to appreciate some of the old operas, especially Italian ones like Puccini’s. They feel written for enjoyment, for ordinary people, full of memorable tunes. And when I went to the performance, that’s exactly what I found.

I was fascinated by the audience also. Every type of person was there: Black, White, Asian, Chinese, disabled, old, young, students, middle class, working class. I’ve been to hundreds of concerts, but I’ve never seen such a mix. It felt almost like a cult type of thing. And in addition, the two main roles were played by Asian singers.

And although opera is hardly in the charts, a survey last year is also in tune to my feelings. According to the Laidlaw Opera Short Report – Google Docs;

The Laidlaw Opera Short Report from January 2024 conducted by Public First found that 42% of the UK public has never met an opera fan, but 41% would like to go to an opera at least once in their life. The report also highlighted that cost is the main barrier to opera attendance, with 49% of the public saying that the cost being lower would make it more likely for them to attend an opera.

And when you delve deeper, the report says it’s the young who seem to have more time for opera nowadays?! If you have time (I didn’t even know these type of reports existed!), please go in the link and read it; it’s fascinating.

Back to the performance of La Bohème, there were parts of the opera I understood well and parts I didn’t. But I definitely recognized a couple of melodies that I’d heard on Classic FM.

It was a wonderful experience—and something I plan to enjoy again in the future.

Scottish Opera – La bohème

Summer 2025 – Part 1 – Going out in Glasgow, Scotland, England, Europe, etc . . .

📸 July – Food Adventures – West of Scotland and beyond Edition

Now that it is November; I’ve finally decided to look back at the various places I went out to in the summer, timely heh?


July was a month of Parkruns, long walks, and delicious discoveries. Here’s a roundup of the places I visited, from cosy cafés to scenic golf club eateries.

🍳 The Red Deer – Pitlochry, Scotland

Located at the Pitlochry Golf Club, The Red Deer is a welcoming spot with a folky vibe and unbeatable prices. Whether it’s pancakes, French toast, or a classic egg roll, the food is basic and home baked, with the staff always friendly. The wraparound terrace offers stunning views of the fairways and Ben Vrackie.

🥪 Celinos – West End, Glasgow, Scotland

  • Sandwich
  • Sandwich x2
  • Shop supplies
  • More supplies
  • Intense!
  • Tea
  • Location of Celinos

Celino’s delicatessen in the West End is a vibrant Italian spot with flowers hanging from the ceiling and shelves packed with deli treats; over the years it looks and gets better each time I go there. The sandwiches are fresh and flavourful, and the service is quick and cheerful. At this time of year, it has a “crowded” type of feel, with Christmas addons for food and presents.

🥞 Brunch Takeaway – West End, Glasgow, Scotland

  • Brunch
  • My brunch!
  • Surrounding Thornwood Tenements
  • More Tenements
  • Dumbarton Road, Glasgow

After the Victoria Park Parkrun, Brunch Takeaway is the perfect carb-loading destination. Pancakes, waffles, potato cakes, and maple syrup with ham—pure indulgence. The vibe is relaxed and the portions quite generous, we chose to sit outside and even in the shade and the traffic on Dumbarton Road, it was still very pleasant.

🍻 Elena’s Spanish Bar & Restaurant – Yorkhill, Glasgow, Scotland

  • Elenas
  • Elenas again
  • Sign
  • Before the dinner
  • Mussels with Bread
  • Croquettes
  • Albondigas
  • Yorkhill opposite
  • More Yorkhill
  • Street east view

In Yorkhill, Elena’s serves up authentic Spanish tapas in a warm and basic setting. When I first went here the simplicity was like a school hall, but since then, it’s upped its game and this time, we sat outside in the late evening sun. We had croquettes, mussels, and complimentary bread, all paired with lovely beer.

🥪 Sister Midnight – Saltmarket, Glasgow, Scotland

  • Main entrance
  • Look at entrance / meal
  • Huge sandwich
  • Interesting drink
  • Window view

This newish sandwich shop in Saltmarket is a hidden gem. Real bread baked daily, massive sandwiches, and a cool deli vibe. It’s casual, creative, and perfect for brunch or lunch. There is also an accompanying graphic / magazine shop inside as well.

🥐 Coffee – West End, Glasgow, Scotland

  • Street Level
  • More Bischof sweets
  • with Tea / Coffee
  • Bischof closeup
  • Pastry
  • Lovely Cups; Handmade?

We returned to Coffee for their legendary pastries. I had a Bischof croissant with maple cream cheese, while my companion had a chocolate and pistachio creation, whilst sitting outside enjoying the sunshine.

🍰 The Carrick Golf Club – Loch Lomond, Scotland

  • Outside view
  • Inside View
  • More with TVs
  • Tea / Scones – Available,
  • Close up, actually quite large and with real cream

We ventured out to The Carrick at Loch Lomond for morning scones, tea, and cake. It’s a bit pricier, but members do get 20% off. The views are spectacular and the food is top-notch. This leads me to always think about the “alternative” spots for tea or coffee, such as sports clubs, churches and hotels.

🌄 Final Thought

Years ago, I started exploring places you wouldn’t expect to eat at—golf clubs, tennis centres, hotel cafés. These spots in my experiences, can often offer better food, quieter settings, and surprisingly reasonable prices. If you haven’t tried it yet, I would highly recommend stepping off the beaten path.

CB

The Kilted Baker – Kirkmichael, Perthshire, Scotland – Another different type of thing in the Scottish Highlands

The Kilted Baker is nestled in the quaint village of Kirkmichael, and is a charming surprise I stumbled upon via a Facebook Reel. Yea, I actually watch those.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve visited this area quite often; such as starting the Cateran Trail from the carpark here! But still, this cozy home-grown spot was a nice discovery. Located about 15 miles from Blairgowrie to the southeast or the same from Pitlochry to the west, it offers a rustic, do-it-yourself vibe with a variety of cakes, cookies, tea and coffee.

Payment is based on a modern honesty box system, accepting cash or card. The selection is impressive, featuring classics like Empire Biscuits and flapjacks, alongside cold drinks and Scottish-themed souvenirs like horns and kilted decorations! The setup is simple yet inviting, with a table and a few seats outside—perfect for sitting down before returning to where you came from.

Next door is Beechtree Cottage, a familiar spot from years past, and the area offers easy access to the Glenshee Ski Centre if you take a left just past the bakery. You can also explore the adjacent gardens, where you might meet a friendly dog who escaped his paddock in search of cake during our day there. Run by a man named Paul Bradford, who holds level one and two food hygiene certificates and a recent approval from Scotland’s Food Standards Agency (March 2025), it feels authentic and welcoming.

It’s one of the few remaining establishments in Kirkmichael, a village that feels like it’s fading due to the rise of Airbnbs and limited housing for locals; though I could be wrong. When I was here a few years ago, I was told by a local to look at the flats on the High Street here and guess how many were NOT Airbnbs; the answer was only one! I hope the situation is better now, and be sure to leave a review on Google, TripAdvisor, or Facebook—the owners will appreciate it.

CB