In the 1920s, Dr. Rudolf Steiner was a major contributor to what we know as biodynamic farming. This type of farming practice is based on creating a balanced environment for the crop while always keeping in mind holistic, ethical, and ecological elements that surround it. However, many are skeptical because of its cosmic and mystical considerations.

For my third installment on the theme of artists and artisans, I’m introducing some of  my favourite artists whom I have been following on social media for a few years now. They range across a variety of media, but perhaps unsurprisingly for a Scottish Blue Badge guide, all of these artists are Scottish. Indeed they are all based on the west coast of Scotland—two in the county of Argyll and two on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. 

If there is a fungus that deserves to be in all history books, it should be the Truffle. We have records from the Mesopotamian Empire (3000 BCE) where the Sumerians would eat truffles. In Egypt, there are hieroglyphs the depict the offering truffles to the deities. Greeks and Romans loved them—Emperor Nero said “Truffles are a delicacy of gods.''

This is Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve where the landscape changes before your eyes. Unspoilt, peaceful, and beautiful, the reserve has the full spectrum of coastal habitats, from constantly moving sand at the edge of the sea to the colourful dune heathland. 

Like most, I can remember a few teachers who have been influential in my life…Yet for me there is only one who, with hindsight, played a pivotal role in the direction my career would take—the Pole Star by which my life would be navigated.

Imagine my fascination  when I found a store in a tiny town in the Pyrenees and saw endless cencerros in different shapes, sizes and materials. I approached the lady owner and asked her the reason for such a variety. When I heard her reply, my brain just exploded!. Not only do the shapes and materials differ, but the clappers also have a lot to do with the variation in the bells.

Romantic, majestic, and dominant, the “Cedro di Libano” can be seen from almost any vantage point in the Barolo area. From the top of the vine-covered hill, this cedar tree has incredibly witnessed the Langhe wine region's metamorphosis for the last 165 years.

GC’s “Poet Laureate,” Charlie Rawson, shares her latest beautiful, evocative creation.

When we think about witches, what normally comes to mind is an ugly, old woman with a wart on the tip of her nose, casting spells over a boiling pot. At least, this is the way Hollywood has portrayed them. It is 100% different from what we consider a witch in the Basque culture. We call them “sorguiñe”, which means “the one that gives life”.

From the stories and legends evolved a unique set of superstitions that existed to give protection to people and the things they held dear. We might scoff at them today, but imagine a time, not so long ago, when life was so hard and tenuous that your very survival might depend on a good harvest or an easy childbirth. It’s easier to understand how these beliefs could become so deep-rooted and firmly held.