This Christmas save an at risk native tree

An initiative has been launched in the Cairngorms National Park to save and restore one of Scotland's most important yet endangered native tree species.

The new partnership between Trees for Life and the Cairngorms National Park Authority, working with Cairngorms Aspen Group, aims to map, expand and connect aspen – an essential but now sadly rare feature of the Caledonian forest.

Aspen provides a habitat for a wide range of rare fungi, lichens, mosses, moths – but although once common, it has now largely disappeared from Scotland’s landscapes. Experts believe aspen has suffered more from deforestation than any other native tree in Scotland.

The new Cairngorms Aspen Network is bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and land managers to take action to identify and then restore aspen-rich habitats, and so boost wildlife and threatened species. It will also raise awareness about the importance of aspen.

A healthy, functional aspen network will help build resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss, says the Network.

“The new aspen network will offer much-needed hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies by developing a restored, better-connected and healthier aspen network. By working together, we can improve the future of our aspen woodlands and the life they bring with them,” said Niamh Byrne, Aspen Project Officer at rewilding charity Trees for Life.

Aspen has been hit especially hard by deforestation and overgrazing, largely because it rarely flowers or sets seeds in Scotland, for reasons that remain unclear. This means once it is lost from an area, aspen is unlikely to return on its own.

The tree’s survival is threatened in the Highlands, where it now often only regenerates on rocky slopes or cliffs, out of the reach of grazing animals. Such small fragmented stands – sometimes a handful of old trees growing off the same root system – are geographically isolated and cannot provide a proper habitat for the many species that depend on them.

Fragmentation of native woodlands also reduce aspen’s chances of reproduction, while new growth by suckers from a parent plant is often grazed before it can flourish.

Characterised by shimmering foliage in summer and leaves which turn a stunning golden yellow in the autumn, and able to grow at elevations of up to 550 metres, aspen is extremely important for many reasons.

Aspen grows fast and dies young – meaning it efficiently locks away carbon. Aspen’s high rate of leaf fall and production of deadwood enriches soils, which creates optimum conditions for other plants and trees.

Over 60 insect species are known to feed on aspen foliage in Scotland. Young aspen shoots provide food for caterpillars of the rare dark-bordered beauty moth, while the endangered aspen hoverfly favours aspen deadwood. The tree is also highly valued by beavers.

Sarah Henshall, Head of Conservation for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “Aspen is a priority species in Cairngorms National Park and hugely important resource for rare and threatened wildlife. Aspen also makes a significant contribution towards healthy and resilient nature networks in the National Park.”

The project’s first stage, being undertaken by Trees for Life, is mapping the location, condition and health of the Cairngorms National Park’s existing aspen, alongside key plants and animals that depend on the tree.

This mapping will help identify key sites and management priorities, including growing and planting plans for creating a thriving new network of aspen, and will create a blueprint for an effective approach to aspen conservation that could be rolled out across Scotland.

As the project develops, it is hoped there'll also be scope for local volunteers to get involved, including by gaining hands-on rewilding experience and receiving training for carrying out aspen surveys.

Trees for Life has been working to restore aspen to the Highlands since 1991, including by growing and planting thousands of young aspen trees annually.

Over recent years, Trees for Life has successfully encouraged aspens to produce seed under controlled conditions at its Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston – producing new generations of aspen to support woodland restoration projects across the Highlands.

The Cairngorms Aspen Network Project is funded by a grant from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. For more details, see treesforlife.org.uk/cairngorms-aspen-network.

That's Christmas believes that this would be a wonderful opportunity for Christmas gifts in the names of environmentalists in your life.

Traditional Christmas and New Year's Celebrations in Scotland

This is an update to our series of looking at the different ways Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world.

Scotland has a rich history of festive celebrations during Christmas and New Year, shaped by centuries of tradition, culture, and the country’s unique relationship with these holidays. 

While Christmas was not always widely celebrated due to historical religious differences, New Year's, known as Hogmanay, has always been a grand occasion in Scotland. 

Today, both holidays are joyfully marked across the country, with each bringing its own customs and charm.

Christmas in Scotland

For a long time, Christmas wasn’t widely celebrated in Scotland. The holiday was effectively banned after the Reformation in 1560, when the Protestant Church frowned upon its religious and Roman Catholic origins. It wasn’t until 1958 that Christmas Day became a public holiday in Scotland, much later than in the rest of the UK. Despite its slow start, Christmas is now embraced with full festive spirit, and many Scottish homes today are filled with lights, decorations, and the joy of family gatherings.

Scottish Christmas Traditions

Decorations: Like the rest of the UK, homes are adorned with Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights. However, some households add a Scottish twist by incorporating tartan ribbons, Scottish thistles, or even stag antlers into their decorations.

Food: A traditional Scottish Christmas dinner often features roast turkey or goose, served with all the trimmings like potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Scottish delicacies such as "clootie dumpling" (a rich fruit pudding) or shortbread biscuits are also popular additions. For drinks, whisky or a glass of "Atholl Brose," a blend of whisky, honey, cream, and oatmeal, might be enjoyed.

Gifts and Festivities: Like in other parts of the world, Christmas morning is for exchanging gifts. Many Scottish families attend church services to celebrate the religious aspect of the day before gathering for a hearty meal. Carolling and attending Christmas markets, where Scottish crafts and foods are sold, are also part of the festivities.

Hogmanay: Scotland's Legendary New Year’s Celebration

If there’s one celebration that Scotland is truly famous for, it’s Hogmanay. While Christmas may have taken time to catch on, Hogmanay has long been a major event, deeply rooted in both Viking and Celtic traditions. Its origins are believed to be a combination of ancient Norse winter solstice celebrations and the Gaelic festival of Samhain.

Hogmanay Traditions

First-Footing: One of the most iconic Hogmanay traditions is "first-footing," where the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight brings luck for the coming year. Traditionally, this person should be a tall, dark-haired man (reflecting a time when fair-haired Viking invaders were less welcome!). The first-footer often brings symbolic gifts like whisky, coal, shortbread, or black bun (a type of fruit cake), each representing warmth, prosperity, and good fortune.

Fire Festivals: Fire has always been a central element of Hogmanay, representing both purification and the chasing away of evil spirits. In many towns, this is reflected in grand firework displays, torchlight processions, and bonfires. One of the most famous is the Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony, where participants swing blazing fireballs around their heads as they march through the streets. It’s a thrilling and ancient spectacle that symbolises burning away the old year to welcome the new.

Auld Lang Syne: No Scottish New Year's celebration is complete without singing "Auld Lang Syne," the world-famous song penned by Robert Burns. At the stroke of midnight, Scots gather in circles, linking arms and singing this nostalgic anthem about friendship and the passage of time. This tradition has now spread worldwide, but its roots remain deeply Scottish.

Hogmanay Street Parties

Hogmanay is also famous for its grand street parties, especially in Edinburgh. The city’s Hogmanay celebrations are among the largest in the world, drawing crowds from all corners of the globe. The festivities include a massive street party along Princes Street, featuring live music, fireworks, and plenty of dancing. The party often extends well into the early hours of New Year's Day, with the atmosphere brimming with excitement and revelry.

The Loony Dook

For those brave enough, New Year’s Day offers the chance to participate in the Loony Dook, a refreshing (some might say freezing!) dip into the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh. This quirky tradition, which started in the 1980s, sees participants, often in fancy dress, plunging into the cold waters to shake off the cobwebs of Hogmanay and start the year with a literal splash.

Scotland’s festive season is a captivating blend of ancient traditions, modern celebrations, and a deep sense of community and joy. 

Whether it's the cosy warmth of a family Christmas or the exuberant revelry of Hogmanay, there’s something magical about how the Scots welcome this special time of year. The glow of firelight, the sound of bagpipes, and the laughter of friends and family make the Scottish festive season one of the most memorable and beloved anywhere in the world.

Highland Fine Cheeses unveils new gift boxes, delivering a Scottish cheese feast for Christmas

Highland Fine Cheeses, which is based in Tain, Scotland, has launched three Christmas gift boxes, all available for home delivery nationwide.

Showcasing its range of traditional, mould ripened, blue and washed rind styles of cheese, made in the heart of Scottish cattle country, these new gift boxes will certainly delight any fromage fan looking to expand their cheese horizons northwards this Chirstmas time.

The two smaller boxes allow customers to select three or six cheeses, so they can tailor the Christmas gift to suit the cheese loving recipient, while the largest gift box contains nine styles from Highland Fine Cheeses’ range of. Options include; Crowdie, a traditional fresh Scottish cheese; Minger, an orange annatto soft washed rind cheese; Morange Brie, a tranquil number with an edible white rind and rich creamy paste; and Fat Cow, a semi-hard washed rind cheese.

Completing each Scottish cheese feast is a carefully chosen line-up of pairings and accompaniments, chosen to complement the cheeses, delivering a truly special experience for cheese lovers, packaged up a in a brilliant pink box. Which will all make excellent Christmas gifts for the cheese lovers in your life.

Christmas Cheese Board includes; a choice of any three cheeses; a choice of Monbazillac Grange Neuve 2020 France (50cl) or Leith Pedro Ximenez, Portugal (37.5cl); Gavino Traditional Olive Oil Biscuits (180g); and a choice of Global Harvest Quince (200g), Spiced Apple (200g) or Fig (200g).

Price: £55

Christmas Cheese Party includes; a choice of six cheeses; Urban Park Montresor Rosso Appassimento 2019 (75cl); Gavino Traditional Olive Oil Biscuits (180g); and a choice of Global Harvest Quince (200g), Spiced Apple (200g) or Fig (200g).

Price: £70

Christmas Cheese Feast includes; nine cheeses from the Highland Fine Cheeses range; Krohn Lbv Port 2017, Portugal (75cl); Gavino Traditional Olive Oil Biscuits (180g); Global Harvest Quince (200g), Spiced Apple Mulled (200g) or Fig (200g).

Price: £90

Orders for Christmas delivery can be made online at hf-cheeses.com until Sunday 1 December, and delivery will take place between Monday 9 and Friday 20 December, excluding weekends.

FACTFILE:-

Highland Fine Cheeses

Highland Fine Cheeses is based in Tain, northeast Scotland, and produces a collection of artisan cheeses including Morangie Brie, Minger and Strathdon Blue. 

Taking inspiration from around the globe, second generation cheesemaker, Rory Stone remains true to the artisan processes that his parents implemented when Blarliath Farm was a smallholding of just 14 Shorthorn dairy cows, and a randy bull called Geordie.

The Highlands were traditionally referred to as cattle country, with every farm or croft having a house cow, to supplement their diet. After the cream had been ladled off the top of the milk to churn butter, the remaining milk’s cultures would slowly eat the lactose and multiply throughout, souring it by releasing lactic acid. 

Eventually the milk would set and form a curd, a bit like yogurt and the curd was scrambled like eggs and hung up in a pillowcase or a muslin to drain the whey. The final addition of salt resulted in Crowdie, a soft fresh cheese, traditional to Scotland.

Highland Fine Cheeses’ story began with the resurrection of Crowdie in the family bathtub, when Rory’s father, Reggie, complained that no-one was producing it anymore, and so his mother, Susannah set about making it. Crowdie is still made by Highland Fine Cheeses, albeit not in the bathtub, alongside its collection of award-winning mould ripened, blue and washed rind style cheeses.

Website: hf-cheeses.com

Instagram: @highlandfinecheeses

Traditional Scottish Christmas Foods and Drinks

Scotland, with its rich history and deep-rooted traditions, has a culinary landscape as diverse as its landscapes. During the festive season, Christmas brings forth a glorious array of traditional dishes and drinks that have been enjoyed for centuries. 

The cold winter nights in Scotland are warmed by hearty meals and rich beverages, each with its own unique Scottish twist. 

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most iconic traditional Scottish Christmas foods and drinks that continue to be a part of festive celebrations across the country.

1. Roast Goose or Turkey

While Christmas turkey is a familiar sight across the UK, in Scotland, roast goose has historically been the bird of choice for Christmas dinner. The rich, flavoursome meat of the goose, often accompanied by traditional stuffings made from oatmeal, sage, and onions, offers a festive alternative to the more commonly found turkey. Today, many households will opt for turkey, but goose still has its place as a delicious nod to times past.

2. Clapshot

This warming Scottish side dish, traditionally served alongside Christmas dinner, is a blend of mashed neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), often flavoured with butter and chives. Originating from the northern regions, particularly Orkney, clapshot is a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats and gravies, adding a comforting touch of Scotland to the Christmas table.

3. Cranachan

A classic Scottish dessert that often makes an appearance during festive celebrations, cranachan is made with layers of whipped cream, toasted oats, fresh raspberries, and a generous splash of whisky. This indulgent treat is both light and rich, offering a fruity and boozy finish to a Christmas feast. Some modern recipes replace raspberries with other seasonal fruits, but the whisky and oats remain key to this Scottish favourite.

4. Black Bun

Black bun, a dense fruitcake cunningly wrapped in pastry, is a festive delight that’s traditionally associated with Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). However, it often makes its way onto Christmas tables as well. Packed with currants, raisins, spices, and whisky, black bun is incredibly rich and flavourful, perfect for those who enjoy a hearty slice of fruitcake during the festive season. Its origins date back to the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, and it’s a lasting symbol of Scotland’s culinary heritage.

5. Cullen Skink

A traditional Scottish soup, Cullen skink is made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. It’s a comforting dish often served as a starter on Christmas Day. This soup hails from the town of Cullen in Moray and is known for its rich, creamy texture and distinct smoky flavour. It’s a perfect way to warm up during a cold Scottish Christmas.

6. Shortbread

No Scottish Christmas would be complete without the presence of shortbread. This buttery biscuit is a beloved part of the festive season and is often shaped into rounds, fingers, or festive designs for Christmas. While shortbread can be enjoyed year-round, its crumbly texture and rich taste make it a must-have during the holidays. It’s commonly gifted in beautiful tins or enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Traditional Scottish Christmas Drinks

There has to be some classic drinks to accompany the delicious Christmas foods. Here are a few of the most beloved Scottish beverages that make the rounds during the festive period.

1. Whisky

It’s impossible to talk about Scottish Christmas drinks without mentioning whisky. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a warming cocktail, whisky is a staple of Christmas in Scotland. Many households will offer a dram (or two) of whisky to guests as part of the festivities. Some use whisky in cooking, adding a splash to gravies or desserts like cranachan. Single malts and blended whiskies are both enjoyed, and it’s not uncommon to see whisky glasses raised for a Christmas toast.

2. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, or Gløgg as it's known in some parts of Europe, has found a home in Scottish Christmas celebrations. Infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, mulled wine is a warming drink perfect for warding off the winter chill. Many Scottish families will brew their own mulled wine, often adding a touch of whisky or brandy to give it a local twist.

3. Hot Toddy

A classic Scottish winter warmer, the hot toddy is the perfect antidote to the cold December nights. Made with whisky, honey, lemon, and hot water (sometimes with the addition of spices such as cloves or cinnamon), the hot toddy is both a festive drink and a remedy for the common cold. It’s a cosy and comforting beverage, often enjoyed around the fire with family and friends.

4. Atholl Brose

Atholl brose is a traditional Scottish drink that combines whisky, oats, honey, and cream. It’s named after the Duke of Atholl, who, according to legend, used this drink to capture his enemies by spiking their water with it. Today, it’s a sweet and indulgent drink that is perfect for Christmas celebrations. Its creamy, slightly thick texture and the sweetness of the honey make it a delightful festive treat.

Final Thoughts

Scottish Christmas foods and drinks are steeped in tradition and history, offering a unique and delicious way to celebrate the festive season. From rich roasts to indulgent desserts, and from hearty soups to warming whiskies, Scotland's festive fare is as diverse and robust as the country itself. Whether you're Scottish by heritage or simply looking to add a Scottish touch to your Christmas, these traditional foods and drinks are sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations.

So, this Christmas, why not raise a glass of whisky or tuck into a slice of black bun as you embrace the festive spirit, Scottish style?

A Taste of Christmas: Regional Specialities from Across the UK and Ireland

The festive season is not just about presents and decorations; it’s also a time to indulge in delicious, traditional foods. 

Across the UK and Ireland, each region brings its own unique flair to Christmas feasting. From hearty pies to sweet treats, here’s a look at some special Christmas foods from across the isles.

1. England: Yorkshire Christmas Pie

Yorkshire has a long-standing tradition of hearty pies, and the Christmas version is no exception. The Yorkshire Christmas Pie is an extravagant affair. This grand pie is packed with multiple layers of meat—traditionally, everything from turkey and goose to game birds. It's an awe-inspiring centrepiece for a Christmas table, often surrounded by rich gravy and seasonal vegetables.

For something a little sweeter, mince pies are a beloved part of Christmas celebrations across England. Filled with dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a dash of brandy, these tiny pies are thought to bring good luck when eaten during the 12 days of Christmas.

2. Scotland: Cloutie Dumpling

In Scotland, Christmas dinner isn't complete without a slice of Cloutie Dumpling. This spiced fruit pudding is boiled in a cloth (the “clout”), giving it a characteristic skin and dense texture. It's a traditional dessert that’s rich with dried fruits, suet, and spices, often soaked in whisky to add warmth to the festive table. Traditionally served with custard or a dram of whisky, it’s a true winter warmer.

Another festive Scottish treat is the black bun, a fruitcake wrapped in pastry, traditionally eaten on Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) but sometimes seen during the Christmas period too.

3. Wales: Bara Brith

Christmas in Wales wouldn’t be complete without a slice of Bara Brith, a rich fruit loaf steeped in tea and flavoured with mixed spice. Although it’s often enjoyed year-round, it takes on a special place at Christmas, sometimes served alongside other traditional foods like Welsh cakes. The fruity, spiced aroma of Bara Brith feels especially festive when enjoyed with a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s day.

Additionally, tê bach, a spiced biscuit often served at Christmas parties, makes a delightful sweet snack for Welsh families over the festive season.

4. Northern Ireland: Fifteens

Northern Ireland's Christmas gatherings often feature a no-bake treat called Fifteens. These sweet, moreish bites are named after their simple recipe: 15 digestive biscuits, 15 marshmallows, and 15 glacé cherries mixed with condensed milk and coconut. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, Fifteens are a favourite at festive parties and get-togethers in Northern Ireland.

Another traditional Northern Irish Christmas food is the Christmas spiced beef, often served cold with mustard or chutney. This delicacy is made by marinating a joint of beef in a mixture of spices for up to two weeks before slow-cooking it. It’s a robust, deeply flavoured dish that's perfect for a festive buffet.

5. Ireland: Spiced Beef and Guinness Cake

Across the water in the Republic of Ireland, one of the most famous Christmas dishes is spiced beef. This centuries-old dish, particularly popular in Cork, involves marinating beef in a blend of spices (cloves, allspice, juniper, and brown sugar) for several days before slow-cooking or boiling. The result is a tender, flavour-packed joint often served cold in sandwiches or with potatoes and cabbage on Christmas Day.

For dessert, a slice of Guinness cake rounds off the meal perfectly. The dark, rich stout adds a depth of flavour to this fruit-laden cake, making it a popular alternative to the traditional Christmas pudding.

6. Cornwall: Saffron Cake

Cornwall brings a touch of golden warmth to the festive table with saffron cake. This yeasted sweet bread, spiced with saffron and filled with currants and raisins, is a traditional Cornish treat. Though it's not exclusive to Christmas, it's often made during the festive season and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon.

Cornwall’s long-standing fishing tradition also makes stargazy pie a unique Christmas dish. Originally from the Cornish village of Mousehole, this pie features pilchards poking their heads through the pastry “gazing” skywards. While traditionally associated with the winter festival of Tom Bawcock’s Eve (just before Christmas), it occasionally finds its way onto the Christmas table.

7. The Midlands: Shropshire Fidget Pie

In the Midlands, particularly in Shropshire, you’ll find Fidget Pie making an appearance during the festive period. This traditional pie, made with ham, apples, and onions, wrapped in a flaky pastry, offers a savoury-sweet combination that is both hearty and comforting—perfect for the cold winter months.

Another Midlands speciality is pork pie, often served cold as part of a buffet or Boxing Day spread. Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire, is famous for producing some of the best pork pies in the country.

8. The Channel Islands: Jersey Wonders

In the Channel Islands, Jersey Wonders are a traditional Christmas treat. These light, fried doughnut-like pastries are twisted into knots and served with tea. Although they’re typically enjoyed throughout the year, they hold a special place in festive gatherings, bringing a sweet, nostalgic touch to Christmas.

Conclusion

Each region across the UK and Ireland adds its own culinary flair to the Christmas season, reflecting its local produce, history, and culture. From hearty pies in Yorkshire to spiced beef in Ireland and sweet treats like Cloutie Dumpling and Bara Brith, these foods help bring families and communities together, celebrating the best of regional flavours. Whether you stick to tradition or explore a new dish from another part of the country, there’s no better way to celebrate the festive season than with a feast filled with history and flavour.

Merry Christmas, and happy feasting!