Montrose

Dear Friends,

When Steve and I were looking for a Scotland home base in 2025, clients and friends kept asking "where will you choose?" We agreed to keep an open mind, so we looked all over Scotland, from lowlands to Highlands and islands; some places we knew well to some places we didn't know at all. It was tricky you see, since I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that I'm a city girl at heart, who is happiest in the midst of lots of activity, long morning walks to my favorite coffee stop, while passing ten good ones along the way, and plenty of vegan restaurants to choose from.

Steve, on the other hand, would choose the most remote home, without another house in sight, that takes a ferry or more to get to and fro. He loves the thought of escaping by boat :).

However, Montrose had him at Harbour. The seaside vibe spoke to Steve's days as a merchant marine and it was small, but still large enough to find lots to do and, bonus! Though my favorite coffee stop is only a little over a block from our front door, there are endless walking trails in close proximity.

What I have learned about this lovely place has left me mesmerized. I chose the Montrose Basin, a tidal estuary of the river South Esk, as the subject of my research paper to finish up my Master's in Scottish History and I'm collaborating with the town's development committee on some new heritage projects. I was invited to an old pub across the bridge by Ian MacGregor, whom many of you know from previous tours. His cousin owns the bar and only locals go there (you can't even tell it's open unless you know). Ian drove over one evening and we walked in to a very warm welcome.

The dialect was thick and the banter was hilarious and I learned more about the history and culture of the area in that one evening, gathered around the bar with locals in the tiniest room, than a year of reading would have taught me.

Somehow, even as a newcomer from across the sea, I have been invited into at least one layer deeper than surface of this town so, of course, I want to share it all with you. In May, 2027, I'll host a small group immersive experience in Montrose.

I say this a lot, but it has never been more true: Come meet my friends in Scotland and they'll become your friends too. Limited to ten people. Here ya go.