Dispatch from Scotland: Edinburgh’s Oldest Italian Grocer, Black Sheep and Beaches on the Isle of Mull, Handmade Jumpers, Seafood Shack Lunches, and my favorite Charity Shop Finds

Plus Empire Biscuits at the Royal Botanic Gardens

A Time: Greetings from the West Coast of Scotland. Our trip kicked off a week ago, and after a few days in Edinburgh, we’re now on the West Coast for some ample time with my husband’s lovely family. My parents are also with us— as of course is Matilda— so we’re being reminded that while it takes a village to raise little ones— having them all in one place is a real game changer. This is Tild’s third visit to Scotland before she is 2— but she is so quick to cuddle and run to her granny, grandad, aunt, uncle and cousins— it does really make me double down on the belief that they just know when they’re with their pack. It’s also my birthday today— so I’m feeling extra grateful. We started the day with a quiet long walk along the water, had lunch at a local seafood shack, had a little family gathering at the golf club with some pipes, homemade cakes and tablet for good measure. It might be my favorite birthday yet. What a joy to get older. And I really mean that.

A Trip: I have been to this wonderful country a lot over the years, so it’s starting to feel a bit like a second home for me too. Here are five things I’m appreciating half way through our time here:

Coffee and Italian fare at Edinburgh’s oldest Italian Deli: you can take a girl out of Jersey, but not the Jersey out of a girl— so I rightly loved wandering around Valvona & Crolla, the oldest Italian wine merchant and delicatessen in the city. Operating since 1934, it was a two minute walk from our flat/ apartment, and a great stop to pick up coffee, sandwiches and gifts before we headed West.

The Royal Botanic Gardens: always a prime spot to walk off the jet lag, I love the Royal Botanic Gardens— especially this time of year.

A great day on Mull: The ferry from Oban to Mull is only 45 minutes— and a lovely place to spend the whole day. Just look at that water— it’s so crystal clear. I love a Scottish beach, and enjoyed spotting a herd of black sheep on the way. Was sad this sweet little ice cream shop was closed for the season.

Foggy, atmospheric windows— the best. This particular one in Stockbridge.

Charity Shopping: I vintage shop and thrift a lot at home, but always love to here too. Thus far I’ve scooped up a cozy jacket for Matilda (£4), this little paisley paperweight (£1), Robert Burns sheet music I’ll frame for her room (£1), this fair isle sweater (£5) and this vintage broach, hair band, and suede necklace I repurposed for Matilda’s Halloween costume (a Celtic Princess/ Merida from Disney’s Brave since we’re here), all for £8. Before we flew over, I’d sewn in a vintage lace runner.

A Dish: All the sweeties in Scotland, always. We stopped at Tobermory bakery yesterday and got a box full of traditional sweets like millionaire shortbread, tiffin, fruitcake and more. Earlier in the week I had one helluva Empire Biscuit at the Royal Botanic Gardens that I can’t stop thinking about.

A Thing: My wonderful sister in law had this cardigan/ jumper hand-knit for Matilda, and I just love the bell sleeves and strawberry buttons.

A Look: The weather has been very mild here for late October/ early Nov so I’m glad I packed my vintage Eddie Bauer chore coat. It’s so old it’s soft like butter and was a great pal to me here on a beach walk.

Thanks for reading and hope everyone has a great weekend x