Ok lassies, let’s go to SCOTLAND! Aerie Creative Director, Summer, shared her favorite moments from our holiday photoshoot and great Scot, it was amazing. Looking to plan your own trip? Thistle do nicely to get you started! Read on for Summer’s favorite moments and advice for your own trip.
We landed in Edinburgh on a Monday morning and drove right to Marks & Spencer for some staples: crumpets, Tunnocks Tea Cakes and Walkers Shortbread Cookies.
With so many Scottish treats, our 3-hour road trip to the Highlands was a breeze, especially after another FUN-filled stop to The House of Bruar. EVERYTHING SCOTTISH THAT YOUR HEART COULD DESIRE…seriously, this place could be a vacation in and of itself.
Finally, we arrived at Aviemore – quite exhausted from all the travel but kept going thanks to dinner at the Old Bridge Inn.
DAY 1 OF PHOTOSHOOT: WE’RE ON A TRAIN, CHOO! CHOO!
Yes, we REALLY rented out a train for the day. Special thanks to Graham Sutherland, a nice gentleman who was our main contact for getting us organized and making sure we had all the views and shots that we needed.
The Strathspey Railway is so unique and is surviving purely by volunteers and donations. Donate here and keep the magic going!
46512 “Old Evie” was the steam locomotive we adorned with a giant holiday wreath. For some reason, it was repainted with the number 46464 after repairs. For the real train enthusiast, you can find Old Evie’s 50+ year history here.
NEXT UP: SHEAR HAPPINESS
Neil Ross trains Highland shepherds to herd the sheep and FUN FACT—he commands them in Gaelic (with a few swears here and there).
These are among my favorite shots from the shoot. Anytime we can be outside and include animals in their natural habitats, I’m happy!
DAY 2: WHERE’S SANTA?
Actually found this reindeer farm on Instagram!
All of the reindeer have names and the workers know them all! Our hero on the shoot was named Origami. Coincidentally, one of our models had a cool origami tattoo on her hip!
NEXT UP: JUST YOUR AVERAGE CASTLE
It was huge. Huge library. Still used by the family. Stocking retreat… so much history. I wish we had more time. There were something like 35 bedrooms?!!?!
HUGE DISCLAIMER
If you have plans to visit the Highlands and do any bit of hiking with or without reindeer, you need this: A MIDGE PROOF HEAD NET!!!!!!!!!! Might we suggest this stylish choice.
What is a midge you might ask? In short, they are very tiny flies or gnats that will ruin your trip/life if you have to be constantly eating them or swatting them out of your eyes, nose, ears and mouth.
After this day, we needed a great meal so we had CLASSIC fish & chips.
Then Erin and I tried our first bit of haggis. We loved it! Look up what it is, if you dare!!!
DAY 3: SPUD THE PIPER!
Proud to say I also found this gem of a man on the good ol’ Instagram while searching geotags near our locations. He followed me immediately after I followed him. He will most likely do the same for you.
Have more Scotland travel tips to add? Comment below & tell us! Stay tuned for more #BehindTheScenes fun on Insta all season long.