Why the Highlands: a letter before the move

Written on 29 September 2026, the third of three looks back before the move, and more a letter than a post. The move has since come forward from late November to the end of October.

Earlier this year I traded a 2.30am close in Cork for a hotel above the Lakes of Killarney. Most mornings the mist was still lifting off the water when I came in. Last thing at night, with the last table gone and the room reset, the same lakes lay black and still under the Reeks.

On days off I drove Moll's Gap and the Gap of Dunloe, and after shifts I walked into the national park until the light went. Somewhere in those months a question I'd been carrying answered itself. I want the hills to be the view, not the holiday.

The list

The Highlands are that, and more of it. A single-track road with passing places. A stag on the skyline in the last of the light. A pub fire after a day on the hill, and whatever dram the barman puts in front of me, because I'm still learning my Scotch and happy to be taught.

The list is already written. The Three Sisters of Glencoe on a morning when the cloud sits on their shoulders. The Old Man of Storr on Skye, with the sea behind it. And the Bealach na Bà over to Applecross, once my Category A test is done and there's a Nightster under me.

The family thread

My father always said the Murrays came over from Scotland, and I believe the name comes from Moray. Part of the move is going to find out how much of that is true.

What Scotland has more of

Ireland gave me my trade, and I'll carry it with me: its country houses stand with anyone's. What Scotland has more of is the houses themselves, and the room to build something over years rather than seasons. That's the plan. A room, a team and a trade, somewhere with the hills out the window, and to stay.

Longer term, a house of my own, roots down, and a Scottish Deerhound beside me on the walks by day and stretched out at the fire by night.

The bags can wait; the nearest hill can't. So I'd like your help with the list. Where should I walk first? Which road should I ride? Which distillery gets my first visit? And if you've made a life in Highland hospitality, where would you send me, and where would you have me call in for a pint and a chat? Tell me in the comments on LinkedIn, or hit reply if this came to you by email.

Part one of this look back is where it all started; part two is the drinks, the people and the places.

New here? My Monday stories and Thursday craft notes can come straight to your inbox: subscribe free.