Discover
The Story of Rosemore
A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Hello. I'm so pleased you're here. Allow me to introduce myself - my name is Emma, a marketing professional by day, and a Scottish history enthusiast and writer by night. I am proudly from the magical City of Edinburgh and spent my summers in Royal Deeside - places undoubtedly at the heart of my passion for home. I now write to you from the beautiful rolling hills of rural Perthshire.
My love for Scotland, my homeland, is boundless. Deeply rooted in its rich history and the vibrant culture that continues to flourish here today. Tartan is not just a pattern to me; it captures Scotland's legacy; Whisky is not just a drink - its the flavour of Scotland in every sense. These are two subject incredibly dear to me and at the heart of this blog.
Through Rosemore, I aim to showcase the very best of Scotland—from it's awe inspiring locations to the fascinating stories of our heritage. This is a wee corner of the internet, where I want to log and share my findings as I continue to enjoy and immerse myself in the beauty of my home, discovering more about our past, present and preserving out wonderful heritage for the future.
In a land as rich as this, we have much to discover, learn from and be inspired by
Please join me along the way...
The Story so far
I have always been fascinated by history and things made to last. My own past plays an integral role in what I do now. I didn't go abroad until my teens - instead school holidays were spent around Scotland, exploring castle ruins and stately homes; hours drawing what I discovered there and developing an obsession in reading everything I could about Mary, Queen of Scots!
History always felt close to home. On my father's side, my Great-Grandfather crossed No Mans Land in WWI and was a decorated veteran for his bravery. He returned home from the Front on the Friday and was back working in the mines of West Lothian on the Monday. My Grandfather also served, he was evacuated from Dunkirk and stormed the beaches during the D-Day Landings. My father was taught to play pibroch (pìobaireachd) on the bagpipes by a war veteran who parachuted into Italy during WWII in his kilt - a sight to behold I'm sure. My gran swore we are descendants of Vikings and she was stationed at Edinburgh Castle during her military career. On my mother's side, my Grandmother used to design fashion while hiding under her bed as the air raid sirens sounded over Tynecastle, Edinburgh. We can trace our direct heritage in Edinburgh back over 300 years- I like to imagine a relative of mine caught a glimpse of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite army marching to Holyrood. I didn't go abroad until I was teenager, instead my school holidays were spent making the most of a National Trust for Scotland membership, exploring every castle I could and visiting whisky distilleries with my Dad (they start them young in Scotland!). I'm proud of them all, grateful for the impact their stories made on me and miss them dearly.
This fascination with where something came from and stories that have stood the test of time has filtered into every part of my life - it shaped my career and inspired me to explore, capture and write about what makes my home so special. Please follow along, and get to know me and Scotland a little better as we explore the very best of this most beautiful place.
Why "Rosemore"?
In times of strife my partner, Greg, has a wonderful technique to bring calm to my mind. He would ask me to visualise a place of quiet serenity. A stone cottage emerging in the dappled light of the surrounding woodland, on the banks of a glistening river, would always come to mind. The garden was thriving with wild flowers. The front door framed with roses. I could visualise turning the black metal door handle and going inside. The walls were a shade of clean, soft white, as if a blank canvas. The front room to the left always had a large wooden table holding a classic Singer sewing machine, bales of tartan and huge tailors scissors. In my minds eye I'd always open the window, turn around, look at the table full of possibility...and there I'd find peace and the clarity I needed to move forward when I next opened my eyes.
This place, to me, is called Rosemore.
WHISKY
Discover Scotland's iconic whiskies that have the amazing power to awaken all the senses. Learning the stories behind the distilleries and the people who made them the enduring institutions they are, to discovering the exciting flavour profiles.
HISTORY
Scotland has a history far more dramatic and exciting than history could ever have imagined. Enduring castles and breathtaking landscape served as the backdrop to the stories of legendary Scots who shaped our culture.
Tartan
Scotland's infamous textile is at the heart of this. From discovering it's history and asking "what's next?" to working with it myself creating beautiful tartan collections for The House of Edgar and their wonderful customers.