Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Guide to a Scottish Folklore Sanctuary

Flag: Scotland emoji 31 items
As the dark half of the year settles over the land and the Cailleach, the ancient Queen of Winter, stills the glens with her frosty breath, a quiet magic stirs in the heart of the Caledonian Forest. This list is my guide to creating your own midwinte...
Sections
7
 
 
 
 
 
 

Charms Against the Chill

Wrap yourself in the warmth and courage of the Highlands.
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This incredibly soft oversized jumper is perfect for cold winter months. Its relaxed fit is really flattering on me.
Artan the Winter Cub Women's Oversized Organic Jumper
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This soft organic cotton jumper features Artan and his magical tartan scarf, a charm of protection woven by a forest spirit to keep him brave and warm.
Artan the Winter Cub Kids Organic Cotton Jumper
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This is crafted in Scotland sustainably. It's soft and incredibly warm, which makes the tricky washing instructions worth it!
Scottish Cashmere Cable Jumper in Ivy | Womenswear | Brora
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
I love how versatile this is. It keeps you warm from the first chill in the air at the beginning of autumn all the way to the sun kissed days of Spring
Scottish Cashmere Contrast Trim Cape in Midnight & Black | Brora
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This luxurious lambswool throw is perfect for creating a cozy nook by the fire, a true piece of Scottish heritage for your home sanctuary.
Alexander Johnston’s 250th Anniversary Blanket | Johnstons of Elgin
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
So soft and warm, this is made from Lambswool.
Stewart Royal 100% Lambswool Clan Tartan Scarf Unisex 180cm x 30cm

The Hearth & Home: Light for the Longest Nights

As the Quiet Moon rises, bring the light and spirit of the Caledonian Forest into your home. These creations, crafted from the earth and fire of Scotland, are beacons of warmth for the midwinter season.
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
If you like a moment of contemplation and the quiet magic of a midwinter's day. I love that it's made from 100% recycled cardboard.
Artan the Winter Bear Cub 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Hand-poured in the Highlands, an ode to the Cairngorm mountains. Light it to fill your sanctuary with the essence of ancient pinewoods and mountain air. It's brilliant for adding freshness to your sanctuary.
Cairngorms - Highland Candle Company
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This eco-friendly rapeseed wax candle evokes a walk through the woods on a crisp evening. What's not to love?
“winter spruce” | East Neuk Candle Co.
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This photographic print captures the serene atmosphere of Loch an Eilean, bringing the spirit of the Highlands into your home.
Scots pine trees reflected in Loch Mallachie, Cairngorms
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
In folklore, heather is associated with protection and good fortune.
Lucky Scottish Heather with tartan ribbon | Scottish Keepsakes
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
I adore big wide chairs to snuggle up. This one is so cozy and a wonderful forest green.
Hampshire Loveseat - Woven Green
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Beautiful hard-wearing area rug for your folklore sanctuary
Tartan Bedroom Rugs Tartan Loon Genesi Rug Rectangle Rugs Washable Area Rug Non-Slip Carpet For Living Room Bedroom | Aeticon Print
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
I adore natural wood so this end table is a must have for my folklore sanctuary
Side Table Root 40cm Teak Wood Brown

The Story-Keeper's Larder: A Taste of the Highlands

Nourish the body and soul with these flavours of the Highlands. From a warming dram to a sweet treat, these provisions are perfect for sharing stories by the fireside.

 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This is Scotland's first ever Mugolio. A sensational botanical syrup.
Scots Pine Mugolio
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Traditional Scottish tablet is devilishly delicious. The ultimate comfort treat for a winter's evening.
Buy 100 gram bags of Scottish Tablet Squares from SixpennyBlue
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
For a warming dram by the fire. A gentle introduction to the spirit of Scotland.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old 70cl Whisky
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Perfect for a midwinter feast.
Luxury Scottish Gift Basket
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Who doesn't love IRN-BRU?? A fun, non-alcoholic way to bring a taste of modern Scotland into your sanctuary.
IRN BRU

Tales for the Quiet Season

A toolkit for your own journey into the woods.
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This sustainable kraft notebook is perfect for chronicling your own journey through the dark and gentle half of the year.
Artan the Winter Cub Personalised Story-Keeper's Notebook
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Shepherd walked the Cairngorm mountains her whole life, and this book is her breathtaking meditation on the living, breathing nature of the landscape.
The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd, Robert Macfarlane | Waterstones
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This is the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the stories of selkies, kelpies, and other uncanny creatures that inhabit the landscape of Scottish myth.
The Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales by Folk Tales Authors | Waterstones
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
A truly beautiful (and free to watch) film that tells the 500-year story of a single Scots Pine tree in the Scottish Highlands.
WILDHEART ~ About | Nature | PBS
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Host Jenny Johnstone retells traditional Scottish folk tales, continuing the ancient practice of oral storytelling. A wonderful, free resource for hearing the old tales told aloud while you work, rest, or walk in the woods.
The Scottish Folklore Podcast
placeholder

Recipes to Warm the Soul

May these traditional recipes fill your home with warmth and the comforting taste of Scotland during the longest nights.

 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
With just three core ingredients—good butter, sugar, and flour—this recipe is a simple bake. Well worth the effort, I promise
Traditional Scottish Shortbread
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
A rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and leeks. Perfect for cold days.
Simple Cullen Skink recipe
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This is simple to assemble and utterly delicious, a true taste of Highland tradition.
Cranachan: A Traditional Scottish Dessert Recipe

The Sound of the Glens: A Midwinter Playlist

Close your eyes and journey to the glens.
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Let this playlist transport you to the misty glens
Scottish Folk/ Traditional | Spotify

A Journey for the Mind's Eye: Paths into the Past

For the wanderer whose path is through pages and stories. These resources are doorways into the history, language, and legends of Scotland. Explore the lore from your own sanctuary.

 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Wander the magnificent halls of The King's official residence in Scotland from the comfort of your home. This free virtual tour allows you to explore the history and grandeur of this iconic building, where Scottish history was made.
Virtual tours: the Palace of Holyroodhouse
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
This online Gaelic dictionary is a powerful tool that allows you to look up the Gaelic words that appear in the old myths.
Am Faclair Beag
placeholder
 
Bryony Biddle / Englandbear profile picture
Project Gutenberg offers free digital access to classic works like T.W. Rolleston's Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race.
Books about Mythology, Celtic | Project Gutenberg