A Nourishing Weekend: Markets, Mountains & Shinty

I had the most nourishing weekend—filled with all my favourite things: the hills of home, dinner round the kitchen table, the Glen Spean market, shinty, and a chilly swim (though I still can’t bring myself to call it “wild swimming”—I’ve been doing it since I was a kid!).

Taking time out like this is absolutely essential for my creativity. Slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and spending time with good folk leaves me feeling refreshed and re-energised.

As many of you know, alongside my work with Active Advantage, I’m also part of the team behind Where Folk Gather. At this Saturday’s market, the leadership team invited us to join a five-year review to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we’re heading. I can’t make the meeting, so instead of just sending an email with my thoughts—I thought I’d share them here with you.

I love this market. I love:

• the way it’s rooted in community—local produce by local people, charities are invited along, and gazebos are free to borrow

• the contagious energy of the market team, especially during our huddle, complete with a song and a smiley little dance

• the market team know our names and our offers.

• the pre-market buzz as stallholders snap up their favourites before the gates open

• the genuine commitment to sustainability

• and most of all, the friendly faces and enthusiasm of our wonderful regulars and the new folk we meet

  
  

I really connect with the values and approach of this market.

Sunday began with a dip in my favourite secret swimming spot. That cold water always hits the reset button for me—it’s just the best feeling.

Later, I headed to the Fraser MacPhee Primary Schools Shinty Tournament at Fort William Shinty Club. Mt family is steeped in shinty and I grow up at the side of this pitch. It was so good to reconnect with friends and family, and soak in the buzz of the game.

My evenings were spent around my favorite kitchen table with family.

Now, fully recharged, I’m ready to dive into a fresh, creative week.

How do you unwind and recharge?

I’d love to hear what fills your cup—drop a comment below or share your favourite slow weekend moments with me on social media. Let’s inspire each other to take the time we need to rest and reconnect.

Let’s Connect