My Scotland: Coll, cafes and the Cairngorms with singer Julie Fowlis

Hailing from the Outer Hebrides, Julie Fowlis is a multi-award winning singer whose music is deeply influenced by the Hebridean islands where she grew up and by the Highland landscapes where she now resides.

With a career spanning several studio albums and numerous high profile collaborations, her ‘crystalline’ and ‘intoxicating’ vocals have enchanted audiences around the world.

But if she could only choose three places to visit in Scotland, where would they be?

Coll

© Supplied by Julie Fowlis

The Isle of Coll is a hidden gem in the Inner Hebrides. Although it’s a small island, there are lots of beautiful spots to explore, including miles of stunning white-sand beaches with glorious turquoise seawater. Perfect for walks, sea-swimming and biking.

I spent a week there on holiday camping with friends and family a few years back, and it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had. Make sure and stop into the Coll Hotel for great food (local seafood and gluten free options are fab), interesting local history and a fantastic welcome.

Sùgh Ùr

© Supplied by Julie Fowlis

Sùgh Ùr is a juice bar and café in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Situated in the Crown area of Inverness, it’s just a short walk from the High Street and always has a great range of fresh juices, smoothies and lovely food options. It usually offers vegan and gluten-free options.

It’s just across the road from the Wasps Inverness Creative Academy – the Highlands’ first major creative hub. It offers working accommodation for artists and makers, creative industries, social enterprises and charities and there will often be an exhibition or event going on. Remember if you are visiting the city to check out our new Gaelic centre too – Culturlann Inbhir Nis. There are regular events there including Gaelic conversation classes, music-fuelled community gatherings and sometimes pop markets where local creatives and artists can sell their crafts.

The Cairngorms

© Supplied by Julie Fowlis

I spent much of my youth up the hills – especially, during winter, skiing. This range in Gaelic is known as Am Monadh Ruadh or the red/russet coloured mountain range, but they are known in English as the Cairngorms – so named after one of the most prominent hills ‘An Càrn Gorm’ or ‘The Blue/Green Hill’.

I spent a beautiful Monday in January this year cross-country skiing around the Glenmore loop, which is groomed and kept by the amazing volunteers at the Cairngorm Biathlon and Ski Club. There’s nothing like a crisp, blue-sky winter day in Scotland with perfect snow!

Julie Fowlis plays Tiree Music Festival, taking place from July 11-13. Find out more at tireemusicfestival.co.uk