The Isle of Skye and the world’s last manual turntable ferry
You may no longer see droves of cattle crossing the waters to the Isle of Skye, but the world’s last manual turntable ferry is almost as quaint a sight, says Joe Gibbs.
Joe Gibbs is a farmer, writer and columnist for Country Life who lives at Belladrum in the Highlands. He is also the founder of the Tartan Heart Festival.
You may no longer see droves of cattle crossing the waters to the Isle of Skye, but the world’s last manual turntable ferry is almost as quaint a sight, says Joe Gibbs.
After a disastrous 2023 fishing season, Joe Gibbs is hoping for better.
Joe Gibbs pours his heart out about his classic Land Rover Defender, and the peculiar strain of nutty devotion it's inspired.
Joe Gibbs ignored the warnings and bought himself a boat. One year one, are the joys greater than the regrets?
Crafting wooden casks is an ancient art form that requires traditional makers to jump through hoops to construct vessels strong enough for the task of maturing precious Scotch whisky, says Joe Gibbs. Photographs by Jeremy Flint.
Joe Gibbs visits Retrieverfest, one of Britain's finest golden retriever festivals — and rues not taking a golden retriever.
Joe Gibbs tells a tale of roadkill, sporrans and the protected species who can circumvent an electric fence as stealthily as a cat burglar.
Joe Gibbs recounts a dinner party which he will never forget. And neither will you.
Joe Gibbs pays tribute to the late Miriam and Catriona, the formidable sisters who made Campbell's of Beauly famous.
Joe Gibbs pays tribute to a much-loved family pet: the dog who joined his son on the adventure of a lifetime.
Joe Gibbs recounts his latest exploits on the water after a visit to the River Ewe.
Joe Gibbs waves goodbye to Chris Main, an unforgettable character who, you feel, could have a book written about him. And it's a book that would make an amazing TV series.
Joe Gibbs on some of the surprising turns of events when Dutch investors have crossed the North Sea to earn their fortunes in the Highlands.
Joe Gibbs sheds a tear over the decline and fall of Inverailort House, an archetypal Highlands institution of a type that has now disappeared almost entirely.
Already firmly established in the Highlands, these majestic raptors are now being reintroduced in southern Scotland. Joe Gibbs investigates their reception and the repercussions.
With the end of lockdown causing most occasional walkers to disappear, Joe Gibbs achieves the ambition of walking the highest part of the old military road through the Corrieyairack Pass between Melgarve and Fort Augustus.
With most of our six deer species increasing in range and numbers, Joe Gibbs considers what can be done to bring populations back to more manageable levels.
Joe Gibbs takes a look at the six types of deer in Britain, and how they came to the nation before living wild across the country.
Remote working has a whole other meaning for those passionate individuals still farming crofts in the Highlands. Joe Gibbs takes a look and discovers crofting to be alive and well — though still as tough a life as it ever was.
Our columnist Joe Gibbs has been sitting for a portrait, despite a few misgivings. Here's what he's learned.