The meaning of the old Scots word ‘coorie’ - to crouch down for protection against the weather, or to snuggle or nestle in - has evolved over recent years into something more similar to the Danish concept of ‘hygge’. Very appropriate for our Scottish winter: that warm contented feeling of sitting cosy by the fire after a bracing outdoor adventure!
Where can you find some ‘coorie’ before spring arrives? Here are five ideas for those last minute wintery escapes.
Photo credit: Islay Glamping Pods
1. Head west to the islands
The sharp contrast between the wild west weather outdoors and the warm shelter indoors is an instant coorie-creator! Maybe you’d like to escape off-grid for a few days to the Isle of Carna, or enjoy a comfortable glamping pod on Islay. Scotland’s west coast and islands are fantastic for wildlife spotting, exploring and tasting a local malt whisky or two.
Island destinations - West
Photo credit: The Boat Country Inn
2. Cosy in the Cairngorms
It can snow in Scotland right into May, so keep an eye on that weather forecast and head north when the time is right. Whether you’d like to access skiing, snowboarding, winter walking, sledging, or improve your winter skills, there are plenty of options available in the Cairngorms. Book a stay at The Boat Country Inn for Highland rural hospitality, or check out the many self-catering options. After a day out and about in the snow, nothing beats a roaring fire for a real coorie experience!
Photo credit: Comrie Croft
3. The Heart of Scotland
Venture into Perthshire to explore its diverse landscapes, range of outdoor adventure opportunities and abundant wildlife. Try new activities at Action Glen, watch beavers with Perthshire Wildlife or book a tailor-made family adventure day with Wee Adventures. After all that fresh air and excitement, relax in one of the comfortable, nordic kata tents at Comrie Croft - you’ll be kept cosy in all weather by the wood-burning stove in the middle of the tent.
Photo credit: campsites.co.uk
4. Go Your Own Way
If you’re fortunate to have access to a caravan, campervan or motorhome, take note of the plethora of online tips about winter touring and off you go! Knowing you have your own mobile cosy bolthole makes it possible to coorie just about anywhere you can find a suitable pitch. Imagine snuggling in to watch a late winter sunset in Wester Ross, or enjoying a warming morning cuppa lochside - you won’t regret it.
Campervan, Caravan & Campsites
Photo credit: Visit Scotland/Lam
5. Urban Nature
Our capital city Edinburgh and its surrounding areas really do have something for everyone - with the added benefit of indoor options when you’ve had enough of the weather! Within the city you can learn the stories of its landscapes on a time-travelling Geowalk adventure. Head out of the town to West Lothian to enjoy a cool dip with The Cold Water Therapist, or to East Lothian to learn about our local wildlife at the Scottish Seabird Centre. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from at the end of your day out - warm up over a hearty meal or a pint of local craft beer.