My Favourite Place, by author Jade Scott
Where is it?
Embo Beach, Dornoch.
Why do you go there?
To switch off and step back from the business of researching, writing and teaching. It doesn’t matter how grim the weather, visiting this beach always feels like taking a deep breath. You can walk for miles down on the sands, or up on the dunes.
You never feel like you are sharing the beach with other people, even though it is so popular; partly because it’s such a huge expanse but also because there are little coves and paths that lead off up into the dunes.
How often do you go?
I try to visit at least once a year, but often make it up there a few times. It’s worth the long drive from home.
How did you discover it?
My husband and I first visited during a stay at the nearby holiday park, about 15 years ago. We were both still at university and we fell in love with the location.
It has a little bit of everything with stunning coastlines, majestic hills, enchanting forests, historic towns like Dornoch, Tain and Cromarty.
We look forward to the journey too. It’s part of what makes it special for us: packing up the car, gathering snacks, organising a playlist or downloading podcasts.
What’s your favourite memory?
Sharing the beach with the dogs we’ve had over the years. We’ve taken all of them to visit Embo Beach and watching them run wildly around, chase a ball, try to bring home driftwood logs, or splash in the waves, is a tonic for the soul.
If I had to pick it would be taking Gomez, our first St Bernard dog, to run off the leash during a storm in November. It was blowing a gale, and my husband and I were soaked through, but Gomez had the time of his life. Sadly, we lost him a few months later very unexpectedly, so this always feels special to me.
Who do you take?
Always my husband and the dogs. We’ve also taken family with us and everyone agrees it is the most spectacular place.
What do you take?
A warm jacket. The winds can be cutting on a cold day. Comfy shoes for miles of walking and ones that I don’t mind getting wet – the dogs will inevitably pull me into the water at some point.
What do you leave behind?
Generally, only footprints. But we did scatter some of Gomez’s ashes there after we lost him. It seemed fitting since he had the best time there.
Breathtaking. Vast. Bracing. Colourful. Fun.
What other travel spot is on your wish list?
Orkney. I’ve always wanted to visit the prehistoric sites and the idea of taking a ferry overnight feels like a proper adventure. We’d have to book the ferry with the dog-friendly lounge, though, because our St Bernards, Archer and Winnie, would definitely be coming.
Captive Queen: The Decrypted History of Mary, Queen of Scots by Dr Jade Scott (Michael O'Mara Books, £20), is published on October 24. The author will be appearing at Golden Hare Books, Edinburgh, on October 23, then Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, on October 28
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