Is Calgary Beach on Mull really Scotland's best beach?

The Herald Scotland

06-06-2025

I could pick probably any beach on the West Coast, even though I'm an East Coast man myself. It really is difficult to choose but my mind keeps going back to Calgary Bay on Mull. It's been a while since I've been there. I think it was even pre-Covid I was there with the family, but it is absolutely stunning.
Best Building
I really like the history of the country so I love the likes of Eilean Donan Castle and I always enjoy going up the Wallace Monument. But do you know what I really like? Some of the hydro electric power stations. There are a few around the country, of course, and there has been a clever way of trying to blend them in rather than have huge industrial buildings ruining the landscape.
Best Street
I do like the Highlands and I've done a few gigs at the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. The street that lines the banks of the Ness there, Bishop's Road, is one of my favourites. It's lovely to walk along towards the theatre and there are some lovely wee cafes and restaurants on both sides of the river too.
Best Walk
My other favourite childhood memory was the time spent up with my cousins in Elgin and this links into that. There's a walk off the Speyside Way, which follows the old railway track from Garmouth over the River Spey viaduct. It's a pretty easy walk but with amazing views. We used to always do that on our bikes as kids so it has great memories for me too. When I get the time, I'd love to do the Lairig Ghru from Braemar to Aviemore. It is a wee bit more challenging and time-consuming but it really is a spectacular cross-country walk.
Best Childhood Memory
I've loads of amazing childhood memories. The one I'm going to go for maybe isn't much of a surprise but it really is the memory of being up in the combine harvester alongside my dad. This might not come as much of a surprise but it really is what made me become a farmer.
(Image: Jim Smith)
Best View
I have to say that we have some pretty amazing views from the farm and I also like to stop at the parking at the Cairn O Mount to take in the view here. But my favourite I think is the panorama from the top of the Hill of Gourdie. It takes in so much: Loch Ordie, across to Blair and Glenshee. It's the contrasts you can see from the top of that hill.
Best Shop
Easy one: the John Deere garage! I don't go as often as I'd like to – or can afford to. I have fond memories of going to Whitton and Brown back in the 80s. We went there every few years to change the tractor and that was exciting!
Best Scottish Delicacy
A Scotch pie is pretty hard to beat but, when it comes to it, I would have to go to Forfar for this one and choose a bridie. I'm not going to come down on the side of either Saddler's or McLaren's but I'll always get a bridie when I'm in the town and one of the huge ones as well. The size of your head.
Best Place For Some Alone Time
I started to do a few Munros but then the kids came along so I've managed to do six so far, but that's the place for an escape – up the side of any Munro. I get some peace when I'm out doing the fencing and work around the farm, but the mobile phone is always on. Here, though, is no reception so you get perfect quiet.
You can see Jim at Netherton Equestrian Centre (Jim Smith & Friends) for the Perth Show, Friday June 6, perthshow.co.uk; headlining the first night of Patter at the Palace at Scone, June 27 to 29. patteratthepalace.co.uk; The Corn Exchange, Haddington (Jim Smith and Friends) Sunday, June 29, thebrunton.co.uk.
Find him on Instagram @standupfarmer