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Iwan and Manuela Wirth with two dogs in the woods Exterior of the Fife Arms hotel looking down on to the Clunie Water The entrance to the garden from the Fife Arms hotel A river winds through a rocky shoreline surrounded by dense green trees, with mountains rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
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The oyster and champagne hut in the courtyard The entrance and chalkboard menu at Gordon's Tea Room Elsa's Cocktail Bar during the day, a large window in the centre, pink bar stools on the right next to the cocktail bar. A waitress shaking up a cocktail in Elsa's Cocktail Bar A Sunday roast on a table at The Clunie Dining Room A dram of whisky in Bertie's Whisky Bar
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A painting by Lucien Freud hung on an orange wall in the hotel reception The Richard Jackson 'Red Deer Chandelier' on view in the hotel reception A landscape drawing by James Prosek who was one of our first artists in residence Circle Of Pieter Brueghel The Younger (1564 – 1636) in painted room with tables and chairs
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Yuletide Celebrations

The Winter Solstice – Yule or ‘Yogh’ in old Scots – was celebrated in Scotland by pagans, druids and Viking ancestors who heavily influenced the folklore and culture of Scotland. This period of the Scottish calendar year is characterised by short days, long nights and harsh temperatures, whilst awaiting the return of the Sun and new life in the New Year.

Starting from the 21st December, the Fife Arms’ celebrations of Scottish Yuletide traditions start around our courtyard fire pit to mark the Winter Solstice with mulled drinks and the ceremonial burning of the Yule log, as we herald in good luck and the return of longer, lighter days together.

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A fire burning in a fire pit in the middle of the Fife's courtyard at night.
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A fire burning in a fire pit in the middle of the Fife's courtyard at night.

Ceremonial Burning of the Yule Log

Calleach – Winter Witch: The tradition of Yule logs dates back to the Druids who believed the sun stood still for 12 days in the middle of winter, so logs (traditionally Ash or Birch) were lit to combat the darkness, banish evil spirits and promote good fortune.

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