green places Archives - Page 3 of 23

February 7, 2026February 11, 2026

Seeking Pink Castles in the Snow

Here we are at the start of our quest to find pink castles in the snow. Originally posted 2019.

Fyvie

We pass through the gates to Fyvie Castle where it’s more icy than snowy, and we’re getting down and frosty with it!

Great shadows reach towards the castle, but we’re backing away, we’re leaving… seeking out more of those castles in the snow…

Shadows reach towards the castle.Ailish Sinclair | Castles in the Snow

We’re travelling across country like Ice Road Truckers to…

Delgatie!

It’s bright and properly snowy here. Let’s walk in the woods.

A snowy scene in Delgatie woods. Ailish Sinclair | Castles in the Snow

And circle back round to the castle.

Delgatie Castle on the horizon. Ailish Sinclair | Castles in the Snow

Say hello to the unicorns!

On to a stormier day and a dark ruin:

Huntly

Pink castles. Pinks castles… Not quite a pink castle, Huntly. More ‘pinkish’ in certain lights, really.

But look at the old chimneys…

The snow dusted ruinous walls of Huntly Castle.

And the slopes and trees…

Sloping trees at the back of Huntly Castle

Finally, it’s time to snuggle up at home with hot chocolate in a mermaid mug!

Hot chocolate in a mermaid mug! Ailish Sinclair | Castles in the Snow

Historical Fiction

My historical novels all involve dark events, romance and a little magic and snow…

SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD opens on a snowy winter solstice in 1st century Scotland and includes the ancient battle of Mons Graupius.
THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR has medieval Christmas and witchcraft accusations.
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE features Christmas in Colonial Pennsylvania and kidnapping.

They’re all available in paperback, kindle and on kindle unlimited.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

The Contemporary Books

When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland.

She’s soon dealing with her boyfriend’s obsessive ex, the strange research taking place at the castle school and her own ever-evolving relationship issues.

Amalphia works hard to be the best dancer she can be, but as tension builds within the old walls of the castle, she begins to wonder if she will ever escape the dank dark of the dungeon…

Dark, witty, sexy and fun, Tendu is a compelling and seductive story of unconventional love, dance and obsession.

Series on Amazon UK

Series on Amazon worldwide

Series on Goodreads

A Dancer's Journey series by Ailish Sinclair

About Page

See my About Page

Newsletter, Updates and ARCs

Go here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

Reviewers can apply for Advance Reader Copies of future books here.

Writer’s Tip Jar

February 7, 2026April 25, 2026

Aikey Brae Stone Circle in the Snow

Sunshine and snow at Aikey Brae stone circle. Ailish Sinclair | Writer

Beautiful Aikey Brae Stone Circle. Of the 150 or so recumbent circles in the North East of Scotland, this is my favourite.

The Stones in the Snow

I used to live close by and enjoyed many a summer picnic and winter stroll there. One year I watched a solar eclipse, with my children, sat right in the middle of the circle. The setting made it feel timeless and magical.

Fallen stones in the foreground here at Aikey Brae Stone Circle. Ailish Sinclair | Writer

The snow picks out detail and shape, makes the stones look different.

Down on the ground with the stones at Aikey Brae Stone Circle. Ailish Sinclair | Writer

The fallen stone on the right in this next picture must have popped right out of the ground when it fell, because you can see the carved point of the anchoring lower part.

Aikey Brae stone circle in the sun and snow | Ailish Sinclair, writer.

An Urban Stone

This pointy feature can also be seen on the Lang Stane, hidden away just off Union Street in Aberdeen, leading to the theory that it was once part of a stone circle too.

The Lang Stane in Aberdeen. Ailish Sinclair | Writer

But back to the sun and snow at Aikey, and the smiling recumbent.

The huge recumbent stone at Aikey Brae stone circle.

The stones on a book cover

Let’s finish up by staring through the gap between recumbent and flanker, to the world beyond. The stones in this picture, from Aikey Brae Stone Circle, feature on the cover of my book SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.

Looking through the stones to the landscape beyond

Quote from THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR:

A Dancer’s Journey – a contemporary series

A Dancer's Journey, a 3 book series by Ailish Sinclair. Dark and romantic books.

These books are so naughty that I’m a little worried nobody will be able to look me in the face again after reading them. But not that worried. They’re heading out into the world anyway.

When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…

See the series page here on the site for full blurbs and quotes

Series on Amazon UK

Series on Amazon worldwide

On the flat stone of Aikey Brae Stone Circle

Historical Dark and Romantic Books

My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories and a hint of magic.

The historical novels of Ailish Sinclair

SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD: ancient battle, neurodiversity and forbidden romance.
THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR: witchcraft, a stone circle, a castle and six chapters of medieval Christmas.
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE: kidnapping, friendship and chocolate.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

See my About Page here

Go here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

Writer’s Tip Jar

February 4, 2026April 24, 2026

Writing Scottish Fiction

I write Scottish fiction (quick link to Amazon), often set in Aberdeenshire, the area of Scotland where I live. My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears and Romans to be found in them, detailed here. I have two contemporary series, the spicy, spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.

I take a LOT of photos as is evidenced throughout the site.

Here on the blog, I write about castles, history, stone circles, dance, living with chronic illness, and writing. See my about page here.

Articles

New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland from the Press and Journal.
Researching Historical Fiction: Immersing Oneself in the Past on the Women Writers, Women‘s Books site.
10 Mystical and Magical Sites in Aberdeenshire originally published on the official tourism site for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, now here on the blog with added links.
Should we really have fun at Halloween when the north-east led the great execution of witches? from the Press and Journal.
Doctors and Deadlines: Writing with Chronic Illness
Dance and Despair: Writing What You Know
Walking the Witchy Ways of Aberdeen

A Dancer’s Journey (completed series)

When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her rich, handsome new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…

Series on Amazon

Series here on the site

“POV: You thought it was just another ballet book… then it emotionally body-slammed you in pointe shoes. Slow burn, enemies to lovers, fate, and a Scottish setting that delivered.” See this TikTok review here

Castle Dancers (completed series)

castle dancers series by ailish sinclair

The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her…

on Amazon

Series here on the site

“Knowing how beautiful each of Ailish Sinclair’s novels are, I tucked into Ariel giddily. Boy, did she deliver! I read this book with indulgent haste. Returning to the setting of previous novels, it was comforting to read this book. The way Sinclair writes makes it feel like the main character is speaking directly to the reader, making Ariel feel like a friend.” Goodreads review

Sisters at the Edge of the World

The Romans called it the edge of the world

From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.

Set in the 1st century, the story includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. There’s a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!

Paperback and Kindle on Amazon

More details here on the site

“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society

The Mermaid and the Bear

Isobell needs to escape. She has to. Her life depends on it.

Set in a fictional castle in Aberdeenshire, Ailish’s debut novel, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.

Paperback and kindle on Amazon.

More details here on the site

“A delight from end to end.” Undiscovered Scotland

Fireflies and Chocolate

Torn out of an isolated life in a Scottish castle, Elizabeth embarks on a determined quest to return home. Exhilarating adventures unfold on the high seas, love blossoms, and the chocolate, purchased in Benjamin Franklin’s printing shop, is delicious!

FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were kidnapped from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies.

Paperback and kindle on Amazon

More details here on the site

“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

Newsletter and Free Story

You will receive a free short story in e-book form when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).

The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…

Author Page and Signed Copies

If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page. Signed copies are available from my kofi shop.

February 3, 2026February 4, 2026

The Snowdrops have Landed!

The snowdrops are here. They’re not fully out yet, but they’re beautiful and brave and full of the promise of spring. There seems to be a lot more of them in the garden this year. Little clumps all over the place.

Some of the snowdrops have been slightly nibbled by deer, but they’re still lovely.

There’s more of these sweet little flowers to be found in the Candlemas post here

Introducing Ariel

The Wee Writing Lassie is asking her questions again, this time about Ariel, the main character of my latest book. See the post about Ariel’s greatest fear here.

Ariel: Dancing on TV

The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.

Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.

Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?

‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.

On Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Personal post about writing the series

Castle Dancers — Next titles releasing, February 28th and March 31st

Newsletter and Free Story

You will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too). It’s listed on Goodreads to help with those reading goals!

The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…

When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…

New Books and Special Offers

If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

About Page

Read all about little old me here

Writer’s Tip Jar

February 2, 2026February 4, 2026

If Candlemas Day is clear and bright…

quote from SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD by Ailish Sinclair

This Candlemas (2nd of February) post was originally published in 2014.

Hot at Candlemas

I just sat in the hot place. It was good. It was sunny and bright, though it offered only a vague warmth today.

The ‘hot place’ is a point on our property that is sheltered from both north and east winds by walls, and situated next to large windows that reflect the sunlight and bestow a sort of ‘double sunning’. It is rather like a portal to another country, a warmer clime or different season. In summer it can reach unbearable temperatures. In the deepest months of winter the sun doesn’t touch it at all. This was the first time it lit up this year, fitting then that it’s Groundhog Day (wiki), Candlemas (wiki) and Imbolc (wiki).

Feeling the sun on my face, without the usual buffeting wind, was a good reminder that the Earth is turning and spring is on its way. More good reminders: brave little snowdrops.

Cold at Candlemas

It’s been an odd winter, very dark but with none of the usual bright and dramatic snow of Scotland. The continual rain, mud and roof leakages have made the season seem long and arduous. Grey. Dull. No enchanted snowy moonlit walks where surprised owls fly low overhead, no snow angels or sledging. I almost miss having to dig my way into the woodshed (almost, not really; it was fairly tortuous, and nasty when ice dripped down your neck too). Solstice 2010:

The wind has been notably fierce, bringing an ancient beech tree crashing to the ground one night. I heard it from my bed half a mile away. Three loud cracks sounded as its branches broke. How disorienting to stand among high boughs and look through to what was the ground, upended like the tree:

The world on its side. An oliphaunt fallen.

So, winter: snow properly, or let spring through. The sun is nice today; I’d like more of that, please, I’m ready to laze in the hot place with a book. And if the saying below is true, there’s hope for that.

Traditional Candlemas Rhyme

If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, winter will have another bite.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter is gone and won’t come again.

And the Scottish version:

If Candlemas Day be dry and fair, the half o’ winter’s to come and mair.
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul, the half o’ winter’s gane at Yule.

Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance

Sisters at the Edge of the World by Ailish Sinclair

Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.

See the press release here

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Review from Terry Tyler: “It’s a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.“

Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

The part of SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD that has been most highlighted by kindle readers. — The part of the book that has been most highlighted by kindle readers

My New Series

The first title – Ariel: Dancing on TV

The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.

Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?

‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Newsletter and Free Story

You will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).

The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…

New Books and Special Offers

If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

About Page

See the Page here

Writer’s Tip Jar

January 29, 2026February 16, 2026

January: snow, swans and being on the radio

The story of January

January is truly the longest month of the year, isn’t it? And it’s still going on. Like the snow: it went on for a bit too. It did rather brighten the dark days of the first half of the month, though.

The loch was misty after that.

BBC Radio 2

Then, one dark and stormy night, I was on the radio! I asked OJ Borg questions about the ancient Scottish fire festival the ‘Burning of the Clavie.’ It was fun, and you can hear it here. I’m 28 minutes in on the Midnight Mastermind feature; the recording will be available for another 28 days.

You can read more about the Burning of the Clavie on my post about Burghead here.

Swans

A couple of days ago two swans appeared on the loch. A sign of good things to come – bright days at least – I’m sure 🙂

Ancient Battle and Forbidden Romance

From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.

Set in 1st century Scotland, the novel includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. There’s a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society

Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

Newsletter and Free Story

For bits of obscure Scottish history and photos of places I visit, sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter. You will receive a free short story in e-book form when you do (the story can be read in a browser too).

The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…

New Books and Special Offers

If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

See my About Page here

Writer’s Tip Jar

January 24, 2026February 25, 2026

Waters of Philorth, an Aberdeenshire nature reserve

The Waters of Philorth is a small nature reserve near Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire.

History

The sheltered terrain of the reserve was created by the dunes, which in turn were inadvertently created by man during WW2. Large coils of barbed wire and concrete blocks were laid along the coastline to deter enemy invaders. Over time sand built up on them, plants grew, and the River Philorth changed course.

Wildlife of the Waters of Philorth

Wildlife flourishes at Philorth today. There’s a rather nice PDF about it on the council website here.

Let’s walk along beside the river. There’s a gull fishing.

A gull fishing at the waters of philorth

I love the tall grasses.

The scenery grows more and more beach-like as we progress along the riverside path.

washed up fishing net at the waters of philorth — washed up fishing net

Beach

We finally reach the sea, and the town of Fraserburgh is visible in the distance.

We return by the higher dune path through the Waters of Philorth as dark clouds gather above us.

And a Castle!

Exiting onto the main road, leaving just in time to miss the sudden and heavy rainfall, we get a brief glimpse of Cairnbulg Castle through the trees. Read about it on the website of Lady Saltoun, Chief of the name and arms of Fraser.

Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance

“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

See the press release here

Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

Witchcraft and a Handsome Laird

Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.

See the press release here

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Review from Tonya Ulynn Brown: “Before I go any further, I just have to say, this is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read…“

From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland

Kidnapping, Slavery and Friendship

Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair, out 2021

FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!

See the publisher’s Press Release here

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

See my about page here

Writer’s Tip Jar

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

On the 9th Day of Snowmas…

A pink and blue sunset over a snowy fiend

On the 9th day of Snowmas, my true love gave to me… an overnight frost (-12) and a small sprinkling of snow. Seriously. It has snowed on every day of the year so far.

The Tale of Snowmas

At first there were pink skies and a thin covering of snow.

And the odd whiteout.

little trees seen through an arch of larger trees, all covered in snow

Young oak trees held on to their leaves as the sky turned darker.

There was more snow, and then a hint of gold appeared on the horizon.

A thaw came one night, but it was quickly quelled. Snow soon coated branches and berries, along with everything else, once more.

red rosehips covered in snow under a darkening sky - snowmas

A golden sun shone through the forest.

A bright golden sunrise seen through snow-covered branches

Fiery and bright…

And now it’s a blue, blue, blue Snowmas…

Did you know there was an 18th century child kidnapping ring in Aberdeen?

My novel FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were taken from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

See the publisher’s Press Release here

“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

Newsletter and Free Story

For more bits of obscure Scottish history and photos of places I visit, sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter. You will receive a free short story in e-book form when you do (the story can be read in a browser too).

The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…

Author Page and Signed Copies

If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page. Signed copies are available from my kofi shop.

About Page

See my About Page here

Writer’s Tip Jar

January 5, 2026January 12, 2026

Walking in the Snowy Woods

That’s not the snowy woods, it’s the garden, but, wow, it’s SO cold! Why is it always a shock? I live in Scotland; I should know… The air is painful to breathe, and I can feel the freezing nature of the ground through my two pairs of socks and big boots.

More garden:

But then, later in the day, in the actual snowy woods, the sun comes out. It brings no warmth, but it’s beautiful…

And I trudge on, through the snow, through edits, happy to be warm (when inside) and well enough to do these things.

The new series is almost here…

@a.dancers.journey
Meet Ariel and her classmates, Bubbles and Alexander, along with a whole cast of vibrant characters, as they experience love, life and adventure at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland. Each book in this coming-of-age series delves into the personal struggles and heartfelt romances of a different student over the course of a school year. As the spotlight shifts its focus within the old walls of the castle, there are television shows to be made and dark truths to be faced. Join these young dancers as they whirl through their challenges, forge unbreakable bonds, and discover the power within themselves. Are you ready to travel to Northern Scotland, step into the castle school and dance through the deep dark of the dungeon? #booktok #preorder #newreleases #youngadult #ballet
♬ original sound – A Dancer’s Journey

The first book, Ariel

Ariel: Dancing in the Castle by Ailish Sinclair

The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.

Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?

‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

My Newsletter and a Free Story

You will receive a free short story in e-book form when you sign up for my occasional, photo-rich, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).

The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…

New Books and Special Offers

If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

About Page

See my About Page

Support Me

January 1, 2026January 12, 2026

An Explosive Loch for the New Year

an explosive loch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

The loch seemed to look explosive yesterday when I walked down to its banks.

I do like the pink and blue colours of January. It’s so mild, too. Not a hint of frost or ice left.

In the woods:

And, just before sunrise, at the beach:

Sisters has a lovely new review from Ashley over on the Adventures in Literature Blog.

“Told in first-person, all from Morragh’s perspective, be prepared to experience everything as she does. From her awakening out of muteness, to her embracing of her role as the spiritual leader of their tribe and eventually to her transition to the next stage. I will admit the final chapters had me emotional.” See the whole review here.

Read my books for free

All my novels are on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s lending service, and that always has a 30 day free trial, though some people are being offered 3 months for free just now. See all the books here. Also in paperback.

Go here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a more intimate space than the blog.