5 minutes with Travel Blogger Kim Kjaerside

This week, Dickins spent 5 minutes with Travel Blogger, Kim Kjaerside. Originating from Denmark, but living in Edinburgh, Kim enjoys travelling, landscape photography and is one sixth of the Scottish blogging network, The Scotlanders.

Kim shared his Scottish travel knowledge with Dickins and told us why Scotland makes a wonderful holiday destination and what Edinburgh brings to the table.

Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your blog?

I’m from Denmark and moved to London over 15 years ago. I met my (Scottish!) wife in London and we moved to Edinburgh over 10 years ago to enjoy a better lifestyle.

I started my photo blog a few years ago, mainly relating to travel around Scotland. I did it to inspire others to also visit Scotland and hopefully appreciate the beauty around us and more with the photos I take.

Where do you call home?

Edinburgh or more specifically Portobello, Edinburgh’s seaside!

If you had to recommend 5 things for a visitor to Edinburgh to do, what would they be?

I like the outdoors, so I would always recommend lots of walks and sightseeing!

1. I would recommend for everyone to see either a sunrise or sunset over Portobello beach, but then I’m biased!

2. Visit the Old Town – even for a few hours – and take in the historic buildings and unusual sites and amazing closes. There are lots of tours to join too, hearing about the city’s past is fascinating.

3. A walk by Water of Leith, Dean Village stopping for lunch in Stockbridge.

4. It’s a must to visit some of the amazing museums and galleries that can be found around Edinburgh, truly world-class. I particularly like the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland, but there are also lots of fabulous smaller galleries and museums around Edinburgh.

5. Experience the local music, food and drinks in one of the pubs of Old Town, ( I love the Devils Advocate), or visit a top AA Rosette or Michelin Star Restaurant, such as Wedgewood or Cannonball Contini.

Where is your favourite place in Scotland?

Now this is a tough one! Having visited many corners of the country and a few of our Islands, I think it has to be Loch Tay where I by now have spent many fantastic weekends around the loch. From there you can also easily reach some of our most amazing Munros and the rest of Perthshire and the Highlands.

If you had a Scottish Bucket List, what would be on it?

A vintage car for a start, imagine travelling around Scotland in style like that! I would then need a large list as I would love to visit the complete coastline of Scotland, either driving or walking if needed, to take in the full beauty of our seaside and coastline. Once this was done, I would then like to do a few of the walks like the West Highland Way or the Southern Upland Way. Maybe one day!

What would your advice to someone planning a trip to Scotland?

Make sure you research your trip and what you want to see, Scotland is larger than you think, but if planned well, you can see a lot in only a few days – ideally you should, of course, spend longer!

There are many great bloggers across Scotland, who can give great local advice and suggestions, but then we’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to tour companies who do all the planning for you. Then it’s just a matter of sitting back, relaxing and enjoy Scotland! I have worked a bit with Scottish Routes Tours (particularly on their Islay Trip), and I love Rabbie’s Tours, Haggis Adventures and for a small and personalised group, Local Eyes is fantastic – particular for Danish groups as Chris speaks Danish!

Where would you suggest for a day trip from Edinburgh?

There are a many good trips to do in Scotland; a train journey on the new Scottish Borders Railway, a drive to the Kingdom of Fife (to take in the amazing coastal villages and, of course, St Andrews!), a day trip to Loch Lomond, the list is endless!

If you get up early enough and enjoy walking or hiking, I would suggest trying to ‘bag’ a Munro, or simply enjoy a relaxed walk in the Scottish Borders or in the North of Scotland. Just make sure you take a map, or better yet, a guide!

What are you favourite hidden gems in Edinburgh?

Even after 10 years in Edinburgh, I still discover amazing new spots, hidden gems and unusual little streets!

Besides the obvious locations,  like Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, I do love the streets around Stockbridge. The Old Town closes are also an experience not to be missed.

However, that said, living by Edinburgh’s seaside, I would always recommend that everyone paid a visit at one point or another!

For a great view of Edinburgh Castle, head up the Vennel by Grassmarket or enjoy the view from Calton Hill while enjoying the sun setting over the city. For the ultimate view, there’s only one place to go; for a hike up Arthur’s Seat!

Find out more about Kim…

We would like to thank Kim for sharing his Scottish travelling secrets with us. If you would like to follow him on his travels around Scotland and beyond, please visit his website or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @kimkjaerside to see where he goes next.

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