A Return to Roots: Anne McAlpine’s Journey Back to the Highlands
Anne McAlpine, a well-known presenter for various TV and radio shows, spends most of her days in bustling newsrooms. However, her heart has always been drawn to the natural beauty and landscape of her childhood in Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis. Her recent return to the island has sparked a new idea—possibly one day leaving behind the fast-paced world of journalism for a life in crofting.
Her paternal grandparents, Murchadh and Ishbail Morrison, once ran a croft in the small village of High Borve in north-west Lewis. This connection to the land has influenced her deeply. Recently, she returned to the island for a special episode of BBC Scotland’s show Landward, which focuses on crofting.
She shared, “To me, as an islander, crofting is much more than just a way of life. It’s an expression of identity, culture, and heritage. I’d like to think maybe one day it could be in my future, who knows, once the telly work dries up.”
Growing up as the eldest of four daughters, Ms. McAlpine moved to Glasgow to build her media career, where she became known for her work on Gaelic language productions for the BBC. She now lives in the city with her husband, Ken, a cameraman, whom she married in 2022. Despite their love for the outdoors, she acknowledges that there is a romantic view of crofting that doesn’t fully reflect its realities.
“Ken and I are so soft,” she said. “I don’t think we’d be able to keep livestock with any sort of profit because we would get too attached to them.”
In the upcoming episode of Landward, due to air this week, Ms. McAlpine explores the history of crofting and its role in modern Scotland. She also meets with young crofter Christina Mackenzie, 17, who shares her family’s daily life on their Harris croft and her aspirations to take over the family business while pursuing a dream of becoming a vet.
The trip also includes a hands-on experience for Ms. McAlpine, as she attempts to shear a sheep—though she admits it was quite challenging. “It’s actually quite tricky; you need to really just go for it,” she said.
Landward will air on BBC Scotland at 8:30pm on Wednesday and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
Exploring the Allure of Rural Life in Scotland
The desire to escape the hustle of city life and embrace a simpler, more connected existence is not unique to Anne McAlpine. Many others have found inspiration in the rural landscapes of Scotland. For instance, Robyn Swan chose to leave her city life behind for an off-grid existence in the countryside. Similarly, a remote croft on Colonsay has attracted hopeful young families looking to escape urban living.
Ben Fogle, too, has felt the pull of Scotland’s Western Isles, drawn by an unexpected family legacy. Meanwhile, Ruth Jones, known for her role in Gavin and Stacey, finds solace in the enchanting Highlands. Even Jamie Laing’s grandmother, “Granny Scotland,” had dreams of fame that remain a captivating story.
These stories highlight the enduring appeal of Scotland’s natural beauty and the deep connection many feel to the land. Whether through crofting, off-grid living, or simply finding peace in the wilderness, the call of the Scottish countryside continues to resonate with those seeking a different way of life.
