Scottish makers’ creativity must always keep up with the seasons

At WeeBox, autumn is one of the most exciting times of the year as we prepare for our Hallowe’en and Christmas WeeBoxes, sharing the beauty and history of Scotland with our subscribers around the world. 

One of the joys of creating each WeeBox is finding ways to connect people with Scotland’s heritage. Many don’t realise just how deeply Scotland has influenced global traditions.  

Hallowe’en, for example, has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated here long before the holiday took on its modern form. Scots once carved turnips instead of pumpkins, and the festival was a time to mark the end of the harvest and protect against roaming spirits. 

These customs crossed the Atlantic with Scottish immigrants, where they evolved into the familiar Hallowe’en traditions we see today. 

Our October WeeBox is a nod to these ancient origins, filled with treats and gifts that bring a taste of a Scottish Hallowe’en to homes around the world. 

I take great pride in designing brand new products with makers that reflect the spirit of Scotland.  

This month I’m thrilled with our Shearer Candles collaboration to create an exclusive Royal Scottish Pumpkin Spice Candle. 

Wrapped in the official Royal Pumpkin Spice Tartan (yes, you read that correctly!), this candle brings the cosy warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves into your home. You can get 15% off the full range online using code: WEE15 at shearer-candles.com

As we start to shift from the spookiness of Hallowe’en to the joys of Christmas, we’re thrilled to be preparing for our busiest time of the year. This year’s Christmas WeeBox is particularly special. It’s packed with traditional mince pies from Maclean’s Highland Bakery, a Highland cow tree bauble, and even a festive reindeer bag from Earth Squared.  

My preparations for Christmas wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our recent photoshoot at the stunning Culdees Castle. Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, Culdees Castle is a place where history, romance, and restoration come together in the most magical way. 

Owners Tracey and Rob Beaton have poured their hearts into restoring this 19th-century Gothic castle, a project that was recently featured on Channel 4’s Renovation Nation. 

Their dedication to preserving the castle’s heritage while breathing new life into its walls is nothing short of inspiring. 

Tracey and Rob’s vision for the castle is extensive. Their long-term restoration plan aims to bring the entire castle back to its former glory, with focus on authenticity and care. Internal fittings are being replaced with replicas crafted with modern techniques, ensuring the castle retains its historic charm while embracing the needs of the present day. 

During my visit, Tracey greeted me with incredible warmth. Christmas music filled the air as we met at Puck’s bar, the castle’s cosy, inviting pub. Tracey had decorated for Christmas just for WeeBox, and the atmosphere made me feel as though I had stepped straight into a festive wonderland. 

I have to thank our dear friend Becky of Holeyn Heritage Photography for introducing me to this hidden gem. She is the castle’s official wedding photographer capturing its romantic, fairy-tale quality in every photograph. In fact, if you’re planning a wedding, I can’t think of a more magical place than Culdees. 

The castle’s next Wedding Showcase by candlelight promises to be an unforgettable event, with all of our favourite suppliers on hand to help you plan the celebration of a lifetime.  

Hope you to see there on Sunday 20th October 3pm – 7pm to meet me, Tracey and experience the romance of Culdees for yourself. Get your free ticket at www.culdeescastleestate.com/events 

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for family or friends abroad? Our Christmas WeeBox is bursting with Scottish treasures they will love. Plus, we handle all the tricky parts, especially shipping! Place your order by midnight on October 31st and we’ll make sure everything arrives in time for the festive season.

Use code WeeGift20 for 20% off your first order at www.weebox.co.uk/gifting/ to share a wee bit of Scotland with the people you care about most this festive season!