Get Còsagach – the art of a cosy Scottish winter

It is said that the Gaelic word còsagach (pronounced kaw-sa-goch) is the Scottish version of the Danish ‘Hygge’.

In Gaelic, còsagach means a mossy hole for small animals—snug, sheltered, and warm—which perfectly captures how to enjoy a Scottish winter.

Think glowing fires, heavy Scottish wool blankets, steaming mugs of tea, and the contentment of being hidden exactly where you are.

Còsagach isn’t about luxury but about comfort and small rituals that make long, dark nights bearable—hearty Scottish food, great books and TV, and evenings spent watching snow drift past a Highland cabin window.

As the clocks change and the evenings grow darker, here’s how to embrace còsagach.

What you’ll need for dark Scottish winters

When daylight is fleeting and nights stretch long, the secret to surviving, and loving, a Scottish winter is to get cosy.

Here are a few còsagach-approved essentials to help you feel snug and ready for anything.

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Explore more → my ultimate guide for exploring Scotland in winter.

Home comforts from Scotland to wrap up in

• Scottish wool blankets & throws – nothing beats Harris Tweed, Isle of Skye Weavers, Anta, or The Tartan Blanket Co. for colour and Scottish craftsmanship. For more quality textiles made by Scottish wool mills and artisans, check out The Scottish Textiles Showcase.
• Candles – fill your evenings with the scent of Scotland – pine, peat smoke, or even whisky. Try Scottish candle brands like Essence of Harris, Isle of Skye Candle Co, or Ocoee House.
• Hot water bottles – upgrade to a chunky knitted cover or a sheepskin one for the ultimate warm hug.
• Fairy lights – soft lighting helps lift the darkness.
• A good mug – you’ll be using it a lot. I love mugs made from hand-thrown ceramics from local Scottish makers and a sturdy enamel camp mug for road trips. Why not invest in a mug from Gillian Kyle whose homewears are illustrated with quirky illustrations, including Tunnocks teacakes!
• The perfect còsagach winter Scottish playlist – from Dougie Maclean to classic folk, here are my favourite Scottish songs for winter.

Make sure you shop local where you can – choose Scotland’s independent makers.

→ The House of Bruar is a fabulous shop besides the village of Bruar in Highland Perthshire, or you can buy your Scottish gifts online via their website.

Winter clothing & gear to get you outside

Here’s how to stay warm in Scottish winter:

• Chunky Knitwear – invest in quality wool. My favourite sweaters come from luxury Scottish cashmere brand Brora is known for its timeless knitwear and clothing. They use the finest wool, cashmere, and traditional techniques to create beautiful pieces.
• Thermal Base Layers – for crisp walks and mountain air. You can’t go wrong with brands like Icebreaker or Finisterre.
• Wool or cashmere socks – toasty feet, toasty mind. Invest in wool or cashmere socks from the House of Bruar, Green Thomas in Hawick, the Croft House in Aberdeenshire, Campbells of Beauly, or Rosie Sugden.
• Waterproof Boots – You’ll need them. From muddy forest paths to snowy glens, pick something warm-lined and with good grips like Blundstone or Scarpa.
• A Cosy Hat & Gloves – bonus points for Scottish wool or handmade knits from local markets. Looking for the perfect winter gift? Begg and Co was founded in Paisley and known worldwide for its cashmere scarves, clothing and beanies for both men and women.
• A tartan scarf – I love Anta’s scarves – they are perfect for the Scottish weather and come in a range of lovely colours. You can get discounts and special 2 for 1 offers by signing up to Anta’s mailing list. Knitwear brand from Orkney Hilary Grant also creates beautiful, modern accessories and garments showcasing traditional knitting techniques with a contemporary twist. 

You’ll also need → my ultimate packing guide for Scotland and where to find the best Scottish gifts.

Things to do to get you through a dark, cold winter

All wrapped up? While còsagach is about being cosy, it is important to keep yourself occupied! Here are my favourite còsagach activities.

1. Read: a beautiful book or gripping novel set in Scotland

Get under a blanket, make a cup of tea, and dive in.

• Choose something you can totally sink into. I always reach for nature writing by Nan Shepherd or Robert Macfarlane, which suits the winter mood perfectly.
• Like crime? Get stuck into a gruesome mystery from Scotland’s best crime writers – Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, or Ann Cleeves.
• Seen and loved the TV series? Now read the Outlander books, there are lots of them to get stuck into.

2. Watch: the best TV shows set in Scotland

Ready to binge? Here are my favourite TV shows set in Scotland.

• Outlander & Blood of My Blood – the classic love letters to the Scottish Highlands. Why not plan a visit to their filming locations?
• The Loch – a moody murder mystery set on the shores of Loch Ness.
• Shetland – a gritty, thoughtful crime drama based on Ann Cleeves’ novels – remote beauty meets small-island secrets, the perfect slow-burn for long winter nights. One of my favourite TV series ever, you will fall in love with Jimmy Perez.
• Rebus – classic Edinburgh detective stories based on Ian Rankin’s novels. Grit, wit, and plenty of dark humour. Go for the classic version, or try the new version with Outlander’s Richard Rankin.
• Annika – a modern Scottish crime drama about Glasgow’s Marine Homicide Unit. Smart, sharp, and darkly funny. Another personal favourite.
• The Rig – a supernatural thriller set on a North Sea oil rig, atmospheric, eerie, and full of Scottish talent.
• Still Game – a beloved Scottish sitcom about two pensioners in Glasgow. Hillarious, heartwarming, and possibly one for the subtitles if you don’t speak Scots,
• Scot Squad – a hilarious mockumentary following Scotland’s fictional police force. Pure gold for anyone who loves dry humour.
• Two Doors Down – suburban Glasgow neighbours and everyday chaos — you’ll laugh, cringe, and recognise someone you know.
• Men in Kilts – Outlander’s Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish road-trip through Scotland, exploring food, whisky, and folklore. It’s charming, funny, and very còsagach viewing.

3. Eat: Scottish comfort food done properly

Scotland does winter food exceptionally well, because when it’s dark by 4pm, you’ve got plenty of time to cook, eat, and linger.

This is the season for slow-cooked stews, big soups, rich puddings, and local whisky by candlelight.

Here are some Scottish comfort food favourites that taste even better when it’s cold and dark outside:

Scottish comfort food recipes to try:

• Venison casserole – lean and sustainable, Scottish venison is hard to beat. Try this rich venison casserole, serve with root veg and mash.
• Thick soups – the best soup in autumn and winter has to be Scottish lentil or Cullen Skink. Or try Scotch Broth, a thick soup made with lamb or mutton, barley, leeks, carrots, and turnips.
• Haggis, neeps and tatties – an iconic dish, not just eaten in Scotland on Burn’s Night, delicious Haggis, neeps and tatties are perfect in winter.
• Steak Pie – tender beef in rich gravy, baked under a flaky puff pastry lid — a Hogmanay favourite. Try this recipe.
• Sausage & Mash with Onion Gravy – nothing beats Scottish beef or pork sausages with buttery mash and thick onion gravy on a cold night.
• Fish Pie – Creamy white fish, haddock, or salmon baked under mashed potatoes.
• Haddock Mornay – smoked haddock baked in a creamy cheese sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs. Try this recipe.
• Balmoral Chicken – chicken breast stuffed with haggis, wrapped in bacon, and served with whisky cream sauce. Yum.
• Clapshot – mashed swede (neeps) and potatoes with butter and chives — a traditional Orcadian side. Try clapshot.
• Rumbledethumps – a Borders favourite: Rumbledethumps is cabbage, potatoes, and onions baked with cheese on top.
• Tattie Scones – soft potato griddle cakes, often served with a fry-up.

Got leftovers? Make stovies or the classic meat and tatties for the next day — they’re even better reheated.

Looking for a new Scottish cookbook? Buy → Winter in the Highlands (also available at Lon Store in Dunkeld) for beautifully written Scottish recipes.

My favourite cosy restaurants in winter in Scotland

Don’t want to cook, or visiting Scotland in Winter? Here are my favourite cosy restaurants in Scotland:

• The Taybank, Dunkeld – riverside charm, open fires, live music, and local ingredients cooked simply and well. Book The Taybank.
• The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe – legendary mountaineers’ bar with hearty meals and hundreds of whiskies. Book the Clachaig Inn.
• The Clunie Dining Room at The Fife Arms, Braemar, Aberdeenshire – a fine dining restaurant with a unique Scottish atmosphere. Book The Fife Arms.
• The Boat Inn, Aboyne – one of my favourite cosy pubs in Scotland, perfect for dinner after a day exploring Deeside. Book The Boat Inn.

5. Do: slow down & settle in

Còsagach isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about creating space to breathe. In winter, Scotland invites you to slow down. Why not:

• Take a short walk as snow settles on the trees – here are my favourite short walks in Scotland.
• Soak in a hot tub beneath a sky full of stars – book one of these lodges with hot tubs in Scotland.
• Visit a distillery for a tasting or whisky flight – here is my guide to whisky in Scotland.

If you really want to lean in, pick an off-grid cabin, no plans – just warmth, stillness, and the sound of the wind outside. Try Mount Freedom Cabins, pioneer-style “Adirondack” log cabins overlooking Ailsa Craig with an outdoor fireplace, a bath for two, and no wifi!

Watch the weather roll in and be glad you’re indoors!

6. Drink: raise a glass to winter

Warm your hands and your heart with Scottish drinks that define the season:

• Hot toddy – whisky, honey, lemon, and cloves; the cure for cold toes.
• Mulled cider or spiced gin – aromatic, festive, and perfect by the fire.
• Local craft beer – try a dark porter or heather ale brewed in small Highland towns.
• Loose leaf tea or local coffee – Try blends from Cairngorm Coffee Co. or the Wee Tea Company.
• Whisky or Gin – A small-batch bottle to sip by the fire; The Glenturret, Nc’Nean, or Isle of Harris Distillery are favourites.

A Còsagach weekend itinerary in Perthshire

If you want to plan your own cosy winter escape, here’s a simple weekend itinerary that captures the spirit of còsagach, short drives, good food, and quiet time in some of Scotland’s best scenery.

Day 1 – Arrive in Dunkeld and settle in

Arrive in Dunkeld, one of Scotland’s prettiest small towns.

Walk along the River Tay, pop into Aran Bakery for pastries, then check into The Taybank.

Spend the evening by the fire with a local beer, dinner made from seasonal & local produce and live music.

Day 2 – Explore Big Tree Country

After breakfast, explore Perthshire’s Big Tree Country with one of my favourite walks:

• The Hermitage – walk in an 18th-century pleasure garden filled with giant Douglas Fir trees to Ossian’s Hall, where a viewing platform reveals the tumbling Black Linn Falls below.
• Climb up to Creag an Tuirc, Balquhidder – a simply stunning viewpoint high above the small village of Balquhidder. 
• Visit the Linn of Tummel, Garry Bridge – hike through pretty woodlands to a dramatic waterfall-filled gorge. 
• Hike The Birks of Aberfeldy – made famous by Robert Burns’ famous 1787 poem, this is a fantastic waterfall walk.
• Visit the Deil’s Cauldron and Glen Lednock – explore the falls and this lovely glen before climbing up to the Melville Monument.

Return to the hotel and visit the Braan Riverside Sauna which sits on the banks of the River Tay.

Day 3 – Whisky & the road home

Drive west to Crieff for a whisky tasting at The Glenturret Distillery, Scotland’s oldest working distillery (make sure you have a designated driver!)

Then meander home through snowy glens feeling rested, warm, and properly còsagach.