Rooted in the land: A conversation with Hamish Martin
This July, we caught up with Hamish Martin, owner of two unique Scottish businesses: Call of the Wild and Highland Outfitters. In this special Q&A, we find out more about his background, his businesses, and what it is that makes him such a passionate advocate for Scotland.
Read on for the full story.
Tell us about yourself and your career.
I have a passion for Scotland’s lands, from all our native flora and fauna to our wild corners and running burns – it’s my driving force.
I was born and educated in Scotland and after university I joined the army. My career didn't last long there as I tore all my knee ligaments and was medically discharged. My father had been in the Scotch whisky business all his life and together we created Inverarity Vaults, a whisky bottler and wine merchants. I sold this business 15 years ago and it’s now called Inverarity Morton.
I retrained as a herbologist at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh, and travelled to work with plant medicine people in North America. Then my wife, Liberty, and I created the Secret Herb Garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh: a herb nursery, café and wedding venue. We also created a gin distillery called Secret Garden Gin. This grew arms and legs and took me further away from what I loved — the plants.
Then a chance meeting and the opportunity to buy a small cottage with a rather incredible Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) came our way. It was time to move to a remote hill farm and start again.
We now have two businesses, one called Call of the Wild, where Liberty and I deliver nature reconnection experiences and dining, and Highland Outfitters, which delivers bespoke, tailor-made Highland wear.
What prompted you to start Call of the Wild and Highland Outfitters?
Starting Call of the Wild felt like the only way I could continue to work in nature and communicate her true beauty. I had already been doing this for gardeners at the Secret Herb Garden, saying not to use any chemicals and to garden for nature, but now I had to try and do it on a larger scale. It also gives Liberty the opportunity to cater and make people feel welcome when visiting.
And Highland Outfitters? Well that was easy, I wear a kilt every day and I am passionate about the benefits of wearing a kilt. Nicholas, my son, has finished studying Scottish History at university and he loves the traditions of Scotland and loves been involved in Highland wear. He has worked for the last three years in various businesses that are involved in Highland wear, from a tailor to a traditional mill to a Highland rental firm, so it seemed the right time to start our own business as a family.
Liberty is also involved in the business and has created a range of female Highland wear too — something all too lacking in the sector.
Can you explain some more about the services you offer clients?
Call of the Wild is inspired by our surroundings, allowing people to rediscover nature in a series of experiences that focus on the native flora and fauna.
We are blessed to be surrounded by ancient Scots pines and juniper groves. The land we care for is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) with far-reaching views and breathtaking scenery that encapsulates Scotland in all its majesty.
Liberty also creates beautiful lunches and dinners using the produce we grow here, as well as locally sourced game. We also have two shepherds’ huts allowing people the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in our surroundings and wander the land freely.
For Highland Outfitters we offer a complete, bespoke tailoring service for men and women. We also have high-end hire, where we measure clients and fit them in velvet Scottish doublets and full regalia. Everything from choosing their own sporrans to deciding which kilt pin they would like to wear.
We also design tartans and register them for private individuals and to corporates, having just completed tartan designs for two Luxury Scotland members – The Torridon and Inverlochy Castle.
Added to this, we also undertake the design and production of staff uniforms, which brings a balanced touch of tartan into a modern, comfortable and stylish outfit.
Many guests who stay in Luxury Scotland properties are coming to celebrate a special occasion, and what could make your event more memorable than having your own tartan designed to wear, and then to take home with you to remind you of your celebration?
Are you and Nicholas equally happy to work directly with clients or with travel advisors?
Yes, we’re absolutely delighted to partner with travel advisors or tour operators to create a really special Scotland experience for their clients. We are also happy to travel within the UK, and have recently carried out fittings in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. We are always happy to visit clients staying at any Luxury Scotland properties to offer either a bespoke tailoring experience, or, if they wish, hire an outfit.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Scotland?
I don’t even own a passport and there is only one place I wish to be — that’s here in Scotland. I love our home, the seasons, the land, the hills and rivers. I love to communicate the beauty of nature and all that this means, from the experiences we run here to the wearing of a kilt.
You can see our story on Instagram @cotwild, which shows our journey in caring for the land we call home. We would love to share it with you.
Call of the Wild: Experiences at Tombane Farm
If you want to get closer to Scotland’s wild and inspiring landscape, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with nature, in the company of Hamish and Liberty, at Tombane Farm. Read on for a quick round-up of experiences held at Call of the Wild.
1. Into the Wild
A guided walk through ancient Caledonian pines, this 2.4-mile trail climbs above Tombane Farm and offers sweeping views over the Tay Valley. Raptors soar overhead and tailored outdoor dining can be added to complete the experience.
2. Herbal Foraging Walk
Wander from burnside to meadow on a gentle foraging walk around Tombane Farm. Along the way, discover native Scottish plants, folklore, and the workings of a live nature restoration project, all set within a richly biodiverse landscape.
3. Scottish Fauna, Flora and Folklore
This gentle, seated experience explores the rich natural world of Highland Perthshire — from medicinal plants to age-old folklore. With gathered specimens to smell and touch, and your own field notebook to take home, this is an engaging introduction to Scotland’s wild wisdom.
4. Herbal Infusions, Decoctions and Cold Infusions
Discover the art of herbal tea-making as you explore the flavours and health benefits of native Scottish plants. Through hands-on examples and guided tastings, learn how wild botanicals are transformed into soothing infusions and seasonal brews.
5. How Scotland’s Fauna and Flora Wove the Rich Tapestry of Tartan
Explore the natural roots of tartan in this guided session, where Hamish reveals how plants once shaped clan colours and Highland identity. With seasonal botanicals and yarn samples to examine, you’ll discover how nature dyed the fabric of Scottish history.
You’ve worked up an appetite – so what’s on the menu?
There are three lunch options available with any Call of the Wild adventure:
The Wild Picnic
A hamper of seasonal treats delivered to a spot of your choosing, packed with fresh bread, pickles, cheese, meats and homemade delights from Tombane’s kitchen.
The Wild Fire Feast
Gather around the fire for a rustic outdoor BBQ, where homegrown salads, flame-cooked meats and seasonal sweets are served with wide views and a crackling hearth.
The Wild Barn Banquet
An atmospheric four-course dining experience set in Tombane’s cosy barn, under the gaze of Rue the eagle owl. Expect candlelight, foraged ingredients, and dishes shaped by the land — from seasonal game to riverside herbs and carefully sourced Scottish seafood. And Hamish is only too happy to pair specialist wines and whiskies for the occasion.