English skeptics inquire about an unspecified activity up in Highland Perthshire. The response from David Profumo is cryptic: "Madam, if you have to ask, you'll never understand": His hidden haven in Highland Perthshire.
In the heart of Highland Perthshire, Scotland, lies a hill farm that has been home to the Italian Baron, David Profumo, and his family since 1998. The memoir, *The Lightning Thread*, penned by Profumo, offers a captivating account of his life in this picturesque region.
Perched at 1,100 feet up a glen, Profumo's home boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Vale of Atholl and iconic natural landmarks such as Beinn a’ Ghlo and Schiehallion. The house, built a century ago for the Duke of Atholl’s sister and her husband, seamlessly blends the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands with managed park and birchwoods, providing a serene haven free of modern intrusions like windfarms.
Life in this historic and storied landscape has been an enchanting yet challenging experience for Profumo, who describes himself as an "incomer." The area, known as 'God's Own County', is steeped in myth and legend, with references to witches’ corries and even a local tradition that Pontius Pilate was born nearby at Fortingall.
The River Tilt, a tributary of several other rivers, including the mighty Tay, flows nearby, adding to the area's natural charm. Profumo's memoir reflects on the rich clan history and local culture that permeate the region.
For those seeking adventure, the farm is within striking distance of numerous fishing hotspots, with a bonny little trout loch outside the library window. The London Sleeper train stops at the old ducal station in Blair Atholl, offering easy access to the "Soft South" if desired.
Local attractions such as Blair Castle and the Bruar Falls are must-visit destinations, while Rami's Pitlochry Bakery remains a local secret worth discovering. Profumo himself is the fishing correspondent for our platform, sharing his insights and experiences of life in this enchanting corner of Scotland.
*The Lightning Thread* is more than just a memoir; it is an intimate portrait of living in a deeply historic and scenic part of Scotland, blending personal memoir with reflections on the natural environment, local culture, and the enduring pull of the Highlands as a place to call home. Available in paperback from Scribner UK for £9.99, it offers a unique perspective on life in one of Britain's most beautiful regions.
While living at his home-and-garden in Highland Perthshire, Scotland, the Italian Baron, David Profumo, shares anecdotes about his enchanting yet challenging lifestyle in 'God's Own County'. In his memoir, The Lightning Thread, Profumo emphasizes the unique blend of rich clan history, local culture, and the captivating natural beauty of the region, making it more than just a memoir – it's an invitation to travel to the scenic heart of Scotland.
