Why Birks & Amber?

Since starting my little side hustle many people have asked me where the name came from. If you are local to where I live - you know!

I am fortunate to live in a town called Aberfeldy which is located in the Tay Valley, a beautiful part of Highland Perthshire. In 1787 the poet, Robert Burns, was inspired to write by the Falls of Moness and the birch trees during a tour of the Scottish Highlands.

The beautiful woodland walk now known as the ‘Birks of Aberfeldy’ (Birks meaning Birch trees) is literally on my door step and a walk that I enjoy most days (although not necessarily all the way round!). It is a place where I have pushed my children’s buggies when they were younger, watched them play in the pools and balance on the rocks, a place where I have many a time set myself a fitness challenge (did I mention it is uphill to the top of the Falls!), and a place where I have always enjoyed and been taken in by the ever changing seasons and colours that the woodland brings (the amber colours that Autumn brings are absolutely stunning!).

The Birks of Aberfeldy is also the place, during the pandemic, where the idea of Birks & Amber came up. I was walking with my son one day and feeling the frustration of lock down and like so many other people feeling the need to do something else. Whilst walking (on a beautiful day) I was taken by the sunlight through the canopy of trees, and at that moment I decided I am going to try candle making. And that day Birks & Amber was born! Although at that time I only ever thought it was going to be a hobby.

So, if you are every visiting this area, I can highly recommend the beautiful Birks of Aberfeldy. It is a 1.5 mile circular route, which at the top you can take in the power of the Falls of Moness. And if you are passing my door please do come and say Hi!