Fife publisher launches new natural health and wellbeing title focusing on ‘free-from’ holistic living and sustainability in Scotland

A Fife entrepreneur has launched Scotland’s first print magazine dedicated to natural health and wellbeing and more mindful living.

Mum-of-four Lynda Hamilton Parker has today (Tuesday, 1 May) published the first issue of Holistic Scotland Magazine, a new A5 title which covers natural health and beauty and ‘free-from’ living, as well as eco-tourism and travel.

The magazine, which has been four months in-the-making, also focuses on sustainability in Scotland – with the first issue featuring case studies from Scottish start-up CuanTec, which has developed a new method of extracting chitin from waste langoustine shells to create an alternative to single-use plastic food packaging; Cupar-based ethical British flower grower The Country Garden Company, and Clemence Cocquet, founder of Scapa Fest – the UK’s yoga and adventure festival, which has a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy and is set to take place for the first time this weekend on the banks of Loch Fyne.

Lynda, who is an experienced freelance journalist and PR consultant, has released the magazine to coincide with her 40th birthday.

She said: “I’m really excited to bring this new magazine to Scotland. The initial response has been amazing and I’m looking forward to growing the publication in the months ahead.

“It’s great to discover exciting Scottish start-ups which are developing innovative and more sustainable products for future generations and to help facilitate change.

“Single-use plastic is a huge problem right now and I’m looking forward to working with more of these companies to help spread the word about the everyday alternatives being developed not too far from our own doorsteps.

“The first issue features natural skincare from the Highlands, proven plant-based herbal remedies from Irvine, hemp-based supplements from Kirriemuir, sustainable packaging from Motherwell, and much more. It’s an exciting time for Scotland, which is really coming to the fore when it comes to chemical-free and sustainable alternatives. Every day I’m reading or hearing about Scottish innovators doing great things and being champions for change. That’s partly why I feel the time is right for this magazine.”

Lynda hopes the magazine will also help promote mental, physical and emotional wellbeing in Scotland by featuring a range of health and wellbeing topics, as well as travel pages which encourage people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

The magazine will be available to pick up for free in the coming weeks at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports, as well as in their Aspire and No. 1 and Upperdeck and Northern Lights lounges respectively.

It will also be available for free from selected distributors throughout Scotland, whose details are on the www.holisticscotland.com website, where readers can sign up for a 12-month subscription or single issue to be delivered directly to their door.