Coorie — Hygge’s Scottish Cousin

Summary

Coorie is a Scottish lifestyle trend emphasizing tranquility, cosiness, and appreciation of nature, offering a calming approach to the hectic holiday season.

Abstract

At a time when the cold and the rush of the holiday season can be overwhelming, the Scottish concept of Coorie presents a lifestyle trend focused on finding peace and cosiness. It encourages embracing the outdoors, connecting with nature, and enjoying simple pleasures such as warm drinks, hearty meals, and the company of others. Coorie is not just about physical comfort through warm clothing and soft furnishings but also about fostering a sense of community and hospitality. It is a mindset that values the small joys in life, like a quiet moment appreciating a sunset or the comfort of warm socks, and it invites individuals to slow down and find contentment in the midst of a busy world.

Opinions

The author suggests that Coorie is akin to Hygge but with a distinct Scottish twist, emphasizing nature and outdoor activities.
Coorie is seen as more than a trend; it's a mindset that encourages a deeper appreciation for Scotland's natural beauty and heritage.
The concept of Coorie is illustrated through personal experiences, such as a bracing walk in the woods followed by a comforting hot chocolate.
The author believes that Coorie can help alleviate the stress of modern life by encouraging people to disconnect and reconnect with nature and community.
Coorie is presented as accessible to everyone, regardless of their proximity to the Scottish landscape, as it can be practiced in urban settings through small acts like growing plants or enjoying a quiet park.
The author expresses that Coorie is about enjoying the present moment and finding happiness in everyday simple pleasures.

Is It Time for a New Lifestyle Trend?

At this time of year, when it is cold and drizzly outside, (or “dreich” as the Scots would say), and we’re run off our feet preparing for Christmas, it can be hard to slow down and enjoy a moment or two of calm. If that sounds familiar, you might want to read up on “Coorie”, a Scottish lifestyle trend that embraces tranquility, cosiness and an appreciation of the beauty of nature.

If you have read my story “Randolph’s Leap”, then you will already be familiar with the concept, even if you didn’t recognise it at the time — a bracing stroll through the woods, pausing to appreciate some stunning views, listening to the roar of the river rushing downstream, spotting an unexpected grey heron flying down the valley, followed by a warm, unctuous hot chocolate with marshmallows to warm me back up again.

The name comes from the Scots word “coorie”, which means to nestle or to cuddle. When I was a child, when we were outside in the cold, my father would wrap me inside his jacket and tell me to “coorie in”. Coorie for me is synonymous with warmth and protection. However, coorie is more than a verb; it’s a mindset.

The Central Themes of Coorie

Embracing Nature

Connecting with nature feet-first in the Moray Firth (photo by author)

While hygge focuses on creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere indoors, coorie encourages us to spend time outdoors, enjoying the natural heritage of Scotland, whether it be wild swimming in a chilly loch, or simply star gazing on a moonlit night. The purpose is to reconnect with nature and disconnect from the stresses of our busy lives. If you live in a city without immediate access to mountains or lochs, you can still seek out a quiet green park, or even try growing plants on your windowsill.

Hospitality and Community

The Scottish traditions of hospitality, conviviality and a warm welcome are present in coorie — as evidenced by the many hotels, boarding houses and cafés including the word in their names. Sharing a meal with family, companionable storytelling by an open fire, dancing with friends at a ceilidh are all examples of how coorie can foster community.

Comfort and Cosiness

Warm tartan blankets, woolly Shetland jumpers, hot toddies — the list of ways we Scots can stay warm is endless. Ambience is important too. Warm lighting or candles and cosy soft furnishings – blankets, cushions and rugs – can make your home coorie. Foods can be coorie too — think thick and creamy cullen skink (a Scottish fish soup) with warm homemade bread, or cranachan made with oats, cream, whisky and raspberries.

Enjoy the Small Things

Coorie doesn’t have to be about long hikes up munros or restyling your entire house. It can be an appreciation of the small moments — enjoying a coffee in your garden, listening to the birds. Growing and eating your own veg. Taking a moment to watch the sunset, or my personal favourite, watching the rain splash into puddles from your window, while you are dry and cosy inside. It can be the joy of putting on warm socks fresh out of the dryer. Laughing with a friend over the phone.

If you are finding the festive season becoming a little too hectic, why not take 10 minutes out of your day to get outside and enjoy whatever nature has to offer where you live, then get cosy however you prefer, and see if you can find coorie in your life.