The Art of Coorie -
Scotland's Answer to the Hygge Lifestyle

Coorie

‘to nestle or snuggle.’

It wasn’t long ago when “Coorie’ meant something entirely different to the Scots. But with the notion of patting a small section on a sofa and saying ‘Coorie in’ the New Coorie was born.

The Scottish lifestyle trend concept word means “nestling into a loved one”. But it is now being used to describe our surroundings, Scottish landscapes and feelings. Much like the Danish concept word “Hygge”. A warm glow which is oh so comforting with candle lights flickering.

Hygge vs Coorie

With Hygge being a very marketable word and lifestyle, it has certainly paved the way for Coorie. But Coorie does have some differences.

Coorie is much more than Hygge’s concept of Coffee, Cakes, and Togetherness. Coorie is all of that, plus making the most of Scotland’s offerings and how we use that to evoke that enjoyed feeling of cosy wonderfulness.

Coorie also considers the planet, being kind to the earth, and our change purse, like the term Lagom. But it does allow us to splurge and treat ourselves from time to time.

Coorie Words

Dreich – A dreary, bleak day. Time to put the kettle on.
Moore-cavie – A blizzard of fine, powdery snow.
Brooke – Thoroughly drenched by rain.
Yardi – A triumphant explanation.
Baffies - Slippers.
Bam - A display of stupidity.
Juice - Any drinks aside from water/alcohol/hot drink.
Price - A sandwich.
Swally - A small sip.
Blether - Long chat or gossip.
Braw - Pleasing to the eye.

The Ideal Coorie Lifestyle

It is all about balance and the endless pursuit of a quieter existence. You need an equal amount of outdoor adventure and inside warmth.

A perfect evening would be a fire crackling, baffies on, and something hot to fill your tum. (A hot toddy or soup would be a good choice). An evening like this is a great way to unwind after a long day exploring the land or tending to your homegrown produce.

It also doesn’t cost the earth to practise Coorie. You’ll often find that expensive pursuits tend not to lend themselves to the concept easily.

But that doesn’t mean that Coorie can’t be luxurious. It’s about spending your money on things you enjoy, but wisely.

Inexpensive Coorie Activities

Coorie Home

Whenever you hear an interior designer mention Coorie, they envision convivial interiors. Rooms with sheepskin-covered sofas and log-burning stoves. Spaces where anyone would want to place themselves with a dram of whisky or hot chocolate after a tiring day battling the Scottish elements.

As soon as you enter a Coorie-inspired interior, your spirits should be lifted. You’ll walk into a room that is not overly minimal (nor over cluttered) or sleek but more rustic, textural, maximal. It’s quite a bold interior.

You’ll see a lot of textural prints and maximalist wallpapers that harmonise together. Some are influenced by the Scandinavians, and some are influenced by Scottish surroundings – the thistles, trees, and tartan.

In Scottish interiors, expect to see a lot of quality wooden furniture. But not much of it. Every item of furniture has to have a purpose – much like the Scandinavians.

“Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” – William Morris.

The kitchens are full of kitchenware scattered on worktops. Books placed floor to ceiling, and rugs layered up atop the wooden floor in a living room.

In a more modern, contemporary Coorie home, you’ll see a lot of big panel windows. They let a lot of natural light in and use the surroundings to create picture windows. And why on earth would you not, if you are fortunate enough to live in a fantastic location with a beautiful view?

A Coorie interior can be slightly moody, but it is light, beautiful, welcoming, and full of your personality.

And a Coorie Home is somewhere to feel safe while the winds outside roar.

Coorie Garden

To have a Coorie Garden, you need your Garden to be a place of peacefulness that encourages reflection and togetherness.

Across the pond, everyone laughs at the English rushing outside when there is the slightest chance of a bright and sunny day. And that is no different in Scotland. Except it’s not always as warm, and there usually is a battle with the wind.

But they are all still out there basking in the rays with a cup of something hot and a jacket. Stating what a wonderful day it is. Or gathered around the sunken, enclosed BBQs.

Like anywhere, your private garden is an extension of your home and personality. It’s a place to inspire creativity or entertain.

The Coorie enters when you see Gardens being utilised for everyday needs. Like hanging the washing, playing ball with the dog or the kids playing outside in the dirt. Or more calming activities such as sitting with a glass of wine and watching the sunset. Being surrounded by plants and flowers, from where you’ve been building a garden grotto and dressing it with string lights or lanterns.

All of these quirks are what makes a garden Coorie.

Coorie in the City Centre

You can even find Coorie in a city – not just an attractive city. It makes no difference! Human interactions will always take centre stage when we find ourselves in the city. We all crave time with other people as well as time for ourselves. And we use the business to gather and buy the items we need.

We also need to visit a city location to learn and be inspired. The Coorie here is that we are using the surroundings and the people to gain experience and knowledge.

We only need to look at the same lovely town centre streets we’ve walked hundreds of times with fresh eyes to find Coorie reference points. As soon as we’ve mastered the art of identifying Coorie characteristics, the only map we’ll ever need is our own.

Coorie is WILD

The wild landscapes are peaceful and tranquil. It’s an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll find Coorie instantly here with the local people coming together and the necessity of community. With places to eat, stay, and come together as a family.

But you’ll also find exploration. The landscape is designed to be explored, with every hill and mountain protecting magical scenery or new ingredients ready to be mindfully foraged. Collecting woodland bounty, whether it is food or flowers, is joyous. Especially to bring it home. As it is a memory.

With the highland cows grazing the fields and the night sky untainted from the city lights, you’ll only want to leave when you need rest and longing for bed.

Coorie is about battling Scotland’s unforgiving climate and landscape, not designing our lives around it.

Camping Coorie Style

If you’re an outdoorsy person, you might be delighted to know that you can Wild Camp in Scotland.

Wild camping is where you can camp pretty much anywhere in the forests and mountains, following certain rules so as to not damage the environment. So no cutting down or damaging trees, and while fires are allowed, there must be no trace of them once you have finished. And in the more popular areas, you’ll have to acquire a permit during the months of March and September.

Forget all about technology and your mobile phone. Coorie camping is a chance to reconnect with other people and with nature. So grab that bottle of malt whisky and guitar for a night of peacefulness and fun.

Coorie Food & Drinks

If you want to get Coorie with your food, it is all about humble ingredients and nourishing meals. Like a Steak pie. Which the Scots devour on new years day.

You might often hear the term “Scotland’s natural larder” . It’s a little far-fetched, but it has some merit. There are many ingredients you can forage for from the landscape. Such as pine needles and mushrooms, and there are plenty of fishing spots.

Cooking, with Coorie Scottish living in mind, is all about the trial to get there. It’s about messing up, and restarting, and learning. It’s about experimenting without fear and just enjoying the creation. Using local or homemade ingredients to create something wonderful. It may not be 5* quality, but it’s perfect for you and whoever is dining with you.

Let’s compare that to Hygge. Hygge is where you all cook together and enjoy each other’s company in the process of cooking a fabulous meal.

Coorie dining comes in two parts. One where a solo diner is happy to eat alone in a restaurant grazing mash potatoes with a fork. Two is where the whole experience is loud and joyful with mismatched glasses, and can often extend into the wee hours.

It is about spending time and swapping stories while always having too much whisky or beer.

Coorie Pub Life

The Pub has always been a community. For chatting, fun and one too many. And that is what Coorie is all about.

It’s a place to reconnect with others, for a cheeky pint or a bottle of red after a day of work. Or a Sunday afternoon gaggle before the working week begins.

A local pub is a home for many people.

Synopsis: Coorie. How to live the Scottish lifestyle trend.

After learning so much about the Scottish wellness trend Coorie, I find that it’s not just a pleasing notion of feeling snug; it’s much more.

It reflects a lifestyle. A new way of life. Where peace comes from heritage and pride in the landscape, from Scottish living. Which can be utilised even in the harshest locations. Even all over the world. Yes, it started in Scotland, but it can be implemented anywhere, just like Hygge, Lagom, or Fika.

Coorie is more than likely in your daily lives already. From buying our clothes to food to our homes, exploration, and even Scotland’s city life. You don’t need a Coorie Cottage, even though it would be idyllic.

I’m not saying that we will be seeing this wellness concept on the cover of British Vogue, even though I’d love it. But I believe that this is what makes Coorie special. And what makes Scotland special.

Every aspect of Scotland is Coorie.

Every nook and ‘coorie’ of Scotland is Home.

There are plenty of books online teaching this concept. But I suggest reading The Art Of Coorie by Gabriella Bennett if you’d love to learn more. It’s a beautiful book that has enlightened me about the world of Coorie. But also how to live happily the Scottish way.

FAQS

What does Coorie mean in Scottish?

To nestle or snuggle.

What is Coorie?

Similarly to the Scandinavian notion of hygge, which includes ideas such as cosiness, it has been re-imagined as a “lifestyle movement.”

The Art of Coorie - Scotland's Answer to the Hygge Lifestyle