Vernon Kay has described the Scottish Highlands as "absolutely gorgeous" and "one of the most beautiful parts of the world" during his BBC Radio 2 mid-morning show. The presenter's comments came after reading out a voice note from a listener who shared her method for "feeling better" by taking in the "wonders" of the natural world.
Speaking on the November 2 broadcast, the listener said it was a way to distract ourselves from the "ugliness" of the world today. Vernon responded that there was "never a truer word said".
Childhood memories of the West Pennine Moors
Vernon, who was born in Horwich in Bolton, Greater Manchester, grew up near the West Pennine Moors, a 90-square-mile area largely designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. He recalled: "As a kid that grew up on the West Pennine Moors, waking up every morning in the back bedroom, opened up the curtains and just seeing rolling hills and the tower of power, the big mast on Winter Hill, that was the playground."
He remembered playing games such as foxes and hounds, army, and football with jumpers for goalposts, as well as enjoying bonfires on November 5. He told the listener she was "absolutely bang on".
Praise for the Scottish Highlands
Vernon then turned to his colleague Phil McGarvey, known as "Pmac", saying: "And I think Pmac will agree, one of the most beautiful parts of the world, not just the United Kingdom, Scottish Highlands. Absolutely gorgeous, the Scottish Highlands."
Phil suggested this was "when the weather's nice", to which Vernon countered: "When the weather's nice? Well, if it's not, wear an anorak." He added: "Yeah, it's divine up there. It really is."
The Highlands are known for rugged mountains, islands, coastlines, and glens, with famous highlights including Glen Coe, Loch Ness, and the Isle of Skye.
Previous affection for Scotland
This is not the first time Vernon has expressed his love for Scotland. In June, he learned that two listeners were tuning in from the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. He described a picture they had shared, saying: "Phil, have you visited the Isle of Harris? Phil, look at this. Oh my gosh; stunning. There's one word to describe that picture, Keith and Aileen. I'll describe it to the nation because it is the radio."
He continued: "It's a beautiful Scottish vista. There's a V-shaped valley. On the right-hand side, looks like a farmhouse. In the background, it looks like the ocean. And then, further on, you got more mountain ranges." He added: "It looks absolutely stunning. You enjoy yourselves."
