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The Best Ideas May Come from Unexpected Places
Scottish Countryside Itinerary + "Ebony & Ivory"
Alex Mustaros
March 26, 2025
In partnership with
You probably remember this one.
On March 26th, 1982, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder released the single "Ebony & Ivory" in the UK.
It wasn’t just a catchy tune with a memorable melody; it was a heartfelt metaphor for social integration and racial harmony.
But did you know the song’s inspiration came from an unexpected source?
While enjoying some downtime at his farm in Scotland (because, of course, rock legends have farms in Scotland), McCartney reflected on a quote from British comedian Spike Milligan:
"Black notes, white notes, and you need to play the two to make harmony, folks!"
Ebony and Ivory's single release
That clever little quip about piano keys struck a chord — pun very much intended — and McCartney turned it into one of his most memorable songs about unity.
Now, while Milligan added his signature comedic twist to the concept, the idea wasn’t originally his.
James Aggrey, an intellectual and missionary from the 1920s, actually popularized the metaphor of black and white piano keys creating harmony. But it was Milligan’s witty spin that made it memorable enough for McCartney to run with it.
So next time you hear Ebony and Ivory, remember: sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places, be it a philosopher, a comedian, or a Beatle hanging out on his Scottish farm.
And talking about the unexpected, here are the news …
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Highland Harmony: Creative Inspiration in Scotland's Wild Heart
At the time Paul McCartney was writing "Ebony and Ivory," he was sitting on his Scottish farm, surrounded by nature, silence, and most likely the occasional curious sheep.
Was that really true?
Well, it makes sense to me. There is a profound balance that can be found in the Scottish countryside.
The noise of everyday life recedes, the senses become heightened, and everything seems to possess a more genuine quality.
Travelers can't help but follow the Scottish Highlands' call.
Sharp cliffs rise dramatically from the water, making shapes that have inspired artists for a long time. Castle spires and towers rise out of the misty sky like silent guardians of a long, interesting past. The air has a mix of the salty smell of the sea and the peaty smell of fine whisky.
From Edinburgh's elegant streets to the wild Isle of Skye, Scotland offers contrasts that delight the senses. Dolphins leap from the waters at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle, while in Cromarty, Highland creativity flourishes in galleries tucked into centuries-old buildings.
The mystical Isle of Skye captures Scotland at its most dramatic, where mountains meet the sea in spectacular grandeur. Dark skies studded with brilliant stars provide the perfect backdrop for sipping peaty whisky beside a crackling fire. In Port Appin, romance hangs in the air as tangibly as the morning mist, with Castle Stalker emerging from the loch like a vision from another time.
So, as you can see, there is a profound sense of harmony that can be found in the Scottish countryside.
And for this reason, I’ve crafted a seven-day itinerary that takes travelers through the wild heart of Scotland. It is a journey that combines life indulgence with the ancient soul of Scotland.
Download the full itinerary, share it with your most trusted Travel Designer, and start mapping out your most inspiring escape yet.
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