Scotland's answer to Denmark's 'hygge' movement

IT is Scotland's answer to the Danish 'hygge' which has revolutionised the idea of relaxing next to a roaring fire, or curling up under a blanket.

The Lazy Duck, Nethy Bridge, embodies the Scottish concept of Csagach, says Visit Scotland. Picture: Jack Boothby

Now tourism bosses hope the Gaelic term “Còsagach” will become the next global lifestyle trend - and attract visitors to Scotland.

VisitScotland’s annual Insight report claims that the concept should be part of every visitor experience to Scotland, particularly in the winter months, when cold weather and outdoor activities such as skiing lend themselves to being “Còsagach” once indoors.

Other tourism trends tipped for next year in the report include tourism firms providing nostalgic experiences to consumers, as well as “provincial and authentic experiences” which it says will enhance Scotland’s overall tourism product.

The report said: “In 2015, over four million domestic tourists mentioned relaxing as an activity that they undertook when in Scotland. With tranquil seascapes, vast open spaces and many warm and welcoming pubs, Scotland is a perfect place for your well-being, so perfect in fact that a word of Scottish origin has been dedicated to that feeling of being snug, sheltered, or cosy; Còsagach.”

It added: “Scotland is a country where Còsagach can be achieved in all seasons, but it’s winter when it comes into its own. It’s no secret that Scotland can have, at times, rather harsh and ferocious weather. In the winter when the storms rage and the waves crash against the rocks, there is nothing more satisfying than being curled up in front of the fire, book and hot toddy in hand, listening to the weather outside.”

The word is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as “full of holes or crevices; sheltered, snug, warm”.