This week in Country Life we pay homage to the carpet of heather — once believed to have been stained with the blood of warriors — that clads Scottish hills, we visit Crosby Hall, an outstanding country house on the edge of Liverpool, we don a suit of armour to learn the ancient art of jousting, we talk to the champions of traditional pig breeds and we learn to cook with courgettes.

Get this latest issue of the magazine at your local newsagent, or grab a digital issue on your tablet at www.countrylife.co.uk/digital-edition