“The road to Roark’s heart passes through Scotland. It wasn’t the famed rock formations of Skye, glorious North Sea reefs or slopes of Glencoe that moved our wayward souls. Nor did the history, color, ale and music sway our compass cometh Fall. It was the Highland Whiskey Trail that summoned us as the artery to each of Scotland’s precious organs.
By hook or by crook, bagpipes led us through the highlands on trail North through the oldest operating distilleries in the country. Serendipitously we chased the fairies of Skye on motor bikes, while the jugs and cracks on the seawalls of Elgol provided the perfect escape route. As with any foul weathered trip, Roark was tempted into the cold as Scottish slabs tested our resolve to surf an ever-opinionated Sea.
Every great climate spawns ingenuity. Our product was designed for the Scottish climate and adventure-travel, with a mindfulness to purpose. We were inspired by the tweed of the Outer Hebrides that’s hand dyed and woven by village communities throughout the islands, the waxed cottons of Dundee as well as the floral markings of a medieval warring tribe named the “Picts.” And yes, the spirits of the highlands took us places oft not imagined. Our crew of revivalists was comprised of surfers Parker Coffin, Raph Bruhwiler and Ivah Wilmot, climber and photographer Drew Smith, skateboarder Jamie Thomas, adventure writer Jeff Johnson as well as resident photographer Dylan Gordon.
Join us this Fall for “Songs of the Scuttled,” a rhythmic journey that had us hastily walking and riding the Scottish highlands in search of our scuttled souls.
About Roark
The chase for Roark began out of a desire to tell stories born of adventure and discovery, while striving to create the essential travel-tailored gear to pack for your travels. Inspired by the culture and climate of Roark’s destination, we produce two collection per year of clothing, luggage and trinkets. The product and stories we create empower people to discover through authentic, irreverent, dangerous, and purposeful adventure on the road less traveled.
