Fiona MacBain, a resident of the Scottish Highlands, has become an unexpected social media sensation by sharing her camping experiences on TikTok. With her username, @FionaintheWild, she has amassed over 185,000 followers, showcasing the stunning landscapes of her homeland while documenting her journey into outdoor living.
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At 55 years old, MacBain is a mother of three, including a 27-year-old daughter and two teenage sons, aged 16 and 17. Interestingly, her foray into camping only began in earnest a couple of years ago. Like many, she faced a significant fear—her anxiety about the dark. However, her viral TikTok presence has not only provided her with a creative outlet but has also helped her confront and overcome this fear.
Speaking to PEOPLE, MacBain explained that for a substantial portion of her adult life, she preferred the hustle and bustle of vibrant city life over the tranquillity of the Scottish wilderness. An Edinburgh University graduate, she spent years living in London and even Tunisia before returning to her roots in Inverness in 2004. It wasn’t until this year that she began sleeping outdoors, an experience that transformed her relationship with nature.
MacBain’s first camping experience was unforgettable, albeit challenging. During her inaugural night near Loch Ness, she lost her way while navigating from her vehicle to her tent. This disorientation led her to discover a newfound appreciation for the night sky. “I just took a moment to enjoy the peaceful and nice darkness,” she recalled. Surrounded by stars, she began to see the beauty in the silence that initially intimidated her.
Following this trial night, MacBain decided to document her outdoor excursions, recording videos of her camping experiences to share with others. One of her first viral posts was filmed inside her tent, where she candidly expressed her feelings of boredom and fear due to being off the grid without phone service. To her surprise, this video garnered over 181,000 views within two days, thus igniting her social media journey.
What began as a way to ease her anxieties and seek comfort in solitude has blossomed into a significant secondary career for MacBain, who works full-time in local government administration. Her content has resonated internationally, leading to recognition in her local community. However, this newfound fame initially sparked some apprehension in her teenage sons.
MacBain shared that when her social media presence started gaining traction, her sons were uncertain about their mother’s public persona. “They were a bit unsure about their mum doing TikTok dances outside her tent, but now they’ve gotten used to it and are very supportive,” she said. Although her sons choose not to appear in her videos, her daughter is more enthusiastic about participating in the occasional TikTok.
As MacBain’s profile grew, she started receiving substantial payments from TikTok’s Creator Fund, amounting to approximately £1,000 per month. This financial support allowed her to take her children on a memorable holiday to Sicily, further solidifying their acceptance of her online endeavours. “I said, ‘This is being paid for by TikTok,'” MacBain noted proudly, sharing experiences such as visiting volcanoes together.
Today, her social media presence continues to flourish, not only serving as a platform for her adventures in the Scottish Highlands but also as a source of confidence and empowerment. MacBain aims to inspire others who may be held back by similar fears. Her journey from anxiety to outdoor adventure encourages her followers to step outside their comfort zones and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Through her videos, Fiona MacBain not only shares the breathtaking vistas of Scotland but also fosters a sense of community and resilience among her audience. As she lights up social media with her positive spirit and captivating storytelling, she exemplifies how embracing one’s fears can lead to unanticipated adventures and personal growth.