Fiona MacBain, a 55-year-old mother of three, has turned her fear of the dark into a source of inspiration and empowerment. Known on TikTok as @FionaintheWild, MacBain shares her experiences camping in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands with her 185,000 followers. Her journey from fear to adventure has fundamentally changed her relationship with the outdoors.
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Raised in the Highlands, MacBain developed a fear of the dark in her childhood, which she attributes to her vivid imagination. As a child, tasks as simple as shutting the garage at night would leave her terrified. “My mum and dad would say, ‘Oh, go out and shut the garage, Fiona,’ and I would find it terrifying,” she recalls. Ironically, she found walking in dark urban settings less daunting, despite recognizing the risks involved compared to the remote Highlands.
After graduating from the University of Edinburgh, MacBain spent considerable time living in London and Tunisia before returning to Scotland in 2004 to raise her family. She is now the mother of a 27-year-old daughter and two teenage sons aged 16 and 17. However, it was only in 2023 that she began camping and actively confronting her anxieties regarding darkness.
MacBain’s first camping experience came as a trial night near Loch Ness, where she unexpectedly lost her way on the walk to her tent. Surprisingly, instead of feeling panicked, she found herself appreciating the surroundings under the stars. “I came to see the night as nice rather than scary,” she reflects on her transformative experience.
Though she has a penchant for thrillers and horror films, MacBain admits that she has never subscribed to supernatural beliefs. In attempting to rationalise her fears, she focused on the practicalities of her situation. “What are the chances of somebody coming across me?” she questioned, ultimately coming to the conclusion that her worries were unfounded.
While solo camping in remote areas may present certain risks, MacBain points out the relative safety of the Scottish Highlands. Unlike some regions of the world, where wildlife may pose significant threats, the Highlands are home to no dangerous animals such as bears or mountain lions. The area’s sparse population further reinforces its safety; with only around eight people per square kilometre, it offers tranquil solitude away from urban chaos.
Her TikTok followers often express concern about her safety during solo camping trips, but MacBain reassures them she has never felt unsafe while out in the wild. The only time she has backed out of a camping trip was due to adverse weather conditions.
Nevertheless, MacBain is mindful of the potential hazards facing a solo camper and takes proactive measures to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Before embarking on a camping trip, she considers the worst-case scenarios, such as an injury in a remote area without mobile service.
To enhance her safety, MacBain has invested in technology, upgrading her iPhone to ensure it has emergency satellite connectivity. “I always tell somebody where I am, especially if there’s not going to be any phone signal,” she explains. In addition, she carries extra food, water, and a power bank to ensure she can stay connected and nourished.
MacBain acknowledges the importance of emergency services in her region, expressing confidence in their ability to respond should she need assistance. “We’ve got good emergency services, and we’re very lucky to have those rescue services,” she affirms. This sense of security allows her to wholeheartedly embrace her passion for the great outdoors.
Through her TikTok account, Fiona MacBain not only showcases the beauty of the Scottish Highlands but also aims to encourage others to face their fears and explore nature. Her journey from fear to empowerment serves as a reminder of the personal growth that can come from confronting one’s anxieties and embracing the adventure that lies beyond the comfort zone.