About Us
Highland Fling isn’t just a piece of land, it’s a heartfelt project led by a family with deep love for nature, birds, and the communities of Eswatini.
Who We Are
A Life Rooted in Africa
I’m not sure if there’s a single place in Eswatini that Gordon hasn’t explored on foot. His deep love for African cultures and traditional artifacts has taken him across the continent—from South Africa all the way to Egypt. When we made Eswatini our home in 1989 Gordon became interested in Swazi history and culture.
He spent years traveling the country, visiting rural homesteads and sitting with elderly craftsmen—listening, learning, and documenting their stories and skills. Along the way, he began collecting traditional Swazi artifacts and preserving the knowledge behind them.
What started as a personal passion grew into something far greater: a remarkable collection and a wealth of cultural insight that would eventually become a book, Sicebile—the only publication dedicated entirely to the material culture of Eswatini—was Gordon’s way of honouring the people, traditions, and artistry he encountered on his journey.
Our Journey
How Highland Fling Began
We’d been toying with the idea of finding a small piece of land— for quite some time, somewhere quiet, away from the noise and pace of everyday life.
We came across a property listing in the local paper, in an area we liked. It wasn’t exactly what we were after, but we were curious about the location
What we found took us completely by surprise. Standing there, looking out over the open landscape, we were struck by its beauty—wide, rolling hills and a feeling of space that went on forever. In that moment, the idea of a modest homestead gave way to something bigger. A new vision started to take shape, and it’s been growing ever since.
The landscape captivated us—rocky outcrops, dense vegetation, tangled bush, and birdsong in every direction. There were no roads, no fences, no electricity—just raw, untouched wilderness. It was more than we ever expected to find.
That day marked the beginning of something much bigger than we’d imagined. And now, as we start shaping the future of this land, we’d love for you to be part of the journey.
There’s a long road ahead, and it won’t be without its challenges. But we’re committed to creating something lasting—a refuge for nature, a place to explore and learn, and a space where people can slow down and reconnect with the wild.
Why the Name “Highland Fling”
You might be wondering why we chose the name Highland Fling for our nature reserve in Eswatini—an unusual choice for an African landscape!
The name is a tribute to our Scottish heritage and a deep love for the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. While Scotland and Eswatini are worlds apart, they share something special—vast open horizons, endless blue skies, and winding rivers that weave through rolling hills.
Highland Fling is also the name of an ancient Scottish dance, once performed by warriors as a victory celebration after battle. Owning this stunning piece of land, nestled in a protected landscape, is our own victory—a dream turned reality.
We invite you to be part of our journey.
“Every sunrise is a celebration, and every step is a dance with nature.”
Our Community Work
Conservation & Compassion
For more than a decade the Crawford’s have supported local churches and families in Eswatini’s Lowveld region – through monthly food parcels, church construction, pastoral support and more.
In partnership with the McCauley’s, their nonprofit initiative serves over 200 vulnerable children and elderly people. This work isn’t just part of what they do, it’s who they are.
“Rooted in love, guided by faith, and committed to Eswatini’s people.”
