This morning I took a taxi to the Queen street station in Glasgow for the trip to Dumfermline. I purchased my ticket and 10 minutes later was on my way to Haymarket where I changed trains, so far .....all well. It wouldn't be normal if there wasn’t a snag! I pressed the button on the platform to speak to an agent as the overhead electronic readout did not show a stop for Dumfermline Queen Margaret! I watched it run around three times to make sure I hadn’t missed it. I decided to get on anyway. While on the train I phoned Mike and Helen to tell them the above......ten minutes later the ticket checker comes by and I explain all of the above to him......right, this train DOES stop at Queen Margaret. It’s too late I think to call Mike and say I can get to Q Margaret. The train goes over the iconic red Firth of Forth bridge, .....my first that I can remember. You can see a little plot of houses below on the Fife side.
Back at the cousins I’m greeted very warmly by Helen.( she looks like me as well! ) after putting my stuff in my room we sit out in the garden ( more great Scottish weather) we chat like we’ve been friends for years. Mike disappears inside to make lunch, we ar3 called in to eat as it is actually too hot to sit outside. The lunch, sandwiches, warm sausage rolls, coffee and biscuits was delicious! More chatting and we leave for a car ride to Queensferry where Helenwas raised. It’s not far, just over the new Firth bridge. The old street of Queensferry runs along the shore of the river basically under the iconic Firth of Forth. It was very busy with foot traffic as it is a major tourist attraction, and it’s a sunny Sunday. We are joined by Craig (Helen and Mikes son) and his partner Allan. We walk the whole length of the riverfront and bump into cousin Allan’s daughter who is just leaving his place. We decide to ring him up and out he comes to sit and chat a wee bit ( he is not feeling great so we don’t stay long). I had had a good visit with him at the earlier cousin dinner. He is so like his dad, my uncle George, my dad’s brother. I still have to pinch myself, relatives pop up everywhere! I have a hard time keeping them all straight.
We go to a pub one block up from the high street for supper. Back at Helen and Mikes we relax and continue yakking. Later on we have a bit to eat, a cup of tea and end the evening.
Amazing holiday !
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Friday, May 11, 2018
Glasgow
This morning the tour group is dispersing and I am moving to another hotel. I have a full breakfast at the Radisson and leave my suitcase with the concierge while I do a little wander on one of Glasgow’s biggest shopping streets. I found it amusing they also have a dollar store, only they call it the pound store! I come back to the Radisson and sit awhile in the foyer and soon Claire from New Zealand comes in and sits down to chat. She is off on another tour and will be coming through Vancouver for a few days in early July and will look me up. Next in blows two of the guys from the tour....one is going home to Oregon and the other is off touring for an indefinite period. We all say goodbye for the third time at least. I collect my suitcase and the concierge calls me a “hack” . I thought that was a New York term but I guess they use it here also. I’m off to the Argyle Hotel to be near the Kelvingrove Art Museum for the exhibition I’m going to tonight. I check in early as my room is ready, I make a cup of tea and unpack. I decided I would go over to the Museum and check out where exactly to go this evening. The Art Gallery and Museum is in a magnificent old building and I go to information to find out about tonight. Good thing I did, as it is outside in The tents and the museum will be closed.
I start my own tour and find a room dedicated to a group named The Glasgow Boys, I think possibly the last died in the 1940’s. They were beautiful Painters (20 in number ) and I will have to read up on them. There was also a group called the Glasgow Girls, although there were not as many of them and they were not as well known. I found another room with French impressionists, there were quite a few paintings I had not seen before of Monets, Van Gohs, Coret, Morriset. I was about to leave when I spied a room with Scottish Painters, getting tired and wanting to go back to my hotel before returning for the evening I went to information to inquire is they had any John Petties. Indeed they did said the volunteer at the desk! She directed me back upstairs to my ancestors painting. I was able to take a photo this time. I am thinking that each time I visit an art gallery in the UK I had best ask if they have any John Petties!
I walk back to my hotel which takes less than 5 minutes and have another cup of tea. I had planned to dress up for the event but due to the weather which was drizzley, I decided to stay in my jeans. When I arrived my name was NOT on the guest list! After a short discussion the fellow not allowing me in decided he would go speak to the Dancing Light Gallery who had sent me the invite....then he changed his mind and said ...oh go in. Geez! It was about 6:20 by now so I thought I’d better go first to where I expected Julie to be in case she didn’t stay for the duration. I helped myself to a glass of Champagne and I was off! Julie wasn’t there yet but the Dancing Light girl seemed delighted to meet me. (We had conversed by email). After chatting with her for awhile I set off around the rows to check out the art. It was extremely crowded. Time went on and Julie had not appeared, we were starting to get concerned as she had said she was on her way. To make a long story short she never arrived, she had gotten lost driving to Glasgow from her small town of Langholm. She was upset and frustrated and ended up going home. Dancing light girl felt very bad for me and a couple of other girls that had come especially to meet Julie, so she insisted of taking my photo in front of Julie’s large painting to show her I had been there. It was disappointing but on the bright side I discovered a lot of interesting art, spoke to several artists about their work and picked up quite a few artist cards.
I walked back to the Argyle in light rain........end of evening! Tomorrow I will be with my cousin Helen and her husband and will maybe see some other cousins. I will be taking the train from Glasgow to Waverley Station in Edinburgh then getting a second train to Dumfermline.
Cherrio the noo!
I start my own tour and find a room dedicated to a group named The Glasgow Boys, I think possibly the last died in the 1940’s. They were beautiful Painters (20 in number ) and I will have to read up on them. There was also a group called the Glasgow Girls, although there were not as many of them and they were not as well known. I found another room with French impressionists, there were quite a few paintings I had not seen before of Monets, Van Gohs, Coret, Morriset. I was about to leave when I spied a room with Scottish Painters, getting tired and wanting to go back to my hotel before returning for the evening I went to information to inquire is they had any John Petties. Indeed they did said the volunteer at the desk! She directed me back upstairs to my ancestors painting. I was able to take a photo this time. I am thinking that each time I visit an art gallery in the UK I had best ask if they have any John Petties!
I walk back to my hotel which takes less than 5 minutes and have another cup of tea. I had planned to dress up for the event but due to the weather which was drizzley, I decided to stay in my jeans. When I arrived my name was NOT on the guest list! After a short discussion the fellow not allowing me in decided he would go speak to the Dancing Light Gallery who had sent me the invite....then he changed his mind and said ...oh go in. Geez! It was about 6:20 by now so I thought I’d better go first to where I expected Julie to be in case she didn’t stay for the duration. I helped myself to a glass of Champagne and I was off! Julie wasn’t there yet but the Dancing Light girl seemed delighted to meet me. (We had conversed by email). After chatting with her for awhile I set off around the rows to check out the art. It was extremely crowded. Time went on and Julie had not appeared, we were starting to get concerned as she had said she was on her way. To make a long story short she never arrived, she had gotten lost driving to Glasgow from her small town of Langholm. She was upset and frustrated and ended up going home. Dancing light girl felt very bad for me and a couple of other girls that had come especially to meet Julie, so she insisted of taking my photo in front of Julie’s large painting to show her I had been there. It was disappointing but on the bright side I discovered a lot of interesting art, spoke to several artists about their work and picked up quite a few artist cards.
I walked back to the Argyle in light rain........end of evening! Tomorrow I will be with my cousin Helen and her husband and will maybe see some other cousins. I will be taking the train from Glasgow to Waverley Station in Edinburgh then getting a second train to Dumfermline.
Cherrio the noo!
Inverary , Loch Lomond and Glasgow
We were off towards Glasgow today with a stop at Inveraray. We left Craignure for our final ferry back to the mainland. Inveraray is on the coast and there is a woollen mill there. I was meeting up with a dear friend and her partner. Jane and I met when Jeff and I were on a motorcycle trip in Texas. We were staying at a resort in Lajitas, Jane was as well. She was/is from South End on Sea, England. She was travelling alone which I thought was very brave! Now here I am .....sort of! Anyway Jane and Brian are in the area around Oban where she is currently teaching Scottish cooking to guests, while Brian takes them on cultural trips around the area, and KAYAK trips. We met up and caught up over a cuppa in a cafe, I think it was called The Scullery. An hour went by pretty quickly and I was the last one back to the bus! I hate to be last as you are acknowledged by a hearty clap by everyone as you make your way to your seat. The walk of shame, in good fun.
Our next stop is Doune Castle where much of Outlander was filmed, we spent an hour wandering about the castle, many rooms familiar from the series.
The scenery was so picturesque (Trossacks area) as we made our way I really thought it was the best yet. There were so many sheep in lush green rolling pastures, I decided to just enjoy them instead of taking more blurry photos! We came to Loch Lomond a large loch over 27 miles long. Over the stereo came The Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, many were singing along. This ballad, loved the world over is most often sung at funerals as it is believed that if you are born in Scotland your soul will come back here. My memory as I listened, was of my mum playing it on the piano and singing. I often think of how she didn’t want to come to Canada in the beginning, but came to love it. She still kept the house filled with her Scottish 78 lp’s. I got a big lump in my throat and my eyes were watering! We were getting off the bus! The driver, who was Scottish, knew right away and said a few sympathetic words.....my undoing! I’m not a pretty cryer, am I family?! I think also I knew my journey was coming to an end.
On our way again we stopped in a layby to take a photo of Stirling castle from the back. It sits high on a cliff and looks similar to Edinburgh castle.
We arrive at our hotel, the Radisson, a five star! Dinner with our fellow travelers, many fine people.
Breakfast tomorrow will be our final goodbyes.
I will be spending one more night in Glasgow, a hotel closer to the museum/art gallery where I will attend a private showing of the works of Julie Dumbarton..
Then I travel back to Edinburgh for a final two days with family.
Our next stop is Doune Castle where much of Outlander was filmed, we spent an hour wandering about the castle, many rooms familiar from the series.
The scenery was so picturesque (Trossacks area) as we made our way I really thought it was the best yet. There were so many sheep in lush green rolling pastures, I decided to just enjoy them instead of taking more blurry photos! We came to Loch Lomond a large loch over 27 miles long. Over the stereo came The Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, many were singing along. This ballad, loved the world over is most often sung at funerals as it is believed that if you are born in Scotland your soul will come back here. My memory as I listened, was of my mum playing it on the piano and singing. I often think of how she didn’t want to come to Canada in the beginning, but came to love it. She still kept the house filled with her Scottish 78 lp’s. I got a big lump in my throat and my eyes were watering! We were getting off the bus! The driver, who was Scottish, knew right away and said a few sympathetic words.....my undoing! I’m not a pretty cryer, am I family?! I think also I knew my journey was coming to an end.
On our way again we stopped in a layby to take a photo of Stirling castle from the back. It sits high on a cliff and looks similar to Edinburgh castle.
We arrive at our hotel, the Radisson, a five star! Dinner with our fellow travelers, many fine people.
Breakfast tomorrow will be our final goodbyes.
I will be spending one more night in Glasgow, a hotel closer to the museum/art gallery where I will attend a private showing of the works of Julie Dumbarton..
Then I travel back to Edinburgh for a final two days with family.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Isles of Mull and Iona ........May 9/2018
Today was to be leisurely and relaxing while enjoying the best of the western isles.
I don’t think I have commented much on the excellent food we have experienced. Breakfast most often has everything you could imagine including the Scottish specialties of black pudding and haggis, porridge with a whiskey bottle along with the honey and maple syrup. I’ve indulged in the excellent porridge most days, minus the whiskey.
Our day started driving from Craignure to Fionnphort where we would catch the ferry to Iona. This is basically a drive from one end of southern Mull to the other all along the coast. A light rain was falling, nothing to be concerned about. Our guide Matthew, has a history major and a passion for geography (and twitching). We get his running commentary “all right troops, okay doky” and we learn more about the isle of Mull. Our driver a fine Scottish man named Mark, affectionally called “pinky” is a first class guy and an excellent driver manoeuvring his bus on narrow roads. We feel very fortunate to be in their care.
Tourism is the number one industry, also forestry, farming of sheep and cows (coos!) . We pass a large mussel farm in a loch where they harvest 10,000 lbs a week. These mussels are prized by chefs all over the world as the water in which they grow gives them a delectable flavour, sea water from the Atlantic diluted by melting snow. Birding or “twitching” which I have mentioned previously is big, 3 varieties of eagles nest here, including the massive white tailed eagle, introduced to Mull, they now have 75 pairs.
On Mull there are many lochs, 3 beside each other are the Bull, the Cow, and the Calf. The tallest mountain on Mull is Ben Mor at 3,000 ft. When it blew 59 million years ago leaving a chain of volcanic sites throughout the Hebrides including Skye, St Kilda.
In comparison Iona is 3,000 million years old! Iona is a little island only 3 miles square. It used to be attached to North America, when the tectonic plates moved millions of years ago separating the land into modern day N. America and Europe and creating the Atlantic Ocean. The split occurred near Inverness in the west of Scotland.
Some well known celebrities have homes on Mull, Paul McCartney (he composed Mull of Kintyre here), Elton John, Phil Collins, AC/DC, John Lennon also stayed here many times and was well loved by the islanders, who created a memorial garden honouring him when he passed away.
The Isle of Mull has only primary school, for secondary education students travel to Oban.
We arrived in Fionnport for the 12 minute ferry ride to Iona where we will visit a nunnery and the Abbey.. the sea is wild, rain is blowing horizontal. I am minus one umbrella as the wind blew it to bits snapping even the metal frame! We were told the ferry would likely not be running later on if it didn’t clear.
So we were on the island but would we get off? Most of the group pushed their way through the wind and rain to the Abbey. It truly was worth the weather , solid brick inside and out . It is still in use by the island residents today. The nunnery is in complete ruin. We did see one highland cow. What we learned about these beasts that people love and visit Scotland to see. They are very intelligent contrary to some beliefs. They eat a diet of Heather which gives their meat a prized flavour low in cholesterol, they never need to see the vet. Farmers are starting to breed them with black angus cows. They live outdoors 12 months a year. Cows and sheep are out in fields together as farmers found the coos defend the sheep against the fox. The bulls weigh up to 1500 lbs and have horns that can gore a fox. Coos are not called a herd but a fold.
The isle of Iona has been the preferred burial place for kings and clan leaders; being that it was built on volcanic rock it was deemed very stable. During the highland clearances the English destroyed the headstones and tossed them in the sea. On a grassy mound buried are McBeth and McLeod, powerful clans. Iona is credited as being the birthplace of Christianity .
We made our way off the isle of Iona, the ferry bobbing like a child’s toy on a very rough sea. The docking on what was a sloped concrete boat launch was tricky taking quite a few tries to get in straight. Back in the tour bus we continued to our hotel. An optional visit to Duart Castle, the 13century home of the MacLean clan, one of the last surviving privately owned castles, the home of Clan Chief Sir lachlan Maclean.
Dinner was at 7:30 and it was first class.
Tomorrow is our last day with a visit to Inverary on the way to Glasgow.
My blogging of my Scottish adventure will be coming to an end in a few days time, i have tried to make sure it is correct in English grammar and spelling.....where it is not, I blame the computer for taking licence!
Cherrio. Xo
I don’t think I have commented much on the excellent food we have experienced. Breakfast most often has everything you could imagine including the Scottish specialties of black pudding and haggis, porridge with a whiskey bottle along with the honey and maple syrup. I’ve indulged in the excellent porridge most days, minus the whiskey.
Our day started driving from Craignure to Fionnphort where we would catch the ferry to Iona. This is basically a drive from one end of southern Mull to the other all along the coast. A light rain was falling, nothing to be concerned about. Our guide Matthew, has a history major and a passion for geography (and twitching). We get his running commentary “all right troops, okay doky” and we learn more about the isle of Mull. Our driver a fine Scottish man named Mark, affectionally called “pinky” is a first class guy and an excellent driver manoeuvring his bus on narrow roads. We feel very fortunate to be in their care.
Tourism is the number one industry, also forestry, farming of sheep and cows (coos!) . We pass a large mussel farm in a loch where they harvest 10,000 lbs a week. These mussels are prized by chefs all over the world as the water in which they grow gives them a delectable flavour, sea water from the Atlantic diluted by melting snow. Birding or “twitching” which I have mentioned previously is big, 3 varieties of eagles nest here, including the massive white tailed eagle, introduced to Mull, they now have 75 pairs.
On Mull there are many lochs, 3 beside each other are the Bull, the Cow, and the Calf. The tallest mountain on Mull is Ben Mor at 3,000 ft. When it blew 59 million years ago leaving a chain of volcanic sites throughout the Hebrides including Skye, St Kilda.
In comparison Iona is 3,000 million years old! Iona is a little island only 3 miles square. It used to be attached to North America, when the tectonic plates moved millions of years ago separating the land into modern day N. America and Europe and creating the Atlantic Ocean. The split occurred near Inverness in the west of Scotland.
Some well known celebrities have homes on Mull, Paul McCartney (he composed Mull of Kintyre here), Elton John, Phil Collins, AC/DC, John Lennon also stayed here many times and was well loved by the islanders, who created a memorial garden honouring him when he passed away.
The Isle of Mull has only primary school, for secondary education students travel to Oban.
We arrived in Fionnport for the 12 minute ferry ride to Iona where we will visit a nunnery and the Abbey.. the sea is wild, rain is blowing horizontal. I am minus one umbrella as the wind blew it to bits snapping even the metal frame! We were told the ferry would likely not be running later on if it didn’t clear.
So we were on the island but would we get off? Most of the group pushed their way through the wind and rain to the Abbey. It truly was worth the weather , solid brick inside and out . It is still in use by the island residents today. The nunnery is in complete ruin. We did see one highland cow. What we learned about these beasts that people love and visit Scotland to see. They are very intelligent contrary to some beliefs. They eat a diet of Heather which gives their meat a prized flavour low in cholesterol, they never need to see the vet. Farmers are starting to breed them with black angus cows. They live outdoors 12 months a year. Cows and sheep are out in fields together as farmers found the coos defend the sheep against the fox. The bulls weigh up to 1500 lbs and have horns that can gore a fox. Coos are not called a herd but a fold.
The isle of Iona has been the preferred burial place for kings and clan leaders; being that it was built on volcanic rock it was deemed very stable. During the highland clearances the English destroyed the headstones and tossed them in the sea. On a grassy mound buried are McBeth and McLeod, powerful clans. Iona is credited as being the birthplace of Christianity .
We made our way off the isle of Iona, the ferry bobbing like a child’s toy on a very rough sea. The docking on what was a sloped concrete boat launch was tricky taking quite a few tries to get in straight. Back in the tour bus we continued to our hotel. An optional visit to Duart Castle, the 13century home of the MacLean clan, one of the last surviving privately owned castles, the home of Clan Chief Sir lachlan Maclean.
Dinner was at 7:30 and it was first class.
Tomorrow is our last day with a visit to Inverary on the way to Glasgow.
My blogging of my Scottish adventure will be coming to an end in a few days time, i have tried to make sure it is correct in English grammar and spelling.....where it is not, I blame the computer for taking licence!
Cherrio. Xo
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan, Isle of Mull ........May 8/18
Happy Birthday to our dear niece Jillian!
Today we were expecting some Scottish mist, which we got! It actually required an umbrella this morning for a short while. Still on Skye we were visiting the Armadale Castle, gardens and museum. The grounds are in a woodland setting, with beautiful old stone bridges with burns running underneath, Azaleas, birch, ferns, ponds, gravel pathways and graceful mossy trees. All in a very quiet setting. The castle itself is in a state of ruins and is dangerous to visit, it must have been grand in its day. The estate was formerly the seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat. It is now run by a charitable trust dedicated to promoting the traditions and history of the Clan and Highlands and Islands. The gardens date in part to the 1790’s, many remarkable species are represented. The museum takes one through 1500 yrs of history and culture, in over 7000 books. There are of course not one but two gift shops, with top quality highland crafts. At every stop I have been impressed with the quality of the goods, they are made in Scotland not China or elsewhere.
Leaving Skye We boarded our ferry to take us across the Sound of Sleat to the isle of Mallaig. On Mallaig we visit Glendinning with its viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter films. We do see the steam train, although not when it was actually on the bridge.
There is also a tall monument with a soldier statue at the top. One is permitted to climb the narrow stone stairs to the viewing platform if they do not suffer from vertigo. The site is maintained by a Canadian group associated with Glenfinnan. Soon we have driven to the end of Mallaig and are boarding another ferry in Lochaline for the 15 minute trip to the Isle of Mull! The announcem3nt about safety regulations is made in Gaelic. We disembark at Fishnish. Once back on land we are again driving on roads so narrow the bus takes up the whole width, fortunately everyone seems to operate the frequent passing places very well. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking!!! You’d never find greener pastures anywhere, or whiter sheep! Braes that slope down to the sea. There are fishing boats at work, mussel farms and ferry boats.
There is a Gaelic university on Mull that does an exchange with the Gaelic university in Cape Breton Nova Scotia. The Mull university has 600 full time students. The highland language is experiencing renewed interest with it being taught in many highland island schools. Many road signs in the aisles are also in Gaelic.
Mull is known as the “twitcher” capital of the British Isles.....this means birding is huge! They have a few varieties of very large eagles, oyster catchers, hawks, buzzards and others.
We stop for a walkabout in the capital town of Tobermoray, a picturesque place on the sea, each building on the Main Street of town painted a bright primary colour. On the seafront there stands an old red pillar post box, with the royal insignia, one of 6 left in all of the British isles. Everyone wandered about the shops and sat in the sun admiring the view, or enjoying ice cream.
We arrived at our hotel about 6 pm and met in the dining room for 7 pm dinner. There were 3 selections each , 3 starters, 3 mains, 3 desserts. The food was excellent! After dinner tea and coffee is served in the lounge. We were treated to a concert from the Isle of Mull & Iona Pipe Band. Young pipers and drummers, The youngest piper a lad of 11. I spoke to the acting pipe major at the finish of the piping. I said I was from Canada and that we had a very good pipe band, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band who I knew had taken first place at the world Highland games in Glasgow some years ago. A friend of ours had a son in the band. Well, the pipe major knew all about the Canadian band and proceeded to sing the praises and tell of the many awards this Canadian band had won. He called them by far the best in the world!
It was another great day. Our guide Matthew is promising heiland coos and lambs tomorrow!
Today we were expecting some Scottish mist, which we got! It actually required an umbrella this morning for a short while. Still on Skye we were visiting the Armadale Castle, gardens and museum. The grounds are in a woodland setting, with beautiful old stone bridges with burns running underneath, Azaleas, birch, ferns, ponds, gravel pathways and graceful mossy trees. All in a very quiet setting. The castle itself is in a state of ruins and is dangerous to visit, it must have been grand in its day. The estate was formerly the seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat. It is now run by a charitable trust dedicated to promoting the traditions and history of the Clan and Highlands and Islands. The gardens date in part to the 1790’s, many remarkable species are represented. The museum takes one through 1500 yrs of history and culture, in over 7000 books. There are of course not one but two gift shops, with top quality highland crafts. At every stop I have been impressed with the quality of the goods, they are made in Scotland not China or elsewhere.
Leaving Skye We boarded our ferry to take us across the Sound of Sleat to the isle of Mallaig. On Mallaig we visit Glendinning with its viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter films. We do see the steam train, although not when it was actually on the bridge.
There is also a tall monument with a soldier statue at the top. One is permitted to climb the narrow stone stairs to the viewing platform if they do not suffer from vertigo. The site is maintained by a Canadian group associated with Glenfinnan. Soon we have driven to the end of Mallaig and are boarding another ferry in Lochaline for the 15 minute trip to the Isle of Mull! The announcem3nt about safety regulations is made in Gaelic. We disembark at Fishnish. Once back on land we are again driving on roads so narrow the bus takes up the whole width, fortunately everyone seems to operate the frequent passing places very well. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking!!! You’d never find greener pastures anywhere, or whiter sheep! Braes that slope down to the sea. There are fishing boats at work, mussel farms and ferry boats.
There is a Gaelic university on Mull that does an exchange with the Gaelic university in Cape Breton Nova Scotia. The Mull university has 600 full time students. The highland language is experiencing renewed interest with it being taught in many highland island schools. Many road signs in the aisles are also in Gaelic.
Mull is known as the “twitcher” capital of the British Isles.....this means birding is huge! They have a few varieties of very large eagles, oyster catchers, hawks, buzzards and others.
We stop for a walkabout in the capital town of Tobermoray, a picturesque place on the sea, each building on the Main Street of town painted a bright primary colour. On the seafront there stands an old red pillar post box, with the royal insignia, one of 6 left in all of the British isles. Everyone wandered about the shops and sat in the sun admiring the view, or enjoying ice cream.
We arrived at our hotel about 6 pm and met in the dining room for 7 pm dinner. There were 3 selections each , 3 starters, 3 mains, 3 desserts. The food was excellent! After dinner tea and coffee is served in the lounge. We were treated to a concert from the Isle of Mull & Iona Pipe Band. Young pipers and drummers, The youngest piper a lad of 11. I spoke to the acting pipe major at the finish of the piping. I said I was from Canada and that we had a very good pipe band, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band who I knew had taken first place at the world Highland games in Glasgow some years ago. A friend of ours had a son in the band. Well, the pipe major knew all about the Canadian band and proceeded to sing the praises and tell of the many awards this Canadian band had won. He called them by far the best in the world!
It was another great day. Our guide Matthew is promising heiland coos and lambs tomorrow!
Monday, May 7, 2018
Exploring the Isle of Skye ,......may 7/2018
Today was a day of discovering what Skye has to offer. It is reputed to be the most popular part of Scotland for tourists. Skye has a population of approximately 8,000 residents. There is now a bridge to Skye, previously one had to get there by ferry, this has meant more tourists, more big motor coaches and a higher price for the real estate.
The landscape is striking, weird rock formations and dramatic waterfalls are to be ooh and ahh-ed over as we drive around the Trotternish Peninsula.
We stop to visit the museum of island life, where there are several thatched cottages, complete with peat fires burning and a domestic scene is depicted in the two room crofts. On the same site there is an important cemetery where the fashion designer Steve McQueen was laid to rest. Another famous resident of the cemetery is Flora MacDonald, a highland heroine, who was the girlfriend of Bonnie Prince Charles. Her grave is marked with a large pillar of about 10feet in height and topped with the Celtic Cross. Flora was eventually captured by the British for her association with Bonnie Prince Charlie and held in a dungeon prison for a year before they realized she played a small relatively harmless part in the Bonnie Princes escape and they released her.
Continuing on the spectacular coastal route we stop at a waterfall for photos, the drop is around 200 impressive feet. There are two artists with easels set up and I stop to chat with them both. One is painting in oils, one in watercolour. I took a few photos of both the artists and their works. I also told them about the Pearly Girls who Paint!
Next stop is the town of Portree, the Ilse of Skye capital. We have 1 1/2 hours to walk the town and have a bite of lunch. There is a bit of scotch mist in the air, nothing that required an umbrella though. Portree has a pretty and colourful waterfront. The town is built on a hill that slopes down toward the harbour. There are a lot of shops selling highland goods, scarves, kilts, art, tea towels and the like. We thought the quality was high and prices reasonable.
We were hoping to get a glimpse of the Old Man of Storr. This is a series of rugged peaks the main one being 185’ high and having a diameter of 40’ . He is often shrouded in mist, we were lucky that the mist today merely enhanced the view. Carrying on further we stopped back at the hotel very briefly then continued on to the most photographed castle in Scotland. Eilean Donan castle is surrounded by both loch and mountains. We were toured around by 3 different guides who explained the history, originally owned by the McKenzie clan, then destroyed by fire and re-built by the McRae clan. The setting is very impressive, the interior is beautifully kept and portraits of the family members are on the walls. The castle is in the National Trust and can be booked for events like weddings. Again i stress it is so beneficial to have a guide, they are so knowledgeable about their subject. We left the castle to go a few Miles down the road to the Clathan Pub for a beverage.
On our trip back to our hotel we rode by a thatched roof cottage that guide Matthew told us had recently undergone extensive repair, during the repair two guns were found in the roof , they were stamped with a date 270 years ago. True story. Another bit of info re Thatching, to become a Master Thatcher requires a 6 year apprenticeship, similar to what it takes to become skilled in building the stone walls you see criss crossing British fields everywhere. I’m so glad the old trades are still being taught and kept in practice.
Lastly, someone asked in the comments if the wealthy Duke I mentioned was married. Sadly yes, he is!
Tomorrow will be another adventure in my homeland! So much to see!
The landscape is striking, weird rock formations and dramatic waterfalls are to be ooh and ahh-ed over as we drive around the Trotternish Peninsula.
We stop to visit the museum of island life, where there are several thatched cottages, complete with peat fires burning and a domestic scene is depicted in the two room crofts. On the same site there is an important cemetery where the fashion designer Steve McQueen was laid to rest. Another famous resident of the cemetery is Flora MacDonald, a highland heroine, who was the girlfriend of Bonnie Prince Charles. Her grave is marked with a large pillar of about 10feet in height and topped with the Celtic Cross. Flora was eventually captured by the British for her association with Bonnie Prince Charlie and held in a dungeon prison for a year before they realized she played a small relatively harmless part in the Bonnie Princes escape and they released her.
Continuing on the spectacular coastal route we stop at a waterfall for photos, the drop is around 200 impressive feet. There are two artists with easels set up and I stop to chat with them both. One is painting in oils, one in watercolour. I took a few photos of both the artists and their works. I also told them about the Pearly Girls who Paint!
Next stop is the town of Portree, the Ilse of Skye capital. We have 1 1/2 hours to walk the town and have a bite of lunch. There is a bit of scotch mist in the air, nothing that required an umbrella though. Portree has a pretty and colourful waterfront. The town is built on a hill that slopes down toward the harbour. There are a lot of shops selling highland goods, scarves, kilts, art, tea towels and the like. We thought the quality was high and prices reasonable.
We were hoping to get a glimpse of the Old Man of Storr. This is a series of rugged peaks the main one being 185’ high and having a diameter of 40’ . He is often shrouded in mist, we were lucky that the mist today merely enhanced the view. Carrying on further we stopped back at the hotel very briefly then continued on to the most photographed castle in Scotland. Eilean Donan castle is surrounded by both loch and mountains. We were toured around by 3 different guides who explained the history, originally owned by the McKenzie clan, then destroyed by fire and re-built by the McRae clan. The setting is very impressive, the interior is beautifully kept and portraits of the family members are on the walls. The castle is in the National Trust and can be booked for events like weddings. Again i stress it is so beneficial to have a guide, they are so knowledgeable about their subject. We left the castle to go a few Miles down the road to the Clathan Pub for a beverage.
On our trip back to our hotel we rode by a thatched roof cottage that guide Matthew told us had recently undergone extensive repair, during the repair two guns were found in the roof , they were stamped with a date 270 years ago. True story. Another bit of info re Thatching, to become a Master Thatcher requires a 6 year apprenticeship, similar to what it takes to become skilled in building the stone walls you see criss crossing British fields everywhere. I’m so glad the old trades are still being taught and kept in practice.
Lastly, someone asked in the comments if the wealthy Duke I mentioned was married. Sadly yes, he is!
Tomorrow will be another adventure in my homeland! So much to see!
Sunday, May 6, 2018
๐ถOver the Sea to Skye ๐ถ
We left Thurso at 10 minutes to 8 this morning, a lot of ground to cover today. We were promised breathtaking wild and unspoiled scenery. The northern coast is lined with miles of yellow sand beaches and pretty estuaries. The hills and mountains at present time are covered in brown (dormant) Heather and bright yellow gorse. One can imagine how the hills will be bursting with colours of pink, purple and shades in between by July and August.
We come upon the town of Forss which is half way between Washington DC and Moscow Russia. Nearby at Dunreay is an object that looks like a massive golf ball; it is the remains of a observation nuclear plant, which was monitored for acts of war.
The road we are travelling is known as the North Coast 500, often you see exotic sports cars, they love it’s winding way, free of Bobbys’ it is Scotland’s Route 66. Globus are the only tours that drive this route. The road is very narrow, in fact our coach takes up the whole width. There are frequent passing places, not an actual,lane but a slightly wider area where one, either you or the oncoming traffic, can pull aside to go by each other. It seemed to work really well. We saw quite a few motorbikes, bicyclists, and a few racing cars.
The weather today was mainly misty with intermittent light showers. It was me and my seatmates turn for a front of the bus seat. You would think this would be the premier seat for taking photographs.....not so, the occasional wipers, drivers mirrors inside and out get in the way, and the weather caused reflections that ended up in your photo. I am still craving lamb and heiland coo pictures! From what we have observed the lambs are most active late in the afternoon, we will see 4 or 5 of them scampering around together.
As we drive along our guide Matthew educates us about everything Scotland, including his diinteresting anecdotes. While telling us about a court case of a fellow who lived in “these” parts he explained how Scottish law was different from English in that there are 15 jurors, not 12; and the sentences are, guilty, not guilty and not proven.....in which case the tried goes free.
As we drove over a cattle guard as we approached the village of Betty Hill he said the villagers had the guard installed to prevent the free roaming sheep from constantly coming into the village, but the sheep still came. It was discovered that the sheep just lay down and rolled over the guards. Matthew! We werent falling for that one! Or was I! I’m never sure.
Some patches of Heather appeared to look like there had been a fire. The heather is burned every 40 years, which is to put carbon in the soil, after a period new shoots grow right through the burn.
The highlands are wild and population is scattered with crofts here and there, churches near the sea are painted white to provide visibility to the fishing boats. The largest landowner in these parts is the current Duke of Westminster 27 years young, he owns 120,000 acres and has a worth of £8 billion.
The Isle of Skye is where Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to after the defeat at Culloden. The 3 months he was there the French were sending him funds (in hopes he could still make a comeback) the funds came in the form of gold nuggets stamped with the Fleur de Lis. Some of which were lost and never found. Several weeks ago (according to Matthew and Scottish newspapers) one turned up in the hoof of a cow who was in the open range, it had become wedged in his hoof, when it was removed it was identified by the Fleur de lis.
I haven’t said much if anything about my fellow travellers. We have seat rotation every day, we move forward by 2 rows, that way we all get to experience every seat. My seat mate is a lady from Toronto, we get along well. There are other Canadians from Saskatchewan, Burnaby, Ontario, .Quebec, Manitoba; Americans from Oregon, Wisconsin, New York, Iowa, Washington State, Texas and a New Zealander and 6 Auzzies.
All this happened before lunch.! Lunch was in Ullapool, population 950, one of the top fish and chip places in Scotland and it was good!! It as 6 pm when we arrived on the Isle of Skye, driving over the new road bridge. Skye is in the group of Isles known as the Inner Hebrides. There are a total of 790 isles off the Scottish coast that belong to Scotland.
We settled into our hotel the Dunollie which is the only hotel large enough to house 43 coach guests.
Dinner at 7 then tea and coffee in the lounge where a young boy of 16 entertained the guests on his squeeze box, the accordion which is an instrument still common in these parts. Scottish songs on the squeeze box sounded wonderful. Gay Gordens, waltzes, ones mum and dad and their friends, theWatson’s, Sinclair’s, Barr’s, Blaikies used to dance to. I wish I had been interested in dancing and learning with them.
Another long but amazing day.
Cherrio!
We come upon the town of Forss which is half way between Washington DC and Moscow Russia. Nearby at Dunreay is an object that looks like a massive golf ball; it is the remains of a observation nuclear plant, which was monitored for acts of war.
The road we are travelling is known as the North Coast 500, often you see exotic sports cars, they love it’s winding way, free of Bobbys’ it is Scotland’s Route 66. Globus are the only tours that drive this route. The road is very narrow, in fact our coach takes up the whole width. There are frequent passing places, not an actual,lane but a slightly wider area where one, either you or the oncoming traffic, can pull aside to go by each other. It seemed to work really well. We saw quite a few motorbikes, bicyclists, and a few racing cars.
The weather today was mainly misty with intermittent light showers. It was me and my seatmates turn for a front of the bus seat. You would think this would be the premier seat for taking photographs.....not so, the occasional wipers, drivers mirrors inside and out get in the way, and the weather caused reflections that ended up in your photo. I am still craving lamb and heiland coo pictures! From what we have observed the lambs are most active late in the afternoon, we will see 4 or 5 of them scampering around together.
As we drive along our guide Matthew educates us about everything Scotland, including his diinteresting anecdotes. While telling us about a court case of a fellow who lived in “these” parts he explained how Scottish law was different from English in that there are 15 jurors, not 12; and the sentences are, guilty, not guilty and not proven.....in which case the tried goes free.
As we drove over a cattle guard as we approached the village of Betty Hill he said the villagers had the guard installed to prevent the free roaming sheep from constantly coming into the village, but the sheep still came. It was discovered that the sheep just lay down and rolled over the guards. Matthew! We werent falling for that one! Or was I! I’m never sure.
Some patches of Heather appeared to look like there had been a fire. The heather is burned every 40 years, which is to put carbon in the soil, after a period new shoots grow right through the burn.
The highlands are wild and population is scattered with crofts here and there, churches near the sea are painted white to provide visibility to the fishing boats. The largest landowner in these parts is the current Duke of Westminster 27 years young, he owns 120,000 acres and has a worth of £8 billion.
The Isle of Skye is where Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to after the defeat at Culloden. The 3 months he was there the French were sending him funds (in hopes he could still make a comeback) the funds came in the form of gold nuggets stamped with the Fleur de Lis. Some of which were lost and never found. Several weeks ago (according to Matthew and Scottish newspapers) one turned up in the hoof of a cow who was in the open range, it had become wedged in his hoof, when it was removed it was identified by the Fleur de lis.
I haven’t said much if anything about my fellow travellers. We have seat rotation every day, we move forward by 2 rows, that way we all get to experience every seat. My seat mate is a lady from Toronto, we get along well. There are other Canadians from Saskatchewan, Burnaby, Ontario, .Quebec, Manitoba; Americans from Oregon, Wisconsin, New York, Iowa, Washington State, Texas and a New Zealander and 6 Auzzies.
All this happened before lunch.! Lunch was in Ullapool, population 950, one of the top fish and chip places in Scotland and it was good!! It as 6 pm when we arrived on the Isle of Skye, driving over the new road bridge. Skye is in the group of Isles known as the Inner Hebrides. There are a total of 790 isles off the Scottish coast that belong to Scotland.
We settled into our hotel the Dunollie which is the only hotel large enough to house 43 coach guests.
Dinner at 7 then tea and coffee in the lounge where a young boy of 16 entertained the guests on his squeeze box, the accordion which is an instrument still common in these parts. Scottish songs on the squeeze box sounded wonderful. Gay Gordens, waltzes, ones mum and dad and their friends, theWatson’s, Sinclair’s, Barr’s, Blaikies used to dance to. I wish I had been interested in dancing and learning with them.
Another long but amazing day.
Cherrio!
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Orkney Islands May 5/2018
A full day today as we were off at 7:50 to drive to basically the northern most end of Scotland.
We arrive at John O’Groats and board the foot passenger ferry to South Ronaldsay, Orkney. The sun is shining, for which we are eternally grateful. Many visitors to the islands are not so lucky, many not some, have lashings of rain or fog where they can’t see their finger in front of their face.
The ferry ride is 45 minutes, the Atlantic is fairly calm and a stiff breeze is blowing. A local coach is waiting for us. We start our journey on narrow roads past the occasional house/cottage seen on a parcel of green, many many sheep and lambs. I swear I have taken dozens of photos and have yet to land a suitable one of the lambs!
We cross what are known as the Churchill Barriers, of which there are four. They were built to keep out enemy ships during the war years, and they join the small islands together as there is a road on top. On one barrier we overlook Scapa Flow where the German Fleet scuttled itself in World War 1, three German battleships are still sunk at Scapa Flow, many others that were sunk were removed.
As well as learning the history of the islands we are entertained with stories from both our guide Matthew and our Drivers.....today we had a relief driver for Mark, who by law had to have a day off.
Johns story today was about how back in 1952-53 they experienced some ferocious winds, 190mph to be exact! 80,000 hens were blown off the island.....all the way to Norway. They still have hens, just not so many! The way he told it, it sounded true, but I’m not really sure.
On our route the Queen Mums castle is pointed out, she used to spend the better part of August here every year. In fact, due to her presence the road was paved and maintained. Nowadays Charles and Camilla visit The Orkney Islands annually and are judges for the Island Highland games.
We pass by a few standing stones, some very shaggy Shetland ponies, black lambs and a few highland coos! A visit to the award winning Orkney Brewery where we have a guided tour and a light lunch with samples of the local ale. One of the brew was awarded best in the world, others have won silver medals.
Perhaps the most impressive visit was to Skara Brae to see the remains of a 5,000 year old Neolithic village and visit Skaill House. This site was only unearthed 160 years ago, it is believed that buried under the site is up to at least two more sites. They can’t excavate the sites underneath without damage to the top/currently excavated one. Skara Brae sits on a hill (brae) with a view of the sea and a white sand beach, water you can see through it is so pure.
As if all we had seen wasn’t enough , there was still more! There was a prisoner of war camp on the island where Italians were incarcerated,mbeing Roman Catholic they built themselves a chapel, still in use today. Another highlight was the ring of standing stones called thecaring of Brodgar, known as the Orkneys Stonehenge. The best thing about the Ring of Brodgar is that you can walk right up to and around all the stones unlike Stonehenge in England where they must be viewed from a distance.
To my surprise another sighting which I didn’t expect......driving over one of the barriers...reaching the end there was a totem pole gifted to the island by the Haisla band of British Columbia!
We made our last stop at the picturesque town of Kirkwall, the island capital, for stroll, some shopping, an ice cream.
We returned for the ferry back to mainland Scotland. The crossing was not the gentle one we had in the morning, great waves tossed the boat about.
A lovely meal was ready for us back at our hotel the St. Clair.
Tomorrow it’s Skye, and ULLAPOOL!
We arrive at John O’Groats and board the foot passenger ferry to South Ronaldsay, Orkney. The sun is shining, for which we are eternally grateful. Many visitors to the islands are not so lucky, many not some, have lashings of rain or fog where they can’t see their finger in front of their face.
The ferry ride is 45 minutes, the Atlantic is fairly calm and a stiff breeze is blowing. A local coach is waiting for us. We start our journey on narrow roads past the occasional house/cottage seen on a parcel of green, many many sheep and lambs. I swear I have taken dozens of photos and have yet to land a suitable one of the lambs!
We cross what are known as the Churchill Barriers, of which there are four. They were built to keep out enemy ships during the war years, and they join the small islands together as there is a road on top. On one barrier we overlook Scapa Flow where the German Fleet scuttled itself in World War 1, three German battleships are still sunk at Scapa Flow, many others that were sunk were removed.
As well as learning the history of the islands we are entertained with stories from both our guide Matthew and our Drivers.....today we had a relief driver for Mark, who by law had to have a day off.
Johns story today was about how back in 1952-53 they experienced some ferocious winds, 190mph to be exact! 80,000 hens were blown off the island.....all the way to Norway. They still have hens, just not so many! The way he told it, it sounded true, but I’m not really sure.
On our route the Queen Mums castle is pointed out, she used to spend the better part of August here every year. In fact, due to her presence the road was paved and maintained. Nowadays Charles and Camilla visit The Orkney Islands annually and are judges for the Island Highland games.
We pass by a few standing stones, some very shaggy Shetland ponies, black lambs and a few highland coos! A visit to the award winning Orkney Brewery where we have a guided tour and a light lunch with samples of the local ale. One of the brew was awarded best in the world, others have won silver medals.
Perhaps the most impressive visit was to Skara Brae to see the remains of a 5,000 year old Neolithic village and visit Skaill House. This site was only unearthed 160 years ago, it is believed that buried under the site is up to at least two more sites. They can’t excavate the sites underneath without damage to the top/currently excavated one. Skara Brae sits on a hill (brae) with a view of the sea and a white sand beach, water you can see through it is so pure.
As if all we had seen wasn’t enough , there was still more! There was a prisoner of war camp on the island where Italians were incarcerated,mbeing Roman Catholic they built themselves a chapel, still in use today. Another highlight was the ring of standing stones called thecaring of Brodgar, known as the Orkneys Stonehenge. The best thing about the Ring of Brodgar is that you can walk right up to and around all the stones unlike Stonehenge in England where they must be viewed from a distance.
To my surprise another sighting which I didn’t expect......driving over one of the barriers...reaching the end there was a totem pole gifted to the island by the Haisla band of British Columbia!
We made our last stop at the picturesque town of Kirkwall, the island capital, for stroll, some shopping, an ice cream.
We returned for the ferry back to mainland Scotland. The crossing was not the gentle one we had in the morning, great waves tossed the boat about.
A lovely meal was ready for us back at our hotel the St. Clair.
Tomorrow it’s Skye, and ULLAPOOL!
Friday, May 4, 2018
Whiskey, Castles and Storyteller
This morning we left Inverness and arrived at the Glenmorangie Distillery for a 9:30am tour. The setting is perfect as so many settings are in Scotland. We passed over a “burn” on a narrow road to enter the property. Birds are singing, foliage is lush and the whiskey distillery is right on the coast of the North Sea. Our tour started with a young lass who was full,of humour as well as well schooled in the steps required to make the single malt whiskey. She gave full credit to the resources of water available. We toured and SMELLED the must and various other stages, including information on the oak barrels aging process and where it all came from, the various types of barley used. She certainly brought a dull subject (To me) to life.
We moved on to Sutherland County and Dunrobin castle. It is the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Family still live in apartments in the castle today (an elderly lady) and the current Earl has a modern house on the property. Dunrobin was built in 1275, and after a fire destroyed much of it, it was rebuilt in 1860 because Queen Victoria was coming to stay. The castle is not large by castle standards, the gardens are magnificent. The castle is situated sort of uphill from the gardens and walls. The area covers 1.5 million acres. The gardens are very English in style, orderly, with paths and with boxwood mazes. There is also a bird Center and show that lasts about one hour. The trainer is very engaging and full of humour! He lives in a house on the corner of the property with his family. His job is the birds, a white tailed eagle, an osprey, Harris hawks and an amazing owl. The owl was most interesting, he had found the owl when it had just been born, it weight about 3 ounces and was about 4 inches in length. By the time it was 3weeks old it was full size and weighed 5 lbs. . The story of how he trained it to fly and hunt was fascinating. Likewise with the other birds. The falcon was the other intriguing bird, wearing a leather hood. It would be an interesting subject to study. One day I will google Dunrobin Castle birds, and Owl called Cedar. The birds were all named for the trees where the bird guy found them.
We trundled further up into the highlands, narrow roads, rolling moors, More sheep and lambs, i swear some look like they were born 5 minutes ago!
We arrive in Thurso in the mid afternoon at the St Clair Hotel. Settle into our rooms and by 4:20 we were on the road again to a pub in a village close by.....The Old Smiddy Pub was our destination for a cayleigh. We were royally entertained by a Gaelic highlander who had a great sense of honour, and a lovely voice, he sang some Gaelic songs and introduced a young fellow who played the bagpipes for us. A few good laughs, some drink and back to the hotel for dinner and bed.
Tomorrow we will be on a small ferry to the Orkneys,
We moved on to Sutherland County and Dunrobin castle. It is the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Family still live in apartments in the castle today (an elderly lady) and the current Earl has a modern house on the property. Dunrobin was built in 1275, and after a fire destroyed much of it, it was rebuilt in 1860 because Queen Victoria was coming to stay. The castle is not large by castle standards, the gardens are magnificent. The castle is situated sort of uphill from the gardens and walls. The area covers 1.5 million acres. The gardens are very English in style, orderly, with paths and with boxwood mazes. There is also a bird Center and show that lasts about one hour. The trainer is very engaging and full of humour! He lives in a house on the corner of the property with his family. His job is the birds, a white tailed eagle, an osprey, Harris hawks and an amazing owl. The owl was most interesting, he had found the owl when it had just been born, it weight about 3 ounces and was about 4 inches in length. By the time it was 3weeks old it was full size and weighed 5 lbs. . The story of how he trained it to fly and hunt was fascinating. Likewise with the other birds. The falcon was the other intriguing bird, wearing a leather hood. It would be an interesting subject to study. One day I will google Dunrobin Castle birds, and Owl called Cedar. The birds were all named for the trees where the bird guy found them.
We trundled further up into the highlands, narrow roads, rolling moors, More sheep and lambs, i swear some look like they were born 5 minutes ago!
We arrive in Thurso in the mid afternoon at the St Clair Hotel. Settle into our rooms and by 4:20 we were on the road again to a pub in a village close by.....The Old Smiddy Pub was our destination for a cayleigh. We were royally entertained by a Gaelic highlander who had a great sense of honour, and a lovely voice, he sang some Gaelic songs and introduced a young fellow who played the bagpipes for us. A few good laughs, some drink and back to the hotel for dinner and bed.
Tomorrow we will be on a small ferry to the Orkneys,
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands
We had an early start in order to arrive at the Culloden Museum for 9 am opening. We arrived to an Almost empty parking area, good, we have the place to ourselves. A snag, the computers were frozen and electronics necessary for operation, lights etc would hold us up. We reversed the plan and went outside to view the battlefield. It is marked with flags to denote where skirmishes took place and cairns commerating the men who died there. The clans are marked by very rugged stones, saying simply “clan Gordon”, clan Fraser, clan Mckenzie, and many more, and they are mass burials. It is quite moving to walk the paths and read the names on the wind swept moor, with few trees, just Gorsh and Heather. The story is told in the museum, known as the Highland Clearances of 1746. The Jacobites were attempting to reinstate Bonnie Prince Charlie to the throne of the British isles.
The Jacobites, were a fierce fighting group of clansmen, on foot and armed with swords and pistols they were outmatched by the English. The war with England led by the Duke of Cumberland was on horseback with muskets and bayonets. The English outnumbered the Jacobites, the bloody battle was over in less than an hour. 1500-2000 Jacobites lay dead. Prince Charlie escaped to the Heberdies and then Skye with his girl friend Flora MacDonald, but even she eventually abandoned him. He eventually returned to France then to Rome where he died an alcoholic on the street.
The English proceeded to commence with the “highland Clearances” the wearing of tartan was forbidden , Gaelic was forbidden. Many highlanders were imprisoned and or beheaded or sent to the colonies in Australia and New Zealand.
We spent the better of two hours there and then moved on to the standing stones of Outlander fame. Photo of us hiding behind the stones and standing by the burial grounds were taken by all....at least all the ladies.
Our final stop is Brodie Castle, which is a small castle as castles go. It was built in 1567, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1824. The years of history boggle the mind when you think Vancouver is only 125 years old.! The Brodie family called it home until the late 20th century, and have been associated with the land since 1160 when they received it from King Malcolm. Though now owned by the National Trust, the Brodie Family will always retain the title to the land. Open to the public for tours sustains the upkeep of the interior, beautiful rugs, over 6,500 rare books, fine antiques, furniture and artifacts.
The estate has a beautiful garden with over 270 varieties of daffodils which were a hobby of Brodie of Brodie.
We returned to the hotel in Inverness for some free time. I did not opt to go on the late afternoon tour of Loch Lomond and Urquhart Castle. I had a wander around Inverness and visited a famous second hand bookstore housed within an old church.....it had books from ceiling to floor for two stories with a spiral staircase up the middle. I purchased a pair of fleece gloves as I think the cold on the ferry to Orkney could test my temperature tolerance!
The group returned from the Loch Lomond tour and at 7 pm Maryanne ( my seat partner) and I headed out to find some dinner. We met 10 of our group in a restaurant on the river front and joined them. Tomorrow we are to have our cases ready by 7:30, for an 8:30 departure.
Another day of exploring this beautiful country to enjoy.
The Jacobites, were a fierce fighting group of clansmen, on foot and armed with swords and pistols they were outmatched by the English. The war with England led by the Duke of Cumberland was on horseback with muskets and bayonets. The English outnumbered the Jacobites, the bloody battle was over in less than an hour. 1500-2000 Jacobites lay dead. Prince Charlie escaped to the Heberdies and then Skye with his girl friend Flora MacDonald, but even she eventually abandoned him. He eventually returned to France then to Rome where he died an alcoholic on the street.
The English proceeded to commence with the “highland Clearances” the wearing of tartan was forbidden , Gaelic was forbidden. Many highlanders were imprisoned and or beheaded or sent to the colonies in Australia and New Zealand.
We spent the better of two hours there and then moved on to the standing stones of Outlander fame. Photo of us hiding behind the stones and standing by the burial grounds were taken by all....at least all the ladies.
Our final stop is Brodie Castle, which is a small castle as castles go. It was built in 1567, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1824. The years of history boggle the mind when you think Vancouver is only 125 years old.! The Brodie family called it home until the late 20th century, and have been associated with the land since 1160 when they received it from King Malcolm. Though now owned by the National Trust, the Brodie Family will always retain the title to the land. Open to the public for tours sustains the upkeep of the interior, beautiful rugs, over 6,500 rare books, fine antiques, furniture and artifacts.
The estate has a beautiful garden with over 270 varieties of daffodils which were a hobby of Brodie of Brodie.
We returned to the hotel in Inverness for some free time. I did not opt to go on the late afternoon tour of Loch Lomond and Urquhart Castle. I had a wander around Inverness and visited a famous second hand bookstore housed within an old church.....it had books from ceiling to floor for two stories with a spiral staircase up the middle. I purchased a pair of fleece gloves as I think the cold on the ferry to Orkney could test my temperature tolerance!
The group returned from the Loch Lomond tour and at 7 pm Maryanne ( my seat partner) and I headed out to find some dinner. We met 10 of our group in a restaurant on the river front and joined them. Tomorrow we are to have our cases ready by 7:30, for an 8:30 departure.
Another day of exploring this beautiful country to enjoy.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Heading for the Highlands May 2/2018
We had a lot of distance to cover today so left Edinburgh at 8 am. As we were winding our way down towards Princess Street we spy an unusual sight.....a robot rumba was cutting the grass ! I had only previously seen a rumba in son Terry’s living Room! Who knew the Scottish ones could cut grass!
Our guide Matthew was entertaining us with Scottish facts as we made our way. Scotland has 30,000 Lochs! And uses less than 10% of its water. Matthew shares the occasional story with a lot of humour. The prime ministers of Britain, the Queen, royals, and others were fair game. We all knew Margaret Thatchers nick name was “the Iron Lady” but we did not know the name Matthews school friends gave her. It seemed PM Thatcher was on a mission to cut costs, she decided to discontinue the daily pint of milk each that every child in school received , this earned her....Margaret Thatcher the Milk Snatcher. ....well maybe you had to be there.
As we made our way north, a passing motorist gave our driver the thumbs down sign which means slow down, police radar ahead, sure enough a mile down the road we spot them. Mathew referred to them as “police officer with a hair dryer”. Scottish music pleasantly plays, such as Bluebell Polka by Sir Jimmy Shand, famous for his playing the Squeezebox, (accordion).
We approached Auchtermucty, which I can pronounce but the phonetics of it escapes me! The band the Proclaimers was from there.
Listening to the music I’m reminded of the music we grew up with in Kitimat, Kenneth Mckeller, Andy Stewart, mum had brought her records from Scotland, she would sing along with them. I think she was homesick then but we didn’t really know it.
We pass through the village of Couper, famous, as Sir Douglas Bader was from there. He was a Pilot who shot down more planes during the war than any other. He had lost both his legs in a plane ,accident, and wore two wooden ones! He was so valuable to the war effort that when he was shot
down and in a German prison camp, two new legs were made and air dropped near the camp, although they were 300 yds away, he received them and escaped. His skill was so renowned he was brought back in peacetime to train new recruits. Quite an incredible story.
The rain has started but is not too heavy as we approach St. Andrews , drum roll! Keen golfers who have this course on their bucket list may know that to earn the privilege of a golf time you must
request a booking 6 months in advance. The cost is £175 per round and your handicap must fall within a worthy range. The British Open is played here every 7 years. The rain and wind are blowing and we see golfers with umbrellas pulling their carts. If your six month previous date has arrived and it is raining ....you will still be golfing. St Andrews is famous for a couple of other events. The most recent, a well known fact is that Prince William and Kate Middleton attended St Andrews University, they had their first of many dates at the North Point Coffee Shop. The coffee shop was allowed to place a sign in the window stating it is where Kate and William met., increasing their business! Secondly the film Chariots of Fire was filmed here. The scene where a group of young men charge into the North Sea, dunk under the waves and race back out again was filmed here. The story is the film crew came into the hotels and asked young local lads to oblige for £50 each. While we were ,there today we saw a group of 15 or so men/boys in bathing trunks charging towards the sea, dunking in and charging back out! It seems it must be a tradition of sorts today. What a sight on a wet blustery day. ....
Of course as we are travelling further into the north of Scotland there are many more rolling Green fields with many more sheep and lambs. The sheep will be shorn in late May, this is earlier than ..,sheep further south. The highland sheep need more time to grow their coats back and will be put in indoor sheds from November to March.
We leave St Andrews and drive through Dundee, if you live in Dundeeyou are a Dundonian! The Tay River bridge is over 1 mile in length and the river is 127 miles long. Another river....The river Spey is famous for the fishing of Atlantic salmon. You may purchase a licence for salmon for £450, (not a typo) you may catch one and release it. Trout licence £50 and also it must be released. Apparently there is no shortage of people wishing to be parted from their funds.
We stop in Balmoral for lunch. Myself and a few others purchased pies from the local butcher shop. I had a delicious steak mince pie warmed up and put in a poke.
As well as the well loved sheep and lambs there were cows and calves . The farmers lose lambs to the white tailed eagle who are able to pick up the new borns and cart them away. The government gives the farmers a cheque to compensate them yearly for the loss. During mad cow disease many farmers were ruined and in 2001 , 32 young farmers committed suicide.
The road is narrow and bumpy, the hills still have snow which we can see higher up, the Heather is dormant, I can imagine the colours of pink and purple in August. There is a scattering of stone houses and a few castles along the way. AND exciting we spotted our first heiland coos!
We are at an elevation of 2100 feet, and have passed some ski areas...Glenshee. Some of the crofts have white smoke coming from their chimneys, this means they are burning peat. Peat takes 100 years to grow 1inch so it is not in much use today.
We made a short stop in the village of Tomintoul where we were treated to a taste of our choice of Scotch Whiskey. Ick. I made my first non edible tourist purchase in the gift shop.
Then it was back in the tour bus for the journey to Inverness where we will be for two nights. Dinner was at our hotel. Tomorrow is another 8 am start.
Our guide Matthew was entertaining us with Scottish facts as we made our way. Scotland has 30,000 Lochs! And uses less than 10% of its water. Matthew shares the occasional story with a lot of humour. The prime ministers of Britain, the Queen, royals, and others were fair game. We all knew Margaret Thatchers nick name was “the Iron Lady” but we did not know the name Matthews school friends gave her. It seemed PM Thatcher was on a mission to cut costs, she decided to discontinue the daily pint of milk each that every child in school received , this earned her....Margaret Thatcher the Milk Snatcher. ....well maybe you had to be there.
As we made our way north, a passing motorist gave our driver the thumbs down sign which means slow down, police radar ahead, sure enough a mile down the road we spot them. Mathew referred to them as “police officer with a hair dryer”. Scottish music pleasantly plays, such as Bluebell Polka by Sir Jimmy Shand, famous for his playing the Squeezebox, (accordion).
We approached Auchtermucty, which I can pronounce but the phonetics of it escapes me! The band the Proclaimers was from there.
Listening to the music I’m reminded of the music we grew up with in Kitimat, Kenneth Mckeller, Andy Stewart, mum had brought her records from Scotland, she would sing along with them. I think she was homesick then but we didn’t really know it.
We pass through the village of Couper, famous, as Sir Douglas Bader was from there. He was a Pilot who shot down more planes during the war than any other. He had lost both his legs in a plane ,accident, and wore two wooden ones! He was so valuable to the war effort that when he was shot
down and in a German prison camp, two new legs were made and air dropped near the camp, although they were 300 yds away, he received them and escaped. His skill was so renowned he was brought back in peacetime to train new recruits. Quite an incredible story.
The rain has started but is not too heavy as we approach St. Andrews , drum roll! Keen golfers who have this course on their bucket list may know that to earn the privilege of a golf time you must
request a booking 6 months in advance. The cost is £175 per round and your handicap must fall within a worthy range. The British Open is played here every 7 years. The rain and wind are blowing and we see golfers with umbrellas pulling their carts. If your six month previous date has arrived and it is raining ....you will still be golfing. St Andrews is famous for a couple of other events. The most recent, a well known fact is that Prince William and Kate Middleton attended St Andrews University, they had their first of many dates at the North Point Coffee Shop. The coffee shop was allowed to place a sign in the window stating it is where Kate and William met., increasing their business! Secondly the film Chariots of Fire was filmed here. The scene where a group of young men charge into the North Sea, dunk under the waves and race back out again was filmed here. The story is the film crew came into the hotels and asked young local lads to oblige for £50 each. While we were ,there today we saw a group of 15 or so men/boys in bathing trunks charging towards the sea, dunking in and charging back out! It seems it must be a tradition of sorts today. What a sight on a wet blustery day. ....
Of course as we are travelling further into the north of Scotland there are many more rolling Green fields with many more sheep and lambs. The sheep will be shorn in late May, this is earlier than ..,sheep further south. The highland sheep need more time to grow their coats back and will be put in indoor sheds from November to March.
We leave St Andrews and drive through Dundee, if you live in Dundeeyou are a Dundonian! The Tay River bridge is over 1 mile in length and the river is 127 miles long. Another river....The river Spey is famous for the fishing of Atlantic salmon. You may purchase a licence for salmon for £450, (not a typo) you may catch one and release it. Trout licence £50 and also it must be released. Apparently there is no shortage of people wishing to be parted from their funds.
We stop in Balmoral for lunch. Myself and a few others purchased pies from the local butcher shop. I had a delicious steak mince pie warmed up and put in a poke.
As well as the well loved sheep and lambs there were cows and calves . The farmers lose lambs to the white tailed eagle who are able to pick up the new borns and cart them away. The government gives the farmers a cheque to compensate them yearly for the loss. During mad cow disease many farmers were ruined and in 2001 , 32 young farmers committed suicide.
The road is narrow and bumpy, the hills still have snow which we can see higher up, the Heather is dormant, I can imagine the colours of pink and purple in August. There is a scattering of stone houses and a few castles along the way. AND exciting we spotted our first heiland coos!
We are at an elevation of 2100 feet, and have passed some ski areas...Glenshee. Some of the crofts have white smoke coming from their chimneys, this means they are burning peat. Peat takes 100 years to grow 1inch so it is not in much use today.
We made a short stop in the village of Tomintoul where we were treated to a taste of our choice of Scotch Whiskey. Ick. I made my first non edible tourist purchase in the gift shop.
Then it was back in the tour bus for the journey to Inverness where we will be for two nights. Dinner was at our hotel. Tomorrow is another 8 am start.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Another fine day! May 1/2018
This morning started with a drive into parts of the Scottish Lowlands and Border Counties. Green rolling hills, with lots and lots of sheep, many gamboling lambs, staying right beside mum, when she moved they were not far behind. .....lots of twins and even a few triplets. Yes, I do like sheep! Because of the snow in Scotland this year only a few weeks ago during the critical lambing season, farmers lost 20,000 sheep. In some places there was over 8 feet of snow. A blow to their livelihoods.
As many know the British isles has some very unusual names for places. Also unusual is the pronunciation..... a couple of examples, Hawick is pronounced Ha-oik. Another place called Buccleugh is Ba-clue! The Duke of Buccleugh owns 299,000 acres of land, making him the largest land owner in all of the UK including Europe.
Our first stop of the day was Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott. The setting is heart stopping, beautiful gardens, old rock walls in great repair. It is so wonderful to see these stately homes looked after. We had a guided tour, incidentally guided tours are so worth spending a few £’s on as you learn so much more than just what is in a guide book. The home contains an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons (there is one room dedicated to guns, including the first ever double barreled gun), armour, as well as an extensive library with over 9,000 rare volumes.
Sir Walter Scott was extremely intelligent and educated, he spoke many languages (more than 5, if my memory is correct) , he also wrote a great number of books. I found the stories the guide relayed regarding his French wife Charlotte to be very endearing. His parents on hearing he was in love with a French girl were horrified and tried their best to dissuade him......his reply was along the lines of “he would die otherwise” in a much more poetic fashion! . I was completely in awe of this mans love for his family but also for his fellow man. He was very philanthropic. I could go on and on if I could remember the details correctly. I will definitely be reading a biography of him. Perhaps his most well known book of which he wrote 22 I believe, is called Waverley. The only writer to have a train station named for a book.
We wrapped up our afternoon with a visit to Melrose Abbey, the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. A story in itself! Melrose is a ruin, albeit a magnificent one. It was destroyed by Henry VIII and also again by Oliver Cromwell. It was partially restored with funds from Sir Walter Scott to its present state. If you are able, you can climb over 100 stairs up a spiral staircase to a viewing platform and you will be rewarded to a panoramic view of the countryside and the graveyard, garden and the Abbey below. We spent an hour wandering the small town of Melrose, getting a bite of lunch before riding back into Edinburgh.
An optional tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia was next including dinner, I decided I would make my way out to Broxburn (a Village near where we once lived) to visit my cousin Andrew who was recently moved from his own home to a care home. I caught a bus on Princes Street and approximately one hour later I was there. Andrew is a dear soul who was very kind to our son Travis and his (then) girlfriend Sian, (now wife) when they moved to Edinburgh so Sian could attend Harriot Watt University. Travis took employment with HSBC for the duration. When dad and I visited them during that year, Andrew again was a terrific tour guide for us. He is a historian for our village, Winchburgh, and compiled a book on the village and events. It was an emotional visit as we looked at old photos of family that I had brought, and I realized it would probably be the last time I would see him.
When I left I realized while I had well researched the bus routes and times on my outbound journey (which also included input from Dorothy and Billy in Canada!)I had paid no attention to the return times! It was cold, windy and threatening rain as I waited at a bus stop, no others waiting. Fortunately the wait was only 20 minutes., by the way the bus also supplies free wifi!
Tomorrow we leave Edinburgh and make our way, first stop the holy grail of golf.....St Andrews .
Cherrio!
As many know the British isles has some very unusual names for places. Also unusual is the pronunciation..... a couple of examples, Hawick is pronounced Ha-oik. Another place called Buccleugh is Ba-clue! The Duke of Buccleugh owns 299,000 acres of land, making him the largest land owner in all of the UK including Europe.
Our first stop of the day was Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott. The setting is heart stopping, beautiful gardens, old rock walls in great repair. It is so wonderful to see these stately homes looked after. We had a guided tour, incidentally guided tours are so worth spending a few £’s on as you learn so much more than just what is in a guide book. The home contains an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons (there is one room dedicated to guns, including the first ever double barreled gun), armour, as well as an extensive library with over 9,000 rare volumes.
Sir Walter Scott was extremely intelligent and educated, he spoke many languages (more than 5, if my memory is correct) , he also wrote a great number of books. I found the stories the guide relayed regarding his French wife Charlotte to be very endearing. His parents on hearing he was in love with a French girl were horrified and tried their best to dissuade him......his reply was along the lines of “he would die otherwise” in a much more poetic fashion! . I was completely in awe of this mans love for his family but also for his fellow man. He was very philanthropic. I could go on and on if I could remember the details correctly. I will definitely be reading a biography of him. Perhaps his most well known book of which he wrote 22 I believe, is called Waverley. The only writer to have a train station named for a book.
We wrapped up our afternoon with a visit to Melrose Abbey, the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. A story in itself! Melrose is a ruin, albeit a magnificent one. It was destroyed by Henry VIII and also again by Oliver Cromwell. It was partially restored with funds from Sir Walter Scott to its present state. If you are able, you can climb over 100 stairs up a spiral staircase to a viewing platform and you will be rewarded to a panoramic view of the countryside and the graveyard, garden and the Abbey below. We spent an hour wandering the small town of Melrose, getting a bite of lunch before riding back into Edinburgh.
An optional tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia was next including dinner, I decided I would make my way out to Broxburn (a Village near where we once lived) to visit my cousin Andrew who was recently moved from his own home to a care home. I caught a bus on Princes Street and approximately one hour later I was there. Andrew is a dear soul who was very kind to our son Travis and his (then) girlfriend Sian, (now wife) when they moved to Edinburgh so Sian could attend Harriot Watt University. Travis took employment with HSBC for the duration. When dad and I visited them during that year, Andrew again was a terrific tour guide for us. He is a historian for our village, Winchburgh, and compiled a book on the village and events. It was an emotional visit as we looked at old photos of family that I had brought, and I realized it would probably be the last time I would see him.
When I left I realized while I had well researched the bus routes and times on my outbound journey (which also included input from Dorothy and Billy in Canada!)I had paid no attention to the return times! It was cold, windy and threatening rain as I waited at a bus stop, no others waiting. Fortunately the wait was only 20 minutes., by the way the bus also supplies free wifi!
Tomorrow we leave Edinburgh and make our way, first stop the holy grail of golf.....St Andrews .
Cherrio!
Monday, April 30, 2018
Day two Edinburgh
Our morning began at 8:30 on a sightseeing tour with a new guide. He was a jolly chap who liked to tell jokes and play on words. Seems to be a Scottish trait.....my dad was so similar! We toured the 200 year old “New Town” . We saw the residences where famous scientists, inventors, novelist, including Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Walter Scott, Dr Jekell and Mr Hyde lived . It was pointed out to us the difference between a “close” and a”wynd” .....it goes like this.....an entrance called a close will be “closed” from 10pm to 6am, while a “wynd” never closes, its open to the wind to let people pass through 24 hours a day.
We drove up to our first stop, Edinburgh Castle. I had not been there since about age 9 and dare say I didn’t pay much, if any, attention to the history. Today was a different story although it was getting to be difficult to remember it all! Fascinating history that goes back 350 million years when the rock that is Edinburgh castle was volcanically formed. It really is an architectural marvel and it’s no wonder that it has never been successfully attacked.
We were able to view the Crown Jewels although no photographs. I had been told by someone that the “real” Crown Jewels were in England and the Scottish ones were “paste” it is actually COMPLETELY the opposite! The crown and other jewels had been hidden for hundreds of years, Oliver Cromwell came up from England once a year for 7 years looking for them to no avail. They were so well hidden none in Scotland knew where! It was Sir Walter Scott who found the hiding place in Edinburgh castle and had them excavated. He was led to them by the study of some old manuscripts. Another area of interest was a little dog cemetery up at the top of the castle where the pets and service animals of serving soldiers were buried. The view from the castle is outstanding, but the wind at that level was cold. The day was a bluebird one with puffy white clouds! We left the castle at 11:30 as it was starting to get busy.
Next stop was Holyrood Palace. This is where the queen takes residence when she is in Edinburgh. It is located below Arthur’s Seat. Bodyguards that are marksmiths with bow and arrow are known to practice their craft up on top of Arthur’s Seat. Today they are ceremonial but still active shooters.
The Palace is small by palace standards , drawing rooms, bedrooms, dining room, ball room which is used for visiting heads of state, and portraits of important people over the years adorn the walls.
I entered what was almost the last room for viewing , it was a small room and I was immediately drawn to the largest painting in the room and in a split second thought it was what I thought it was !!!
There was a security person in the room and I approached and asked if he knew the artist of this painting? He did not but said he could find out in a minute. I think he was also happy to relieve the boredom of the job. He was back in a flash with some papers in hand and said “The artist is John Pettie”. I was a bit lost for words and then told him this artist was my ancestor. He seemed quite thrilled as well! We chatted for a bit about the whereabouts of his other works and he gave me a code number to trace....which I have tried to do without success. No problem as he is easy enough to find in the Scottish Portrait Gallery. This “event” was quite fortuitous as the painting, which is of Bonnie Prince Charlie was only moved from the Queens private room to the public viewing area room 5 weeks ago. It is said to be the best painting of Bonnie Prince Charles. I was not able to take a photograph of the painting, but at home I have a postcard image which was sent to me by my cousin Rae after she had viewed the painting in the Queens gallery by Buckingham Palace last October.
It was back to our hotel, The Hilton, just on the rise over North Bridge above Waverley Train Station, which is at one end of Princess Street, very central and a lovely hotel.
After a short rest, some of our group were off on an optional tour to Rosslyn Chapel which is a 40 minute drive outside Edinburgh Center.
Rosslyn Chapel was begun by William St Clair 3rd prince of Orkney in 1446 and was finished but not complete for 40more years. William St Clair was a Mason , the guide asked if there were any free masons in the group, one man raised his hand.....I thought of my brother in law Billy and my dad who were masons. The St Clair ancestors occupy the family home a short 10 minute walk away, and the chapel is in regular use by the family. Imagine being able to trace your roots that far back. We listened to a 20 minute talk by a volunteer historian that included many antedotes about the very intricate carvings that covered almost every surface. One such story was about a pillar that had been carved by an apprentice stone mason, while the master stone mason was abroad searching for inspiration to complete the last two pillars. When the master mason returned to find the apprentice had carved one pillar on his own accord, the master Mason was so enraged he stabbed him to death. Elsewhere on the walls a small head of the apprentice was carved and on another pillar the head masons head was carved where he would be facing the pillar carved by his apprentice for infinity. Finally the Rosslyn Chapel was the chapel used in the filming of the Da Vinci Code. Since that time annual visits have gone from 36;000 per annum to 170,000!
I took many photos outside the Chapel but none allowed inside.
It had been a long day of sights when we arrived back at the hotel at six pm.
Tomorrow my time will be free from about 3pm.
What an amazing day.
We drove up to our first stop, Edinburgh Castle. I had not been there since about age 9 and dare say I didn’t pay much, if any, attention to the history. Today was a different story although it was getting to be difficult to remember it all! Fascinating history that goes back 350 million years when the rock that is Edinburgh castle was volcanically formed. It really is an architectural marvel and it’s no wonder that it has never been successfully attacked.
We were able to view the Crown Jewels although no photographs. I had been told by someone that the “real” Crown Jewels were in England and the Scottish ones were “paste” it is actually COMPLETELY the opposite! The crown and other jewels had been hidden for hundreds of years, Oliver Cromwell came up from England once a year for 7 years looking for them to no avail. They were so well hidden none in Scotland knew where! It was Sir Walter Scott who found the hiding place in Edinburgh castle and had them excavated. He was led to them by the study of some old manuscripts. Another area of interest was a little dog cemetery up at the top of the castle where the pets and service animals of serving soldiers were buried. The view from the castle is outstanding, but the wind at that level was cold. The day was a bluebird one with puffy white clouds! We left the castle at 11:30 as it was starting to get busy.
Next stop was Holyrood Palace. This is where the queen takes residence when she is in Edinburgh. It is located below Arthur’s Seat. Bodyguards that are marksmiths with bow and arrow are known to practice their craft up on top of Arthur’s Seat. Today they are ceremonial but still active shooters.
The Palace is small by palace standards , drawing rooms, bedrooms, dining room, ball room which is used for visiting heads of state, and portraits of important people over the years adorn the walls.
I entered what was almost the last room for viewing , it was a small room and I was immediately drawn to the largest painting in the room and in a split second thought it was what I thought it was !!!
There was a security person in the room and I approached and asked if he knew the artist of this painting? He did not but said he could find out in a minute. I think he was also happy to relieve the boredom of the job. He was back in a flash with some papers in hand and said “The artist is John Pettie”. I was a bit lost for words and then told him this artist was my ancestor. He seemed quite thrilled as well! We chatted for a bit about the whereabouts of his other works and he gave me a code number to trace....which I have tried to do without success. No problem as he is easy enough to find in the Scottish Portrait Gallery. This “event” was quite fortuitous as the painting, which is of Bonnie Prince Charlie was only moved from the Queens private room to the public viewing area room 5 weeks ago. It is said to be the best painting of Bonnie Prince Charles. I was not able to take a photograph of the painting, but at home I have a postcard image which was sent to me by my cousin Rae after she had viewed the painting in the Queens gallery by Buckingham Palace last October.
It was back to our hotel, The Hilton, just on the rise over North Bridge above Waverley Train Station, which is at one end of Princess Street, very central and a lovely hotel.
After a short rest, some of our group were off on an optional tour to Rosslyn Chapel which is a 40 minute drive outside Edinburgh Center.
Rosslyn Chapel was begun by William St Clair 3rd prince of Orkney in 1446 and was finished but not complete for 40more years. William St Clair was a Mason , the guide asked if there were any free masons in the group, one man raised his hand.....I thought of my brother in law Billy and my dad who were masons. The St Clair ancestors occupy the family home a short 10 minute walk away, and the chapel is in regular use by the family. Imagine being able to trace your roots that far back. We listened to a 20 minute talk by a volunteer historian that included many antedotes about the very intricate carvings that covered almost every surface. One such story was about a pillar that had been carved by an apprentice stone mason, while the master stone mason was abroad searching for inspiration to complete the last two pillars. When the master mason returned to find the apprentice had carved one pillar on his own accord, the master Mason was so enraged he stabbed him to death. Elsewhere on the walls a small head of the apprentice was carved and on another pillar the head masons head was carved where he would be facing the pillar carved by his apprentice for infinity. Finally the Rosslyn Chapel was the chapel used in the filming of the Da Vinci Code. Since that time annual visits have gone from 36;000 per annum to 170,000!
I took many photos outside the Chapel but none allowed inside.
It had been a long day of sights when we arrived back at the hotel at six pm.
Tomorrow my time will be free from about 3pm.
What an amazing day.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Scottish Tour 1st full day
This morning we were to have our suitcases outside our room door by 7:45......breakfast was from 7-9. So far the food has been very good, the usual for a full breakfast with some Scottish add ons. Black pudding, haggis, and scones. While I generally like haggis and black pud......the haggis was a bit too mealy.
A little bit of a Glasgow city tour started the day, the streets were quiet. Since it was Sunday people were either in church or still in bed! There were a few who were obviously ready for the game of the day , Rangers vs Celtics. I did hear later on that Celtics won.
Our first stop was in Georges Square. The Center of the square is home to a tall column with a statue of King George III . The interesting fact is that he was headless until about 60 years ago, the Scots had beheaded him as they were offended that he had won “the” battle ....he got a new head, the head of Sir Walter Scott! On one side of the square is a massive building that is now the Lord of Glasgow and council chambers. The Scottish flag flies above along with a minutur3 of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the USA. We were also made aware of the reason behind the design of the flag. The blue is for the sky and the white cross is askew because St Andrew who who died nailed to a cross, said he was not worthy of being on the same cross as Jesus.
The things you learn on a tour!
Did you know A university education is still free in Scotland? No matter if you are doing a relatively short arts degree or a long dentistry one (8yrs) ! Prince William first wanted to attend Glasgow University but because of the difficulty of security in Scotland’s largest city it was thought he would be better off in St Andrews. ......and female registrations soared.
The population of Scotland is about 5 million, mostly in cities, all the sheep are in the highlands, I don’t know their number! Speaking of sheep.....farmers are a bit concerned......due to the massive deer population there are plans to re-introduce 200 wolves to reduce the numbers of deer. They are
closely monitoring the program in Yellowstone. Currently the hunting season for deer is 8 months long, but not sufficiently working.
We are leaving the city but our schedule has changed due to a marathon being run through several of the towns we were to visit..... Dunblane, Stirling , and Doune Castle (yes this is one of the Outlander locations) . Our back up plan was to stop in Falkirk and visit the Kelpies. We drove on roads that took us by the fells (hills no more than 1500 ft) and past Grangemouth where my dad worked for a time. The 2 Kelpies are 30 meters high and each weigh 300 tons, made of Scottish steel, the worlds largest equine sculptures. They honour the Clydesdale horses that were used extensively in earlier days in every type of works.
From Falkirk we drove on to the beautiful village on the bank of the Forth river, The Royal Burgh of Culross. This is also where much of Outlander was filmed. Claire’s herb garden is here, it’s wuite large, our guide said it was Jamie’s favourite place to go. She also told us the actor who plays Jamie was currently running in todays marathon! The town folk quite enjoyed and benefitted from the filming, their houses were all painted a different colour for the show, and whitewashed back wh3n they were done. The main palace in the village which we toured was the home of Sir Walter Scott.
Inside we were told the history behind several expressions used today. There was a large table with legs and a loose board on top...hence the name board table, when a meal was finished the “board” was simply turned over so the dogs under the table could lick it clean! The “boss” sat at the head of the table “chair” man. After the ladies had retired from the table to the “with drawingroom” the men would pass the “piss” pot around and the chairman’s “right hand man” sitting on his right would dump the piss pot down the dry urnial......which was later collected for tanning leather and used in the making of turning sea water into salt! And if you didn’t have a piss pot......you didn’t have a pot to pass in! And of course most of these old buildings have a ghost or two! The guide relayed a story from 2 weeks ago.....there is an area within the Scott palace where odd things have happened. A young girl of about 5 was being told by her mother to come and asked what she was doing, the girl replied there was a man waving at her. When the guide asked her what the man looked like she described him in some detail. Upstairs in the house was a portrait of “the man” exactly as she described him.....when she saw the portrait she said, Mummy that’s the man who was waving to me. We heard stories about the many witches who were burned at the stake, and the boy referred to in Outlander who had his ear nailed to the post. The post is still standing in Culross market square.
We had a mixture of weather in Culross, rain and brilliant sun. We then drove on to Edinburgh where we will be for the next three nights.
We had two hours to relax before our Scottish show night where we had a 3course meal served with wine. We were entertained by the ceremony of the haggis, then bagpipes, fiddle, accordion, a young girl who sung some melancholy pieces with a background of misty Scottish hills. 4 young girls in kilts doing the highland fling and sword dance, plus a little country dancing. This was the dancing my parents and their Scottish friends did regularly when I was growing up in Kitimat. We were also serenaded by some very familiar Scottish songs by Andy Stewart and others, finishing off with Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and finally Auld slang Syne.
Oh my it was special! Grait! (Spelling intentional.......pronounce it how it looks)
A little bit of a Glasgow city tour started the day, the streets were quiet. Since it was Sunday people were either in church or still in bed! There were a few who were obviously ready for the game of the day , Rangers vs Celtics. I did hear later on that Celtics won.
Our first stop was in Georges Square. The Center of the square is home to a tall column with a statue of King George III . The interesting fact is that he was headless until about 60 years ago, the Scots had beheaded him as they were offended that he had won “the” battle ....he got a new head, the head of Sir Walter Scott! On one side of the square is a massive building that is now the Lord of Glasgow and council chambers. The Scottish flag flies above along with a minutur3 of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the USA. We were also made aware of the reason behind the design of the flag. The blue is for the sky and the white cross is askew because St Andrew who who died nailed to a cross, said he was not worthy of being on the same cross as Jesus.
The things you learn on a tour!
Did you know A university education is still free in Scotland? No matter if you are doing a relatively short arts degree or a long dentistry one (8yrs) ! Prince William first wanted to attend Glasgow University but because of the difficulty of security in Scotland’s largest city it was thought he would be better off in St Andrews. ......and female registrations soared.
The population of Scotland is about 5 million, mostly in cities, all the sheep are in the highlands, I don’t know their number! Speaking of sheep.....farmers are a bit concerned......due to the massive deer population there are plans to re-introduce 200 wolves to reduce the numbers of deer. They are
closely monitoring the program in Yellowstone. Currently the hunting season for deer is 8 months long, but not sufficiently working.
We are leaving the city but our schedule has changed due to a marathon being run through several of the towns we were to visit..... Dunblane, Stirling , and Doune Castle (yes this is one of the Outlander locations) . Our back up plan was to stop in Falkirk and visit the Kelpies. We drove on roads that took us by the fells (hills no more than 1500 ft) and past Grangemouth where my dad worked for a time. The 2 Kelpies are 30 meters high and each weigh 300 tons, made of Scottish steel, the worlds largest equine sculptures. They honour the Clydesdale horses that were used extensively in earlier days in every type of works.
From Falkirk we drove on to the beautiful village on the bank of the Forth river, The Royal Burgh of Culross. This is also where much of Outlander was filmed. Claire’s herb garden is here, it’s wuite large, our guide said it was Jamie’s favourite place to go. She also told us the actor who plays Jamie was currently running in todays marathon! The town folk quite enjoyed and benefitted from the filming, their houses were all painted a different colour for the show, and whitewashed back wh3n they were done. The main palace in the village which we toured was the home of Sir Walter Scott.
Inside we were told the history behind several expressions used today. There was a large table with legs and a loose board on top...hence the name board table, when a meal was finished the “board” was simply turned over so the dogs under the table could lick it clean! The “boss” sat at the head of the table “chair” man. After the ladies had retired from the table to the “with drawingroom” the men would pass the “piss” pot around and the chairman’s “right hand man” sitting on his right would dump the piss pot down the dry urnial......which was later collected for tanning leather and used in the making of turning sea water into salt! And if you didn’t have a piss pot......you didn’t have a pot to pass in! And of course most of these old buildings have a ghost or two! The guide relayed a story from 2 weeks ago.....there is an area within the Scott palace where odd things have happened. A young girl of about 5 was being told by her mother to come and asked what she was doing, the girl replied there was a man waving at her. When the guide asked her what the man looked like she described him in some detail. Upstairs in the house was a portrait of “the man” exactly as she described him.....when she saw the portrait she said, Mummy that’s the man who was waving to me. We heard stories about the many witches who were burned at the stake, and the boy referred to in Outlander who had his ear nailed to the post. The post is still standing in Culross market square.
We had a mixture of weather in Culross, rain and brilliant sun. We then drove on to Edinburgh where we will be for the next three nights.
We had two hours to relax before our Scottish show night where we had a 3course meal served with wine. We were entertained by the ceremony of the haggis, then bagpipes, fiddle, accordion, a young girl who sung some melancholy pieces with a background of misty Scottish hills. 4 young girls in kilts doing the highland fling and sword dance, plus a little country dancing. This was the dancing my parents and their Scottish friends did regularly when I was growing up in Kitimat. We were also serenaded by some very familiar Scottish songs by Andy Stewart and others, finishing off with Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and finally Auld slang Syne.
Oh my it was special! Grait! (Spelling intentional.......pronounce it how it looks)
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Moving On.......๐ to Glasgow
I was packed up and ready to go. I thought Ollie and his sons had gone out for breakfast .....not so, the boys were still asleep and Ollie was out with their dug....Rocky. I sat and chatted to Ollie, who was now back with the dug. (That’s Scottish for dog). The rain was on again off again. I got a little wet walking to the station, not being able to manage an umbrella and a rolling suitcase on cobblestones.
It occurred to me as I got my ticket from the machine, this is much easier than in France, all is in the kings english! £12.90. The train was on time. I was sitting in a 4 seat configuration hoping the train would not be full as it didn’t appear to have a spot for luggage unless you could manage the overhead rack....I could not! So mine was beside me. At each stop, more we’re getting on than off. We were passing garden allotments, golfers braving the rain, lots and lots and lots of sheep and baby lambs.....so pastoral! The horses in the field were wearing full coats, down to their knees! A riding school of young kids were out in rain gear as well.
The train was arriving in Glasgow so I pulled out my pocketed notes to refresh my memory of my instructions. Detailed instructions! I was walking as the hotel was so near the station I didn’t think a taxi would take me. After walking what I was sure was much too far I decided I would ask the next person who I thought looked “local” . It was a chap eating lunch out of a plastic container. He set his lunch on the curb and consulted his phone. This is getting to be a thing with me, very annoying.
Sure enough the hotel was close, now I just had to turn right then right again then left and I was there.
I settled into my room and went out and about as I was not meeting the tour group till 6 in the hotel pub. I came back, had a bath and went down to the pub for 6. As I suspected the tour travellers were all around my age, but dare I say some looked older? The tour director said for us all to get a complimentary drink at the bar.....so we soon knew who all were . I met a few Americans, a couple of Canadians, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a New Zealander. There seemed to be more single ladies than couples., apparently there is one ‘young’ couple. I’ve heard the bus holds 50 and there are 43 of us, so a few single seats. I also heard that the bus is brand spanking new, if you were arriving by plane today the tour bus picked you up.
Breakfast, full on Scottish I believe, is at 7, bus leaves promptly at 9.
The adventure begins.......back in Edinburgh.....which I knew, so I left a few things off my list last week.
Stay tuned mates!
Cherrio the noo!
It occurred to me as I got my ticket from the machine, this is much easier than in France, all is in the kings english! £12.90. The train was on time. I was sitting in a 4 seat configuration hoping the train would not be full as it didn’t appear to have a spot for luggage unless you could manage the overhead rack....I could not! So mine was beside me. At each stop, more we’re getting on than off. We were passing garden allotments, golfers braving the rain, lots and lots and lots of sheep and baby lambs.....so pastoral! The horses in the field were wearing full coats, down to their knees! A riding school of young kids were out in rain gear as well.
The train was arriving in Glasgow so I pulled out my pocketed notes to refresh my memory of my instructions. Detailed instructions! I was walking as the hotel was so near the station I didn’t think a taxi would take me. After walking what I was sure was much too far I decided I would ask the next person who I thought looked “local” . It was a chap eating lunch out of a plastic container. He set his lunch on the curb and consulted his phone. This is getting to be a thing with me, very annoying.
Sure enough the hotel was close, now I just had to turn right then right again then left and I was there.
I settled into my room and went out and about as I was not meeting the tour group till 6 in the hotel pub. I came back, had a bath and went down to the pub for 6. As I suspected the tour travellers were all around my age, but dare I say some looked older? The tour director said for us all to get a complimentary drink at the bar.....so we soon knew who all were . I met a few Americans, a couple of Canadians, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a New Zealander. There seemed to be more single ladies than couples., apparently there is one ‘young’ couple. I’ve heard the bus holds 50 and there are 43 of us, so a few single seats. I also heard that the bus is brand spanking new, if you were arriving by plane today the tour bus picked you up.
Breakfast, full on Scottish I believe, is at 7, bus leaves promptly at 9.
The adventure begins.......back in Edinburgh.....which I knew, so I left a few things off my list last week.
Stay tuned mates!
Cherrio the noo!
Friday, April 27, 2018
My last full day in Edinburgh April 27/18
I slept late this morning, so I would say I’m on Scottish time!
I finally left the flat at 9:30, decided I wasn’t going to try to overdo it. I’m feeling badly I didn’t get to Broxburn to see cousin Andrew. The fact that he would not remember me ( he is in a care home with a diminished memory) doesn’t make me feel much better.
I had a list of places to see today and pretty much accomplished the list. I walked everywhere, and my feet know it!
First I went to the Grassmarket area, where Travis and Sian used to live, just off Kings Stable Rd, at the back of the castle. I had to take a photo of that. The Grassmarket area was mobbed with tourists, I can’t imagine what it will be like in the summer months. I walked up towards Victoria street, lots of quaint shops and restaurants, then along Forest Road. The Royal Mile was thick with people which put me off walking along it. I made my way back to the other side of Edinburgh Castle and descended into Princess Street Gardens.....somewhat more peaceful there, less people. It actually reminded me of when we lived in Victoria, BC and I used to walk to work along the waterfront past the Empress Hotel, having to weave my way through throngs of tourists! Grrr.
I was once again on Princess Street and as it was about 1:30 I went into M&S for lunch, and to give my feet a rest. I next stopped in Waterstones book store to pick up a Muriel Spark novel. A multi level store with a cafe on the top level, worth a visit. Making my way further along, I turned down Queensferry Road towards Dean Village. It is quite a hike down and of course back up! It is every bit as picturesque as it is billed to be. A beautiful river with several old bridges crossing it, lush trees and flowers with gorgeous old buildings in great repair. What an oasis! A photographers dream. I was very glad I included it in my day. Back up in the melee of traffic I walked along Lothian Road to Morrison Street where I stopped at a Sainsburys for chocolate and some fruit for the morning.
It’s my first time staying in an Airbnb and it won’t be my last. When staying for any length of time to be able to make a cup of tea, or have a bowl of cereal without having to always go to a restaurant for every meal makes such a difference.
I was out and about today for 7 hours! Back at Ollies place I was too tired to go out for dinner and made do with tea and a scone. I popped out to a store down the street before dark and found the magazine I had been looking for with the article on artist Julie Dumbarton.
My host Ollie has been out all the evenings except tonight he has his twin boys staying with him.....they went out to play golf but are back, he invited me to have a beer with them but I politely (i hope ) declined, preferring to write my blog and prepare to move on tomorrow. I plan to catch a train to Glasgow around 11:30.
On to exploring more of Scotland!
Cherrio!
I finally left the flat at 9:30, decided I wasn’t going to try to overdo it. I’m feeling badly I didn’t get to Broxburn to see cousin Andrew. The fact that he would not remember me ( he is in a care home with a diminished memory) doesn’t make me feel much better.
I had a list of places to see today and pretty much accomplished the list. I walked everywhere, and my feet know it!
First I went to the Grassmarket area, where Travis and Sian used to live, just off Kings Stable Rd, at the back of the castle. I had to take a photo of that. The Grassmarket area was mobbed with tourists, I can’t imagine what it will be like in the summer months. I walked up towards Victoria street, lots of quaint shops and restaurants, then along Forest Road. The Royal Mile was thick with people which put me off walking along it. I made my way back to the other side of Edinburgh Castle and descended into Princess Street Gardens.....somewhat more peaceful there, less people. It actually reminded me of when we lived in Victoria, BC and I used to walk to work along the waterfront past the Empress Hotel, having to weave my way through throngs of tourists! Grrr.
I was once again on Princess Street and as it was about 1:30 I went into M&S for lunch, and to give my feet a rest. I next stopped in Waterstones book store to pick up a Muriel Spark novel. A multi level store with a cafe on the top level, worth a visit. Making my way further along, I turned down Queensferry Road towards Dean Village. It is quite a hike down and of course back up! It is every bit as picturesque as it is billed to be. A beautiful river with several old bridges crossing it, lush trees and flowers with gorgeous old buildings in great repair. What an oasis! A photographers dream. I was very glad I included it in my day. Back up in the melee of traffic I walked along Lothian Road to Morrison Street where I stopped at a Sainsburys for chocolate and some fruit for the morning.
It’s my first time staying in an Airbnb and it won’t be my last. When staying for any length of time to be able to make a cup of tea, or have a bowl of cereal without having to always go to a restaurant for every meal makes such a difference.
I was out and about today for 7 hours! Back at Ollies place I was too tired to go out for dinner and made do with tea and a scone. I popped out to a store down the street before dark and found the magazine I had been looking for with the article on artist Julie Dumbarton.
My host Ollie has been out all the evenings except tonight he has his twin boys staying with him.....they went out to play golf but are back, he invited me to have a beer with them but I politely (i hope ) declined, preferring to write my blog and prepare to move on tomorrow. I plan to catch a train to Glasgow around 11:30.
On to exploring more of Scotland!
Cherrio!
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Add on to a Braw Day!
I forgot to say , Sandra and I took a drive back to the Winchburgh cemetery, to see her sister Linda’s grave. Linda was a beautiful soul who had kept in close contact with my mother. Her headstone was beautiful and included a photo of her in the marble. I commented to Sandra that she must know a lot of the “residents” of the cemetery, Winchburgh being a small village and her being brought up there. She said aye, I know them all. We both decided it was “ nice” that they were all here together. The graveyard is probably the prettiest place in Winchburgh now.
Cherrio.
Muriel
Cherrio.
Muriel
A Braw Day!
I didn’t get going till 9:30 today as I had to research my transport first. I had to come back to the flat twice, I forgot my iPad and the second return was for my umbrella as I hadn’t noticed it was raining till I got outside. I had meticulously planned my route and the #’s of busses I could take and again I got down the street to the Haymarket station and everything I researched was wrong! Wrong bus #, wrong bus company, wrong £fare, and wrong schedule. Across the track I see a bus company office so in I go, everyone is very helpful.....left the bus office and my umbrella on their counter, I’m back waiting for the bus when I realize the rain is on again, back I go, the fellow from the bus office is running toward me waving my brolly! I run to meet him and race back as another bus is coming. It seems like it may be one I want but I ask this time if it is going to Winchburgh as I’ve discovered none go to Broxburn (Billy did tell me this) Finally I’m on my way now recalculating as I’m due to be at the Gyle Park by 12:30. To meet cousin Sandra.
I get to Winchburgh and get of the bus in front of my old school, which is looking derelict, boarded up and labelled a dangerous space! I snap a few pictures and walk towards Haigs Bakery where my school friend Jane and sister Myra Haig lived above the bakery. I remember going to play with Jane after school, sliding down the banister from upstairs, landing in a puff of flour, to get a treat behind the counter. Jane wasn’t a well child, I didn’t know exactly why, but she missed a lot of school. Shortly after we immigrated to Canada she passed away from kidney disease, — the days before dialysis. My cousin Known as baker Andrew was a baker there and had a young Billy Glendinning as his apprentice (years later Billy married my sister, and still bakes sausage rolls and the best shortbread!)
Further on I recall the drapery shop, the chemist, all the shops are different now, the fields of cows right behind the high street are gone , their fields now a housing development. The last remaining familiar place, The Tally Ho Hotel , where my aunties and my Granny used to play cards once a week, bingo and no doubt a drink and a dance or two. I turn at the corner and walk down Niddry Road towards my Granny’s Council house. More pictures, the rows are in terrible shape., it was much nicer when she lived there. The Catholic Church over the high brick wall is under extensive repair. I remember when a wedding was on there our curtains would be drawn so we could peek at the proceedings. Heaven help that we should watch anything catholic! That’s the way it was.
I continue to walk down the road and ask a girl walking toward me if she knows when the Broxburn bus is due? She says, should be one any minute after consulting her watch! Things could be looking up for my schedule I thought .....many minutes later I realize I can’t wait . I cross the canal bridge to Bells Mill Terrace, where we lived at #29. I took a couple of photos, very bad repair. I cross the next canal bridge and there is a sign pointing to the cemetery, in I go to find my granny’s grave. My mums mum and dad and an unborn child are buried here together. It’s a beautiful well kept cemetery surrounded by a stone wall, Green cared for grass ,well tended and many elaborate headstones. I’m looking for two small plaques with simple inscriptions, that is what I remembered from a long ago visit. I walked around without success, as I was nearly ready to leave I saw my auntie Chris and Uncle Bills headstone.....obviously visited on a regular basis. I was pleased I had spotted it. Then just as I was about to go out the gate something made me turn for one last look over the whole garden.....an old upright headstone, well weathered had my granny’s name, Agnes Long! And issac, and son! Not what I remembered , then I realized my mother must have put it there after granny died in September 1975. She had just been to Canada 3 weeks previously to meet her newest great grandchild, Travis who was born in January that year. Now I really don’t have time to walk up Niddry Brae to Broxburn today, so I quickly go back to the high street for the bus to Gyle. Luck iscwith mecas the wait is short. I arrive at my destination with time to get a coffee and wait for Sandra. We meet like it was last Week! We head to Queensferry for lunch in her wee car. We sit and talk over lunch for about 3 hours....a lot of years to catch up on. Then we go to her house in Kirkliston, look at each other’s photos...mostly old ones. She had photos of our grandparents on our dads side, I had never met them or even seen photos. Soon it was time to pick her grandson Monty up from school. She is raising him, he is a delightful engaging 10 year old. Home again for more visiting then we took Monty out for Mac Donald’s, after that it was close to 8 and she dropped me at the bus for my trip back to Edinburgh. What a good day! Exactly how I thought it would be!
Tomorrow will be another good day!
I get to Winchburgh and get of the bus in front of my old school, which is looking derelict, boarded up and labelled a dangerous space! I snap a few pictures and walk towards Haigs Bakery where my school friend Jane and sister Myra Haig lived above the bakery. I remember going to play with Jane after school, sliding down the banister from upstairs, landing in a puff of flour, to get a treat behind the counter. Jane wasn’t a well child, I didn’t know exactly why, but she missed a lot of school. Shortly after we immigrated to Canada she passed away from kidney disease, — the days before dialysis. My cousin Known as baker Andrew was a baker there and had a young Billy Glendinning as his apprentice (years later Billy married my sister, and still bakes sausage rolls and the best shortbread!)
Further on I recall the drapery shop, the chemist, all the shops are different now, the fields of cows right behind the high street are gone , their fields now a housing development. The last remaining familiar place, The Tally Ho Hotel , where my aunties and my Granny used to play cards once a week, bingo and no doubt a drink and a dance or two. I turn at the corner and walk down Niddry Road towards my Granny’s Council house. More pictures, the rows are in terrible shape., it was much nicer when she lived there. The Catholic Church over the high brick wall is under extensive repair. I remember when a wedding was on there our curtains would be drawn so we could peek at the proceedings. Heaven help that we should watch anything catholic! That’s the way it was.
I continue to walk down the road and ask a girl walking toward me if she knows when the Broxburn bus is due? She says, should be one any minute after consulting her watch! Things could be looking up for my schedule I thought .....many minutes later I realize I can’t wait . I cross the canal bridge to Bells Mill Terrace, where we lived at #29. I took a couple of photos, very bad repair. I cross the next canal bridge and there is a sign pointing to the cemetery, in I go to find my granny’s grave. My mums mum and dad and an unborn child are buried here together. It’s a beautiful well kept cemetery surrounded by a stone wall, Green cared for grass ,well tended and many elaborate headstones. I’m looking for two small plaques with simple inscriptions, that is what I remembered from a long ago visit. I walked around without success, as I was nearly ready to leave I saw my auntie Chris and Uncle Bills headstone.....obviously visited on a regular basis. I was pleased I had spotted it. Then just as I was about to go out the gate something made me turn for one last look over the whole garden.....an old upright headstone, well weathered had my granny’s name, Agnes Long! And issac, and son! Not what I remembered , then I realized my mother must have put it there after granny died in September 1975. She had just been to Canada 3 weeks previously to meet her newest great grandchild, Travis who was born in January that year. Now I really don’t have time to walk up Niddry Brae to Broxburn today, so I quickly go back to the high street for the bus to Gyle. Luck iscwith mecas the wait is short. I arrive at my destination with time to get a coffee and wait for Sandra. We meet like it was last Week! We head to Queensferry for lunch in her wee car. We sit and talk over lunch for about 3 hours....a lot of years to catch up on. Then we go to her house in Kirkliston, look at each other’s photos...mostly old ones. She had photos of our grandparents on our dads side, I had never met them or even seen photos. Soon it was time to pick her grandson Monty up from school. She is raising him, he is a delightful engaging 10 year old. Home again for more visiting then we took Monty out for Mac Donald’s, after that it was close to 8 and she dropped me at the bus for my trip back to Edinburgh. What a good day! Exactly how I thought it would be!
Tomorrow will be another good day!
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Day Two, feels like I’ve always been here.
My morning started well, apple juice, tea and cereal at a leisurely pace. I research opening time for the National museum and left the flat at 9:45. It was windy and cool as I made the short walk to Haymarket Station. More helpful people at the tram/bus stop when I purchased my daily ticket. The old gent I sat beside on the tram asked if I was from America.....and seemed quite guiniuely delighted when I said Canadian. . So I found a way to insert into our conversation how nice most Americans are and that they get a bad wrap. Anyway I got off and promptly headed in the wrong direction. By the time I realized I was not where I meant to be I was within a stones throw from Calton Hill which was another “to do" so I carried on! Huffing and puffing I climbed the stairs and went inside Nelson’s Monument , for £5 you could view the history exhibit and climb to the top of the monument, which is designed like an upside down ship spyglass. The stairs were not too narrow and the view at the top was breathless in a literal and figurative sense. From a lofty height I saw Arthur’s seat, the Firth of Forth bridges, city, sea, and the Scottish national gallery! I took some photos , made one circular pass around and that was enough. The wind was even fiercer up high. Back a street level I made my way toward the Scottish national gallery. ......sidetracked by a vodaphone store,.......guess what.....Rogers did not deactivate my ph! ๐กwhat a waste of time.
I popped into a few shops, nothing I had to have. In the gallery I was hoping to see the impressionists and some work of my ancestor John Pettie. Although the gallery has 22 of his paintings none were displayed and they were at the Portrait Gallery., another site. On the impressionist rooms some were being refurbished and were roped off but I did see a lovely Degas and some Raeburns and aa, john Constable . By now it was noon and the Scottish Cafe on site looked nice, with a view straight down princess street gardens, daffodils abloom. I ordered tea and a scone. Since I didn’t have anyone to chat to I eavesdropped a little on the two ladies next to me. A downside of a solo vacation is not having someone to talk to when you want. I do talk to people at bus stops and in the shops, and my host when he is home.
I took a bus back to the flat and got in just before the rain. I phoned cousin Sandra to make arrangements for tomorrow and left a message. She called while I was getting ready for the cousins dinner.
My biggest problem when I’m getting around on the buses and trams is knowing which side of the road to stand on, I think I know but am usually on the wrong side! I always confer with the driver or a passenger when I get on just to make sure! I arrived in Corstorphine, which is a part of Edinburgh, at the restaurant 10 minutes early. Cousin Gordon was just ahead of me, we went to our reservation to wait for the rest. They all arrived at once, Allan, Brian, 2 Craigs and Helen, Moira, and one other whose name has just left me. First I have to say, Craig is the double of Sians dad....I couldn’t get over the resemblance, even down to the same eyeglasses and speech patterns. The genes in our family are strong! The men reminded me so much of dad. Lots of stories were being shared and photos. Moira had brought an old album and I had made a seperate file on my iPad to share. They can’t get over how similar myself and Sandra are! We enjoyed a meal and as much as I protested and wanted to buy they insisted not! They were most interested in my plans and I said I would be back in Edinburgh for 2days before I left for home......Helen and Craig insisted I stay with them. I had been planning to ask my airbnb host if I could come back for the 2 days but I will enjoy being with them again, and may meet some others. Gordon gave me a copy of the book his friend wrote, about the bike ride he did in Gordon’s honour.
We left the restaurant and dad’s three nephews drove me home. Allan said he thought Fleur and Andrews son Gordon lived just a street over from where I am. Small world if so!
I hope to go to see Dean Village tomorrow morning then take the bus to meet Sandra at 12:30. .
It was very satisfying to be with family . ๐
Cherrio once more xo
I popped into a few shops, nothing I had to have. In the gallery I was hoping to see the impressionists and some work of my ancestor John Pettie. Although the gallery has 22 of his paintings none were displayed and they were at the Portrait Gallery., another site. On the impressionist rooms some were being refurbished and were roped off but I did see a lovely Degas and some Raeburns and aa, john Constable . By now it was noon and the Scottish Cafe on site looked nice, with a view straight down princess street gardens, daffodils abloom. I ordered tea and a scone. Since I didn’t have anyone to chat to I eavesdropped a little on the two ladies next to me. A downside of a solo vacation is not having someone to talk to when you want. I do talk to people at bus stops and in the shops, and my host when he is home.
I took a bus back to the flat and got in just before the rain. I phoned cousin Sandra to make arrangements for tomorrow and left a message. She called while I was getting ready for the cousins dinner.
My biggest problem when I’m getting around on the buses and trams is knowing which side of the road to stand on, I think I know but am usually on the wrong side! I always confer with the driver or a passenger when I get on just to make sure! I arrived in Corstorphine, which is a part of Edinburgh, at the restaurant 10 minutes early. Cousin Gordon was just ahead of me, we went to our reservation to wait for the rest. They all arrived at once, Allan, Brian, 2 Craigs and Helen, Moira, and one other whose name has just left me. First I have to say, Craig is the double of Sians dad....I couldn’t get over the resemblance, even down to the same eyeglasses and speech patterns. The genes in our family are strong! The men reminded me so much of dad. Lots of stories were being shared and photos. Moira had brought an old album and I had made a seperate file on my iPad to share. They can’t get over how similar myself and Sandra are! We enjoyed a meal and as much as I protested and wanted to buy they insisted not! They were most interested in my plans and I said I would be back in Edinburgh for 2days before I left for home......Helen and Craig insisted I stay with them. I had been planning to ask my airbnb host if I could come back for the 2 days but I will enjoy being with them again, and may meet some others. Gordon gave me a copy of the book his friend wrote, about the bike ride he did in Gordon’s honour.
We left the restaurant and dad’s three nephews drove me home. Allan said he thought Fleur and Andrews son Gordon lived just a street over from where I am. Small world if so!
I hope to go to see Dean Village tomorrow morning then take the bus to meet Sandra at 12:30. .
It was very satisfying to be with family . ๐
Cherrio once more xo
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Solo Scottish Trip April/May 2018
Today I left Vancouver and flew to Edinburgh. ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ✈️
The flight was good, no bumps and I had an aisle seat in a row of four shared with only one other passenger. The flight attendant asked me if I always got asked if I looked like a British actress!? I said no....which one? She said on the tip of her tongue and she’d get back to me! I guess I’ll never know because she never came back!
I landed in London and after a lot of walking to my next flight I was off on the short flight to Edinburgh.
Even though I was again in an aisle seat I got a glimpse of the red Firth of Forth rail bridge and the new rail bridge, as we came in for landing. I was really here! I had meticulously planned how I would get to my Airbnb from the airport but as meticulous plans go they sometimes fall apart. I couldn’t find where to get the bus following my directions it just wasn’t there. The tram was though, and I’m not shy to ask directions so soon I was on the tram (£6 from airport) and got off at Haymarket station. I went into the station as I couldn’t see the road I was looking for. By this time the info booth was closed so I asked at a coffee kiosk right beside it. The bloke got a funny look on his face and then said well....how do you spell that? Dalry is pronounced Dal-rye and I was saying Dal-ree. I was soon on my way, a 10minute walk to my Airbnb. I remembered I was to ring the trade bell but not the rest of the instructions (can’t tell you what they where as Then they’d have to change the instructions and they really are good) . I wondered how long I’d have to wait? I walked around the building , and a fellow sitting in his car looked at a lost soul dragging a suitcase and got out to help me. He offered to phone Ollie ( my host) and I got the rest of the instructions which I suddenly remembered.....jet lag is my excuse. All was well and I was soon in my lodging. I have the whole flat to myself, it is really nice, comfy and has everything, full kitchen, beautiful new bathroom in my favourite colour....white! Complete with heated towel rack. I find they are pretty standard in British homes. I unpacked a little and sat on the bed looking out to a balcony with flowers.....no sooner had I sat down than the squirrel parade started! Seemed like at least 5 were racing back and forth across the railing, and then one caught another and a bit of mating went on. I posted a photo on Instagram, I haven’t mastered photos on my blog yet!
I rested up till Ollie, my host arrived home from work then with another look at maps I ventured out to walk to Princess Street. It seemed like a long way but I did make it, took a few pictures of the castle in early evening light, and the beautiful old graveyard by the church. Ollie was telling me the Royal Infirmary Hospital (where I was born many moons ago) has been turned into luxury flats! The hospital was beside the aforementioned graveyard.....close proximity for medical students back in the day to rob the graves for cadavers!
I went into a book store that was prominently showcasing The author Muriel Stark, the 100th anniversary of her life. She wrote 22 novels, I was only aware of one that Art Topham gave me as a gift years ago. I’m going to research the stories and pick one to buy.
I hadn’t had dinner yet, stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and decided to get take out from Sainsburys.
All the restaurants looked very full and it would be dark before I would get home. I got some soup, lovely cheese, a bun, a small bottle of wine and of course some chocolates.....oh and bandaids! Yes I have a blister, that’s what I get for buying new shoes for a holiday. The rain was starting to spit as I got close to the flat.
Tomorrow I will do some exploring, a small hike and meet about 10 of my cousins for dinner.
Ta ta and Cherrio the noo! Lassies and lads,
Mur xx
The flight was good, no bumps and I had an aisle seat in a row of four shared with only one other passenger. The flight attendant asked me if I always got asked if I looked like a British actress!? I said no....which one? She said on the tip of her tongue and she’d get back to me! I guess I’ll never know because she never came back!
I landed in London and after a lot of walking to my next flight I was off on the short flight to Edinburgh.
Even though I was again in an aisle seat I got a glimpse of the red Firth of Forth rail bridge and the new rail bridge, as we came in for landing. I was really here! I had meticulously planned how I would get to my Airbnb from the airport but as meticulous plans go they sometimes fall apart. I couldn’t find where to get the bus following my directions it just wasn’t there. The tram was though, and I’m not shy to ask directions so soon I was on the tram (£6 from airport) and got off at Haymarket station. I went into the station as I couldn’t see the road I was looking for. By this time the info booth was closed so I asked at a coffee kiosk right beside it. The bloke got a funny look on his face and then said well....how do you spell that? Dalry is pronounced Dal-rye and I was saying Dal-ree. I was soon on my way, a 10minute walk to my Airbnb. I remembered I was to ring the trade bell but not the rest of the instructions (can’t tell you what they where as Then they’d have to change the instructions and they really are good) . I wondered how long I’d have to wait? I walked around the building , and a fellow sitting in his car looked at a lost soul dragging a suitcase and got out to help me. He offered to phone Ollie ( my host) and I got the rest of the instructions which I suddenly remembered.....jet lag is my excuse. All was well and I was soon in my lodging. I have the whole flat to myself, it is really nice, comfy and has everything, full kitchen, beautiful new bathroom in my favourite colour....white! Complete with heated towel rack. I find they are pretty standard in British homes. I unpacked a little and sat on the bed looking out to a balcony with flowers.....no sooner had I sat down than the squirrel parade started! Seemed like at least 5 were racing back and forth across the railing, and then one caught another and a bit of mating went on. I posted a photo on Instagram, I haven’t mastered photos on my blog yet!
I rested up till Ollie, my host arrived home from work then with another look at maps I ventured out to walk to Princess Street. It seemed like a long way but I did make it, took a few pictures of the castle in early evening light, and the beautiful old graveyard by the church. Ollie was telling me the Royal Infirmary Hospital (where I was born many moons ago) has been turned into luxury flats! The hospital was beside the aforementioned graveyard.....close proximity for medical students back in the day to rob the graves for cadavers!
I went into a book store that was prominently showcasing The author Muriel Stark, the 100th anniversary of her life. She wrote 22 novels, I was only aware of one that Art Topham gave me as a gift years ago. I’m going to research the stories and pick one to buy.
I hadn’t had dinner yet, stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and decided to get take out from Sainsburys.
All the restaurants looked very full and it would be dark before I would get home. I got some soup, lovely cheese, a bun, a small bottle of wine and of course some chocolates.....oh and bandaids! Yes I have a blister, that’s what I get for buying new shoes for a holiday. The rain was starting to spit as I got close to the flat.
Tomorrow I will do some exploring, a small hike and meet about 10 of my cousins for dinner.
Ta ta and Cherrio the noo! Lassies and lads,
Mur xx
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