Travel to - My Scotland

Far East meets South West. Chapter 1 Escape

2009-02-16T01:40:00.000-08:00

Far East Meets South West

Chapter 1

Escape

The two young monks had been identified as being reincarnate Lamas, and from and early age had studied at their monasteries in Tibet. Both were diligent students of the Buddhist faith, and became friends. Both became Abbots responsible for their own monastery, and the spititual welfare of their people.

By 1959 the young Abbots were nineteen years old, and their lives were to be changed for ever. These were dangerous times in Tibet. The Chinese Cultural Revolution was taking place, and the Chinese Revolutionary Army had occupied their country. They knew they would be prime targets for killing, when their areas were occupied, so they joined forces and made plans to escape with their families and friends. Around 300 of them became refugees.

It was thought that the trip over the mountains to safety, would take around 3 months, and supplies of food were calculated accordingly. However the capital, Lhasa, was under Chinese military control, and the refugees had to find alternative routes, over hostile terrain. Summer gave way to autumn then winter. Their pack animals had long since been abandoned, and desperate for food, they were reduced to boiling their yak skin bags and belts in order to get some nourishment.

By now it was too dangerous to travel by day, for fear they would be sighted by the Chinese Army, and killed. Military planes flew sorties overhead, thus prohibiting the lighting of fires for warmth and cooking. Conditions for the refugees were extremely miserable.

Eventually they reached the Brahmaputra River which they would have to cross. But the crossing was patrolled by the Chinese. The party hid in a forest and set about making coracles out of yak skin and tree resin. As the coracles made the hazardous crossing of the river, the Chinese started firing on them killing some and capturing the majority. Nine prisoners managed to escape and rejoin the refugee party, to continue their journey on foot for another six months. By this time they were all near to collapse, when they found a cave where they slept, and waited to die.

They did not realise that they were only two days march away from safety, and that Luck in the shape of some hunters found them, took them to their village and fed them until they were strong enough to continue their trip to India.

Out of the original 300 who started out, only fifteen made it to India. The remainder had either died of exhaustion in the mountains, or had been killed or captured by the Chinese.

(Adapted from Kagyu Samye Ling The Story)

More to follow.

In Praise of the values of Henry Duncan

2009-02-03T02:09:00.000-08:00

In Praise of the values of Henry Duncan

Hardly a day goes by at present without some horror story emerging about banks, and how badly they have been managed. The British tax payer has bailed out banks to the tune of many £billions, but still the people at the top who have caused all this carnage walk away with golden handshakes valued at £millions. The first bank in this country to be bailed out has just paid its employees huge bonuses.... with the tax payer looking on in horror, amd being helpless to do anything about it.

As mentioned in a previous Blog, the Rev. Dr Henry Duncan set up the first Savings bank in a small village in the SW Scotland. The ethos of this was to promote thrift, and to have some money set aside to have reserves for a "rainy day". Savings Banks began to spread throughout Scotland, and in 1835 the Airdrie Savings Bank was set up. Airdrie is a small town NW of the area I write about. In 1985 the Trustees, (who are UNPAID) decided to opt out of becoming a part of a larger group, and stood alone, with 7 local sub branches.

Its 600,000 customers are mostly dealt with face to face, in the old fashioned way, loans are only given to those who can pay them back. There are no shareholders, .... the customer comes first.

No surprise then when the Royal Bank of Scotland has just lost £28billion, that this little bank has managed to post PROFITS of almost £1million.

No surprise also, that those who are disillusioned with the way other banks have been run, are now flocking to the Airdrie Savings Bank !

Yes Henry Duncan was so right, all those years ago when he set up the first Savings Bank in the village of Ruthwell in SW Scotland.

250 year Anniversary Celebrations for Scotland's Bard, Robert Burns

2009-01-26T00:35:00.000-08:00

Robert Burns 250 years Anniversary Celebrations in Dumfries Sunday 25th January 2009

January, in Scotland always produces unpredictable weather, so it is not easy to plan outdoor events for thousands of people to attend. Only on Thursday the Whitesands in Dumfries was flooded due to a combination of a high tide and torrential rain. Sunday started with more torrential rain, however the skies cleared towards afternoon. Sighs of relief were audible!

To mark the the 250th Anniversary of Rabbie Burns birth, there were lantern processions starting from various points in the town with all ending at the Whitesands, where there were various bands playing. I live in a small village about 5 miles out of town, and the music could be heard here!

Robert Burns is Scotland's National Poet, and his most famous work is "Auld Lang Syne" which is sung all over the world especially at New Year Celebrations. The poet is buried in Dumfries.

The Health and Safety Gurus had done their usual wonderful job of ruining most things for everyone, as real candles were not allowed in the lanterns, light sticks having to be used instead, which somewhat defeated the point of a lantern procession.

The Celebrations culminated in the burning of a wicker creation of Tam O' Shanter and his horse Meg, which was moored on a raft in front of Devorgilla Bridge on the river Nith. The best view of this would have been had if one had been able to stand on the bridge, however ......yes, you've guessed....... Health & Safety would not permit anyone on the bridge!
10,000 people were expected, and the Event proved to be a great success.

It also marked the start of the Homecoming 2009 Year of Celebrations throughout Scotland, when expat Scots are invited to return Home for a visit.

There is a lot of other wildlife at Caerlaverock

2009-01-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Caerlaverock's other wildlife
On the continuing theme of Swans and geese one might perhaps have asked oneself how on earth they manage to get the birds ringed and attach the satellite trackers to them. Here is a photo to show how they are encouraged, at feeding times, into an enclosure on the loch, where staff are able to do this. I have also been told about all the bruises staff receive whilst performing this valuable task!

As well as all the swans, geese and other migrating birds other forms of wildlife are encouraged at Caerlaverock. I managed to catch a "reasonable" photo of the robin which had been eating the corn at on the plinth of the bust of Sir Peter Scott. All fluffed up, he was, on a very cold day.

Bird feeders are everywhere and the birds familiar to most Scottish gardens take advantage of them.

Special woodpiles have been set up to encourage insects to make their homes in. You can do this too in your own garden by simply drilling holes in logs of wood.

Hebridean Sheep - a fine fellow.

Natterjack Toad

Most interestingly Caerlaverock is home to a colony of rare Natterjack Toads. To help maintain their habitat there are some Hebridean Sheep who graze in the marshy grass and keep it at just the right height for these toads to thrive in.

WWT Caerlaverock showing tall hide from where the bird varieties are counted.

What is the Connection between the South Pole and Caerlaverock WWT

2009-01-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre.

(adapted from information from the WWT)

The Centre occupies 1400 acres of saltmarsh, ponds and grassland on the Solway Firth, and is very close to Caerlaverock Castle. It is the only one in Scotland. It provides a winter sanctuary for Barnacle Geese, Whooper Swans, wild ducks, wigeons, teals, pintails which arrive from the Arctic areas - Iceland, Russia, Scandinavia etc... There is also a large number of wading birds such as Oystercatchers, Red Knots, Dunlins and Black-Tailed Godwits.

Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, Hen Harriers, and Barn Owls, can also be seen. (They must have come from my garden!!!!)

Each day a member of staff goes into the hides to count all the birds present on that day, and the numbers of the different types of birds present are written up on a noticeboard in the centre. I have watched this being done, and find it quite amazing, because I always find that when I look at the birds, they are never in the same place twice! as they keep moving.

The Wetlands Trust and Centres are the brainchild of the late Sir Peter Scott, artist and naturalist. In his early years he used to shoot wild fowl, but as he got to know that these birds mate for life, and migrate hundreds, of miles to overwinter in UK, he wanted to make amends for what he had done, so he set up the WildFowl and Wetlands Trust, and designed the site at Caerlaverock.

On the day I took this photo of the bust of Sir Peter Scott outside the hide dedicated to him, I just missed getting a picture of a robin which was eating the seeds which you can see just under his binoculars. Yes these birds just keep moving! I admire wild life photographers greatly, after having tried to get some good photos of moving targets at Caerlaverock.

So now you have a clue to the Connection with the South Pole.

Sir Peter Scott's father was the famous polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott of the Antarctic.

Scott of the Antarctic

Remembering Lockerbie

2008-12-21T02:09:00.000-08:00

Remembering Lockerbie

20 years ago, I was driving home from work when news of a plane crash came over the radio. I heard that it had happened at Lockerbie. It came as a shock, as this is such a rural area, things like that do not happen here. When I got home, I phoned the local hospital to offer help, and blankets. I was told that blankets would not be needed........... My reaction was to say," Are you saying what I think you are saying?" "Yes was the reply.

The night sky was lit by the blaze which could be seen from Dumfries. How could this have happened to our little Lockerbie? That night we were all watching or listening for news as it came through. Planes and helicopters started to fill the skies. Was our country under attack? ..... we did not know.
Phone lines became blocked, we did not know why. As the full extent of what happened gradually became clear, shock set in. Stories started to emerge from the people of Lockerbie, and from the local emergency crews who had attended the disaster. I cannot write about these as they are too shocking.

Visitor Centre

Now the person who is in a Scottish jail, found guilty of the bombing, is asking for release, due to the fact that he is terminally ill. Did he do it ? ......many people, including some families of the victims, think he is not guilty.

Out of such disaster has come good. Lasting links with Lockerbie and the families of the victims. Scholarships to the University of Syracuse, a Cairn of remembrance made of our local red sandstone built in the USA. A Garden of Remembrance on the outskirts of Lockerbie, with breathtaking views.

View from the Garden of Remembrance

Patchwork picture in the Visitor Centre

Doon features on the the WWT Posters

2008-12-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

Doon Features on the WWT posters.

We are experiencing lovely clear frosty days at present. Ideal weather to go to visit Caerlaverock, and the swans. Compared to my last visit the area is now populated mainly by swans, which is some sight to see, and HEAR! because the sound of them can be heard quite some distance away as they chatter away to each other constantly. They are very social birds. I hurried down to the hide where staff were busy counting and identifying each swan. However I was told that I had just missed Doon and his family by about 15 minutes. He had been travelling with cygnets from 3 years ago, as well as this year's family. The staff member told me that Doon is the best swan to sponsor as he has such a large family! Apparently he had moved off to a nearby field to graze with a large flock of swans. I saw them as I left, but they were just too far away to get a photo.

I have to say the sight of such large numbers of such graceful beautiful,(and very noisy!) birds is something I feel blessed to have witnessed, and heard.

After being out in the cold, my sister and I went for some delicious hot homemade soup in the WWT centre. There I saw the poster of Doon with Kate Humble (WWT president) with MY swan.

This is a photo of a swan with a satellite tracker attached to its back, just the same as Doon has. Each of these trackers costs in the region of £20,000! All the more reason for people to sponsor birds.

Another swan family arrives to feed.

I took some digital film of the swans, and when I get the time to process it all, I shall attempt to put it on the blog so that you can all see and hear the Whoopers.

WWT More Interesting Swan Facts

2008-11-29T02:19:00.000-08:00

More Interesting Swan Facts

(From the information pack I received as sponsor of Doon.)

Swans belong to the same family as geese and ducks.

There are 8 different swan species.

Mute,Trumpeter, Bewick's, Whistling, Black, Black-necked, and Coscorba.

Mute, Whoopers and Bewick's occur naturally in the wild in Europe.

The Mute is UK's heaviest resident bird, the male weighing in at 12 kg.

It takes about 40 days for a Black Swan's egg to hatch which is longer than any other wildfowl species.

Swan parents help their young to feed by bringing up submerged vegetation, or pulling off overhanging leaves.

Unlike most ducks, the sexes in swans are similar in appearance, although the male is usually larger.

The male is called a COB, the female a PEN, and the young are CYGNETS.

Swans have more vertebrae in their long necks (25 in total) than any other animal. This allows them to reach submerged vegetation to a depth of 1 metre. Compare with the giraffe which has only 7 vertebrae!

Swans need a runway to take off, look for them running along a waterway in order to get airborne.

Swans find it difficult to change course quickly in flight. Collisions with overhead wires and buildings are the most comon cause of swan death in UK.

Swans occasionally mistake motorways and roads for open water and are either killed or injured when attempting a landing.

Mute Swans, despite their name, are not silent. They have a range of gentle grunts, and make a whistling noise whilst in flight.

At the beginning of next week, and Scottish weather permitting, I hope to go to see Doon, Balfron and family at Caerlaverock. I shall report on this after my visit.

WWT Interesting facts about Whooper Swans

2008-11-25T00:55:00.000-08:00

WWT Interesting facts about Whooper Swans

Take a stroll to your local pond or river, and look at the swans there. In particular look at the beak. You will see it has orange markings. This identifies the Mute Swan. The Whooper Swans are identified by their YELLOW bill markings in the shape of a triangle.

When you sponsor a swan you get a lovely information pack from the WWT. This gives lots of really interesting data about the Whooper Swans, some of which I shall put on my blog.

All swans pair for life and start to breed when they are around 4 - 7 years old.They lay 4-5 eggs out of which approximatley 2 - 3 hatch. This makes Doon and Balfron's rearing all 5 cygnets successfully a great achievement. The cygnets stay with them all winter and sometimes cygnets from previous years will also join them.

There are 5 populations of Whooper Swan, with the Iceland population overwintering in the UK and Ireland, although a small percentage remain in Iceland all year.

Around 12,000 Whoopers migrate to UK every winter with around 300 arriving at Caerlaverock.

Whoopers have been recorded flying at heights of 27,000 feet, where air temperature is as low as -48 centigrade.

Migrating Whoopers can reach flying speeds of 100 mph or more and can reach Ireland from Iceland in 7 hours! WOW! That is some achievement.

When you read this data of the family life of these graceful beings, and their brave and arduous annual migrations, it makes one wonder why human beings feel they can go out and shoot at them. X-rays have shown that approximately 15% of the swans contain lead shot from illegal shooting.

WWT Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Caerlaverock and MY VERY OWN SWAN - DOON

2008-11-07T03:31:00.000-08:00

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and DOON

Last month I noticed that the wildfowl migrations had begun. Swans and geese were flying over my cottage on their winter migration from the cold Northern Countries to Caerlverock Nature Reserve.

Caerlaverock Nature reserve is located very near to Caerlaverock Castle.

On one of the few sunny days my sister and I decided to pay a visit to the reserve. Whilst most of the visitor attractions in this area close for the winter months, this is the busiest time of the year for Caerlaverock. It is a veritable hive of activity with birds arriving from Scandinavia, Siberia and Iceland all the time.

When the birds arrive from each country the flag of that country is flown to greet them. We saw the flags of Iceland and Norway the day we were there.

A few days after our visit it was my birthday and imagine my surprise when my sister presented me with a real live Whooper Swan called DOON. (well he was not actually there in the flesh, he was adopted!) Doon was ringed at Caerlaverock on 21 02 2001 (21st Feb 2001) and has a mate called Balfron.They were still in Iceland in October, and had reared a family of 5 cygnets.

Last night I heard that they had arrived in the area with 4 of the cygnets. As for the other cygnet it is hoped that it has taken a break on the Island of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland before continuing down to Caerlaverock. This is what Doon & Balfron did last year.

So watch this space for more information about Doon and family!

DOON UPDATE

The following is taken from the WWT Site

Super Whooper Doon flies in to Caerlaverock
5 November 2007
Doon has become the first satellite tracked Super Whooper to arrive at a WWT centre this autumn. He arrived at his winter home at WWT Caerlaverock yesterday (4 November) with his mate Balfron, but minus one of their five cygnets.
Doon is one of seven Whooper Swans fitted with satellite transmitters as part of the Lough Neagh Whooper Swan Project this summer at their breeding grounds in Iceland. There, Whooper Swan expert, Richard Hesketh, reserve manager at WWT Caerlaverock, was joined by Kate Humble and a BBC film crew to film the Super Whoopers for Autumnwatch which begins tonight on BBC 2.
Doon, Balfron and their cygnets made this treacherous journey together for the first time, and the youngster are only three and a half months old! The group flew from Iceland and headed south over the western isles via Lewis and Skye before hitting the mainland in Ayrshire and landing appropriately at Loch Doon.
Richard Hesketh said: "When we saw them yesterday at Caerlaverock we could only see four cygnets, we feared that one of the youngsters must have perished on that terrifying 500 mile maiden flight over the sea. However one of our contacts on the island of Mull reported a lone Whooper cygnet on a lochan and managed to read the ring on its leg and sure enough it was our missing cygnet.
"The chances of her being re-united with her family are fairly remote, she will probably latch on to other Whooper Swans as they pass through."Of the other six remaining Super Whoopers, Blidfinnur also appears to be heading towards Caerlaverock, Fiachra and Merlin are in North East Scotland, Conn and Jaleel have reached Northern Ireland, and Gudjohnson is yet to leave the breeding grounds in Iceland.
You can follow the flights of all of the Super Whoopers at www.wwt.org.uk/superwhooper and on BBC Autumnwatch from tonight or even better come to see Doon, Balfron and their family with hundreds of other Whooper Swans at WWT Caerlaverock. The centre is open from 10am to 5pm daily with a chance to see the swans at close quarters at the spectacular Wild Swan Feeds at 11am and 2pm every day.

Shut your trap !

2008-11-04T02:42:00.000-08:00

Shut your trap !

No I am not being rude here. It is the expression which was used by knights about to go into battle when they would close the visor of their armour in case they were hit by arrows.

The Trebuchet

2008-10-27T02:35:00.000-07:00

The Trebuchet

This is a sort of enormous catapult, used to sling stone balls at high velocity towards a target. It was also possible to hurl infected corpses at the enemy in a form of germ warfare!

An operational trebuchet can be seen at Caerlaverock Castle.

Germ Warfare -The invention of!

2008-10-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

Germ Warfare

The Scottish Border Clan families were always fighting one another, and when they were not at each others' throats, they were fighting the English.

One of the particularly unpleasant ways of "doing the dirty" on their foes was for the archers to urinate then dip the arrows in the urine just prior to firing them. Thus this early attempt at Germ Warfare!

A Mediaeval Village at Caerlaverock Castle

2008-10-11T02:16:00.000-07:00

Mediaeval Scotland

Recently I went to see a working medaeval village. The backdrop was Caerlaverock Castle. It was a very spectacular sight. Firstly I shall show some photos, before going into some interesting historical details.

The day was run by Historic Scotland, and member groups from all over Scotland dress up to show how a Mediaeval village would have operated.On the day, boys could train to be knights, girls to be Princesses, and those not wishing to be either could become merchants. Each received a certificate at the end of the day to show they had passed their training. A great way to keep the children occupied, and a wonderful way to learn history.

During the day there was a battle, involving the children, and another involving the members of the Border Clans.

Demonstrating how the weapons were used.

Making bows, and playing musical instruments

Rev Dr Henry Duncan

2008-10-09T02:33:00.000-07:00

Henry Duncan

Born the son of a church minister, near Dumfries in on the 8th October 1774, the young Henry attended Dumfries Academy, which is where I also went to school. After school he went to St Andrews University at the age of 16 years, but when a relative offered the chance of employment in a bank in Liverpool he went there after only two terms at university. Here he honed the commercial skills which were to lead to his establishment, years later, of the First Savings Bank.

Henry lasted only 3 years as a banker, and returned to university to train for the ministry. After qualifying, he returned to preach at Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire, where his ministry spanned a half century. We have learned in the last few Blog entries of his restoration of the Ruthwell Cross, his establishment of the First Savings Bank, his discovery of the first fossil footprint, and his establishment of two local newspapers.

He married twice. His first wife Agnes bore him a son George, and when she died he went on to marry Mary the widow of a friend.

Henry was a great writer and his circle of friends included the likes of Thomas Carlyle, James Hogg, Sir Robert Owen, Sir David Brewster.

The garden of the manse was something of a showpiece which Henry's skills had developed. People would visit to see his garden and also the model farm he made, behind Ruthwell Manse.

An accomplished artist and sculptor, Henry painted local scenes as well as making a replica scale sculpture of the Ruthwell Cross which can be seen in the Savings Bank Museum.

Henry Duncan died, of a stroke, at the age of 71 in 1846, whilst preaching a sermon in a neighbouring Church.

So ended the life of a uniquely talented man who gave the world so much. He and his family are buried in the graveyard of Ruthwell Church.

What is the Connection between the 2 local Newspapers and the Ruthwell Cross?

2008-09-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

What is the Connection between the 2 local Newpapers in Dumfries & Galloway and the Ruthwell Cross?

In SW Scotland we have 2 local Newpapers. The Dumfries & Galloway Standard, and the Dumfries Courier.

They were founded in 1843,with the aim of broadening the minds of the local people to appreciate not just local news but also news of world events.

The Standard is published twice a week, whilst the Courier is a free paper published once per week. In fact as I write this I am expecting to hear the Courier being delivered to my home any minute!

So who was the founder of these Newspapers?

None other than the multi -talented Rev Dr Henry Duncan!

The connection between the Ruthwell Cross and Britain's first fossil find.

2008-09-21T02:23:00.000-07:00

The Connection between the Ruthwell Cross and Britain's first fossil find.

Here we can see the distinct footprint of a dinosaur. This is the first one to be found in the British Isles. It was found in a quarry at Lochmaben in SW Scotland. This footprint can be seen at the Museum of the Royal Society in Edinburgh.

So what is the connection with this footprint and the Ruthwell Cross?

Well, the extremely talented Rev. Henry Duncan was the man who discovered and identified it. After his discovery Henry Duncan presented a paper to the Royal Society in Edinburgh.

It is somehow appropriate that Scotland was the first country to set in place a Fossil Code, which gives guidelines about looking for, collecting, treatment of fossils etc. thus aiming to preserve the rich fossil heritage of Scotland.

Back in business

2008-09-12T02:57:00.000-07:00

Well I do not know what I did to lose my layout, it has been a long struggle to get things put right, but now with thanks to Skyler and Glenn in Utah I have finally got both the Blog and the layout back! Yippeeee.

There will be a new post next week about a dinsosaur fossil, and its link to the Ruthwell Cross.

Layout Problems

2008-08-11T00:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry Readers I am unable to make new postings at present as I have lost my layout facility.

What is the Connection between the Ruthwell Cross and The Savings Bank

2008-08-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

What is the connection between

The Ruthwell Cross and a
Savings Bank?

In the closing years of the 18th century, Britain was suffering in many different ways. There was a need for many reforms at this time.

We had been at war with France, and more strife was still to come. All this had to be paid for. Added to this there was galloping inflation, with grain prices rising by a massive 358% within the short period of 15 months.

The majority of rural people worked long hours on the land where wages were extremely low. There had been some poor harvests, and as agricultural work is seasonal, it was almost impossible for people to make ends meet in the countryside.

The government of the day introduced direct income tax, but wages did not rise to reflect this. The children of the poor worked in harsh conditions.

The money was in the hands of the few, and as France had proved with its Revolution, something drastic had to be done! Social reform was, of course, resisted by the few who feared for their "heads".

It was a bleak time.

The little Parish of Ruthwell was no different from other rural areas, but then someone arrived in their midst, who was to change all this.

Not only did he change attitudes to the poor, he also changed the banking world forever.

This man personally underwrote a consignment of corn
to be shipped to the Solway from Liverpool, and arranged for its distribution.

He saw the trials of the poor, and realised that when someone was sick or died there was no income for that family. In the area a Friendly Society had been set up, which was a form of insurance fund to provide for such requirements. However this was not being run successfully. He revived this and saw that it was run properly. The Friendly Society flourished. the people of the area were starting to feel more secure.

To help the women he organised supplies of flax which they spun, whilst the men were working.

He saw the need for a community spirit, for some relief from the worries of work and money, and persuaded the local Laird to build a Society Room for local folks to get together for social meetings, parties and the like.

This building became the focal point of village life, and was to eventually become the site of the First Savings Bank.

This man believed in the dignity of the ordinary man. He believed that it was degrading for people to be labelled as poor.

Banking was outwith the reach of most people in those days, because one required an initial deposit of £10 to open an account. On wages of 5 pence per day one can see how this could never happen.

On 10th May 1810, he set up Ruthwell's own Savings Bank in the Society Room

To join this bank a deposit of 6 pence was made, and provided that every depositor lodged an amount of 4 shillings within a year, interest of 5% would be paid. The first year showed deposits of £151. By year 4 this had risen to £922. The Savings Bank was a success! The local people could hold their heads up high, they did not need charity, they were self sufficient.

By this time word about it had spread throughout Scotland, and this man was asked to travel to other areas to help set up similar banks. Soon this concept was being adopted in other countries in Europe and the World.

The tiny village of Ruthwell on the Solway Coast of Scotland had given the Savings Bank to the World.

But who was this wonderful man whose idea it all was?

None other than the same man who set about restoring the Ruthwell Cross, the Rev. Dr Henry Duncan. A man of vision.

Rev. Dr. Henry Duncan

A lovely collection of Savings Banks.

The Bank held the key to these banks so they could not be raided!

(I know this because I have one!)

Why the Ice Cream?

For those wishing to visit Ruthwell, and area, there is a farm which makes its own Ice Cream in the area, where one can stop, have a light meal and sample the delicious Ice Cream selection they have. It is called Drummuir Farm, Collin. there is also a play area for childen.

It called to me the day I made my visit to Ruthwell!

Mmmmmm Delicious!!!!

The Ruthwell Cross

2008-07-28T01:39:00.001-07:00

The Ruthwell Cross

Crafted some time between the 7th and 8th centuries by a skilled Anglo Saxon craftsman, the Ruthwell Cross has a quite a story to tell.

Described as the finest Runic Cross in the World, and the Oldest and most Interesting Monument of its kind in Britain, the original unhewn stone monolith was 12'high, 3'6"wide, and 2'6" thick.

It has not always stood inside this little country church near the Solway Firth in SW Scotland, but was designed as a sort of marker, designating a preaching place, where people would gather on consecrated ground to hear about Jesus.

However, it also preaches its own story as can be seen in both Latin inscriptions, which would be for monks who could read, and in runes for those who could not read Latin. The sculptures told their own story.

Through its history it has survived the Viking invasions, and also, more devastatingly, the Reformation in Scotland when it was ordered to be broken up. The reason for this is that Scotland took the Reformation further than England, and banned all references to the Cross as it was deemed to be idolatrous. So in the mid 16th century it was taken down and lay forgotten partly buried in the floor of the Church, and in Ruthwell Churchyard, until in 1794 parts of it were discovered. A grave digger found the largest piece depicting John the Baptist, whilst digging a grave, other pieces were found under grave slabs. The only part which was never discovered was the cross beam of the cross.

These pieces remained in the Churchyard until a minister Dr Henry Duncan came along in 1799. He marvelled at these wonderful pieces of sculpture and determined to find out all about them. It became his mission to restore the beautiful Cross, to its original state.

But what to do about the missing crossbeam?

Henry Duncan researched the matter and together with a local mason came up with the design as it now stands.

Eventually it was complete, but although times had changed since the Reformation it was still deemed unsuitable to erect the Cross within the area of the Church. Henry got around this by erecting it in the garden of the Manse (Scottish name for the vicarage).

But then through time the vagaries of the Scottish weather were working against the preservation, and the sculpture was beginning to suffer.

In 1871 a new minister Rev James Caplin realised this and saw that if the Cross were to survive it had to go indoors. By this time it had become world renowned, and this project had the backing of prominent scholars from within Scotland and beyond. In the Year of Queen Victoria's Jubilee, 1887, it was taken in to Ruthwell Church. As it was too tall to be erected without raising the roof of the building a compromise was reached and a pit dug into the floor to house the beautiful Cross.

And to cut a long story short, it remains there to this day.

I have to say it is quite one of the most beautiful things I have had the privilege to gaze upon, and when one considers it was created over 12 centuries ago, one must wonder what other such pieces have been lost to us today.

Detail on the Cross

The Visitation

The new Crossbeam with Archer underneath

Landscape around the Church

A brief description of the Cross.

Thicker at the base it tapers to the Crossbeam.

Jesus is always portrayed with a halo inside which is the shape of the Cross, other dignitaries whilst being depicted with halos, do not have a cross inside them.

It is thought that the Master Carver left some of the lesser work to an assistant, as some of the figures do not exhibit the same level of skill. The Master Carver however always carved the images of Jesus.

When the Cross was reconstructed it is thought that some of the parts may have been incorrectly placed.

Vine Scrolls can be seen in many European countries, especially in the Catacombs in Rome. The examples on the Ruthwell Cross far outshine the workmanship of those anywhere else.

There are also wonderful depictions of animals on the Cross. Look for lizards, pigs, eagle, dove...

The Story the Cross Tells

It tells of St John The Evangelist, and shows his emblem the Eagle.

One can see an act of penance where a woman washes Jesus' feet.

Also it tells of the Annunciation where Angel Gabriel tells Mary she will give birth to Jesus.

One can see the Visitation scene, where Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant with her son who will be known to all as John The Baptist. The baby in the womb is said to have leapt with Joy when Mary came to visit.

There is a scene of the flight into Egypt, showing Mary and the Baby Jesus riding on a donkey.

At the base, there is a scene of the Cruxifiction.

Jesus is shown in one section standing on what looks like pigs, which illustrates the triumph of good over evil.

Two of the Evangelists are shown.

John the Baptist is depicted with the Lamb of God, his feet are placed on two orbs.

Another scene shows Paul meeting Anthony, a hermit, in the desert.

The Story of Jesus is there for all to see, and the message of the Ruthwell Cross will carry on down through the generations for all of time.

My Next post will pose a question.

What connection does the Ruthwell Cross have with a Savings Bank?

Comlongon Castle Revisited

2008-07-22T01:47:00.000-07:00

Comlongon Castle Revisited

It is some time since I was last at Comlongon Castle. As I was in the neighbourhood, I decided to go along to show it to a friend who was visiting.

The weather was beautiful that day the Castle looked splendid, so I took some photos to update my diary. Here they are.

The Devil's Porridge - The Conan Doyle and Suffragette Connection.

2008-07-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Devil's Porridge

The History of Scotland goes back a long way, but here we look at more recent times.

The year is 1915. The First World War is going very badly for Britain. There is a huge number of casualties, caused mainly by a lack of guns and ammunition. This caused unrest in the British Public, and it was necessary to do something really drastic, otherwise our country would lose the war with Germany.
So it was decided to commandeer land on the Solway Coast, stretching for 9 miles and 2 miles in width.

Why choose The Solway Coast?

The reasons were both to do with geography and transport links.
Firstly, the area was outwith the range of the Zeppelins and German bombers, and it was protected by Mountains to the North, East, and South.

Secondly it was served by extremely good north/south road and rail links.

What was the land commandeered for?

Britain was going to build the largest Munitions Factory the world has ever seen!

Architects were brought in to design two new towns, Gretna and Eastriggs, to house the workforce. They were designed on the same model as Welwyn Garden City with picturesque tree-lined streets and avenues. At first the houses were built of wood, but as supplies of timber ran out, they were later to be built of brick. Hostels were provided for the bulk of the workforce, and could go up in as little as a day! There was also churches, a dancehall, pubs and a cinema, as well as shops, admin offices.

Reconstruction of a worker's bedroom.

Who was going to do the building with most of the men away at War?

This was the job of Irish navvies, in the main, who came over to Scotland. It took 30,00 workers to build the factory and the two towns, which were ready for use by 1916.

Who was going to provide the workforce?

Women! But as this was a rural area where would the workforce come from? The answer is that they came from all countries of the British Empire (as it was known at that time).

How large was the workforce?

20,000 women worked there! Now one can imagine this was an added incentive for the Irish Navvies! and I am told there was many a wedding resulted from this project. There was also a good amount of brawling as a result of what was being consumed in the pubs! But despite the distractions, the job got done.

Why did they need 9 miles x 2 miles for the factory?

Between each section of the factory, they had to build a mound of earth to separate the buildings, because if one exploded the mound would prevent the others from following suit in a chain explosion.

Mounds between each section of the factory.

How did they make the ammunition?

The basic ingredient was COTTON. It arrived from the USA in huge bales. This was then mixed with nitroglycerine, and acid. This mixture was so volatile that the women were not allowed to wear any metal object e.g buttons, as this could trigger an explosion. (There were explosions -over 300 women died in munitions factories in UK) Upon arrival for work each women would be searched for metal, and if any was discovered the girl would be fined.

The girls would turn the mixture into long cords of explosive material which would be cut to fit the Guns on the Front Line in France. The name CORDITE comes from here.

Cotton was the basic ingredient

The atmosphere was not a healthy one compared to today's standards, with many of the women suffering health problems in later life.

What is the Connection with Arthur Conan Doyle and the Suffragette Movement?
In his role as a war correspondent, he visited the factory, and marvelled at the effort, writing about the girls stirring their "Devil's Porridge" (thus the phrase was coined)

In those days, women were very much subjugated, and because of Conan Doyle's glowing reports on their war efforts, opinions towards women changed and they eventually got the vote.

All of this huge enterprise was only in use for 3 YEARS with the War ending in 1918.

The buildings were either pulled down or sold at a knockdown price as housing. Gretna and Eastriggs remain to this day, in Scotland, with their distinctive English-designed houses.

The workforce dispersed to their own countries, but their efforts will always be venerated in this small rural part of Scotland, for without them, the outcome of the First World war would have

been very different.

Souvenirs made for the women to take home with them

Hats they wore at work

Sweetheart Abbey a 13th Century Love Story - What is the Connection To Oxford University?

2008-07-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sweetheart Abbey

Nestling on the edge of the charming village of New Abbey is the very lovely Sweetheart Abbey. As it sits just after a bend in the road I always try to have a good look at it when I drive past, and no matter what the weather, it never loses its appeal. The Abbey was commissioned in 1273 for the Cistercian order of monks by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway, as a memorial to her husband, John.

This was the last of twelve Cistercian Monasteries to be built in Scotland, thus giving the name of New Abbey to the village.

The monastery was designed in the shape of a cross.

John was one of the wealthiest people in Europe,

Devorgilla and John were utterly devoted to one another, and she was heartbroken at his death, in 1269

She had a casket made of ivory and silver, where John's embalmed heart was placed, and kept by her side at all times.

Devorgilla died in 1289, and is buried along with her precious ivory casket and its contents, in Sweetheart Abbey, where her tomb can be seen to this day.

What is the connection between Oxford University, and Sweetheart Abbey?

Devorgilla's husband John came from Barnard Castle in the North of England. He also had another estate in England, and yet others in France. But he and Devorgilla loved each other very much, and he decided to live with her in the south of Scotland. This was a time of great happiness for the couple, as they brought up their young family. It was also a period of stability for the area.

Whilst they were extremely wealthy people, they were also great benefactors. John had decided that he wanted to establish a college at Oxford. He also provided funds for the education of needy students there.

Thus, we have the connection with Oxford University.

The name of Devorgilla's husband was John Balliol. The College, is the world famous Balliol College.

The John Paul Jones Museum

2008-07-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

The John Paul Jones Museum

This Museum is run by Dumfries Museums, but would not be in existence but for the generosity of Americans, who travel to Scotland to see his birthplace. After John Paul Jones' family died out the cottage, sadly, fell into ruin. In 1832 a Lt Pinckham who visited the site, was so appalled at the state of it that he paid for repairs to be done. This cost £25.00 (oh, that house repairs were still at these prices today!)

Next to help was an Admiral Wright,who, having retired from the US Navy, raised funds, so that it could opened as a Museum in 1993.

At the back of the cottage, an extension was added which has been made to look like his cabin in the Bonhomme Richard.

In the grounds a commemorative Rose Garden has been planted, and there is a lovely picnic area where one can look out over the sea to the coast of England. I just love this picnic area.

I could not resist adding the pictures of the two self appointed guardians of the Museum, Mojo and Tilly who take their work very seriously!

John Paul Jones - Father of the American Navy

2008-06-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

John Paul Jones

I am sure not may people will know that they would have to travel to Scotland to find the Founder or Father of the American Navy, John Paul Jones. Today I was driving along the Solway coast and decided to stop at his birthplace, a tiny, two roomed cottage on the Arbigland Estate, where his father was the gardener.

Such humble beginnnings are hard to believe, but it goes to show that in life, if you are determined, you will succeed. John Paul was born on the 6th July 1747 (the name Jones was added later in life) and went to the local school at Kirkbean. He liked to go to the local small port of Carsethorn, where he enjoyed meeting and talking to the sailors. Along with his friends he would act out naval battles, with John Paul in command giving the orders. At 13 he signed up for a naval apprenticeship, and set sail for real, this time from Carsethorn. One of his voyages took him to America where his older brother had emigrated. He stayed with him at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and studied navigation.

The tiny cottage in S W Scotland where he was born.

Bedroom of the Cottage

Main room of the cottage

By the age of 21 he was a Captain, always neatly dressed, and standing no nonsense from anyone! despite being only 5'5" tall. He was to travel to Scotland many times, in the course of his work.

Commodore Jones stood no nonsense from the crew!!

Always of smart appearance.

When the American War of Independence came, he supported the colonists, which did not make him very popular back in UK. He joined the American "Continental Navy" in 1775. His reputation and experience became such that he was asked to advise on the drawing up of Navy Regulations. In 1777 with his friend Benjamin Franklin, he forced the French to salute the American Flag at Quiberon. This was the first time the American Flag had been hoisted in a foreign port.

After this he went to Whitehaven on the English side of the Solway for a hit and run raid after which he would travel to Scotland again, to Kirkcubright Bay, where his crew did a spot of looting, before going on to a naval battle at Carrickfergus, which he won. The British were not happy, and were really out to get him now! He did not have good press in Britain and was regarded as a pirate.

Next he went to Brest, where he took command of his most famous ship, the Bonhomme Richard. From here he was to travel to Scotland with a fleet of seven ships on a mission to destroy British trade in the North Sea. After some adventures in the Firth of Forth he was to engage in his most famous naval battle against the HMS Serapis, and the HMS Countess of Scarborough, which he won, with the loss of the Bonhomme Richard. The year was 1779.

Replica of the Bonhomme Richard

Two years later he returned to America where he spent his time advising on the establishment of the American Navy, and training naval officers.

By 1788 he was in Paris and on the recommendation of Thomas Jefferson, he met Catherine, Empress of Russia, and was made an Admiral in the Russian Navy before returning to Paris in 1790. He died at the age of 45 in Paris two years later, where his remains lay until 1905.

President Roosevelt, ordered that his remains be found, and transported to the USA. Amidst great ceremony, John Paul Jones returned to Chesapeake Bay to be met by seven battleships, and 15 gun salutes. He was then taken to Annapolis,to be laid to rest in huge marble tomb in the Crypt of the Chapel of Annnapolis Naval Academy.

So, the young boy from the tiny gardener's cottage did not travel to Scotland again. His final resting place is a testament to the esteem in which he is held in America.

Scottish and American flags fly in the garden of the John Paul Jones Museum.

Travel to Homecoming Scotland 2009 - Your Invitation

2008-06-18T12:36:00.001-07:00

Travel to Homecoming Scotland 2009

Invitation

You are invited to Travel to Scotland to attend a Party to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Robert Burns, Scotland's National Poet.

Start January 25th 2009

Finish November 30th 2009

Venue Scotland

It is estimated there are 100 million people of Scots descent living throughout the world, (The Scottish Family)and this Party is to encourage them, and people who have a love of Scotland, to travel to Scotland next year.

The 5 Themes of the party will be those which have made Scotland famous :

Robert Burns
Whisky
Scottish Enlightenment
Golf
Culture & Heritage.

The Party will kick off with the world's Largest Virtual Burns Supper.

In July there will be The biggest Clan Gathering ever, in Edinburgh, (thus far 107 clans have accepted) Highland Games, and the World Heavy Athletics Championships.

For those who like a wee dram, there is a Whisky Month in May when all the distlilleries will be open to the public, and a Whisky Galore Festival on the Island of Barra. (This will be interesting!!)

The Golfers will be happy as the Open Golf Tournament is to be held at Turnberry in 2009.

Lovers of the Bard will be pleased to know that there will be a Concert at the Clyde Auditorioum in Glasgow to celebrate the songs of Robert Burns.

Contributions made by Scots to the World of Science will be highlighted at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

The Queen Mary 2 will be anchored in the Forth as many visitors have chosen to travel to Scotland on the ship, for the Celebrations.

Those who live in Scotland are being encouraged to invite overseas family members to visit next year, and it is hoped that many more memers of the extended Scottish Family will travel back to Scotland.

A lot of visitors will be keen to take the opportunity to trace their ancestry whilst here. Family Trees are becoming very popular nowadays, and there are many organisations who can help with this.

2009 is looking to be a Great Year for Scotland, with lots of events all over the country, ending on St Andrew's Day 30th November.

We hope you can travel to Scotland, and see the Homeland at its best.

(This Blog has attempted to assist with Scottish Travel, accomodation etc )

Dalswinton Wind Farm - Living with Wind Turbines

2008-06-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Dalswinton Wind Farm

Today there was an Open Day at the new wind farm a few miles away from my home. I decided to make a trip there to check it out.There was a long queue to board buses which took one up the hill to the wind farm. Children were becoming restless, as the wait was about one hour. Eventually I boarded my bus and whilst I was thinking that it was a good distance to the top of the hill, on sighting our first turbine, a young voice piped up from the back of the bus "Are they solar powered?" This put a smile on everyone's face, because we had all been rather fed up having to wait so long to get up the hill to see these famous turbines.

They are giants! The top looks like the fuselage of an aircraft with the tail cut off, and a propeller added. They make little sound for something so large. The sound is like a gentle swoosh, and I found it quite appealing. They had a mesmerising effect on me, as I stood and watched them turning in the wind. Quite graceful, I thought. There is a door at the base of the suporting pillar which provides access to the control mechanisms of each turbine.

Views from the top of the hill are spectactular. It is possible to see all the way over the Solway Firth to Cumbria. The Firth looked very muddy on the day! Perhaps the tide was out.

For those who like Facts & Figures

This windfarm has 15 turbines

Each has a capacity of 30MW

This provides power to 18,000 homes.

CO2 saving is over 60,000 tonnes per annum

The project commenced in March 2007

Was completed in May 2008.

12km of new roads were constructed.

The diameter of each rotor is 82 metres

The base or Hub is 80 metres

Each rotor can turn at 8-19 rpm

Living with Wind Turbines

These Giants can be seen from all areas surrounding Dalswinton. Some say they are a "Blot on the Landscape"

Acres of forest was cleared to make way for them.

The worst part for those living in the area was the Constant Roadworks, with accompanying Traffic Lights, which held us up, even though the part of the road being worked was only a few metres, and was perfectly passable with care. Most thought this was OTT but I reckon it was more to do with the Elf 'n Safety Police enforcing their will on the poor motorist.

As a result of all these road works, the road now is in a disgusting state, full of potholes and patches. It wreaks havoc on the tyres.

We were told that the road would be resurfaced completely, making us feel quite jubilant. However, some things are too good to be true, and we now hear that all that will be done is a spot of cosmetic patching. NOT FAIR is the general opionion here!

As for the acres of cut forest, there is a replanting programme. Many young trees have already been planted, and at the top where the turbines are, 50 hectares of heather will be planted.

The roadworks were a pain. The fact that the road will not be completely resurfaced is also a pain.

My own opinion, for what it is worth, is that the windfarm, all things considered, is beneficial.

The turbines look like graceful dancers on the hilltop.

Although I am not one of the Global Warming Devotees, I do see the need to get away from our dependency on oil. We are currently being held to ransom by oil producing countries, oil traders, and those who have a political agenda. At the time of writing, some filling stations are charging £1.99 per litre for petrol. This is completely out of order!

The windfarm is a step in the right direction. Scotland has many renewable natural energy resources, we should take more advantage of these.

Cycling Holidays and a Secret Place

2008-06-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

Cycling in South West Scotland

As we have already seen the bicycle was invented in this area, and because of this, there are many cycling facilities in SW Scotland.

The European Union gave a grant to develop cycle paths, and the National Cycle Network which passes through this area gives the opportunity to explore a variety of differing scenery.

Someone once told me that Dumfries & Galloway has every type of landscape which Scotland is famous for. As I pondered this, I realised that it is a very true statement. From rolling hills to mountains and glens - beaches, lochs, and rivers, lush farmland, forests, and moorland, it is all here! and to cap it all the weather is much milder than in other parts of the country, as our coastline is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream.

A Secret Place

I was once at a play during the Edinburgh Festival, which was acted in French. Afterwards I had the privilege to meet up with some of the actors. We were discussing where we each came from, and one of them told me he came from a Secret Place, in France, which, translated meant, that it was a place which is not generally known to people. When he said this, I realised that I too came from a Secret Place!

When most people come to Scotland they head up to Edinburgh, the North and the Highlands, missing out the South West. This of course makes it ideal for cycling as there is less traffic on the roads. The area is mainly rural, so the opportunity to be out in the wide open spaces without having to negotiate towns & cities is welcome by cyclists here. Yes it really is a Secret Place. It is My Scotland!

For those who prefer to be off the roads there is ample opportunity to visit the 7 stanes centres within the forests of the area. There are 5 of these centres here.

Kirkpatrick Macmillan Inventor of the Bicycle

2008-06-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Kirkpatrick Macmillan

As we have seen in the article about Drumlanrig Castle, the first bicycle was invented near to the site of the Castle.

Just outside the hamlet of Keir, Kirkpatrick Macmillan was a blacksmith, who having seen a child riding a hobbyhorse along the rural roads promptly went home and made one for himself. He then thought that there could be a more efficient way of moving the hobbyhorse, without having to put his feet on the ground . In 1839 he came up with the design which was to be the first bicycle, and was a familiar sight riding around the area.

This machine must have required a great deal of effort to ride, as it was made of wood, the wheels had iron rims, and the whole thing weighed 57 pounds!

As he became more adept at riding his bicyle he ventured further afield on it. On a trip to Glasgow which took him 2 days, he had the distinction of being the first person to be fined for speeding (8mph) and knocking down a pedestrian with his bicycle! The fine was 5 shillings!

He never gained financially from his invention, because he did not patent it. Instead it was left to others to develop, and prosper from it. But he would be happy to know that in the sport of Cycling the Scots have proved to be great world champions, with cyclists such as Graham Obree, Chris Hoy, and Mark Beaumont. Perhaps one might think this is a better, and more enduring legacy.

This is the Smithy, still in use today where the bicyle was invented.

Wall plaque commemorating the invention of the bicycle.

Replica of the first bicycle. If you look closely at the front of the frame of the bicycle, you will see a horse's head. This replica can be seen at the Bicycle Museum at Drumlanrig Castle.

Macmillan Tartan

Drumlanrig Castle

2008-06-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Drumlanrig Castle

This castle is different from the other castles previously mentioned in this blog, as it is neither a ruin nor a hotel, it is one of the homes of the Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry.

When one enters the Castle it is advisable to use the services of one of the excellent guides, to learn all about the history of this beautiful home.

Constructed at the end of the 17th century, it is built of local pink sandstone. The families associated with the Castle are Montagu, Douglas, and Scott. The Douglas family had an association with the area dating back to the 14 century.

The Castle houses an eminent Art Collection. One can see paintings by such well known artists as Rembrandt, Holbein, Gainsborough........and more. There was also a painting by Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna and the Yarnwinder, which was stolen in 2003. In October last year it was recovered, but when I visited the Castle last month it was still not on display again. Sadly the previous Duke died last year only a few weeks before the painting was recovered.

Although there are many very grand and valuable items in the Castle, the overall impression one gets is of a family home with lots of family photographs and nick nacks on display.

The former stable block has been turned into artists workshops, and one can hire bicycles from the Bicycle Museum also in this block. This is appropriate to the area as only a few miles from Drumlanrig, the first bicycle was invented.

The grounds are vast, there are walks, a children's adventure area which can keep the youngsters occupied for hours, and if one is lucky in the summer months there will be falconry displays, Country Fairs, Carriage Races and all manner of activities to get involved in.

This Castle is in the North West of Dumfries & Galloway, near to the village of Thornhill.

As previously mentioned I was at Drumlanrig last month showing a Swedish Guest around the area. On returning to Sweden this friend sent me a gift by way of thanks. I immediately wrote back thanking her, and in this very SMALL world where we live I discovered a few days ago that the person who delivered my Thankyou letter to her was, in fact, my NEPHEW!!!! who had just got work with the Swedish postal service.

Scott Tartan

Black Douglas Tartan

Comlongon Castle

2008-06-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

Comlongon Castle

A few miles from Caerlaverock Castle stands Comlongon Castle. This Castle is run as a hotel, wedding and conference venue.

Comlongon Castle is regarded as one of the finest preserved examples of a border stronghold. Built of pink dressed sandstone, with a rubble insert, on a wide plinth base, to act as a strengthener on what was once marsh ground. Measuring 50 feet square and standing 70 feet high, it retains many original and unusual features.

The Great Hall, used as a meeting, living and banquet room, would have originally been plastered and painted with murals in vivid prime colours, depicting historical, religious and heraldic themes. Around the walls at ceiling level are some fine examples of stone carved corbels, bearing arms of families connected with the Murrays through intermarriage. Above the fireplace is an early 15th century royal coat of arms. All these carvings were at one time highlighted with coloured paint.

The western side of the hall is dominated by the huge open fireplace, an original lintel (long since gone), was replaced by a wooden beam unequal in length, propped up on one end by a carved pillar. Above the lintel is an unusual carved overmantle depicting various plants and heads emanating from a dragons breath, believed to depict the ancient Celtic legend of the green man, or god of spring. To the right of the fire is a small dressing room where the laird would have changed into a variety of outfits, to entertain a constant stream of business delegations and social guests.

From ancient to modern : Helicopter landing facilities at the Castle.

Jacobean Style Entrance / Bride and Groom

Murray Tartan / Murray Dress Tartan

My Favourite Castle - Caerlaverock Castle

2008-06-03T02:51:00.000-07:00

Caerlaverock
Castle

This has to be the most beautiful of all Castles in Scotland. It has a unique triangular design with towers at each point of the triangle, and is surrounded by a moat.Entrance is gained via the drawbridge. Set in a willow wooded area on the Solway Firth, it dates back to the 13th century, and was the stronghold of the Maxwell Clan.

Edward 1, Hammer of the Scots, captured it in 1300 and it remained in English hands for 12 years until it was reclaimed for Robert the Bruce.

Because of flooding a new Castle was constructed in 1600 in Classical Renaissance style.

At the gatehouse it is possible to see the initials of Robert Burns who paid a visit there in 1776.

I simply love this place and always take visitors to the area there. There are woodland walks and a nature trail behind the building. Once when I visited there was a jousting show with Medaeval Knights and horses wearing each Knight's livery. There was also a falconry display, and one of the hawks liked the area so much it would not come back! -- much to everyone's amusement, and the HORROR of the local bird population!

Renaissance Style

Maxwell Tartan

Robert Burns

2008-05-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

Robert Burns

Robert Burns, Scotland's National Poet, spent the last years of his life in and around Dumfries, which is in the South of Scotland.

He worked as a Customs & Excise man, and lived in a house in Burns Street, in Dumfries town. This house is currently in need of funding for general repairs & maintainance. It is a Museum to his memory.

He also had a farm, Ellisland, near Dumfries, which was not successful. Last year I attended a wedding there, which was a beautiful location for such an event.

He is buried in Greyfriar's Churchyard, a stone's throw from his house.

On the corner facing Greyfriars Church a new and lovely statue to Jean Armour, Burns' wife, has been erected.

Auld Lang Syne

There will not be many people in the world, who have not sung "Auld Lang Syne" At New Year, and other celebrations. I wonder how many know that Robert Burns wrote the words to this song?

Correct pronounciation for this is

Auld = al, as in pal

Lang = as it sounds

Syne = sine, as in sine or sign (not Zyne!)

Robert Burns Check

Burns Tartan

An Introduction to My Scotland

2008-05-29T03:37:00.000-07:00

An Introduction to My Scotland

Scotland has so much to offer both visitors and those who live here.
Most people imagine tartan, whisky, bagpipes and the Loch Ness Monster, when they think of Scotland.

It is, in fact a land of Castles, Mountains, Rivers and Glens, which lend themselves to a variety of pursuits, such as fishing, golfing, sailing, shooting, canoeing, climbing, skiing, cycling.... to name but a few.

The home of Golf is St Andrews, and golf courses abound throughout Scotland.

Most people are not aware of the fact that the bicycle was invented in S Scotland, and again, Scotland has an abundance of facilities for cycling.

With the advent of Budget Airlines, Scotland is a popular, and easy to reach destination.

Scottish National Tartans

Day Tartan

Hunting tartan

Dress Tartan

(to see more photos of scotland visit www.edinburgh-scotland.net/photogalleries.htm)

My Scotland

2008-05-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

An introduction to My Scotland

Scotland has so much to offer both visitors,
and those who live here.

Most people imagine tartan, whisky, bagpipes, and the Loch Ness Monster, when they think of Scotland. But there is much more.

It is a land of Castles, Lochs, Mountains, Rivers & Glens, which lend themselves to a variety of pursuits, such as fishing, sailing, canoeing, shooting, climbing, skiing, to mention only a few.

The Home of Golf is St Andrews, and golf courses abound throughout Scotland.

The bicycle was invented in S Scotland and there are many cycling facilities.

With the advent of the many Budget Airlines, Scotland is a popular and easy place to reach.