Tiugainn leam

Oh Scotland, I have not forgotten you – or my blog. It’s been an incredibly busy spring, but with life’s typical ebbs and flows, my regular routines have been rediscovered. And what a comfortable place it is. But for now tiugainn leam (come with me) back to Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle
The same day we visited Skye, we stopped at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. I have seen this castle so many times in books, I was thrilled to finally tour the most “romantic castle in Scotland”. The guide on our tour told us the castle has a ghost so my Mom was thrilled to go in and search for it. As the castle dates back centuries, I am sure there is more than a few spirits wandering around the premises. The exterior is so splendid – everything one would want to see in a castle.

 
The interior was another matter. Part of the castle is still inhabited by MacRae family members so it was a little strange to see modern photographs and furniture in a century old castle. Nevertheless, it was fun roaming around the interior and through the various passageways. We had a lovely lunch at the nearby gift shop. While doing so, we chatted with some elderly ladies at a nearby table. We were surprised when one of them was very familiar with PEI. They were lovely to chat with – especially with their thick Scottish accents.

Edradour Distillery

Twenty years ago, I visited this “smallest distillery in Scotland”. It has changed quite a bit since that time. There are many more buildings, including a reception building, where we had our taste testing. I hate whiskey, but I was pleased to discover that in addition to whiskey, a small sampling of whiskey liqueur was also offered. As I predicted, I choked on the whiskey, and used the liqueur to soothe my throat. Based in Pitlochery, the distillery only produces only twelve casks each week.  

DunkeldCathedral

I loved Dunkeld. It is a small village with a main street, town clock, and of course a massive Cathedral. With sheep grazing on one side and the River Tay on the other, it was so tranquil and peaceful. Although part of the cathedral is in ruins, it is still in use today. One thing that caught my eye in a small room containing artifacts belonging to the cathedral was the “Apostles Stone”. Dating to the 9^th or 10^th century, it is felt the stone was inaccurately described as the Apostles Stone because of the carved human figures. Some think it depicts a battle scene, Daniele in the lion’s den, and the story of the loaves and fishes. I was just fascinated with its age – and the fact that I could touch something so old.

St. Andrews

This was a place I went to frequently the year I attended Dundee University.  At that time, there was a free shuttle bus running between the Dundee U. and St. Andrew’s University libraries. As a student at the U of Dundee, I was also allowed to take books out of the St. Andrews University Library. So I went almost every week whether I needed books or not. I rambled about the small town which was easy to do as there are only three main streets. Many times I had tea at the St. Andrew’s Woolen Mill which overlooked the beach at St. Andrews. It was a lovely get away from Dundee for a poor student. Going back, I was delighted to see not a lot had changed. I took Mom to St. Andrew’s Cathedral and St. Andrew’s Castle. We roamed the streets and of course did some shopping. I found the loveliest little curiosity shop where I purchased a mug commemorating the coronation of King George (12 May 1937).

Mar sin leibh an dràsda (ta ta for now).