“Trip tae Scootlund”
09/22/09
Trip to Scotland:
My wife, Bonnie, and I finally took a long-planned vacation and went to Scotland in late July. There was a special Gathering of the Clans with 330 Clan Chiefs gathered in the Scottish Parliament and meeting with Prince Charles. It is believed to be the largest gathering of Clan Chiefs, ever. The Highland Games were actually held on Holywood Castle grounds. Holywood is where the Queen and Royal Family stay while in Scotland. We toured some of the 250 rooms!
The Royal Mile, a narrow, cobblestone street in the heart of Old Edinburgh, runs a mile uphill from Holywood Castle to the historic Edinburgh Castle, a large, fortified structure on the top of a volcanic prominence offering an unobscured view for miles in all directions. Portions of the castle date back to the 11th Century.
One of the major highlights of the Events and considered by many to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, was a Clan Parade up the entire Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. There were thousands in the parade and thousands more lining the “Mile” and many cheering from 4th or 5th story windows. A great event for those with some Scottish heritage. I proudly christened a spectacular kilt made by my daughter-in-law, an accomplished kilt-maker who has studied under legendary kiltmaker, Elsie Stuehmeyer. It was made in Dunlap Tartan. She worked for days on it and shipped it to me just before we left. When marching I knew I was probably wearing one of the ten best made kilts in the entire parade! Bonnie, a Seneschal for the Morrison Clan in the Northeast (US), was wearing her Morrison kilt.
Photos>
My wife, Bonnie, and I finally took a long-planned vacation and went to Scotland in late July. There was a special Gathering of the Clans with 330 Clan Chiefs gathered in the Scottish Parliament and meeting with Prince Charles. It is believed to be the largest gathering of Clan Chiefs, ever. The Highland Games were actually held on Holywood Castle grounds. Holywood is where the Queen and Royal Family stay while in Scotland. We toured some of the 250 rooms!
The Royal Mile, a narrow, cobblestone street in the heart of Old Edinburgh, runs a mile uphill from Holywood Castle to the historic Edinburgh Castle, a large, fortified structure on the top of a volcanic prominence offering an unobscured view for miles in all directions. Portions of the castle date back to the 11th Century.
One of the major highlights of the Events and considered by many to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, was a Clan Parade up the entire Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. There were thousands in the parade and thousands more lining the “Mile” and many cheering from 4th or 5th story windows. A great event for those with some Scottish heritage. I proudly christened a spectacular kilt made by my daughter-in-law, an accomplished kilt-maker who has studied under legendary kiltmaker, Elsie Stuehmeyer. It was made in Dunlap Tartan. She worked for days on it and shipped it to me just before we left. When marching I knew I was probably wearing one of the ten best made kilts in the entire parade! Bonnie, a Seneschal for the Morrison Clan in the Northeast (US), was wearing her Morrison kilt.
Photos>