After the usual full English breakfast (with oatmeal this time) we boarded the bus to find that the fairies had left each of us a box of delicious Paterson shortbread. Soon we were winding through narrow roads toward Blair Castle, home of the Duke of Athol.
It's an amazing 30 rooms of the family's life and belongings going back to the time of the Crusaders.
We came out in time to see and hear a piper.
On to Pitlochry for lunch and wandering -- I'd like to buy a tartan scarf, but need to research which clan. I know I have Campbell in my background as well as the Pattersons. I understand that at larger tartan shops they will come up with the "correct" tartan for everyone, including Asians and Africans. Everybody, apparently, has a Scottish heritage. We drove through Dundee and crossed the Tay Bridge in sight of the North Sea. Oil rigs were moored near the mouth -- many are being decommissioned.
Then through several villages to St. Andrews. We wandered the beach area before walking uphill to see the 18th hole of the old course and checking out a shop or two. After another scenic drive, we checked into the Airth Castle Hotel and had a brief rest before leaving for Preston Field for
the Taste of Scotland Scottish Show and dinner. It was a great show -- traditional and modern Scottish music and dance and food. A big haggis ceremony, complete with a recitation of Robbie Burns' poetic tribute. The dancers included The Wee Highlanders -- young, talented children.
I got to dance the Gay Gordons with one of the performers. Was pretty dizzy by the end of it. The two Aussies in our group may have over-celebrated, by the evidence of the ride back -- they were quite loud and lively. It was hilarious for awhile, but we were all glad to get off the bus by the end.
It's an amazing 30 rooms of the family's life and belongings going back to the time of the Crusaders.We came out in time to see and hear a piper.
On to Pitlochry for lunch and wandering -- I'd like to buy a tartan scarf, but need to research which clan. I know I have Campbell in my background as well as the Pattersons. I understand that at larger tartan shops they will come up with the "correct" tartan for everyone, including Asians and Africans. Everybody, apparently, has a Scottish heritage. We drove through Dundee and crossed the Tay Bridge in sight of the North Sea. Oil rigs were moored near the mouth -- many are being decommissioned.
I got to dance the Gay Gordons with one of the performers. Was pretty dizzy by the end of it. The two Aussies in our group may have over-celebrated, by the evidence of the ride back -- they were quite loud and lively. It was hilarious for awhile, but we were all glad to get off the bus by the end.
Loving every word of the trip. Can picture you dancing, brought back memories of my wedding since I last did the Gay Gordan then. Good luck with the Tartan.
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