. Words rise out of the country. They are around us. In every month in the year we are surrounded by words. (Shall Gaelic Die? Iain Crichton Smith) Winter has its own dictionary, the words are a blizzard building a tower of Babel. Its grammar is like snow. (Shall Gaelic Die? Iain Crichton Smith) Time flies… St Valentine’s red roses … Continue reading →
At the end of the nineteenth century, Art Nouveau transformed towns and countryside around the world. Even though its style had gained popularity from just the last ten years or so, Art Nouveau permeated many arts & crafts: jewellery, book design, glasswork, textiles, wrought iron, and architecture, to name just a few, with its high Victorian design and craftwork. The … Continue reading →
We are very pleased today to introduce on Scotiana our dear Scottish friends, Iain and Margaret 😉 In this Letter from Scotland, Iain will guide us to the St-Valentine relics that remain in Glasgow, a very timely and interesting subject to read on the eve of worldwide celebration of St-Valentine’s day. We could not have found a better guide so, … Continue reading →
Back in 1840, Glasgow architect John Baird was commissioned by Sir James Campbell, to design the large block of business premises in Buchanan Street, known as Prince’s Buildings. The buildings formed a four-storey merchant square in yellow sandstone, named in honour of the birth of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) A year or so later, the building was … Continue reading →
If it is pouring with rain, as is often the case in Scotland, and if you are not lost in the midst of nowhere in a most desolate and remote place of the Scottish countryside with only a thermos of black coffee to cheer you up, it would be unthinkable not to be able to find a castle, a museum, … Continue reading →
. Hey Mairiuna, before we hop unto Princes Square’s inviting blue escalator leading up to it’s animated galleries, let’s stroll a bit longer on Buchanan street, the most popular and well known shopping street of Glasgow. I was so impressed by the urban design that I would happily spend more time in this premier pedestrian thoroughfare housing more than 125 … Continue reading →
From our different trips to Glasgow, we came back with a great number of photos and unforgettable memories. We never stayed long enough, alas, to be able to visit all the treasures hidden in the rich and fascinating Scottish metropolis but it did not take long for us to feel the sense of place there and to love it. Glasgow … Continue reading →
. Oh yes! Mairiuna, it was quite a fun ride we took aboard Glasgow’s Clockwork Orange subway train. Remember this photograph I took of you both just before we escalated down to the ticket booth? At the ticket booth, we had a good laugh when the ticket officer, after we told him that you and Jean-Claude came from France and … Continue reading →
We like our Underground. From down below it tells you a lot about what is happening up above. South of the Clyde it is largely deserted. Traffic between St Enoch’s and Hillhead is busier with students and shoppers. Some people only like travelling clockwise or anti-clockwise. It is a subway with a heart. (Glasgow from the Eye in the Sky … Continue reading →
As mentioned in my previous post, Donald Alexander Smith (1820-1914), 1st Baron Strathcona, was famously known for having created, at its own expense, the most illustrious military regiment, the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Born on Scotland’s northeast coast, in the small town of Forres, Morayshire, in Scotland, he really had simple personal taste. Sleeping no more than six hours … Continue reading →
In 2006, on Itinerary 5, we stopped our car on the side of the A82. We love this road which leads to Glencoe, the place where, in 2000, on Itinerary 1, we definitely fell in love with Scotland in front of one of the most striking and beautiful landscapes we ever saw. There were already a number of cars parked … Continue reading →
The answer is: Donald Alexander Smith! Born in 1820, in the small town of Forres in Scotland, he emigrated to Canada at the age of 18 and is known to most Canadians as Lord Strathcona. He made his fortune building railroads and consequently, played a leading role in railway development in Canada. In 1880 he was one of the organizers … Continue reading →
. Hi everybody ! Are you ready to embark with us on a new Scottish adventure? You won’t regret it! You’re going to travel through breathtaking scenery in a most funny way. Tchouk-tchouk! Let’s go on… here begins the first episode of a new Scotiana series : Scottish railways. I do love trains and the steam locomotives of my childhood … Continue reading →
While Susan Boyle sings I Dreamed a Dream on the annual music show produced by Japanese broadcaster NHK, The Red and White Song Battle program, and millions of other people welcoming the New Year in each their own way, we are happy to extend to all our Best wishes for a Healthy & Prosperous 2010! May there be Joy, Love … Continue reading →
The Mackenzie House, in downtown Toronto, commemorates the city’s Scottish heritage by hosting a party to celebrate the Hogmanay traditions. To the sound of traditional Scottish music and tasting of some of Scotland’s best traditional recipes, the museum, for the event, will be lit by gas and candlelight. The Mackenzie House was built in 1857. It is a Georgian-style residence … Continue reading →
