Indeed Mairiuna, the beautiful automaton clock that we had the privilege to view inside the Eastgate Shopping Centre depicting Noah’s Ark provide a special moment that all, adults and childrens, enjoy. It moves into action at noon sharp every day. On each hour the clock diorama also plays an animal themed song and a single set of doors open to … Continue reading →
In 2015, to attract more visitors to the most northern part of the Scottish Highlands and to stimulate local trade and cultural activities, the North Highland Initiative (NHI), set up by Prince Charles, decided to launch the NC500 road (North Coast 500) . Hardly had it been created that, in 2015, the new touring road, sometimes nicknamed “Scotland’s Route 66”, … Continue reading →
Falkland Palace ultimate landmark : the famous Royal Tennis Court; the oldest court in the world. I’m delighted to accept Mairiuna’s invitation inside her recent article on the Falkland Palace Parks and Gardens to share some insights about this very unique playing field. The forerunner of Lawn Tennis, Real or Royal Tennis is almost a cross between Squash ( racket ball … Continue reading →
The breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, its picturesque towns and villages and the friendly welcome of the Scottish people are attracting us there repeatedly. We love its old castles and abbeys but there is nothing to compare with the sense of wonder we feel each time we enter one of those “gardens of Eden” which give their touch of magic … Continue reading →
Bonjour Marie-Agnès, Janice et Jean-Claude, Hello again from Scotland ! 🙂 I know that you rarely travel without your camera, Jean-Claude, but I wonder whether you were keenly interested in photography even as a schoolboy? One or two of my school friends would talk of developing and printing their own photos – in black and white only – skills … Continue reading →
For those of you who appreciated the articles I’ve posted on the blog relating to philately, I have yet another one to share. 🙂 Mind you, I am not a fan of murder cases, as MairiUna would witness, but in this particular event, postal history is involved, so it strikes my fancy ! I cannot resist getting into the story … Continue reading →
Contrary to Linlithgow Palace where one’s steps ring heavily on the stone floors of big empty rooms and draughty passages, Falkland Palace, which is a mix of ruined and restored buildings, looks much more cheerful with its magnificently refurbished rooms full of beautiful rugs and tapestries, furniture, paintings and antiques. The atmosphere is such that we would not be … Continue reading →
As you’ve guessed, Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year. Nobody is quite sure where the name comes from. A few theories include the Gaelic Og maidne or new morning and the Norman French word hoguinane which was derived from the Old French anguillanneuf or “Gift at New Year.” Hogmanay’s roots reach back to the pagan practice of sun and fire … Continue reading →
“One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) Did you notice, on this lovely picture, the emblems of Glasgow ? This is the tree that never grew. This is the bird … Continue reading →
Your great article, Mairiuna, in the Scottish Castles Series featuring Falkland Palace shed light on another historic gem in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. What is great about it all, is that sites in the custody of NTS receive regular survey, inspection and maintenance programmes that preserve some unique elements housed inside the thick walls of the … Continue reading →
We visited Falkland Palace, a mix of ruined buildings and sumptuously restored apartments, in 2003 and 2006. This magnificent palace is situated in the picturesque village of Falkland, about 4 miles north of Glenrothes, in Fife, north of the A 912. Not far away, East Lomond Hill (448m /1470ft) invites the visitor to climb it up to have a panoramic … Continue reading →
Linlithgow Palace is located in West Lothian about 15 miles (24 km) west of Edinburgh, off the M9. The name “Linlithgow” comes from the Old British and means “lake in the damp hollow”… Even if you have planned to go directly to Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument don’t miss Linlithgow Palace. This magnificent ruin, for the old palace lost its … Continue reading →
The largest public artworks in Scotland? The Kelpies! You are invited to take more than a look at these two 30 meter tall horse head sculptures designed by Andy Scott, erected in Grangemouth Park, Falkirk, near River Carron, in The Helix, a new parkland project; there are so impressive…!! By definition, the ‘kelpie’ is a supernatural water horse of Celtic … Continue reading →
Upon reading Mairiuna’s post on Scotiana’s Favourite Castles and enjoying the beautiful pictures inside the article, the view of Blair Castle reminded me of a sign post above the entrance door of a nearby fish and chips restaurant that had caught my eye for its originality. 😉 You’ve surely heard about the traditional fish in batter along with fries, or … Continue reading →
We’ve already visited a number of castles in Scotland but there are still many more to discover for as a taxi driver told us in Glasgow: “In Scotland one can find a castle, or what remains of it, at every turn of the road.” As I was writing my post about Linlithgow Palace, the first of a series dedicated to … Continue reading →
