Would you be surprised if I told you that the lawn mower was a Scotttish invention? I was! Even though I knew that Scottish ingenuity is source of numerous inventions. Lawns were first kept clean and tidy by having animals graze on the grass, or by the use of scythe, sickle, or shears to hand-cut the grass lawns. But that … Continue reading →
Such is the atmosphere of the melancholy valley of Glencoe that it still seems to be haunted by what happened there so long ago on that fatal day of 13 February 1692 when 38 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by government forces billeted with them. The friendly and unsuspecting villagers were slaughtered at five o’ clock in … Continue reading →
Whether or not you are an amateur of Formula I races, you’ll love Iain & Margaret’s last “Letter from Scotland” in which our dear friends tell us about the fascinating story and tragic destiny of Jim Clark, nicknamed “The Flying Scotsman”, one of the greatest motor-racing champion in the world and a national hero in Scotland. Bonjour Marie-Agnès, Jean-Claude … Continue reading →
Dear readers and friends, One of the greatest joys that brings us this end of the year is the opportunity to wish you a very joyful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year! Let’s welcome 2019 together. We are approaching the big night that marks the arrival of the New Year and in Scotiana’s team native countries, France, … Continue reading →
“Heap on more wood! The wind is chill ; But let it whistle as it will, We’ll keep our Christmas merry still.” (Sir Walter Scott – “Christmas in the Olden Time” from Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field, 1808) With hardly one month left until Christmas, it’s high time for us to look for little treasures to put under the … Continue reading →
There are many books devoted to the subject of Scottish invention and discovery, as well as scores of websites listing Scottish inventions and discoveries with varying degrees of science, but one category caught my attention: the invention of fictional characters. As per Wikipedia, more than forty (40) fictional characters were invented by Scots. Here are just a few of them: … Continue reading →
We visited Clava Cairns, a very well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery, in May 2015, at the time when broom is blooming everywhere in Scotland. No need to say how lovely the Scottish landscape can be then. After cloudy beginnings, the day had turned sunny and the sky was of the purest blue. In the morning we had re-visited Brodie Castle and … Continue reading →
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 →
