Guest Writer Neil Clark writes about Bagpipes: Most people think of bagpipes as an exclusively Scottish instrument. This isn’t really the case, as pipes have existed in many countries since ancient times. In fact, it has been claimed that Nero didn’t fiddle as Rome burned, but played the pipes. Well, maybe. And the pipes still exist in many forms, all over the world. But here, we’re talking about a particular form of pipe, namely the "Great Highland Bagpipe", and few could argue that the Scots haven’t made it their own. Even today, when two pipe bands from Canada and one from the Republic … [Read more...] about Scotland and the Bagpipes
Archives for January 2016
Durness and Cape Wrath
Durness is almost as far north as you can get on Scotland's west coast. It's also your final destination when you drive the Ultimate Scottish Coastal Route, a fascinating journey which starts in the uttermost south west of Scotland, in Dumfries and Galloway. This is and area where the nights can be very long in the winter and in the summer it's hardly getting dark as Durness is on the same latitude as Stavanger in the south of Norway! Durness itself is a small village with a population of around 400 folk whilst the area has been inhabited since stone age times. In this remote … [Read more...] about Durness and Cape Wrath
Pitlochry – A Quaint Victorian Town
Pitlochry is one of the most visited towns in Perthshire and can be found in the geographical centre of Scotland. It is a well-known local saying that a map of Scotland can balance on the top of your finger under Pitlochry. Whether this is true or not, fact is that It's a quaint Victorian Spa town just off the A9, 26 miles north of Perth and south of the Cairngorms National Park. Pitlochry's main tourist attraction is its setting, with the surrounding mountains attracting hillwalkers and climbers. There is lots to see and do in and around the town, whether you are there for the day or for … [Read more...] about Pitlochry – A Quaint Victorian Town
Scotland on My Mind: A Simple Love Story
Guest blogger Keith Savage writes about his passion for Scotland. Keith: I remember walking into the Flattie Bar across from the docks in Orkney's second city, Stromness. It was a cozy, dark place, little more than a green shack attached to the much larger and more stately Stromness Hotel. Silence and turned backs greeted us as my wife and I entered. Everyone watched a small TV mounted in the corner. There, in the fuzzy technicolor, was Mel Gibson in his blue face paint, riding up and down the lines of his Scottish warriors, shouting his convictions. The entire bar was captivated by … [Read more...] about Scotland on My Mind: A Simple Love Story
Head to Toe – Scotland’s National Dress
From the dress uniform of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, through the formal wear at weddings to the casual get up of the Tartan Army at Hampden Park; our national dress, the kilt, is instantly recognisable as Scottish and is the envy of the world. In few countries today do people still regularly don their national costume, nor have it emulated across the globe as ours is – so from head to toe here is a look at the history of the various parts that go into making our national dress. Except in evening dress, it is commonplace to wear a hat with the rest of the gear; usually either a … [Read more...] about Head to Toe – Scotland’s National Dress
Raise a Glass at Burns Night Tonight
Burns Night in Scotland - 25th of January Once again it is that time of year where many of us will be suffering from the lowest of depressions also known as the January blues. Christmas debt, broken New Year resolutions, and an otherwise total lack of motivation to do anything aside from stay in and watch television until the next festive season has left many of us down in the dumps. However do not fear for that most jovial of Scottish folk holidays lies just round the corner, we are of course talking about Burns Night. Burns Night is one of our favorite holidays; it is a flagship event … [Read more...] about Raise a Glass at Burns Night Tonight
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