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| Selections at the Glengoyne Whiskey Distillery |
Our next weekend jaunt took us north to Glasgow -- half because we wanted to see Scotland, half because we wanted to explore the city’s artsy side, and half because Edinburgh was booked. Glasgow -- rhymes with floss glow – is a true northern beauty, with sweeping grace that belies an iron frame.
Our hotel was centrally located
in the Theatre district just a wee walk from George Square and a lively
downtown that included bagpipers on every block, I kilt you not. Our favorite
was the pipe and drum group, Clanadonia, who looked like they just tore straight
down from the Highlands. And everywhere we strolled, the Scottish burr tickled
our ear. (“Wha’s like us? Damn few and they’re a deid. Mair’s the pity.")
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| Willow Tea Room - fixtures and furniture designed by Glaswegian Charles Rennie Mackintosh |
Glasgow's famous sons include poet Robert Burns, author Sir Walter Scott, and millionaire Scrooge McDuck. But the one who shaped the city's appearance and allure is designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His signature Art Nouveau style is etched in everything from architecture to shop signs.
Our second day in Scotland we took
a bus tour north, stopping first at historic Stirling. Its castle was home to
the UK's Stuart family which included such notables as Mary Queen of Scots and King
James V, known locally as Jimmy Five. The castle overlooks Stirling Bridge,
where Robert the Bruce finally – finally! -- defeated the English in 1314. You might remember the battle as the final scene in quote Mel Gibson's woefully inaccurate film Braveheart unquote. (Despite the inaccuracies, the film increased tourism by 200% and according to our tour guide, Scotland never looked back.)
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| The Heather and me above Loch Lomand |
Next it was on to the bonny banks of Loch Lomand where we hiked through heather and bracken to the top of a hill overlooking the loch. The view was breathtaking. But it was hard to imagine this small country the size of South Carolina has over 1,000 such lochs.
Our day closed out with a soothing visit to Glengoyne Scotch Whiskey Distillery. Those who know me, know I’m not a drinker. I can barely finish a beer in one sitting and a glass of wine makes me ill. But until now I never knew I could handle 18-year old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. This is why it's important to travel, folks.
Our day closed out with a soothing visit to Glengoyne Scotch Whiskey Distillery. Those who know me, know I’m not a drinker. I can barely finish a beer in one sitting and a glass of wine makes me ill. But until now I never knew I could handle 18-year old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. This is why it's important to travel, folks.
Our final morning lent just enough time to visit Glasgow’s Museum of Modern Art with its beautiful stain glass skylight and oddly intriguing cardboard exhibit. Then it was back to the hotel for luggage and on to the train station for home. Farewell Glasgow and lang may your lum reek (long may your chimney smoke).
Clanadonia Bagpipes and Drums - Keeping it Tribal:
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It’s the little things . . .
Our bus tour made an unscheduled
stop at Castle Doune. You probably recognize it from Monty Python’s Holy Grail. It was also used as ‘Winterfell’
in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
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| Castle Doune. Look familiar? |
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