What are your best memories from your Scotland vacation?
Apr 1st, 2003, 08:25 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What are your best memories from your Scotland vacation?
My husband and I traveled to Ireland 3years ago on our honeymoon. We had a wonderful 10 days, but there were certain experiences which stand out in my mind as "the best" memories (things I will remember on our 50th anniversary). One of those memories was taking the ferry on Dingle to the Great Blasket island. We spent the entire day hiking on this virtually uninhabited island....it was very romantic and also very fun. Wagering my husband that we could make it to the ferry before it left (we were quite a distance away) and sprinting to win my wager is just one of the many memories. I can replay the day in my head as if it happened yesterday 
We are going to Scotland for our 3 year aniversary and are hoping to make some more wonderful memories. While I understand that we cannot relive someone elses "best memory", I was just curious to know some of your memorable experiences of Scotland.
We are going to Scotland for our 3 year aniversary and are hoping to make some more wonderful memories. While I understand that we cannot relive someone elses "best memory", I was just curious to know some of your memorable experiences of Scotland.
Apr 1st, 2003, 09:24 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For us, the area north of Aberdeen, my family's original home, was very interesting. This included some of the Whisky Trail, and castles like Skene.
But is was the quirky little town of Lossiemouth that gave us the best memory. The timing was late October, very off-season for what I gather is a lively destination for Scots on vacation, in season. The colours were all muted, purples and burgundies for the backdrop to this little still-active fishing port of samll white houses, cottages and funny twisting laneways leading to the beach.
We sat on a bench in an otherwise deserted village square, watching the blue-grey sea, eating steaming hot fish and chips. Everyone of the townsfolk that passed by smiled and wished us a happy vacation.
As I do you...we are halfway to our 50th anniversary this year and building more to share.
But is was the quirky little town of Lossiemouth that gave us the best memory. The timing was late October, very off-season for what I gather is a lively destination for Scots on vacation, in season. The colours were all muted, purples and burgundies for the backdrop to this little still-active fishing port of samll white houses, cottages and funny twisting laneways leading to the beach.
We sat on a bench in an otherwise deserted village square, watching the blue-grey sea, eating steaming hot fish and chips. Everyone of the townsfolk that passed by smiled and wished us a happy vacation.
As I do you...we are halfway to our 50th anniversary this year and building more to share.
Apr 1st, 2003, 10:18 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<<The colours were all muted, purples and burgundies for the backdrop to this little still-active fishing port of samll white houses, cottages and funny twisting laneways leading to the beach.
We sat on a bench in an otherwise deserted village square, watching the blue-grey sea, eating steaming hot fish and chips. Everyone of the townsfolk that passed by smiled and wished us a happy vacation.>>
Lovely imagery, LJ - - do you know the song "Hors Saison" by Francis Cabrel, title cut on the album of the same name. Here are the lyrics (if you read French) - -
http://www.paroles.net/texte/15766
I won'try to do good enough job translating, but it's a moving love song, comparing the longing for a lover to come back... to the feeling of being in a seaside vacation town "out of season", melancholic without being morose.
Thanks for the reminiscence.
Best wishes,
Rex
[email protected]
We sat on a bench in an otherwise deserted village square, watching the blue-grey sea, eating steaming hot fish and chips. Everyone of the townsfolk that passed by smiled and wished us a happy vacation.>>
Lovely imagery, LJ - - do you know the song "Hors Saison" by Francis Cabrel, title cut on the album of the same name. Here are the lyrics (if you read French) - -
http://www.paroles.net/texte/15766
I won'try to do good enough job translating, but it's a moving love song, comparing the longing for a lover to come back... to the feeling of being in a seaside vacation town "out of season", melancholic without being morose.
Thanks for the reminiscence.
Best wishes,
Rex
[email protected]
Apr 1st, 2003, 10:40 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll never forget staying with friends, and having them make me a special treat of haggis -- both original and vegetarian -- in all its glory, complete with mashed tatties, mashed neeps (turnips) and a dram of whiskey poured over the top. They recited a Robbie Burns poem in unison, stabbed the haggis, and we dug in!
I also fell in love with these nutty, grainy oatcakes and scottish cheese.
On a non-food-related topic, be sure to go on a hike so that you can experience the marvelous Scottish air and light -- they have the softest, most delicate sunsets in the world. And in the summer, the night stretches forever...
I also fell in love with these nutty, grainy oatcakes and scottish cheese.
On a non-food-related topic, be sure to go on a hike so that you can experience the marvelous Scottish air and light -- they have the softest, most delicate sunsets in the world. And in the summer, the night stretches forever...
Apr 1st, 2003, 10:42 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
sitting on the little beach in Fionnphort on Mull watching the most glorious sunset over Iona.!!!
A picnic lunch on Inchmahome Island in the middle of the Lake of Menteith - sharing a sandwich wih a pair of swans and their tiny brood. Apparently one of the goslings was too small or weak to make the swim over from the shore and rode over on his mothers back
Scrambling over Loch Leven Castle and running into an eccentric author who traveled around chasing Queen Mary connections. Had me convinced he and I were in the presence of her ghost.
Being alone in the painted room in Edinburgh Castle on a quiet Nov day and coming outside to a brand new dusting of snow.
Watching the full moon rise over Loch Lomond on a nippy autums day.
Walking on the Isle of May (a bird sanctuary off the coast of Fife) and hearing the little peeps of the puffin chicks coming from their underground nests.
And too many others to list.
A picnic lunch on Inchmahome Island in the middle of the Lake of Menteith - sharing a sandwich wih a pair of swans and their tiny brood. Apparently one of the goslings was too small or weak to make the swim over from the shore and rode over on his mothers back
Scrambling over Loch Leven Castle and running into an eccentric author who traveled around chasing Queen Mary connections. Had me convinced he and I were in the presence of her ghost.
Being alone in the painted room in Edinburgh Castle on a quiet Nov day and coming outside to a brand new dusting of snow.
Watching the full moon rise over Loch Lomond on a nippy autums day.
Walking on the Isle of May (a bird sanctuary off the coast of Fife) and hearing the little peeps of the puffin chicks coming from their underground nests.
And too many others to list.
Apr 1st, 2003, 10:53 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One of my best memories from my only visit to Scotland, in 1979, was staying in a B&B in Edinburgh run by a very friendly, and feisty, old woman named Margaret Stonehouse. One of her "rules" was that all guests had to have breakfast at the same time so they could meet each other and, due to this, I met a German woman, a German guy, a French guy, and and two Italian women. Being on my own, I ended up hanging out with some of them for the next few days and I visited the German woman (in Trier) and the German guy (in Nurmberg) on a subsequent trip to Germany.
Here's to the delightful Mrs. Stonehouse -- now deceased, I'm sure -- for helping to bring travelers together!
Here's to the delightful Mrs. Stonehouse -- now deceased, I'm sure -- for helping to bring travelers together!
Apr 1st, 2003, 11:09 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Going to the Gathering of the Clan at the Scottish Games along with the royal family - the Queen, Queen Mother, Prince Charles and Princess Diana [my husband watched the games but I watched them, noticing that Charles and Diana said not a word to each other].
Driving north, past hills and heather, with Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony running through the brain [wish we'd brought the tape]'
Staying in a hotel in Fort William by the loch and joining a large after dinner sing-a-long with a room full of local "seniors".
Driving north, past hills and heather, with Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony running through the brain [wish we'd brought the tape]'
Staying in a hotel in Fort William by the loch and joining a large after dinner sing-a-long with a room full of local "seniors".
Apr 1st, 2003, 11:17 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There's more!
Staying at the Tulloch Lodge the night before the games-like being at a private house party.
The shop keepers taking your money as you count out the change, saying,"That's lovely".
Suddenly driving through Lockerbie-no signs of anything but a nearby freeway detour [this was in 1989]
Staying at the Tulloch Lodge the night before the games-like being at a private house party.
The shop keepers taking your money as you count out the change, saying,"That's lovely".
Suddenly driving through Lockerbie-no signs of anything but a nearby freeway detour [this was in 1989]
Apr 1st, 2003, 11:20 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We loved staying in a cottage in Callendar (Leny Lodge) for a week. I really love staying in one spot for a few days rather than always being on the move.
Our favorite place in Scotland is Threave Castle in SW Scotland. Drive narrow country roads and then up the farmer's driveway. Park in the front yeard and walk the path between his fields. Come to a river. Ring a bell and a boat comes over to take you to the island castle ruins. The only thing that would be better would be if it was a more primitive boat to take you to the island
Our favorite place in Scotland is Threave Castle in SW Scotland. Drive narrow country roads and then up the farmer's driveway. Park in the front yeard and walk the path between his fields. Come to a river. Ring a bell and a boat comes over to take you to the island castle ruins. The only thing that would be better would be if it was a more primitive boat to take you to the island
Apr 1st, 2003, 05:58 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, Scotland:
A perfect October night with a full moon over the auld gray toon of Edinburgh.
A nippy night in August stirred by the sights and sounds of the Edinburgh Tattoo.
Several memorable rounds of golf over St. Andrews' Old Course with Sydney Rutherford, dean of the caddies, carrying my bag (he is caddying for St. Peter now).
The brilliant yellow gorse/whin at Dornach in the late spring. The purple heather in the highlands in the early fall.
A stroll over the Brig o' Doon in Ayr.
A lone piper playing at sunset at the beautiful Turnberry Hotel.
.....I could go on and on.
Haste ye back!
Jinx Hoover
A perfect October night with a full moon over the auld gray toon of Edinburgh.
A nippy night in August stirred by the sights and sounds of the Edinburgh Tattoo.
Several memorable rounds of golf over St. Andrews' Old Course with Sydney Rutherford, dean of the caddies, carrying my bag (he is caddying for St. Peter now).
The brilliant yellow gorse/whin at Dornach in the late spring. The purple heather in the highlands in the early fall.
A stroll over the Brig o' Doon in Ayr.
A lone piper playing at sunset at the beautiful Turnberry Hotel.
.....I could go on and on.
Haste ye back!
Jinx Hoover
Apr 1st, 2003, 06:01 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We met a very fine fellow James T. Johnston Esq., aka "wee Jimmy" in the Masonic Arms, Kirkudbright. Two years later we met him again, in you guessed it, the Masonic Arms. We also met a whole lot of fun folks around that visit. This continues to be the epitome of the friendly pub! We are loooking forward to our 2004 visit!
Apr 2nd, 2003, 10:29 AM
#14
It wasn't on a vacation, but one of my best memories is (illicitly) fishing for brown trout on a small loch on the Skibo Estate (Carnegie's place before it got famous). My pal and I felt so...dangerous. LOL
The Dornoch Firth and Strath Carron were used by the RAF for low-altitude speed runs at the time, and as I recall the fishing pretty well ended after two Harriers went over about 100 feet off the deck, going around 400 knots. Very impressive, though, especially for the trout (for whom it may have been fatal, which was more than I was.)
The Dornoch Firth and Strath Carron were used by the RAF for low-altitude speed runs at the time, and as I recall the fishing pretty well ended after two Harriers went over about 100 feet off the deck, going around 400 knots. Very impressive, though, especially for the trout (for whom it may have been fatal, which was more than I was.)
Apr 2nd, 2003, 12:10 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My favorite time was munching on a picnic lunch, sitting by the seaside in Skye, watching the waves lap the shore, and hunting for shells on the beach... very relaxing!
I also enjoyed finding and exploring a waterfall just north of Strathpeffer after going to the McKenzie Highland Games. It was a delightful hike, with a beautiful river/falls!
Later that evening, eating at the one pub that was still open (8pm) across from the village square in Strathpeffer was one of our worst moments... the hostess and waitress in the pub were quite rude and made us feel incredibly unwanted and snubbed. We ate there anyway (no other option!) and dealt with it, but it was quite unpleasant.
Other than that, the people in Scotland were invariably friendly and helpful
I also enjoyed finding and exploring a waterfall just north of Strathpeffer after going to the McKenzie Highland Games. It was a delightful hike, with a beautiful river/falls!
Later that evening, eating at the one pub that was still open (8pm) across from the village square in Strathpeffer was one of our worst moments... the hostess and waitress in the pub were quite rude and made us feel incredibly unwanted and snubbed. We ate there anyway (no other option!) and dealt with it, but it was quite unpleasant.
Other than that, the people in Scotland were invariably friendly and helpful
Apr 8th, 2003, 04:41 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,640
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My best memory is from our first night in Edinburgh. We were going back to our hotel from dinner and saw the lighted castle sitting up on its black rock base with an almost full moon riding in the sky just above it. Still gives me goose bumps.
Apr 8th, 2003, 04:59 PM
#18
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Going into a small pub, The Central Bar, in Newton Stewart, and after a few rounds with the locals and chatting w/ the bartender, they turned out the outside lights, locked the door, and held a private party focused on my wife and me, with considerable drinking. From what I remember -- and it's the first memory, albeit foggy, that comes to mind when I think of our time in Scotland -- it was a lot of fun.
Apr 8th, 2003, 05:15 PM
#19
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
