IT'S BEEN AWHILE, I KNOW!

But we have not been idle. My son has been dutifully planning our trip and when he told me about this cottage pictured below, I thought, I must be dreaming. It is perfection!

This is where we will be staying for a whole week. A sweet little cottage on the Isle of Arran.

Croc is a traditional turn of the century Scottish villa set in a peaceful and secluded position, backed by the gentle rolling hills of the Monamore Glen and skirted by the flowing Monamore Burn plus lovely views of Lamlash Bay. Conveniently located approximately 15 minutes walk from the picturesque village of Lamlash, Croc is the perfect rural retreat.

Planning on 6 travelers now; not 5!

Tidbits about Scotland!

Alex Salmond - First Minister of the Scottish National Party.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29252899

     I was a bit surprised, actually. The vote was 55% for the 'No' vote and 45% for the 'Yes' vote. Yet according to the news sources I read, Scotland still comes out the winner for as a result of this referendum England will be giving more power to the Scottish Parliament.

     Just proof positive that the democratic process works peacefully. Proud of England and Scotland today!

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     The planning for our trip continues. Not so long ago, found out that there will be 6 of us making this trip for my daughter in law will give birth in March.  My 10th grandchild will be 5 months old approximately when I hold ? for the first time. Now I am even more motivated and excited to be making this trip. 

Tidbits about Scotland!

Scotland is buzzing with the 'Yes Scotland" campaign–a cross party alliance of political parties, community organizations, and individuals supporting a 'yes' vote on Sept. 18 independence referendum. If approved, this would end three centuries of union with England.

Getting Ready for the Trip!

One of my daughters, gave this to me recently for a birthday present. Now, I can add 'listening to bagpipe music' as one of my list of things I can do to prepare me for my trip to Scotland. Looking like it might be August of 2015. We will see!

Small World?

Hoping to do some traveling by train while we are in Scotland!
The Jacobite steam train, Glenfinnan Viaduct near Lochaber, Highlands of Scotland

     Had the most surprising thing happen to me last night while I was talking to my niece in law.  Not only is her grandfather Scottish but she has an uncle and aunt who lives in Edinburg.  Okay, I'm getting all sorts of plans forming in my mind!  I had no idea, not even an inkling that I was that close to having a Scottish relative. I envy her because how I would love to know that I had Scots blood running through my veins.  

     So, she is going to send me the contact info for them and hopefully this will be the beginning of a long and lovely friendship–connecting me to Scotland 

     Until next post,

     Cheerio!

Lerwick is the capital and main port of the Shetland Islands, Scotland, located more than 100 miles (160 km) off the north coast of mainland Scotland

This is a town my son expressed an interest in visiting, so I am checking it out.  I look at this picture and I think "quaint"–just the kind of town that would interest me.  But it will take some traveling getting there, considering where it is located.

My most recent purchase in preparation for our trip to Scotland.  I am excited because we can find places to stay, places to eat, and sights to see! I bet most of you already knew that!

Tennessee has an official tartan! Who Knew?

The Official State Tartan of Tennessee

     Chapter 82 of the Public Acts of 1999 designated the state of Tennessee's official state tartan as the design adopted by the Heart of Tennessee Scottish Celebration in conjunction with all the other Scottish Societies in Tennessee.  The design is a symmetrical tartan set, using the following colors: natural white, dark green, purple, red, and dark blue.

      Now this came as a pleasant surprise to me!  I discovered this as I was perusing the Tennessee Blue Book of 2013-2014 that I had recently purchased.  Well, I thought, this would make an interesting insert into my Bound for Scotland blog!

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Progress is being made on our trip.  We are now discussing places we would like to visit.  God did a very special thing for me in that I now have a friend who visits Scotland a lot.  As a matter of fact, she is hoping to visit there in July and will bring back some brochures for us.  I continue to enjoy keeping up with my young friend, Sara, on Facebook who lives with her family there in Scotland.  Looking forward to meeting her and her family when we visit Scotland next year. 

Checking into car rentals in Scotland–oooh, the excitement is building!

Scotland's National Flower

How, you may ask, did such a thorny flower become a national emblem?

     Well, so the story goes, a very long time ago when Scotland was ravaged by Viking invaders, a group of Scottish fighting men were resting overnight in a field. Unknown to them, a raiding party was preparing to attack this group of Scots, under cover of darkness.

     As the attacking Vikings approached the encamped Scots, they stood on a patch of Thistles with their bare feet and, of course, let out cries of pain as the thorns dug deep into the soles and toes.The Scots, having been awakened by this rammy (that's a noisy disturbance), were able to fight off the attackers.So,from that day, the Thistle has been adopted as Scotland's National Flower!

Got some quotes the other day about renting a car for when we get to Scotland!  

Must consider the fact that we have to pack 4 adults, 1infant car seat, and all the luggage that would translate into, so will have to be roomy, don't you think! ! ! !