History of Scotland's Flag

The Saltire is the national flag of Scotland and, with a white diagonal cross on a blue background, it represents the crucifixion of the apostle St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint.

Believed to be the oldest flag in Europe, the origin of the flag comes from an old legend. Tradition has it that the flag originated in a battle fought near the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford in AD 832.

An army of Picts and Scots under King Angus invaded the Lothians (at that time still Northumbrian territory), and found itself surrounded by a larger force of Saxons led by Athelstan. Fearing the outcome, King Angus led prayers for deliverance and was rewarded by seeing a cloud formation of a white Saltire against the blue sky.

The king vowed that if, with the saint’s help, he gained victory, then Andrew would thereafter be the patron saint of Scotland. The Scots did win, and the Saltire eventually became the flag of Scotland. 

In 2003 the Scottish Parliament specified the official colour of the flag using the international colour coding system and it was decided that the white St Andrew's Cross should appear on an azure background known as Pantone 300.

Along with the royal flag, the Lion Rampant, the Saltire can be seen flying with gusto in the crowds of international sporting events, on churches and on national and local government offices.

http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/about/arts-culture/uniquely-scottish/saltire

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More Significant Things are happening!

With the purchase of our airline tickets, Scotland is becoming less of a dream and more of a reality!  A few days ago, while at a local Cracker Barrel, I made a significant purchase!  I bought a white patchwork lace skirt and a blue and green crocheted trimmed tunic. 

Why is this significant?

Well, when someone is planning such an extraordinary trip, wardrobe preparations must be made! This purchase was my first step towards such preparations.  There will be more, I hope! (within reason, of course)  And with each purchase my transition from dream state to reality gradually unfolds.

We are on our way!

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT EDINBURG!

Greyfriars Bobby

William Brodie, RSA (1815-1881)

1871, unveiled 1873

Bronze on a fine red granite plinth with basin

George IV Bridge, Edinburgh

This memorial drinking fountain commemorates Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier who reputedly watched over his master's grave in nearby Greyfriars kirkyard for fourteen years. Touched by Bobby's devotion, the kirk gardener erected a shelter over the grave for him, and Edinburgh's Lord Provost paid his licence fee to save him from being impounded and destroyed: "effectively, Bobby was now owned by the city" (McNab 307). The dog became so famous that shortly before he died William Brodie was commissioned to model this likeness of him. 

Photograph, caption and commentary by Jacqueline Banerjee, 2009.

http://www.victorianweb.org/sculpture/brodie/2.html

Yeah, the tickets have been purchased! Bobby & Maridith purchased theirs first, then just today I purchased mine and Bob's tickets. I suppose this makes it official!  We also have booked a place to stay in Edinburg and have reserved a place on the Isle of Arran (mentioned in last post). 

And, probably the most exciting of all is that we will be visiting a family in Scotland that I have a personal connection with. For several years I had the blessed privilege to be e-pals with a Baptist pastor's wife from Scotland who had 4 children–just like me! I dreamed of one day getting to go to Scotland and seeing her and her family that I had become so connected to through her emails, face to face! This was not to be, however, for cancer claimed her life before any of that could happen. 

Yet, her precious daughter, Sarah, has continued corresponding with me and has invited me and my family for a visit. I look forward to seeing them face to face and getting to know my friend in a deeper way, as her family describes her to me. 

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!