If you were to ask which country is my favorite other than the U.S.A. I’d say Scotland without pause. Home of my Hume ancestors (and those Ballantynes), Scotland has epic history, scenery, and cuisine, to name just a few of its many treasures.
Here are some things I learned about Scotland as an ex-patriate:
Scotland is smaller than the state of Indiana
Scotland is COLD
Scotland has lots of radiators which radiate a lot of delicious heat
I LOVE haggis (most people, nay!)
I dream of resurrecting Wedderburn Castle, home of my ancestors, and being Lady Laura of the manor
(Wedderburn Castle, rebuilt, late 18th-century)
There is no cup of tea like Scottish tea
Whiskey in Scotland is spelled without the e. Whisky is even served for breakfast with your porridge, etc.
Kilts and kilted men are a force to be reckoned with. Why on earth did we drop this mode of dress?
The Scots brogue is soul~melting even in the cold Scottish climate
Scottish history is ancient
One can never have too many trips to Scotland in any season
If you can’t already tell, I’m ready to go back:). Suffice it to say, I wrote a book about it instead. A Bound Heart releases next January 2019 and I just got a peek at the finished cover. Scots to the bone!
Give me but one hour of Scotland,
Let me see it ere I die.
William Edmondstoune Aytoun
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I am so looking forward to your Scottish book. Is it January yet? Is it time to see the cover yet? Lol.
I find the whiskey/whisky thing rather interesting. My store has a Wine and Spirits shop, and sometimes on Monday, Friday, and Saturday, I cover the person who opens it during their break. I’ve been doing that since around August, and I’d never stepped foot in it prior to that. A few weeks ago, I noticed there was a sign for whiskey and a sign for whisky, and of course, being me, I had to ask the manager about it when she came back from break, and she told me the same thing you have written above.
I actually enjoy going in there to cover breaks, it’s rather amusing since I do not drink, so I can’t really recommend anything to customers, but it’s such a change of pace for me.
So true about Scotland’s history being ancient. Have you watched the documentary series A History of Britain? It was done by Simon Schama in the early 2000’s, and is just marvelous. The opening scene of the first episode is the Hebrides, and is at an uncovered Stone Age settlement called Skara Brae. It looks like such an interesting place to visit. And this may sound strange, but I’ve often thought Skara Brae would be a wonderful name for a little girl.
Dear Michelle, So interesting to read your comments and find you just learned about what whiskyless e, too 🙂 Such fascinating differences even if we do speak the same language (sort of). As a non-drinker like you, I find a store that sells such a very different world! I’m amused you are in there – maybe it’s quiet and low-key compared to grocery! I am all about quiet. That documentary sounds fascinating. I have the one by Neil Oliver so will have to feast on yours. And yes, that name for a girl is lovely and so unique! I just finished up Ekaterina by the Russian filmmakers and it was EPIC. You may have seen it. Very dark and not for everyone but I found the history aspect riveting. Those Romanovs! Sad the dynasty ended when it did. But that’s another historical rabbit trail I better not take!
The differences in language are fascinating to me, I believe it was Churchill who said the US and the UK are two peoples seperated by a common language.
I’m usually in the Wine and Spirits store sometime between 10:30 am and 11:15 am, and you are so right, it’s so calm during that time. I think I’ve only had one time that was busy, and that was right before either Christmas or New Years. So different than the gas station which is where I work, by that time it’s usually starting to get busy.
I have not watched Ekaterina yet, it’s on my watchlist though. Have you watched Sophia? It’s another Russian production, done by Russia One, and it’s about Ivan III (The Great) and his wife Sophia who was the niece of the last Byzantine emperor. Amazon prime has it too, and it’s quite good. I’ve only watched 2 episodes so far though.
Love how your mind works, Michelle 🙂 Churchill is a fave and won my heart with another quote, “The most beautiful voice in the world is that of an educated southern woman.” Would love to watch a documentary or drama about him. Sophia is new to me – thank you! I’m a Prime member so will look that up. I was so impressed by the sets, costuming, and acting in Ekaterina. Absolutely mind-blowing that these Romanovs weren’t really Russian! And after listening to many hours of Russian with English subtitles, I now know how to pronounce Romanov 🙂 I have been saying it in error all my life. And I do with the Russian monarchy still existed. I turned 21 there but all things Czarist including those palaces were off limits back then though I did tour the Winter Palace. And sadly, much of the significance of that history was lost to me at that age. Would give anything to go back again. After the May British royal wedding lol. Love your comments. Thank you!
This is one country I have always wanted to visit!!! My roots are there also! I look forward to experiencing a touch of the Scottish when I arrive there in my imagination while reading your novel! 🙂 I’m toe dancing happy for you Laura!!!!
Dear Sue, Love your Scots roots! I just did my ancestry DNA and wow – Scotland, aye, but also French/Western Europe! Toe dancing happy with you, dear friend. This is such a different novel than Lacemaker. I’m getting whiplash veering off the frontier to genteel Williamsburg and then across the pond to Alba. Hugs and happy spring to you!
Don’t forget that Britain and Scotland are not the same place though: Britain is all three nations of Greater Britannia, England, Scotland and Wales. I lived Simon Schama’s series though.
Oh Laura! Kindred spirits! Scotland is truly my favorite country away from the US. I have been four times and would love to go again. I think a Laura Frantz guided book tour would be such fun. Sign me up for the first seat! Can’t wait for the new book!
Mary
Dear Mary, You ARE a K.S.! Would you believe I’ve wished to do such a tour for a long time and would head one up in a heartbeat! I’ve been with Liz Curtis Higgs on two of hers and would love to go again. If I ever am blessed to fly solo, you will be my co-pilot! Your love of Scotland matches mine. We could visit the Island of Kerrera even where A BOUND HEART is set. Oh, what a JOY that would be!
I ‘m looking forward to this book since we spent some time studying your Hume ancestors together. We spent a few days traveling through Scotland a few years ago and enjoyed it. I didn’t car for the hagis though even though it was presented with with a lot of fanfare. Seeing the guys in kilts though was certainly different.
Dear Wanda, You’ve taken such wonderful trips and have been so many intriguing places! I don’t think you missed much skipping the haggis :). If I’d read the ingredients before I ate it, I probably wouldn’t have eaten a spoonful! Greece is on my list and I believe you’ve been there, too. Maybe one day we can both take a DAR tour!
I am so excited about this new book. Love the history of Scotland. Have read many books set in this beautiful place. Cannot wait for this release. Blessings Laura
Dear Lucinda, So happy you’re ready to read this tale of my ancestry and my heart:) I hope it is worth the wait! Scotland does have an almost magical appeal. It must have to do with its rich but very heartbreaking history and the epic scenery. Its people are some of the most enduring on earth. Bless you for being here. So appreciate your thoughtful comments!
*sigh* I want to go…pretty much right now 😉. My parent’s did a dream trip to England and Scotland for a month for their 25th anniversary. It was their “trip of a lifetime.” After Mom’s passing I claimed her Scotland sweatshirt that she bought on their trip bc it was so cold and they weren’t prepared for the weather. I guess part of me wants to go so much because she loved it so much ♥️. So…one day, I hope 😊. I’d love to go on a girl’s trip with you, friend!
What a wonderful anniversary trip for your parents, Stacey! So many good memories – and that sweatshirt! Now I wish I’d gotten one though I do have a kilted skirt I love in gorgeous blues. I wasn’t prepared for the weather either, nor the sun that doesn’t set till midnight or so in May and then pops up again around 3 am. I wrote half of The Mistress of Tall Acre while there. Or rather God did:) I’m going to pray about a trip there with reading friends like you. What an absolute JOY that would be!
Whiskey. I’ve never had it but apparently I requested some in the throes of the flu. I just knew a hot toddy would make me feel amazing. My husband refused to go out and buy me some since we’re baptists and all. He came home with nyquil.
I’ve been meaning to pick some up to keep hidden away but, you know, we’re baptists living in a small town.
I would love to go to Scotland just for the accent.
As a tee-totaling former Baptist, I so understand this, Cindy 🙂 And it reminds me of when I had the flu a couple years ago and an older friend here in KY brought me a secret jar of moonshine she’d gotten from a true moonshiner in the hills. A teaspoonful with honey and lemon does amazing things! But alone it’s hard to swallow and burns all the way down. Nyquil is probably safer :). You’d love the Scottish accents. Every area is quite different. One tour guide I had looked and sounded just like Gerard Butler. THUD!
We have a family saying. “If it’s not Scottish, it’s crap!”. Which is ironic since my family is Irish but it started as a joke between my Dad and my uncle on a family vacation ages ago and it’s firmlu stuck in the Rowan family vernacular🤗🤗😂😂
***firmly
Chuckling here since you’re Irish! I’ve always been fascinated by the Scots-Irish. Such hard history there. You have some wonderful travels coming up! With you in spirit, Julie! 🙂
I’d travel to Scotland with you!! It has long been a dream of mine to visit Scotland! If I could pick only one country to visit, it would be Scotland. I’m so excited to read your Scottish story ❤️🏴
Trisha, You and Scotland would be a wonderful pairing! I can’t imagine anyone going that didn’t like it thoroughly though some may not like the climate. Thank you for your anticipation of this next book. The cover is truly stunning and very Scottish. Revell has given me the green light for a cover reveal June 5th. Right at the start of our summer road trip. Guess I’ll press SEND before we start. 🙂 So thankful for you!
Lord willing, I’ll be going to Scotland next summer for a milestone birthday trip with some girlfriends. I’ve never been and have heard wonderful things about it. Reading “A Bound Heart” before I go will only whet my appetite.
Dear Amy! Scotland with bffs are an incredible combo! I don’t even need to say enjoy every minute as I’m sure you will. And I have no doubt you’ll be like me and dread the day you fly home again. Scotland has that magical effect. Hope ABH does whet your appetite. Especially if you venture west into the Hebrides/islands. Counting down with you till your trip!
Can not wait to return to Scotland 🏴 in the pages of your book. Scotland is cold but when we were there 21 years ago they were having a heat wave and very little ice for your beverages made it kind of uncomfortable, but we all made it just fine. The castle in the far right hand corner on the picture above looks like Cowder Castle do you know if it is.
Dear Beth, SO interesting about that heat wave! I wonder if the Scots liked that rise in temp given they are quite hardy at weathering the damp and cold? I honestly don’t know which castle this is on the upper right but am pretty sure it’s not Cawdor. I could be wrong though. We saw so many castles and many castle ruins. I most remember the ones still occupied like Inveraray, Balmoral, etc. I hope we can all go back. Amazing that so many of us have Scots ancestry!
I look forward with great anticipation to each of your books, but a story set in Scotland. . . even more so. I recently completed my family genealogy. My main goal was not to go back all the way to cavemen, but simply to identify where each originated, and their reasons for leaving their homeland. My 6X great grandfather, James McVey, baptized in the area of Perth, Stirling County, Scotland, as an indentured servant in 1714. I understand there was great famine in Scotland at that time and hundreds came as indentures. I am 75 now, but I long to travel there one day to stand in the footsteps of my ancesters.
Dear Mary, Love that you’re a McVey! And that you have delved deep into your own rich heritage. My own great grandfather several times removed, George Hume, came to America at the same time your James did. I like to think they may have met but like you said, there were so many fleeing their homeland. I tried to do that justice in A Bound Heart. My editor, after reading, said she finally saw what a refuge America was for so many Scots and other immigrants after reading the novel and also the quotes I use from indentures and immigrants and ship’s captains in the novel. It was quite an education for me as I wrote it. I admire our ancestors so very much. Heartbreaking history, truly. Like you, I hope to travel to the places my ancestors lived and walked and worked as I missed that on prior trips to the Highlands and Islands mostly. Hope we both get there!
I love learning about the history of Scotland, so I’d love to go for a trip!
Can’t wait to read your Scotland book next year.
Dear Julie, I’m always amazed that there are so many Scotland fans, not just us! It really is wonderful we can live it vicariously through fiction with a Scottish setting. I hope you find the cover and story delightful :). Thank you for being here!
Well, Lady Laura, What can I say? Can never be too many interesting tidbits about Scotland for me. I also traveled there (my first trip) during an August heatwave. In Edinburgh, a well-whiskied man tried to separate a woman from our group to pick her up! Yet that night, my sis didn’t want to close our hotel ROOM door because of the heat. Clearly, since I lived to make the trip with Liz in a wet December, I won that door discussion! 🙂
Like you, I’d love to renovate a castle. It must be family-related as Sinclair was my dad’s name, right? And of course, eagerly travel if you ever lead a tour and read TBH & it can’t be too soon. Your stories always carry me away and the upcoming armchair travel to Scotland sounds wonderful! thank you for sharing the beauty with us.
Love that ‘armchair travel,’ dear friend. I’m still looking for that picture of us two at the dinner and charades that night 🙂 Scotland is one of a kind. Chuckling about your open door and whiskied memories! Sinclair is a beautiful name with rich history. Please let me know if you even hear a whisper of Liz doing another tour. Not sure I could go but I’d so love to. Lifelong memories and so glad we shared one together!
Love it! (All but the haggis!) My husband has been to Scotland, but I’ve only been through Braveheart and beloved books. <3 <3 <3 Can't wait to go again!!! And can't wait to see that Scottish cover. : )
Love that your hubby has experienced Scotland, Jenny! And love how you live it vicariously through books and film! I cannot wait to share this cover. Revell pulled out all the stops even ordering the plaid shawl the model wears from Scotland. It’s quite an eye-popping plaid:) Counting down till June 5th cover reveal. THANK YOU for being here and being such a joy!
Yeeeek! I think even some Scottish people would be horrified at the idea of ‘experiencing’ Scotland through Braveheart. It was not even filmed in Scotland for the most part: and its so inaccurate in virtually everything. The Picts stopped wearing blue paint about 1000 years before, and did not start wearing kilts until about 300 years afterwards.
I do recall the Braveheart backlash! And the history of kilts is fascinating to me as well as most every other aspect of Scottish history. You are very knowledgeable. I am always learning and am sure my Hume/Ballantyne/Duncan ancestors would be happy to correct my misconceptions being American. So much of their history can only be guessed at, looking back at them from this century. And now we revisionist history is being created and in the case of southerners like myself, whitewashed entirely and historic statues being removed, etc. Thank you for your interesting, insightful comments!
I have Scottish ancestors too, but the more I learn about early, especially early Medieval Scottish history, the more it strikes me that Scottish history and culture is as much of a mixture as it is in the rest of the UK. We have this idea of homogeneous Gaelic speaking, red haired Scots, but that’s not really true: there are actually a higher percentage of people with the redhead gene in Wales than most of Scotland, and there has never been a time when everyone on Scotland spoke Gaelic, because its not the indigenous language of Scotland.
It came over with the Scotti Tribe from Ireland, which also gives its name to the country. Yup, the Scots are actually Irish: well some of them. There are Britons, Picts, and Anglo-Saxons too- and in the outer Hebrides quite a lot of Viking blood: the people of Orkney, its said, think of themselves as more Norse than Celtic. Linguists think that the lowland Scots dialect has its origins in Old English, which would make sense considering the similarities with certain dialects in Northern England.
Laura, I’m soooo excited for your new book set in Scotland. I love that place and want to go back to explore it more thoroughly. It’s so beautiful and fascinating. We have some friends from Scotland that visited us here in Utah and gave us an impromptu bagpipe concert in our back yard! It was such fun. One of them has a pronounced Scottish brogue, and he talks so fast that I’m always 2 or 3 sentences behind trying to translate what he says!
LOL dear Winnie! Love those bagpipes and aye, you’ve hit upon something I recollect very well! Those Scots talk very fast and leave me lagging and trying to catch up :). Especially since I’m southern and we tend to drawl everything out s…l…o…w…l…y. Wonderful that you have your very own personal, Scottish connection – and a concert! BLISS!!
Going to Scotland is on my bucket list. Along with Ireland. As of right my dad sister and I plan on going to Ireland next year.
Dear Carissa, THRILLED for you! I’ve never been to Ireland so you will have to enjoy that for me. Scotland will take your breath away 🙂 Epic, epic, epic. A dad-sister trip will make a lifetime of memories, for sure. I went with my brother once and then with Liz Curtis Higgs the rest but am ready to go again in a heartbeat. If I could only take up a corner of your suitcase 🙂