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