May was a whirlwind – but a good one! Now I’m back and trying to post a few of the pics I took while in Alba, the Scottish Gaelic name for Scotland…
A windy day in the Hebrides on the isle of Iona. Also enjoyed Mull and Skye…
Love this Scots logo seen at historic sites…
The bluebells were in bloom in gardens and on hills along with many other flowers of all kinds and colors…
Contrary to what you may have heard, Scottish food is exquisite! Here is my beloved haggis;)
The castles range from medieval ruins to lived-in luxury like Inverary here, the home of the chiefs of Clan Campbell and the Dukes of Argyll…
Love the kilts, the lilt, the Scottish flag, and all those sheep!
There is something so haunting and majestic about the Highlands (and filled with heartbreaking history)…
Our group at Eilean Donan Castle with our fearless leader, Liz, at far right. My head is still spinning from all the castles we visited – Armadale, Dunvegan, Urquhart, Cawdor, Balmoral, Falkland, St. Andrews, Culross, Brodick, and others… Such a fun group of ladies!
Some of you have asked why Scotland? It’s cold, wet, and they serve whisky (minus the e) with their porridge!
Many of us have Scottish roots as America became a refuge and haven for Scots exiles and immigrants in colonial America and beyond. In my case, I’m a direct descendant of George Hume, the laird of Wedderburn Castle, way back when. Living in the Scottish borders, the Humes were the first line of defense against the English. Sir George and family got into a wee bit of trouble taking part in the Jacobite Uprising of 1715. He and his 17 year old son were thrown into prison in London and were nearly hanged for treason but at the last minute were exiled to America and landed in Virginia. They lost their lands and titles but young George went on to become a crown surveyor and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. The Humes stayed in Virginia and also strayed to Kentucky.
On the other side of the family are the Ballantynes which I enjoyed using as a surname for The Ballantyne Legacy series. Guess I’m a Scots lass through and through!
Do you have Scottish roots?