Thread: Scots Wha Hae: 2013 Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
The dram's in the glass for the first footer.

Happy New Year.

Firenze
All Saints Host

[ 13. February 2013, 07:31: Message edited by: Spike ]
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
That'll be me, then.

Drinking the newest malt from Islay.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Happy New Year to you too, Firenze - and thank you for the shiny new thread!

Well, I watched the torchlight parade up Biggar High Street and joined the crush for the lighting of the bonfire. Then we retired to an aunt's house for the annual wheeling out of Jackie Bird.

Comment from 9 year old nephew watching the Proclaimers: "Why does that man keep changing his shirt?"
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Went for an explore this afternoon and found a lovely waterfall just near my friends house.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Happy New Year one and all!

PS Firenze, how's your heid?
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by piglet:

PS Firenze, how's your heid?

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Nae bad. Just the one glass of the Kilchoman.
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Increasing age is a bummer, eh, Firenze?


 

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Posted by redunderthebed (# 17480) on :
 
I like deep fried mars bars and anything deep fried i love irn-bru and are a follower of the greatest football club in scotland rangers and i'm of scottish heritage my ancestors are from near kilmarnock according to the family genealogist my mum.

Can i join in?
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Hello, Redunderthebed, and welcome aboard!

I'll leave your football allegiance to one side; my own lie with Inverness Caley Thistle and Cowdenbeath (don't ask)!
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Host who has nephew and great nephews who are all Rangers fans declines to ask which division the club are now in
 

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Posted by redunderthebed (# 17480) on :
 
Division 3 and 15 points ahead on top of the table. Not nice what went on but we are on the long road back, speaking of which the 'gers are playing annan tonight if my EPG is correct.
 

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Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Please pray for my young cousin Sarah Louise, a parishioner of St Andrew's Erskine, Dunfermline, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and is to undergo exploratory surgery early in this new year. We only received the news here in Australia today. She and her mum have been having a tough time of it in recent years, and we are just too far away to provide the sort of help we'd like to.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And every time I see "Scotland" I'll sing it! I do love that song!
 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
Despite being mostly Sassenach, I've managed to get into today's Herald - well, the online version, at least!

If WW1 is of interest, the Shepreth site is worth a look anyway (he says, immodestly).

AG
 

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Posted by Mad Cat (# 9104) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:
Please pray for my young cousin Sarah Louise, a parishioner of St Andrew's Erskine, Dunfermline, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and is to undergo exploratory surgery early in this new year. We only received the news here in Australia today. She and her mum have been having a tough time of it in recent years, and we are just too far away to provide the sort of help we'd like to.

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Prayers ascending Barnabus. It's so hard to be far from people at a time like this

 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Rareish outing to the city centre today. Keeked in at The Dome to admire their Christmas decor. They even have a snow maker in the roof of the portico, so that you come out into a few flakes twirling down. It was oddly convincing even though it's been about 10C today.

Slightly less enchanted to walk all the way down to the stop on Waverley Bridge only to find that Bank St was still full of funfair and therefore no buses. So I had a bracing climb up Cockburn St to South Bridge.

The town oddly quiet for a Saturday - perhaps everyone did the Sales last week?
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Firenze:
Slightly less enchanted to walk all the way down to the stop on Waverley Bridge only to find that Bank St was still full of funfair and therefore no buses. So I had a bracing climb up Cockburn St to South Bridge.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Firenze:
There can't be too many city centres that offer the fitness potential of Embra.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Firenze:
There can't be too many city centres that offer the fitness potential of Embra.

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You've never been to St. John's, have you?
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Been listening to the Radio, which seems to suggest there is snow everywhere. We've not had any, anybody else got any?
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
It fell for several hours yesterday, but wet and soft and not lying. From what I can see of the still crepuscular morning, it looks a bit damp and not at all white.
 

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Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
We had some yesterday morning that lay most of the day but it's all gone now. The sczlet didn't get chance to try out her new sledge.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And we've had some snow down in London, and it hasn't lasted on the ground, but still all over cars.

I've always loved snow and I still remember having snow and everyone playing with it, in Dundee in the garden, and I was then the littlest one, seeing how teenagers could make snow-human-beings! And of course later we had so much that school was closed and we could go out and play. The roads were impossible for cars and buses.
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Don't think we've had any here- looks like it's been further north and east. I'm guessing folk like NEQuine, cattyish and To the Pain will have the snow at the moment.
 

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Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Yup, big soppy white flakes falling furiously just as everyone was trying to get to work. I wore my snowboots so I have nice warm, dry feet and feel ever so slightly smug. Sadly, a 10-minute walking commute means that I will probably never get to phone in a snow day - my only chance is if it is heavy enough to close the medical school which seems unlikely.

I don't think it will lie too long, the ground's too warm and wet for that and the fall seems to be easing off just now.
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
We woke to some on the ground yesterday, and had a spell of about half an hour with big flakes falling to the delight of the children. The wee lassie happily tried to build a snow man while I cleared the car to get to church - but there was only enough for a small head (a bit bigger than a typical snow ball). The ground is saturated, and so once it stopped actually falling the snow melted pretty quickly and is all gone now.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
It snowed pretty much continuously all yesterday here in the Southern Uplands. We had 2-3 inches of wet sticky stuff, that beautifully outlined all the trees, and was perfect for snowmen. The niece and nephew constructed one using the novel method of packing buckets with snow and turning them out one on top of the other, so that Mr Snowman had a decidedly flat head.

It's melting a bit now, but there is still a good covering.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I was in a snow-free Inverness this morning, and even used the outdoor gym in Whin Park. Turns out my father has more flexible hips than me.
Came home to about an inch of snow.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
It snowed pretty much continuously all yesterday ... 2-3 inches ...

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It snowed continuously on Thursday night and Friday here and we got nearly 2 feet.

And a power-cut that lasted 36 hours.

Seriously though, I hope you're all keeping safe.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I'd thought of going out to the art shop today - but a thin, miserable snow has been falling for a bit, and doesn't look like stopping.

Instead, I will embark on an exhilarating round of housework, including putting out the rubbish. We haven't had a green bin uplift in a month, but I'll nevertheless have to jam another sackful in somehow. Plus cardboard, plastic bottles and food.

Whoopee doop.
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
I didn't notice it snowing in Edinburgh today (I was indoors apart from a 10 minute constitutional after lunch), but it was certainly cold enough. Very deep blue sky when I was walking round the block though.
 

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Posted by chive (# 208) on :
 
I'm coming to Glasgow at the weekend for my niece's second birthday. So glad I bought train tickets instead of driving up. Trains are infinitely more comfortable in snowdrifts.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Only a couple of inches snow here, but it's dry and powdery, and the wind has been creating snowdrifts. So no school transport and a day off for my quinie today.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Wee Andy's on a roll.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
Wee Andy's on a roll.

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quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
I found a uniquely horribly Scottish name in a list of C19th teachers today - Leslieina. Why she couldn't have been called Lesley, I don't know.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
... How many old ladies do you know called 'Ina'?

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quote:

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Originally posted by PeteC:
Thomasina and Willhemina were fairly common names back in the day. Georgina was still common in my day (I knew two and later worked with one)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
... The youngest Georgina I know is under ten!

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These things go in phases, don't they? I know people called Ellen, Charlotte and Ruby who are all a lot younger than me, but to my generation their names would have seemed very quaintly old-fashioned.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
I'm fond of Georgina myself, which is a family name, and would have been on the shortlist for any daughter I might have had. Some of these 'Ina' names seem to have taken on a life almost independent of the male form, Thomasina being perhaps another one. But Leslieina and Andrewina have to be two of the worst.

(Sorry for insulting a favourite name, NEQ. I am sure any little Alexanderina of yours would have carried off the name beautifully!)

[ 26. January 2013, 23:49: Message edited by: Cottontail ]
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Actually, my first choice of a girl's name would have been Agnes, but by the time the children came along we already had a cat named Agnes.

Both children are relieved that neither was called Agnes or Alexanderina!
 

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Posted by chive (# 208) on :
 
I know a couple of Murdina's (does that win Teuchtar points?) and one Kennethina (pronounced Kenina). It's a habit I heartily dislike.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
That reminds me - I knew a Murdina too.

There an elderly Bruce at my mother's church. She had six older brothers and claims that, after six boys, it hadn't occurred to her parents to think up a girl's name for her.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Not even Brucina?
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I've just put "Brucina" into Scotlandspeople births, and got 6 hits.

This is one less hit than our daughter's middle name. So almost as many people have thought "Brucina" was a good idea as have thought my quinie's middle name was a good idea.

Husband's great-grandparents were teuchters-in-Glasgow and they broke away from the tradition of adding -ina to a male name by - wait for it - adding "-inda" to the grandfather's name. This splendid invented name is now our daughter's first middle name.

Still not as bad as "Leslieina" though!
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
So in addition to a son called Britney, you have a daughter called Hamishinda.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
... my first choice of a girl's name would have been Agnes ...

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My mum's middle name was Agnes, and I can't tell you how glad I am she didn't pass it on to me. She was one of the witnesses at our wedding, and due to a brain-fart on the part of either the minister or the registrar, it appears on our marriage certificate as "Agnus", as in Agnus Dei.

Could have been worse I suppose; he could have written it as Angus ...
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Our cat Agnes was a splendid cat, long-haired black, very beautiful, regal, intelligent, good at communicating disdain, disapproval and disgust. Best of all, she was never ill, till her final two months, aged 18. Apart from her annual check-ups and inoculations, she cost us nothing in vet's bills.

We got a lot of reaction to her name, though. I still think "Agnes" is an excellent name.

I have the wrong address on my marriage certificate - but that's another story.
 

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Posted by Polly Plummer (# 13354) on :
 
I used to have an Auntie Agnes who had a dog called Angus. When I was little I found this very confusing!
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Firenze:
So in addition to a son called Britney, you have a daughter called Hamishinda.

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Thanks for my morning chuckle, you two!

(And oh my gosh, if it is 'Hamishinda', I am going to have to do some quick back-pedalling!)
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Wellllll.......
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
You think that's bad, you should hear daughter's second middle name. One of my finest moments on the Ship was a post by multipara scorning an Australian couple who had given a child a ridiculous name. I thought...hmmm... slight variation in spelling and that looks remarkably like daughter's second middle name....

My parents gave me one of the standard-issue girls names for mid-60s Scotland, and no middle name! I might have been compensating a bit when it came to naming the offspring.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And I can't remember the names my mother and her sister had - and they changed them to what they preferred.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I'm thinking of writing a Pratchettesque fantasy novel, just so that I can have a character called Hamishinda Quine.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I've come across a couple of Sengas (younger than me), whose parents obviously wanted to honour Great-Auntie Agnes but couldn't quite bring themselves to pass her name on to their small, potentially trendy, offspring, so they spelt it backwards.

Don't get me wrong - there was an Agnes in my year at school, and she was a lovely girl.

If I'm honest, my lack of ability to take the name seriously is mostly down to Mr. Connolly.


 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Moo:
My husband had a relative named Albertine. She was born around the beginning of the twentieth century.

Moo

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But I find it amazing how much difference that final vowel makes - like the difference between Amelia and Amelie, which is so much prettier.

Having - like NEQ - been given only one name (you'd think middle names cost money in those days!) I gave mine 3 names each. Master S loathes his third name and has dropped it. The Intrepid Miss S is known by all her friends by a fourth name, different altogether, though at work she uses her first name. That's going to make reading the banns a long-winded process Kids, eh!

My paternal grandmother was Agnes Anne, and my grandfather (a miner) used to summon her with the shout 'Me boots, Ag!' and she would lace them up for him. No wonder it's a name I loathe (sorry NEQ)

The Dowager Mrs S is Phyllis, poor woman, but in spite of hating it all her adult life (once a schoolmate discovered what it rhymed with ) has never attempted to be known as anything else.

Mrs. S, victim of parental stinginess
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
All mine have three names. However, I acquired myself a middle name by keeping my maiden name as a middle when I married!

Bizarrely, my kids like all of their names - so far!

I did some research into a woman who (possibly) started life as Phyllis (or Edith, or Muriel), became an "artist's model" (which was probably a euphemism) called Amaryllis, married, was widowed, did a stint as a nurse in France in WW1, and wound up as Rhyllis, pillar of the community and Captain of the Girl Guides.
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 

quote:

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I did some research into a woman who (possibly) started life as Phyllis (or Edith, or Muriel), became an "artist's model" (which was probably a euphemism) called Amaryllis, married, was widowed, did a stint as a nurse in France in WW1, and wound up as Rhyllis, pillar of the community and Captain of the Girl Guides.

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Love it!

Mrs. S, wondering if it's too late to change to Amaryllis!
 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
The February edition of Current Archaeology has an Orkney special, I've just found out, so stopping off at Blackwells on the way home! What with British Archaeology having a long article on the Ness of Brodgar...

If you had a dodgy curry in Kirkwall, would you have Ring of Brodgar the next morning?

AG
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
My father argued that anyone who called a girl "Aileen" should spell her "Eileen" - is that reality or just his idea?
 

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Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Round here Aileen and Eileen are distinct names, differently pronounced - Aileen is ay-leen with ay as in hay, Eileen is eye-leen.

I've never come across most of the ina names you all mention, which I'm glad about! It's bad enough having the same boy's name in every generation of the family without adding the girls in too - I've lost track of the number of funerals I've taken where William has died leaving son William, grandson William and possibly another one or two floating around the family. If you're lucky they at least differentiate between Billy, Willy and Bill or similar, but sometimes not.
 

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Posted by ken (# 2460) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
But Leslieina and Andrewina have to be two of the worst.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Derf:
Round here Aileen and Eileen are distinct names, differently pronounced - Aileen is ay-leen with ay as in hay, Eileen is eye-leen.

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quote:

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Originally posted by ken:

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
But Leslieina and Andrewina have to be two of the worst.

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There was a Matthewina in our family.

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I am more and more thankful that my extended family on both sides rarely saw a need to stray beyond 'Jean'.

Are others familiar with the tradition, that the first son is named after the father's father; the first daughter after the mother's mother; the second son after the mother's father; and the second daughter after the father's mother? I have a friend who had a narrow escape from Euphemia under this system, having had the good fortune to be born male.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Sandemaniac:
... If you had a dodgy curry in Kirkwall, would you have Ring of Brodgar the next morning?

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There's actually a very good Indian restaurant in Kirkwall called Dil Se, which has never given me any trouble.

It's next door to The Best Fish And Chip Shop ... In The World™.

Bugger it, now you've gone and made me feel homesick ...
 

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Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by ken:

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
But Leslieina and Andrewina have to be two of the worst.

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There was a Matthewina in our family.

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quote:

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Are others familiar with the tradition, that the first son is named after the father's father; the first daughter after the mother's mother; the second son after the mother's father; and the second daughter after the father's mother?

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quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
Originally posted by Cottontail:

quote:

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Are others familiar with the tradition, that the first son is named after the father's father; the first daughter after the mother's mother; the second son after the mother's father; and the second daughter after the father's mother?

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And the third son after the father, and the third daughter after the mother? Pretty much universal in my family pre 1900. It's a real help to family historians.

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quote:

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posted by Cottontail:
Are others familiar with the tradition, that the first son is named after the father's father; the first daughter after the mother's mother; the second son after the mother's father; and the second daughter after the father's mother?

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quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
In my parish, in 1881, 18% of men were called John, and 15% Margaret.

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Any called Sue?
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 

 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And the men in my family it seems, were always called "Robert" but often "Bob" sometimes "Bert", and of course also "Rabbi" Burns who was not in our family.
 

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Posted by Sober Preacher's Kid (# 12699) on :
 
Dear Scotland:

We understand Mme. Pauline Marois, the Premier of Quebec went to Europe, got lost, and wound up in Edinburgh where she is making Mr. Salmond mightily uncomfortable.

If you would kindly distract her with a pork pie (a very Quebec food) and mail her back to Quebec City we'll make sure she gets a good night's sleep and have her back at her desk in the National Assembly in the morning.

Oatcakes and maple syrup might work too.

Ever thine, Canada
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
... one of the five commonest names ... Elspet ...

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Interesting - I'm an Elspeth (with an "h"), and I'd be very surprised if it was anywhere near the top 5 by the time I came along. As for finding it anywhere else (or getting people anywhere else to pronounce it correctly) - highly unlikely!
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
According to scotlandspeople (the government website):
1850-1900 - 4723 Elspets born
1900-1950 - 1272 Elspets born
1950-2000 - 193 Elspets born

The census returns show a steady decline:
1841 - 5914 Elspets in Scotland
1851 - 5717
1861 - 5228
1871 - 4575
1881 - 3468
1891 - 2456
1901 - 1695
1911 - 1272

(I love looking up this sort of stuff!)
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Meanwhile, Elspeths rose slightly, but steadily, from 1168 in 1841 to 1872 in 1911.

1850 - 1900 - 2283 born
1900 - 1950 - 3983 born
1950 - 2000 - 2226 born
2000 - 2011 - 228 born

So Elspeth has stayed steadily popular, while Elspet has nose-dived.

(Scotlandspeople counts all names equally, so some of these Elspeths will be middle names).

(And the best bit about this is that when I have the Scotlandspeople website open it LOOKS as though I'm working on my PhD!
 

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Posted by ken (# 2460) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by busyknitter:

quote:

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Originally posted by ken:

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
But Leslieina and Andrewina have to be two of the worst.

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There was a Matthewina in our family.

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Who? Where? You're making it up.

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Ask Mum A distantish relative. Of course the most common name among our female relations was "Margaret" or its variations.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
But Leslieina and Andrewina have to be two of the worst.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sober Preacher's Kid:
Dear Scotland:

We understand Mme. Pauline Marois, the Premier of Quebec went to Europe, got lost, and wound up in Edinburgh where she is making Mr. Salmond mightily uncomfortable.

If you would kindly distract her with a pork pie (a very Quebec food) and mail her back to Quebec City we'll make sure she gets a good night's sleep and have her back at her desk in the National Assembly in the morning.

Oatcakes and maple syrup might work too.

Ever thine, Canada

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quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:

quote:

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Originally posted by Sober Preacher's Kid:
Dear Scotland:

We understand Mme. Pauline Marois, the Premier of Quebec went to Europe, got lost, and wound up in Edinburgh where she is making Mr. Salmond mightily uncomfortable.

If you would kindly distract her with a pork pie (a very Quebec food) and mail her back to Quebec City we'll make sure she gets a good night's sleep and have her back at her desk in the National Assembly in the morning.

Oatcakes and maple syrup might work too.

Ever thine, Canada

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I hadn't even realised she was over here, SPK. She seems to have been giving Mr Salmond advice on how not to lose an independence referendum.

As for food, oatcakes we can do, but she'd be better going back home for the maple syrup. And pork pies are an English delicacy, dontcherknow. Specifically, Leicestershire. Don't tell me the Quebecoises have stolen the concept?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Surfing Madness:
As a random aside in the sermon this morning, the minister commented on the tradition within Scotland of adding ina on to male names to make female names. I though of this thread!!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by Surfing Madness:
As a random aside in the sermon this morning, the minister commented on the tradition within Scotland of adding ina on to male names to make female names. I though of this thread!!

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And I thought "Another minister reading SoF for material!" Is there a better reason for clergy to be on board?

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Maybe s/he's one of us!
 

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Posted by Louise (# 30) on :
 
On the subject of - ina names, when I was researching socialist and communist Sunday Schools I found out about tribute names - where kids were named after socialist heroes. One wee girl was named Stalina! You'll find her on Scotland's people too - alas, the lady in question died a few years ago, so I never got to interview her!
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Louise:
... communist Sunday Schools ...

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Communists do Sunday schools?
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I heard of Ninel - Lenin backwards - as a girls name, but there's only one on Scotlandspeople, and she has it as a middle name.
 

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Posted by Louise (# 30) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by piglet:

quote:

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Originally posted by Louise:
... communist Sunday Schools ...

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Communists do Sunday schools?

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Yup - see here! There were more fire-breathing purely communist ones too - but they were scarcer.
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
We has snow

It's big fat wet splodges, and I can't see it lasting unlesss the temperature drops. Mind you, I had to swoosh an inch and a hlaf or so off the car this morning...
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
We has hailstones.

And I've just come across a Gideonina in the 1881 census!
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by kingsfold:
We has snow ... big fat wet splodges ...

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They have a saying here - "big flakes: small snow, small flakes: big snow" and it's not far off the mark. A couple of hours of wee squitty flakes might do a lot more damage (and lie a lot longer) than the same of big splatty ones.

We're forecast to get about 6-8 inches of the stuff tomorrow, with more to come at the weekend.
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Well, as anticipated, it didn't last long. But it was here for long enough for me to go aaahh without any lasting inconvenience. Works for me
 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
And I've just come across a Gideonina in the 1881 census!

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quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
I'll get back to you on that one, Sandemaniac!

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quote:

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Originally posted by HenryT:
Davina is likely the most mainstream of the -ina names.

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quote:

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Originally posted by HenryT:
Davina is likely the most mainstream of the -ina names. I have a goddaughter named Davina.

(There isn't another common feminine variant of David, is there?)

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quote:

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Originally posted by lily pad:

quote:

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Originally posted by HenryT:
Davina is likely the most mainstream of the -ina names. I have a goddaughter named Davina.

(There isn't another common feminine variant of David, is there?)

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Not common, but I know two women named Davida.

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I bet they wish they had a penny, let alone a pound, for every time they have had to say "No, it's Davida, with a "D", not Davina".
 

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Posted by lily pad (# 11456) on :
 
Possibly, although I have only ever met one Davina and she is older than either Davida.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And I've seen ages ago as well as now, when McDonald or McLean is like that instead of MacDonald or MacLean (and other ones too but I thought just a couple was enough). Why does it get spelt variously?
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
AFAIK, it is because they can. It's a myth that Mac == a Scottish origin while Mc == Irish. Within a given family, if one spelling is used it stays that way nowadays, though it may vary if you go far enough back.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
Well, that's me moved house ...

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quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
Well, that's me moved house. I am gone from the 'burgh and now live down near the border - a hop, skip, and jump and I'd be in Englandshire. Lots of new little country roads to explore, and a host of market towns and pretty villages. And I can see the Lake District hills from my window.

Today I unpack all the books ...

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Us too! In our case from East Lothian to Peeblesshire. We are almost unpacked, which is actually our natural state, so I expect a few more pictures to go up on the walls and that to be it. We don't yet have a phone line, as there wasn't a spare one in our village, so internet is a bit patchy.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Thank you both for your good removal wishes. And to you too, Mrs Whibley. I lived for a bit in Peeblesshire, and had endless problems with the telephone exchange. They really need to renew the whole network there, but the population isn't big enough to make it worth doing, or so I was told. I hope you get connected properly soon.

At my end, I have admitted at last, after decades of denial, that I really do have too many books. If I can't fit them into a 4 bedroomed house, then something has to give. The Christian Aid Booksale is going to do well out of me this year.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by piglet:

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
Well, that's me moved house ...

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Health to enjoy your new place! The Borders are very pretty (as is the top end of Englandshire); I remember once spending a holiday round there with my parents, who had contemplated retiring there, although they didn't in the end.

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I remember Berwick and the Scottish part with a similar name when I were a lad of 16: lovely place - are you near there!
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
I have a wool one that keeps me warm, and it is Scottish - says "ALBA" on it at the front. Is there still many sold like that nowadays? I haven't seen another one...
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
What sort of weather do you reckon it will be in April? Will it be decent after all the cold and wetness of 2012. But there were some nice bits of weather last year" when we camped in Luss, it was sunny, while London was bucketting rain all the time while we were away.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Whereabouts are you planning to go, DM? I've seen glorious (if not hugely warm) weather in Orkney in April, but I wouldn't bank on it.

If you will insist on camping ...

[ 04. March 2013, 02:13: Message edited by: piglet ]
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
I won't camp this time as it would be heavy to bring a biggish tent for the family and three children to. So it's a hotel, which is not too expensive, compared to camping costs. The train takes us up to Edinburgh (or Glasgow where we won't go) and then to Dundee and from there we have to get a bus, to Blairgowrie. There it's got plenty of walking around, decent up hills and along the river etc and along where my parents and grandparents were buried.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
That sounds more like sense.

It's not an area I know at all, although I think my paternal grandfather's family had a fruit farm somewhere near Blairgowrie; my dad talks about going there when he was little (in the 1930s).

PS Why wouldn't you go to Glasgow? It's lovely - all that wonderful Mackintosh architecture.

[ 05. March 2013, 02:54: Message edited by: piglet ]
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
If your destination is Dundee, at least for the train part of the journey, then going into Glasgow first is a bit of a pain compared to Edinburgh.
 

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Posted by ken (# 2460) on :
 
I had great fun about this time last year persuading the staff at Waverly setation that my return ticket from London to Edinburgh was good to go from Edinburgh to Glasgow with (which legally it is). It worked at Preston and Birmingham as well
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Snow!!
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And the forecast tonight on TV was it getting awful tomorrow and w/e. I hope it's not too bad up there.
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
I keep thinking we are going to get spring, then it snows again! Wouldn't mind so much if I could have a snow day, but I live walking distance from placement so would need mad amounts of snow for that to happen.
How much snow have other people got?
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
We've been getting light dustings, that haven't been lasting the morning. As it's currently falling, very lightly, today it might manage to stick around a bit longer.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
My daughter's school bus isn't running so she's having a snow day at home. We don't actually have that much snow, just about 3 inches, but the forecast is for more.

I think that March 19th is the latest snow day we've ever had.
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
What snow?
OK, there are actually a few flakes blowing about in the wind, but I don't think it even merits the description of a light dusting.
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
It snowed all day here, but amazingly melted, even the stuff that had a laid over night is mostly gone.
 

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Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
We had a good 6 inches yesterday which was enough to cause minor chaos but not too much. There's still some left now, although the roads are all pretty much clear which is good. The sczlet seems to think it's very pretty, but isn't at all sure what to do when she gets out into it!
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
The farm which grows our vegetables is under 8 inches of snow. I don't know how bad this is for them, but I know it can't be good.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
8 inches? That's quite impressive for this time of year.

Our snow has nearly all gone for the moment, although they're threatening us with a few more inches on Friday; Nova Scotia got battered by about a foot of the stuff yesterday, so maybe there won't be any left by the time the weather system gets to Newfoundland ...
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Whateva!

You lot better get this cleared up sharpish.

April 15 will do.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I am sure it has been known to snow in mid-April in Edinburgh, Pete...

...but at least the whole country isn't in a permafrost zone!
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I am sure it has been known to snow in mid-April in Edinburgh, Pete...

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I have the photos of cherry blossom/snow cover to prove it.
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Now we has snow....
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Lots and lots of driving snow. What was intended to be an out-and-about day has become a stay-in-and-write-sermon day. The housework might get a look-in too.
 

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Posted by Baptist Trainfan (# 15128) on :
 
But will anyone manage to get to Church on Sunday to hear the sermon?
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Oh, the snow will be over by then, I'm sure, she said comfortably.

I am just thankful that, being so new in post, I have not planned an Easter sunrise service for this year.
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
Forget April 15th, Please get it sorted for April 8th when we're coming over.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
We haven't got a lot - just about 2 or 3 inches - but we've had it for 10 days now and it doesn't look like it's going to shift any time soon.
 

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Posted by mrs whibley (# 4798) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
I lived for a bit in Peeblesshire, and had endless problems with the telephone exchange. They really need to renew the whole network there, but the population isn't big enough to make it worth doing, or so I was told. I hope you get connected properly soon.

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Well, Cottontail, you weren't wrong! After having waited nearly a month for the phone, we thought adding broadband would be a formality. Today, having changed provider through frustration, and almost 7 weeks after moving house (and 11 weeks after telling bt we were moving) I can finally sit on my sofa and surf! I'm sure it will only be a few days before I'm taking it for granted though.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Sorry to be right on this one. Nevertheless, I'm delighted you are properly back with us. Of course, it's all worth it to be living in such a lovely corner of the world.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Welcome back, Mrs. W., and health to enjoy your new surroundings and your re-connection with Civilisation (i.e. the Ship).


 

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Posted by mrs whibley (# 4798) on :
 
Thanks for your re-welcome! I'm settling into civilisation very nicely and the weather is cooperating by not at all being the sort I want to go out in.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Anyone marching today? I can't, unfortunately.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
Today the weather in Edinburgh was told to be a bit hotter than down in London. I do hope that Scotland gets decent weather and it's OK for all there. Snow and wind and rain are supposed to be coming in many places.
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Well I don't know about hot, but it was sunny and very pleasant in Edinburgh. There's nowhere quite like Scotland when the sky's that blue
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Likewise, the weather in Glasgow has been glorious. Clear, sunny... not warm, but two out of three ain't bad.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Actually able to survive without the CH for the greater part of the day, provided I stayed on the sunny side of the house. Not quite warm enough for the garden - anything less than double digits is still neuralgia weather.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
... There's nowhere quite like Scotland when the sky's that blue

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My sister and her family went up to Orkney over the Easter weekend to introduce my great-niece to her great-grandfather (my dad), and the photographs they posted on Facebook were of what I'd call "perfect Orkney days" - brilliant sunshine and bright blue skies. Wish I'd been there, really ...


 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Could someone please put in a request for day sun (It can rain all night if it wants) for the period of April 15-19th?
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
I'm sure there'll be some day sun most days. For 10 minutes at a time... Probably best to hope for 'all 4 seasons in a day' - if you don't like the weather there'll hopefully be something different along shortly.
 

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Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
We have relatives from Edinburgh down here at the mo and I'm sure they thought it was going to be warmer here than in Scotland. It is freezing, that Siberian wind whips through East Anglia.
 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by piglet:
the photographs they posted on Facebook were of what I'd call "perfect Orkney days" - brilliant sunshine and bright blue skies.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sandemaniac:
Oh yes, even this East Anglian was impressed by
Orkney's big skies!

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Wow!

Moo
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Cool photo, Sandemaniac - that's exactly what I mean.

**sigh**
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
We had a lovely time up in Scotland - the children really enjoyed it, like walking around by the river in Blairgowrie, and seeing my home I lived in for many years. And they loved the food in Angus Hotel. It also was sunny and blue sky, till Sunday when it snowed again. But yesterday was sunny again.
I went to the place my parents and grandparents were buried and planted a little flower, which I hope will survive.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And in June, some of us will camp at Poolewe/Inverewew, the Camping and Caravan place. It's really nice there and I hope it will be warm and sunny and no too many insects. have many of you been there?
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I went on a caravanning holiday with my parents about 40 years ago which included a very enjoyable trip to Inverewe Gardens. The chief feature of that holiday was that in two weeks of plootering around the West Coast we only had half an hour of rain, a fact which was greeted by snorts of incredulity when we got home.

IIRC the caravan sites ranged from Very Basic to Almost Palatial* (for a caravan site), but I can't really remember now which ones were which. I think there was a rather good one in Gairloch, but it was a long time ago ...

* In those days, Almost Palatial meant having functional lavatories.

[ 15. April 2013, 01:59: Message edited by: piglet ]
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Forty years ago, I'd have been caravanning with my family too, piglet. Dornoch was the favoured site, but we caravanned at Gairloch too.
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Look out Scotland, Uncle Pete is on the way...

 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by daisymay:
And in June, some of us will camp at Poolewe/Inverewew, the Camping and Caravan place. It's really nice there and I hope it will be warm and sunny and no too many insects. have many of you been there?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sandemaniac:

.....
You might want to look up the midgie's life cycle, though, because when we've been there in July/August (will be mid-July this year when we get up there), it's been heaving with the little sods. It's OK when there's a sea breeze, but it's still more often than you think even on the coast.

AG

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Oh no - midgies I forgot about this when I booked my August visit to Cumbrae.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
We didn't have midgies when we were in Cumbrae; I think that being a small island helps.

My grandfather claimed that midgies leave you alone if you swear at them in Gaelic.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
... I think that being a small island helps ...

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Maybe it depends on how small; I remember my dad trying to pick blackcurrants in his garden (on the Orkney mainland, which isn't huge) and giving up because he was being eaten alive.

They're apparently an absolute curse in Labrador on the Canadian mainland, which is quite large ...
 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by piglet:
Maybe it depends on how small; I remember my dad trying to pick blackcurrants in his garden (on the Orkney mainland, which isn't huge) and giving up because he was being eaten alive.

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quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
We didn't have midgies when we were in Cumbrae; I think that being a small island helps.

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quote:

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My grandfather claimed that midgies leave you alone if you swear at them in Gaelic.

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quote:

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Originally posted by John Holding:
Second, we have friends in Inverness, and we want to visit Mary's clan (McPherson) headquarters just sound of there. Is it practical if we have that car I spoke of to drive from Oban in A day up the Glen, or from (I think, without a map) from Fort WIlliam?

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quote:

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Originally posted by John Holding:

First, because my own people (or some of them) came from Mull and Iona, I thought of spending 4-5 days on Mull and taking the ferry to Iona on the first good day. I'm debating taking a car on the ferry from Oban, because we're weak North Americans and the idea of cycling/wlking everywhere is horrendous. I'm assuming no cary rental in Tobermory.

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Actually, you'd be wrong.

However, if you are dotting about Scotland, best would be to pick up a car hire at the first city you fly into (I'm assuming Glasgow). All the ferries take cars - though the one to Iona will only carry those belonging to residents. But the island is fairly tiny, and totally walkable.

Mull has its charms, but I'm not sure they would occupy 4 or 5 days. You will traverse the greater part of its road system in getting to the Iona ferry. Tobermory is charming, but not large. A day or two not spent there would give you more time to explore other worthwhile places on the mainland.

When you do head eastwards, it's Oban - Fort William and up the Great Glen to Fort Augustus and thence to Inverness.

Thing about the Highlands - there are not that many main roads to choose from: the distances, by N American standards, are tiny.
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
I suggest taking the car unless you intend to spend all your time at Fionnphort and Iona (maybe with excursions arranged around ferry times). There are shops both in Fionphort and on Iona that supply basics

However you will not need the car to get from the ferry to a B&B in Fionnphort, there is a bus service that deliberately links with the ferry that would do that.

However Mull is rural Scotland, not much otherwise in the way of public transport, narrow roads and long distances between places and sparse public services. By narrow I mean single track. To a certain extent everything functions around ferry times. Be considerate of locals, they have business to do and your well being depends on them.

If you can do Iona on a Tuesday, the Iona Community organise a pilgrimage around the Island. It is free but bring your own packed lunch, water and make sure you have good walking gear. Drinks and biscuits are provided at the Machair. The last time I went there were two levels (standard and easy) both require walking boots but with the standard serious bog is likely to be traversed.

Jengie

[coding]

[ 10. May 2013, 08:08: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
John,

Have PM'd
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Thanks Woderwick, I decided I should stay looking like at idiot if I can not be bothered to preview.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
More than 40 years ago, I went to Scotland with my family: we visited North Berwick and went to the Edinburgh Festival. I lost my wallet there with £8 in it: got it back three months later with a 50p reward deducted and everything else still in it - the Scotsman is the most honest person on the face of the planet! Would love to get back and go to Islay to see my plot at the Laphroaig distillery!
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I've driven Oban - Inverness loads of times, (and Aberdeen-Oban, via Inverness a couple of times). It's easily do-able. It's hard to predict in advance just how long it will take because a lot depends on other traffic - there are long stretches between Fort William and Inverness where you cannot overtake (cliff on one side, loch on the other). Slow moving vehicles are obliged to pull over wherever there is a designated place to do so, to let traffic past, but even so.

We always broke the journey with a coffee at Fort William, which also gives you a chance to see part of Ben Nevis (the best view of the Ben isn't from Fort William.)

Parts of the Oban - Inverness drive are spectacular! You will be driving up a natural fault line, with a series of lochs, most notably Loch Ness to one side, and you will pass Urquhart Castle The whole area is breathtakingly beautiful.

My parents live in Inverness, and I'm there regularly, so if I can help with anything, just PM me.
 

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Posted by John Holding (# 158) on :
 
Thanks to all for their comments so far. I should clarify that I've visited Mull before -- in passing as it were, seeing what you can see on the coach to and then fro Fionaphort -- when I spent a day on Iona some 40 years ago. But that kind of experience doesn't translate into what's good today.

My people were among those evicted from Bunessan and the surrounding crofts in the 1850s (I have the date somewhere), so we want to spend more time there than just a tourist would. And because the weather is likely to be chancey, I think giving us a couple of days possible for a visit to Iona is prudent -- I remember the heartbreak of an elderly cousin who'd come over to Canada as a young woman from Iona around 1900, who went back for the first time in the early 1960s and watched Iona in the distance for the two or three days she had, never able to cross the sound because of the weather. However, I take the point that 4-5 days is probably excessive. Which is good, because there are other fish to fry.

I'm particularly happy to get clear that Oban-Inverness is fairly easy (in terms of time) to do in a day -- I've been caught out many times overestimating how far one can get in a day in England and Wales, to my family's general annoyance, and didn't want to make the same mistake in that part of Scotland.

No doubt I'll be back on the thread with more questions, and grateful for your help.

John
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
We reckon on four hours to drive Oban / Inverness, and that includes a quick coffee in Fort William.

The drive should be something you enjoy for its own sake, as some of the scenery is spectacular, rather than just something you do to get from A to B.
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Iona Ferry is much improved since the 1960s, in those days the boats would have been red boats compared with todays car ferry. However despite it being a car ferry, you will not be able to take a car across, that privilege is for residents only.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Stercus Tauri (# 16668) on :
 
I'm not sure that a day trip to Iona would be really satisfying... I always stay for three or four days, and find plenty to do, like ambling slowly around the hills all day, followed by beer and food in the Martyrs Bay bar, followed by the 9 pm service at the abbey, followed by a long walk in the dark, followed by a long sleep, followed by the great Scottish cardiac breakfast, followed by.... and so on. It's a small place, and filled with enchanting small things that need time to enjoy. If it rains - as it usually does when I go - then I read and watch the weather.

Beware, though. Horizontal rain penetrates everything, and last year I left without a dry stitch on my back or in my bag. Surviving that, as much as anything else, makes me admire Columba and the other boys in the boat from Ireland.
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by North East Quine:
We reckon on four hours to drive Oban / Inverness, and that includes a quick coffee in Fort William.

The drive should be something you enjoy for its own sake, as some of the scenery is spectacular, rather than just something you do to get from A to B.

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quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
Thank all of you who signed my card! What a lovely surprise!

There's something about seeing the actual handwritings (especially the little ones'! The Mini Creswells are writing their own names? Weren't they born last week?!) that makes you all very real, like you're in the room with me.

I'm all warm and fuzzy, now!

---

I had to leave the card in Edinburgh, but I got as many as I could to sign it*. The card was bought at the National Museum of Scotland, so I signed for India. It was hard to get 1.2 billion names on the card, but I did my best.

Have you eaten all the contents of the packet yet?



*No signature, no chili powder worked a treat!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
You are so clever, uncle Pete! And thanks again, so lovely.

I have not eaten it all because I've had to hide some away from my family.

After they're all asleep... *rustle rustle rustle*
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Woke up to a clear blue sky and a definite feeling of Spring in the air. It's now pelting hailstones from a louring grey sky.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
We go up to Poolewe Inverewe to camp and we take the train at nigt up to Inverness, and usually we got the train to Achnasheen and then after lunch got a bus down to Poolewe - but now there are just only one bus up and down and the times are not good, so we'll have a taxi to take us to our camping. We're upset by the buses having been stopped!
I love being there and plenty of walking around and a nice place just opposite the only shop there, to have nice food at lunchtime or the afternoon. And a good place in Inverewe where there are many special trees and pretty-coloured flowers.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And we are hoping and praying for sunny and dry time! It's a great village in Poolewe to camp in the Camping and Caravan site. One shop and another opposite that provides food at lunchtime and the afternoon. So we don't have to camp all week.
I may not be able to go on a computer all week - I don't have a little one to take....
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
There is actually sunshine! Is everybody getting a chance to enjoy it? I went for a walk up the local park today, it was beautiful.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
We had a lovely time camping at Poolewe Inverewe and it was sunny all week and red light at night always. It felt warm and our faces and legs and arms are all red now! Just home now after the train from Inverness where we walked around the river this afternoon and that was also sunny and lovely.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Have people seen the Equality Network's wee video, It's Time? Rather a nice showcase for Scotland, I thought. And complete with Lorraine Kelly, Big Eck, and a Proclaimer!
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
That's great - GREAT!

Thanks Cottontail.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Cottontail:
Have people seen the Equality Network's wee video, It's Time? Rather a nice showcase for Scotland, I thought. And complete with Lorraine Kelly, Big Eck, and a Proclaimer!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
... Lovely Scottish weather today - I had to wear a SCARF ...

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Just a scarf? No wellies?
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
The question is: was it a wooly scarf for warmth or a white silk scarf for the befitting chic?
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
A local police officer told me last month that they have been getting a lot of calls from private homes about fuel theft. While fuel theft is definitely a problem, most of these calls turned out to be people simply using more fuel than they had realised because it is so bloody cold. Surely the tank can't be empty, dear! We must have been robbed!

I had the heating on again all yesterday evening. In midsummer. It's not right, I tell you.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I shall resist temptation to make some smart-alec remark about heating costs here because if I did it you would all shout at me.


 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Originally posted by Jack the Lass:

quote:

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Actually I really like Dunblane Cathedral full stop, there's so much to see and it is all so beautiful and peaceful. Did you see the little teeny tiny chapel up the steps just by the cradle roll?

I also loved the carved animals (and the suggestion on the activity boards that I might like to sit next to each one and make its sound! Nobody was brave enough to do that when we were there last!).

---

I've been googling Janet Wallace, the pious wealthy widow who was the driving force behind Dunblane cathedral's restoration 1889-1893, and have discovered that her grand-daughter-in-law was the infamous Idina Sackville. Piety to scandal in two generations - fascinating!
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
I can't watch. Am hiding behind the sofa. Tell me when I can come out.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Now!
 

---

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
I say, jolly good show! Well done that man! Any of you chaps care for a Pimms? You can mix it with Irn Bru, if you like.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
YEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!


 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Thanks, Qlib. Pimms, but NO CUCUMBER for me. Perfect for this hot day.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Further

Is there any of that Pimm's left? I'll have your cucumber, Cottontail.

[ 07. July 2013, 17:42: Message edited by: piglet ]
 

---

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
Last glass for you, Piglet.
 

---

Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
Three days till we wake up in the land of the wee midgie. I cannot wait!

AG
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Phew what a scorcher!
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I went down to Portobello Strand today. It was pleasantly cool standing on the sand watching the waves wash in a freckling of coal dust and the odd shred of plastic - but hot and sticky on the bus there and back.

I sat on the esplanade and had my Luca ice-cream - though not the Irn Bru Sorbet.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
... Irn Bru Sorbet.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
... Irn Bru Sorbet.

---

Please tell me you just made that up!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
... Irn Bru Sorbet.

---

Please tell me you just made that up!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
... Irn Bru Sorbet.

---

Please tell me you just made that up!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by North East Quine:
Simpsons of Buckie make ice cream in both Irn Bru and tablet flavours. So you can have a double scoop cone of pure Scottish teeth-tingling sugar-hit.

---

quote:

---

Not only that you can get Tablet ice cream, it is to die for or you may die from it because of the sugar and butter in it

---

Not suitable, I would guess, for those with the diabetic affliction - Sorry Pete!

[Deleted some stuff meant for another thread ]

[ 12. July 2013, 04:12: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by piglet:
I'm not sure about tablet flavour ice-cream - I like both elements, but like strawberries and chocolate or vodka and tomato juice*, I'd rather have them separately than together.

---

Strawberries and vodka could have a future though (not so sure about chocolate'n'tomato).

Which in turn has me pining for Himbeergeist. Which really does taste like the ghost of raspberries, and it would be wonderful having a chilled thimbleful at the end of the current hot and muggy days.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Years ago I had a copy of The Alcoholic Cookbook which had a recipe for a starter of grapefruit that is halved and segmented then has GIN poured over it and then put in the fridge for a few hours for the GIN to bring out the sweetness in the fruit.

I think piglet might enjoy that.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Here it is almost dark and only 11o'clock. The nights are fair drawing in.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
I'm currently suffering the after-effects of my second big midgie-munching* of the year. Honestly, come the revolution those little buggers are the first up against the wall.

* they munched me, not the other way round.


 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
I actually have a sun tan, which was acquired in Scotland! Hope everyone else is enjoying the weather.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Just in case any of you don't read the Writer's Block thread in Heaven, or the Teenager thread in All Saints, - the North East teenager has been shortlisted for the Kelpies Prize

Ridiculous levels of maternal delight here.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 

Yay for the loon! That is wonderful news. Congratulations to him and the proud parents!
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Oh well done.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Well done, North East Loon! NEQ, you're absolutely right to be proud!

Wodders, I'm contemplating the virtues of GIN-soaked grapefruit ... I'm not used to mixing GIN with anything other than tonic, ice and lemon or lime, but I've had tomato and GIN soup, which was rather nice, and a splash of it in juniper-flavoured cabbage goes down quite nicely. I think further investigation and research may be required ...
 

---

Posted by Stercus Tauri (# 16668) on :
 
Pure dead brilliant - Aberdeen will never be the same after that. Congratulations to the newly famous author.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Brilliant news NEQ - but he still needs to follow the house rules!

...or pay someone else to come in and tidy, etc. for him!
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Yeah NEQ that is wonderful news.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
NEQ that's fab I'm guessing you'll let us know how he gets on!
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And it has been on the news that the cost for such drinks should be changed...
 

---

Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I was wondering about adding gin to the gooseberry sorbet I'm making. I think I'll make a driver-friendly version first, then an interesting one.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
A friend and I are off to Ullapool tomorrow for a few days. Any recommendations from folks re. what we should do and see there?
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Cottontail last year we were in Ullapool and found that the Ullapool bekery did amazing bread (our favourite was Stilton and Cranberry).
 

---

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
We stopped off at Ullapool on our way to honeymoon on Orkney a few years ago. We only did the one 'must do' thing we knew of, which was the gardens at Inverewe. The mountains of Wester Ross were spectacular as we drove through, and even just a drive around stopping at the loch sides would be pretty darn good in my book.
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
If you are at all into wildlife and birds do a loch tour from one of the harbours especially if it is with someone knowledgeable, you will see far more than you would think is possible.

You could also go to Applecross a very early outpost of the Columban mission.

Jengie
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

This is an amazing place. We have found a great B&B with the most beautiful views. Tonight we went for a drive round the Achiltibuie peninsula, which was stunning.

We've located the bakery and will pop in tomorrow morning. We are going on one of the Summer Isles tours tomorrow as well. And Inverewe Gardens is on the list!
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
I had a fantastic holiday in Achiltibuie about 10 years ago - with the most lovely views of the Summer Isles from the holiday let! The friend I went with has never quite recovered from just how far down that single track road it was... think it was after that she decided my judgement of Scottish roads and how long it as going to take to drive anywhere was more likely to be accurate than her own.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday, Cottontail.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
A few years ago we visited the hydroponicum at Achiltibuie and were most impressed. Some weeks later, Full of Chips spotted a wee shop down a side street in Rosemount, Aberdeen, which had "grow-lights" for plants in the window. So he thought he'd found a hydroponicum supply shop. As soon as we were inside I noticed the Jamaican flag, the poster which said "Don't drink and drive, smoke weed and fly" and the Rizzla papers on the counter. But Chips was oblivious and started talking to the assistant about Achiltibuie with specific reference to our disappointing tomato crop. The assistant was polite but bemused - I don't think he'd ever had a customer greet him with the words "Are you connected to Achiltibuie?" before.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Cottontail, can you PM me details for the B&B? I'm going over to the Western Isles later in the year and need a night B&B in or around Ullapool, so if you've a recommendation that you be good.
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
Ullapool area is good to see and visit - lots of things to do up there. It is above PooleweInverewe where we camped. have a good time!
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Oh, I am SO chilled.

PM-ing you, kingsfold.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
You're chilled - I'm jealous.

Holiday is still some way away and I'm so looking forward to it!
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
I had a unofficial mini-shipmeet today when I met up with babybear and Gremlin (and their youngest, who is just a little bit bigger than the last time I saw her - approx 10 years ago!) for lunch. It was great to see them again. They are here for the Edinburgh Festival, which is in full flow. At work the annual moanfest about the festival (which has taken over lots of university spaces) is also in full flow. At least because of the building work this year there isn't a bar the other side of my office window - I never thought I'd be grateful for the sounds of constant construction noise!
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
That would explain the distant banging and thumping : it'll be fireworks for the start of the Festival.

We are showing true Edinburgh levels of enthusiasm and engagement with this wonderful cultural efflorescence - and taking off for the western Highlands next week.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
We're just back in the south after a really nice week up in Scotland - the weather was almost totally glorious apart from some rain on the first Sunday which threatened to dampen the barbecue party at my sister's for my great-niece's first birthday, but cleared away in time, and a somewhat dreich day in the middle of our time in Orkney, which we spent going to Stromness, so it didn't really matter ...

Otherwise, great weather - who knew that you'd appreciate air-conditioning in the car in Orkney??
 

---

Posted by John Holding (# 158) on :
 
As promised elsewhere in All Saints, I'm opening a discussion here -- we can move it to its own thread if that seems appropriate.

As I posted a couple of months ago, Mary and I will be in Scotland for about 2 weeks in September, and would be open to meeting shipmates and having a drink and/or conversation.

We're staying with Kingsfold in Glasgow on 15 and 16 September -- actually arriving the day before but fairly late, though an evening meet on the 14th might work.

THen we're heading to Mull and a day in Oban, and will be in Inverness from the evening of the 22nd and then on 23 September. We have no fixed plans for the 23rd, but on one evening or the other we have friends to visit.

Finally, two days in Edinburgh -- arriving latish on the 24th, and then sightseein on the 25th -- Holyrood House, St. Giles and the National Gallery of Scotland are our probable objectives, time permitting, though Mary also wants to browse along Princess Street. And, once again, I have to fit in a visit with a friend.

A separate thread? Separate threads? Who might be interested in meeting, and where, and when.

John
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Skip Princes St - it's the same boring chains you find everywhere. And no nice cafes.

I think I would start separate Meet threads for each of your locations.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I might be around Inverness on 22nd and 23rd Sept. I'm going to be a bridesmaid in Inverness the following weekend ( ) and think I might be dotting back and forth during the week before.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
I am intending to be in Edinburgh on 25th September, and could easily hang around for an evening meal.
 

---

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 
as usual for me, if you just arrange all the meets to suit yourselves, I'll see if i can come along - just tell me where and when
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
Today we were told on the radio, about Scotland teaching more and more "Latin". I was taught Latin at school and then at St Andrews University, and I never taught it as a teacher in Scotland, but in London I taught Latin in a secondary school. I think that there is less Latin taught in England, but always has been and is now in Scotland. Have many of you been taught Latin? Is it really more often than many other places?
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I did one year of Latin at school, but dropped it because I could continue with either history or Latin, but not both, and history won. However, my children's school doesn't offer Latin.
 

---

Posted by Leorning Cniht (# 17564) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by daisymay:
Have many of you been taught Latin? Is it really more often than many other places?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by daisymay:
Today we were told on the radio, about Scotland teaching more and more "Latin". I was taught Latin at school and then at St Andrews University, and I never taught it as a teacher in Scotland, but in London I taught Latin in a secondary school. I think that there is less Latin taught in England, but always has been and is now in Scotland. Have many of you been taught Latin? Is it really more often than many other places?

---

I did Latin at school in Scotland from 1st year secondary (1969) to what was then called O Grade in 4th year (1973). I would have gone on to do Higher but no time in the timetable. I enjoyed Latin, very inspirational if eccentric teacher. In the first two years we had to translate English into Latin (as well as vice versa) and then "prose" as it was called was dropped from the exam curriculum. To our teacher, it was as if the world was coming to an end. I don't think the academic rigour of the subject was as great after the dropping of English to Latin translation. We studied poetry (Virgil) in 4th year. My Latin knowledge has come in handy for all sorts of things in later life. Wish I had studied Greek. Recently I was asked to help a friend's son who was studying Latin for standard grade at one of the private schools in Glasgow. Shocked by how little academic rigour was involved. In essence, it is all about reading a paasage in English about "Roman life", with a few Latin words thrown in (eg atrium). When I was at school, there was a course called "Classical Studies" which this seemed a watered-down version of.

[ 10. August 2013, 19:23: Message edited by: would love to belong ]
 

---

Posted by would love to belong (# 16747) on :
 
I'm going my first ever trip to Northern Ireland at the end of August, five days. Just wondered if there are any "must sees", apart from Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway (of course). Will have car. Sailing Cairnryan to Larne by P & O.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Do you like stately homes? I have a fondness for Co Down and the likes of Mount Stewart and Castleward. Pottering down that peninsula to the east of Strangford Lough is pleasant and there is a ferry at the bottom, at Portaferry. There is also Tollymore Forest Park and Newcastle - though I'd have to say the principal attraction is the setting rather than the town itself.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is great - or was when I was there a few years ago.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I'll second Firenze's advice - both of those are worth a look, especially if you're in the National Trust. Ditto Springhill up near Londonderry.

If you're doing the Antrim Coast, don't forget Bushmills Distillery, which has a very good tour, followed by generous tasting opportunities ...

And if you're based in or near Belfast, there are more Seriously Good Eateries than you could shake a stick at.

Have a great trip!
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
You know the old song about the mountains of Mourne that go down to the sea? Well, that's Newcastle. As Firenze says, the town itself is nothing special, but it is pretty enough, and the mountains make an amazing backdrop to a lovely beach. It also has the wonderful Maud's Cafe for huge ice creams and great value food - worth a detour in itself!

While you are there, pop into Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. It is a marvel of modern architecture and dominates the seafront. For a total contrast, the Presbyterian Church on the High Street is sombre, ultra-traditional, and rather lovely. They run a wee cafe, and the ladies there were delighted to show us their church.

Nearby, you could visit Murlough National Nature Reserve, and dine at the fish restaurant at Dundrum. Or head up to the Silent Valley in the mountains, and just generally have a drive around. I also second Firenze's recommendation of the Strangford-Portaferry crossing and the drive up or down the Strangford peninsula.

If you are stopping in Belfast itself, the Botanic Gardens are worth a look - especially their 'gorge'. And if you go to the library at Queens University and ask to see the C.S. Lewis room, they will let you in to have a little wander and think. It is really quite special if you are a fan.

Happy holidays!
 

---

Posted by would love to belong (# 16747) on :
 
Thanks to everyone for the Northern Ireland holiday suggestions. You are all very kind. Hope to pack in as many of the suggestions as possible. I will file a report on this thread after my return, assuming the thread is still open, I see it has been going since January

[ 12. August 2013, 09:30: Message edited by: would love to belong ]
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
would love to belong, there's always a Scottish thread on the go. New ones are started to replace previous threads when they get unwieldily long.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
Today in London there were many many men in all sorts of Kilts! They were in several pubs and near me where I live. It was really great to see them - they all looked great! A couple sang "By yon bonny banks and by yon bony brays, on the sweet sweet side o Loch Lomand..."
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by daisymay:
Today in London there were many many men in all sorts of Kilts! They were in several pubs and near me where I live. It was really great to see them - they all looked great! A couple sang "By yon bonny banks and by yon bony brays, on the sweet sweet side o Loch Lomand..."

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
It's been, what about 10 years, since the last "let's climb a hill" Shipmeet in Scotland. Maybe we could arrange another such meet for a small hill (I'm thinking maybe one that's even going to be possible for at least one of our wee ones to get up)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
... England are pretty ordinary at the moment and there for the taking ...

---

... or not.
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Trafalgar Square and the pubs around were awash with blue and tartan yesterday - very good humoured - but packed.
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
It's been beaten by the England - 2-3. The Scots did well and then just got beaten. Pity they didn't win...
 

---

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
Trafalgar Square ....awash

---

especially when someone put fairy liquid in the fountain

[ 15. August 2013, 22:01: Message edited by: Wet Kipper ]
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Derf:
NEQ that's fab I'm guessing you'll let us know how he gets on!

---

He won!


 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by North East Quine:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Derf:
NEQ that's fab I'm guessing you'll let us know how he gets on!

---

He won!

---

What a fantastic achievement. I hope he knows that there was a whole community of Scottish shipmates rooting for him!
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
One of the shipmates was there!
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Oh well done! I hope it's the start of a whole career. Of all the books you read in your life, the ones you encounter as a child probably stay with you longest.
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
That was good and he did very well!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Congratulations to him.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Huge congratulations, North East Loon!
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
BRILLIANT!!!
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Congratulations
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Well done him! That's brilliant news.
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Congratulations to the North East Loon!
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Folks, has anyone had any further thoughts about a meet for John and Mary Holding when they're here?

I could do Glasgow on 15th (though I would probably need to join you post evensong) or Monday 16th (which is the better option for me). I can't make Edinburgh on 25th.

I'm due to go away on holiday very soon, and John and Mary arrive as I arrive back, so either we need to fix a date and place before I go (ie in the next 3-4 days) or you'll have to fix it up in my absence, and if I can make it, I wil...
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Oh, and many congratulations to the North East Loon as well.
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
I went to Crown Court Kirk in London (I've been there always the evening on Sunday quite a few times) and since I told them I was to get to hospital on Tuesday they all said they would pray for me! I appreciate that. Also they always have good services and nice sweet food and tea and coffee after the service ends. It's a really good Kirk, and looks really beautiful inside it!
 

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Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Congratulations to the North East Loon!

I'm a former teacher-librarian, and am now involved with a couple of national committees here in Australia with a focus on family literacy. It is fantastic to see young talent such as this receiving recognition and encouragement.

I hope this is is the beginning of a long and productive writing career, which entices young people into the world of reading.
 

---

Posted by Polly Plummer (# 13354) on :
 
Daisymay,

That takes me back. I was baptised at Crown Court and used to go to the children's services there, once a month I think they were. The thing that sticks in my mind from there is my grandfather's funeral, being impressed with the strength of the men who carried the coffin up that steep staircase, and with the loud and enthusiastic singing of "He who would valiant be" - I was sad to lose him but it was a very positive experience.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by kingsfold:
Folks, has anyone had any further thoughts about a meet for John and Mary Holding when they're here?

I could do Glasgow on 15th (though I would probably need to join you post evensong) or Monday 16th (which is the better option for me). I can't make Edinburgh on 25th.

I'm due to go away on holiday very soon, and John and Mary arrive as I arrive back, so either we need to fix a date and place before I go (ie in the next 3-4 days) or you'll have to fix it up in my absence, and if I can make it, I wil...

---

Getting back to this (sorry I was away too) I think we'll probably struggle with all of these dates. I think I am down south for a few days on the 25th, and the other two earlier Glasgow dates are school nights in a busy week ... I hate missing shipmeets
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Over to you folks now. RL (ie holiday) has intervened for me and I can't help organise anything for John & Mary. Hope you can work something out.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Like I said above, I will be in Edinburgh on 25th September, and apart from a class from 2-4pm, I would be available all day. If the Holdings could let me know if that is still an option for them, then I will be glad to book somewhere for a lunch or an evening meal, or perhaps just show them around town - whatever suits. It looks like it could be a shipmeet of just three, but maybe some others are available too.

Anyway, still plenty of time.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
I have no idea if I am coming or going at the moment......therefore at the last minute may manage a meet!
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Surfing Madness:
I have no idea if I am coming or going at the moment......therefore at the last minute may manage a meet!

---

I hope you do! It would be very nice to see you again.
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Is the 25th September a Wednesday? If so, the Dafling is at nursery until 5ish and I'm my own time manager. I could do mid to late morning or lunchtime.
 

---

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 
It is, which means I will have been out on the Tuesday prior, using up my "evening pass" and so would not be able to meet.
 

---

Posted by John Holding (# 158) on :
 
Sorry I've been out of the game for too long -- I woke up yesterday and, being the procrastinator that I am, realized that two weeks of planning had vanished, and we're actually flying out next Tuesday.

It would be really cool to meet people - we could meet in Glasgow on Sunday (15th) after church or in the evening, or on Monday -- lunch or evening. If there's anyone in or near Inverness, we'd be available Sunday evening (22nd) or Monday lunch time -- we're already booked for dinner that evening. And we'd be up for lunch or dinner in Edinburgh on the 25th.

John
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I old do lunch on the 25th in Edinburgh.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
We could possibly do dinner in Ed on the 25th if it was early evening, but it sounds like you've got more takers for lunch. Not sure about the Glasgow possibilities.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
So ...

Lunch in Edinburgh on 25th September would be: the Holdings, Cottontail, Firenze, and Dafyd.

Dinner would be: the Holdings, Cottontail, Derf + 1.

Possibles: Surfing Madness.

So lunch and dinner are neck and neck at the moment! Anyone else want to chip in with a preference?
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I'm being a bridesmaid in Inverness that week. I don't know where the bride wants me to be, when. So Edinburgh is definitely out, but I might be in Inverness 22nd / 23rd.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Given that no one else has said they can get along, shall we go ahead with the first-come option, and arrange for lunch on Weds. 25th September? (sorry, Derf.) If so, will 12 noon be okay? I have a class at 2pm, but that would give us time for a good leisurely lunch.

I am happy to book a restaurant for us. I suggest The Outsider at 15 George IV bridge, which is good and central and does a nice lunch menu. But if anyone has any other preference, please do say so.

So we are talking the Holdings, Dafyd, Firenze, and me. Anyone else?
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Fine by me. In my diary.
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Wed 25th at noon should be fine.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Excellent - thanks, you two.

I have Pm-d John Holding, and will sort things out finally when I hear from him and Mary.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Just to say John & Mary are safely in Glasgow and will no doubt check in shortly...
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Thanks, kingsfold. I have just heard from John and Mary, and have booked The Outsider for 12 noon on Weds. 25th. I will PM Dafyd and Firenze with more details. Plenty room for more, if anyone else finds themselves free.

Shipmeet!
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Well, that was fun. Same time, same place next week people?
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
It was fun. And nice food. I hope the Holdings had a good time at Holyrood.
Not sure that my wallet would take it every week, but we could stand to have Edinburgh shipmeets a wee bit more often.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Agreed! Lovely to meet the Holdings, and to see Firenze and Dafyd again.

I can't do next week, but the following week is possible. It would be nice to make it a semi-regular thing.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
We could go a bit downmarket, since we're not trying to impress the Visitors. Can of Special and a bag of chips mebbe.
 

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Posted by John Holding (# 158) on :
 
The Holdings did enjoy lunch immensely, as we did Cottontail's guided tour of St. Giles and the National Gallery beforehand. Holyrood was wonderful, though it was past 4 by the time we got there -- lots of time for what we wanted to do there, but pusing it for tea afterwards. All sorted in the end.

BTW, is was great to meet NE Quine in Inverness the other day -- had a very nice chat and discovered an alarming number of likenesses between her Alex (aged 19) and our Michael (aged 33). Except that Alex is not married, so far as we know. I guess many creative people are alike.

And before that -- we were blessed to stay with Kingsfold in Glasgow for three nights. Attended service in St. Mary's cathedral to hear her (and the rest of the choir too)sing. Very nice. And met her friend Jo, a person well worth knowing.

Outside the Chip, we spend a glrious day on Iona, an exceeding wet day in Tobermory and touring about on Mull, and wet weather (what a surprise) in Oban. THe sun was out in Inverness the day we spent there, and we regretted that every single church in that city, no matter how historic, was locked tighter than a drum. We didn't get to the Piskie cathedral, so can't speak about it.

Off to the south -- in Durham tomorrow night, and we're hoping to take in an exhibit there that includes the Lindisfarne gospels.

John
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Wet weather in Oban?????

Hold the front page!!

Glad to hear you're having a good time though.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by piglet:
Wet weather in Oban?????

Hold the front page!!

---

I've been to Oban several times, and it's always had amazing blue skies.....
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
About 40 years ago, my parents and I spent a fortnight's caravanning holiday along the west coast, including Oban and trips to Skye and Stornoway, and nobody believed us when we came home and said that we'd only had half an hour of rain in that time.

IIRC that half-hour wasn't in Oban.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And last year we camped a bit north of Oban and it was lovely, and sunny in Oban when we came down, and went across to Mull too.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
Have you got "Red Sky at Night" at the moment? It's been very red this evening in London. I hope you have a good day tomorrow!
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
What do you lot think about getting just Scottish, disconnected from England but probably with the connection other places south of Scotland and England and north of Scotland? And of course, we fought often many years ago with England and English fighters. We also had a bigger bit, part of the north of England that was Scotland too.
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
That's a big old can of worms daisymay! I'm eligible to vote (although of course technically I'm not Scottish, I've just lived here long enough to be eligible) but am one of the many 'undecideds' that both sides are courting. I'll hang on for the Scottish govt white paper (which I think is supposed to be coming out next month) and see if that has any of the detail that's been lacking thus far. I think both sides have a handful of impressive people making their cases and a majority of people that are spectacularly dull and unclear about what the future would hold (whatever the outcome), and I have to try and remember that the referendum isn't a vote for the current batch of uninspiring politicians - they won't last forever, but the decision we make will have implications long after they're all gone.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
I have to try and remember that the referendum isn't a vote for the current batch of uninspiring politicians - they won't last forever, but the decision we make will have implications long after they're all gone.

---

On the basis that my father was born in Embra and a Scottish grandmother I have a wee pup in this fight and Jack has nailed it (the issue, not the doggie).

At the moment we get very boring gloomy quotes from the London-based parties and HMG countered by equally visionary, nay emotional, speeches from the SNP, so the engagement is asymetric and FWIW I think Salmond, Sturgeon & co need to address the boring issues more solidly and ensure they get quoted on them, rather than the glossy stuff.

If there is a vote for independence London is going to drive a very hard bargain and there's a danger that Scotland might get a poor deal unless they out-negotiate the UK establishment. Mind you, if they have to negotiate against those who have set up PPIs and military contracts an Independent Scotland could be, near as dammit, a tax haven!
 

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Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
As a Londoner living in Edinburgh, I'll almost certainly vote for continuing union. Unless it becomes clear that the current lot really are intent on smashing up England as if it's hosting a Bullingdon club dinner. The problem is that I don't see much future for a genuinely independent Scotland with a far-right gorilla sitting next door to it. An only nominally independent Scotland seems to me much more likely.
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
One of the issues which is causing a lot of concern in the circles which I inhabit is that of academic funding and how that will be affected by independence. I'm in medical research, and much of the funding comes from charities as well as the research councils. If Scotland is no longer part of the UK, does this therefore mean that we won't be eligible for funding from the research councils or Cancer Research UK, for example.

OK, this is possibly of less importance than concerns about EU membership, or defence etc, but Scotland does pride itself of punching way above its weight in terms of research, and my perception is that the Universities are a huge part of the economy and employment here...

I've yet to see or hear anything that even come near to acknowledging that aspect of the effects of independence. Except of course from the academics who are not getting answers. Or as far as I've heard, they're not, and the questions have been raised...

[ 19. October 2013, 21:51: Message edited by: kingsfold ]
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Dear God, the world is clearly coming to an end.
I've not only commented on a political question, but a Scots political question.

[ 19. October 2013, 21:56: Message edited by: kingsfold ]
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Although I'm Scottish born and bred, I've probably lived outside Scotland for too long (25 years) to be eligible to vote.

If I were, though, like most Orcadians I'd vote "no" - the SNP has never been popular there (partly because they tend to put up complete nyaffs as candidates). Orkney is always going to be governed from "South"* and it matters little how far south.

Also, I doubt very much whether Wee Eck and his cohorts have thought the whole thing through; there would be a lot more to independence than saltires and shortbread. Government from Westminster may not be perfect (what government is?) but I think it's preferable to independence.

* unless they decide to return to Norwegian rule ...
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
I'll hang on for the Scottish govt white paper (which I think is supposed to be coming out next month) and see if that has any of the detail that's been lacking thus far.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
Will we get a second vote to confirm that what we're eventually presented with is what we thought we were going to be getting when we walk into the voting booth?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by kingsfold:
One of the issues which is causing a lot of concern in the circles which I inhabit is that of academic funding and how that will be affected by independence. I'm in medical research, and much of the funding comes from charities as well as the research councils. If Scotland is no longer part of the UK, does this therefore mean that we won't be eligible for funding from the research councils or Cancer Research UK, for example.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
Will we get a second vote to confirm that what we're eventually presented with is what we thought we were going to be getting when we walk into the voting booth?

---

That would be a unfulfilled dream.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
There has been suggestions I've seen that the general funding for Scottish Universities will be organised without a Research Excellence Framework exercise, or similar.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by piglet:
Although I'm Scottish born and bred, I've probably lived outside Scotland for too long (25 years) to be eligible to vote.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
There has been suggestions I've seen that the general funding for Scottish Universities will be organised without a Research Excellence Framework exercise, or similar.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
... as I understand it, the criterion is residence in Scotland in the 3 years prior to the referendum ...

---

I wonder how Sean Connery will get round that one ...
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And those of us who are Scottish, born in Scotland, but live in other places, will we be allowed just to come to Scotland or need to use a Passport?
 

---

Posted by ken (# 2460) on :
 
British people can freely travel to Ireland without passports. Its hard to believe that the rules for Scotland would be any harsher.
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Can you imagine what it would be like on the borders if they introduced border control!

Jengie
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I have a mental image of Hadrian's Wall being rebuilt by the Scots.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I have a mental image of Hadrian's Wall being rebuilt by the Scots.

---

You say that like it was a bad thing.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Since Hadrian's Wall runs through Cumbria and Northumberland, we'd need to start by invading England. Ah, just like the old days.
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
England has had really bad, noisy and very windy and has trees blown down and very wet and cancelling trains etc. Some people have been hurt.

They say now that it will be in the south of Scotland also. is that true?

I also remember lots of trees blown down in Scotland a long time ago. What's it like now?
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
I am in the south of Scotland, and right now am enduring nothing worse than a brisk little breeze.

We shall see what the rest of the day brings. Thanks for the warning!
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
We (daughter and I) have booked to spend Christmas week in Oban. What are the things you'd recommend to do, bearing in mind not everything will be open? Are there any recommendations for churches for Christmas Day? (I do know Scotland often celebrates more at Hogmanay not Christmas).
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I love Oban, but it's been about 5 years since we were there last. Climbing up to McCaig's Folly and enjoying the view is a must, but won't take very long.

There are some good seafood restaurants.

We used to enjoy the walk from Oban to Dunollie Castle. but the scramble up to the ruins might tricky if its icy.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
When we've been in Oban on a Sunday, we've attended the Church of Scotland church on the Esplanade - a distinctive white building. We've found it friendly and run-of-the-mill C of S, which has suited us well.
 

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Posted by Baptist Trainfan (# 15128) on :
 
Was it this church?

Oban has fond memories as it was there that my wife and I formally got engaged (over a nice lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties) - back in 1979!

[ 28. October 2013, 09:59: Message edited by: Baptist Trainfan ]
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Yes, that's the one! We went to service there, many years ago, at which one of our children was being difficult. I was thinking of leaving in embarrassment when, lo! - a jaffa cake was passed along the pew to him. It did the trick! So in gratitude for the timely jaffa cake, and the sense that the congregation was sympathetic to small children, we've made that "our" Oban church. That said, we've only been there about 5 or 6 times in 15 years.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Oban has a Piskie cathedral, and I'd be surprised if they didn't have a service on Christmas Day.

Hope you have a wonderful time.
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
I've always enjoyed in Oban and I've seen that church but not went in on a Sunday. And we go across to Mull from Oban, where our ancient family came from.
 

---

Posted by Forthview (# 12376) on :
 
Oban is a lively town and you will always find something to do.Apart from the Free Presbyterians all the churches will have Christmas services.The Church of Scotland charge is now called Kilmore and Oban church and is in a prominent position on the Esplanade close to the even more prominent Catholic cathedral of St Columba which is often illuminated at night.There are good restaurants for many different tastes and purses.
Although the daylight is somewhat limited a trip on the ferry to Mull with the bus to Tobermory should be possible on at least some of the days.
 

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Posted by Francophile (# 17838) on :
 
I'm a born and bred west coast Scot but venturing for a few days break to East Lothian, near North Berwick, later in the winter. I don't know the area at all.Daylight hours will be short but I wondered if anyone had any suggestions for places or things to see. We only have 2 days. Also, what is the best route to North Berwick from the M8, presumably take the city bypass but where do you come off the bypass? Thank you.
 

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Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
I believe there are some good areas for birdwatching. But perhaps it's not the best time of year to take a boat to Bass Rock, for example.
Casual hillwalkers (e.g. me) would say it's not the best time of year for walking either. But there are some respectable ups and downs by lowlands standards.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
There's the Seabird Centre in North Berwick itself, which has a pleasant cafe.

As for getting there, take the city bypass/A720 at the South Gyle and stay on it all the way to the junction with the A1. Take that to the junction at Tranent, where there's a short stretch takes you down to the A198, which is the main route through all the main E Lothian villages - Aberlady, Long Niddry, Gullane, Muirfield and Dirleton - to North Berwick. They are all charming - Dirleton particularly so, plus it has a castle and gardens. If you like that sort of thing, it's worth checking out Historic Scotland and National a Trust for Scotland listings, as E Lothian is fairly well found for places of interest.
 

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Posted by Forthview (# 12376) on :
 
As well as the Seabird centre you have just outside of NB Tantallon Castle on a dramatic site as well as the church at Whitekirk with its story of the visit of Aenea Silvio Piccolomini (pope Pius II) in the 1400s as well as the suffragettes 500 years later. You also have Traprain Law where you can find out who the Votadini were and what the link with Glasgow is.You could visit the Museum of Flight at East Fortune and go aboard Concorde or go a little further to Athelstaneford and find out about the origins of the Scottish flag and the choosing of St Andrew as Scotland's patron saint. You could drive through 'East Lothian Switzerland' and visit Haddington,the birthplace of John Knox and the fine St Mary's church known as the Lamp of Lothian.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
My sister wants to camp at Mull next year, probably about June. We have a family from Mull, "MacLeans" who have come from there many years ago. She reckons it would be nice to visit there.
 

---

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
As for getting there, take the city bypass/A720 at the South Gyle and stay on it all the way to the junction with the A1.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wet Kipper:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
As for getting there, take the city bypass/A720 at the South Gyle and stay on it all the way to the junction with the A1.

---

If coming from the M8, the bypass junction you come to is Hermiston Gait, not South Gyle.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:
Warning: total tangent.

Was Berwick-upon-Tweed finally returned to the Scots?

---

No, but who knows if they might vote to be part of Scotland if given the chance if Scotland became independent!
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Just bumping the thread to make sure it escapes the forthcoming Oblivionators ...
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Well, we are going to need to organise another shipmeet early next year so we can meet the Elfling. So we really don't need to be oblivionated.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I'm up for an elfling meet!
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Oh yes, meeting the Elfling will be compulsory. (Note JtL and TME you don't get a say in this )
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
I'm up for an elfling meet too (it will be a little sooner for us than you though! ).
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And at the moment, I still often sing "Scots wha hae"...
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
The North East Loon's book is available to pre-order from Waterstones! It's not due out till 20 March 2014, but I'm all of a flutter seeing it online.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by North East Quine:
The North East Loon's book is available to pre-order from Waterstones! It's not due out till 20 March 2014, but I'm all of a flutter seeing it online.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by North East Quine:
It's for age 8 to 12.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by North East Quine:
The North East Loon's book is available ...

---

Hurrah for the North East Loon!

I love this bit in the synopsis:

quote:

---

... they hatch a plan ...

---

Well they would, wouldn't they?
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Yay for the forthcoming Elfling.
Yay for giant robot chickens.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cottontail:
Yay for the forthcoming Elfling.
Yay for giant robot chickens.

---

I feel I need to point out that the two are in fact unrelated (although I am *totally* buying a copy of that book. I reckon it will go really well with my complete set of Captain Underpants books).
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
You can read it to the Elfling when he/she is old enough.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Anyone else had snow today? We had a bare centimetre which was, of course, enough to bring school transport to a grinding halt. The North East Quinie had a day off school
 

---

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
We had a dusting, but not enough to cause problems (well, apart from our visitors at work who were late having driven down from Aberdeen).
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
No sign of snow here

I really wanted to finish the story I was reading online last night and eventually closed down the PC at about 01.45!!

This morning I am completely knackered - and I can't really blame anyone for that - perhaps I'll kick the cat when I get downstairs.


 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Stirling and environs was just very frosty yesterday, no snow. The thermometer on the car yesterday morning read -2 when I was scraping the windows, but it honestly didn't feel that cold. I think (having not actually gone out yet) that today is a bit warmer ("bit warmer" obviously being relative!).
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Managed to end up on some random back road thanks to Mum's navigation skills this morning, going up to Glenshee. It was no fun driving on the snow, but it made my Mum happy to see it.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Snow? What snow? 'Sno snow here...
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Nor yet here. Nor did we see any between here and Cambridge yesterday. It was an alternation of golden sunlight and belts of heavy rain.

I have just been made to feel very uncharitable by a young man ringing my doorbell on behalf of some endangered species or another, and waking me from a nap. I am trying to fool a cold/sore throat into going away before I have to sparkle socially tomorrow (and throw together a dinner party menu).
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Send your hubby out for Fish and Chips and explain that you're a bit under the weather.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
Send your hubby out for Fish and Chips and explain that you're a bit under the weather.

---

quote:

---

posted by curiosity killed...
We are also stopping in Glasgow overnight on the 21 December. Any suggestions for churches on Sunday morning and/or places to go. We have most of Saturday evening and quite a bit of Sunday in Glasgow before catching the train on up to Oban.

---

Shipmeet? I'm free... (I think)

Churches? Depends what you're looking for. St Mary's Cathedral will give you a Eucharist with good liturgy with good choir; St Bride's Hyndland, as Forthview said, is Anglo-Catholic, East facing, bells, smells & asperges; St Silas (also in the west end) is much much more evangelical in theology and has assorted music groups/praise bands, and you may or may not get a Eucharist; the East end team of Pisky churches is much smaller and depending which you visit you may get a Eucharist or a Service of the Word. As far as Church of Scotland is concerned there are many. It's not my thing, but I've heard good things of Wellington Church in the West End, there's also Woodlands Methodist in the west End, and Baptist churches dotted about the place. Derf would be better placed to tell you about Methodist options, and Surfing Madness could probably also suggest Baptist type churches.
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
If you are city center based for church one night, I would recommend the Church of Scotland Cathedral. The Saturday night in Glasgow is going to be busy! George Square has got some lovely lights (even if some of them look like weeping angels from Dr Who.) What sort of things are you interested in?
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
We've just got news that now 9 people have died in Glasgow.
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
At least nine. There are still people known to have been in the pub Friday night still not accounted for. Including the brother of the mum of some of the children in the same school as our children.
 

---

Posted by Pooks (# 11425) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
At least nine. There are still people known to have been in the pub Friday night still not accounted for. Including the brother of the mum of some of the children in the same school as our children.

---

My heartfelt sympathy for Scotland's loss. Especially for the relatives and friends of the victims.
 

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Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Thanks, Pooks. We are such a small country that there is only ever two or three degrees of separation. Almost everyone knows someone who knows someone who was caught up in this. The Glasgow folks are being amazing - taxi drivers offering free rides for relatives to the hospitals, for example. But it is just such an awful thing to happen, and I am hoping that the death toll doesn't rise any more.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
My sister-in-law often goes to the Clutha. Fortunately, she's been signed off work sick for the past two weeks and wasn't out on Friday night. But she knows one of the dead.
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
Now confirmed as nine The uncle of children known to our children has been named as one of the dead
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
Just saw on the news that Scotland was doing better teaching children than mostly in England! And there are lots of the whole world that seem to teach better than both!
In a secondary school in London I taught Latin as the head and I were the only two who had done it at university, all the rest teachers (English people) hadn't learned Latin!,
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
Though, I would always be cautious about measures of education quality that basically reflect ability to get the right answer in tests.

That being said, what I've seen of the Scottish education system (mostly at the primary end for my children, and the university end end as that's where I work, with not a great deal of direct experience of High Schools inbetween) it does do a much better job of giving a broader education than what I experienced in England. And, doing that while still maintaining a not too shoddy ability in students getting the right answer in tests.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I like the Scottish education system. But I'm not convinced by league tables of countries, as they're often comparing apples and pears.

Wild, wild weather here this morning. I was woken by the rat-a-tat-tat of the contents of our bird feeder being blown against the window.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Here too. I can see the streetlight nodding in the wind through the blur of rain on the window. I'm trying to convince myself I really want to go out to T'ai Chi in an hour or so.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Bit breezy here too. It looked like a pane of glass had been blown out of one of the top floor flats on Byres Rd, as there was a very loud sound of glass breaking and the curtain blowing as I walked in to work.

I am suspecting the Aberdeen participants to a meeting later may be somewhat delayed...
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And on the news, it says that many trains not working because it is so very windy! And also cars avoiding being used too! Is it very windy all over Scotland?
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
I'm guessing so. That's Edinburgh, Glasgow & north of Aberdeen reporting in with high winds...
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
After 25 mins at the bus stop, the NE Quinie has just heard her school bus isn't running and is back home.

5 schools closed here because of power cuts, two closed because of fallen trees and various school buses not running.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
The Tay bridge is shut at the moment, waiting to see if it re-opens before I need to leave for work, or of I'll be going the long way round!
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
All trains cancelled in Scotland...

Don't know if any of the folk from elsewhere in Scotland for todays scientific meeting will have braved the roads, but we are going to be thin on the ground!
 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
Stay safe, folks - I'm sure you have more idea than here down south to handle the winds, just seen some fairly scary figures from Lewis!

On the bright side, it's not as bad as New Year 1992...

AG
 

---

Posted by Francophile (# 17838) on :
 
This is a light breeze compared with the January 1968 gales.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Wimped out of my class. Plus mild neighbourhood panic because Jim next door hadn't opened his curtains at gone 10 o'clock. We have the world's most effective monitoring/security system - the woman behind the lace curtains at No 17. (All well, btw. Jim now stirring - probably on account of all the people ringing the doorbell/chapping on the back door etc).
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
The wind has dropped here, but it's hailing. Oddly we have lightning, but I'm not hearing thunder.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
It's wild down here too. Wind is coming from an unusual north-east direction, as far as I can tell. I shan't be opening my front door again any time soon, as it nearly blew me across the hall. But the sun is out now, and it is oddly bright.

Meanwhile, in between powercuts, I am trying to phone people and do some photocopying, while a engineer is trying to fix the dishwasher. I am also wondering about risking a shower ...
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cottontail:
...I am also wondering about risking a shower ...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cottontail:
...I am also wondering about risking a shower ...

---

In December!?!?

---

Hehe. It's an electric shower, and if the power goes off half way through, I am stuck with a headful of shampoo. But rest assured - I took the risk and am now fresh and clean.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Someone a couple of miles away has had an old tree uprooted - and the movement of the roots has dislodged her septic tank
 

---

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
I got into work, finding one of the trees had come down. No damage to the building, but it has blocked one of the emergency exits.

It was bright sunshine a moment ago. Now it's snowing.
 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Sandemaniac:
And that's in Oxford, so I dread to think what it's been like Ooop North!

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One of our bridges has shut, due to a lorry lying sideways on top of a car.

It was a touch breezy earlier. But now the sun shines and things have calmed down a bit. Not a day for having double glazing installed, really, but they insisted...
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Just dropping in to say I'm thinking about you all - Edinburgh made it on to the "Force of Nature" spot on the Canadian Weather Channel this evening, and looked pretty wild.

Hope you're all safe.
 

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Posted by Francophile (# 17838) on :
 
Just popping in to comment that the weather has been unseasonably mild this week. 11 degrees here in Glasgow. Mild usually means wet, but really quite dry with even a bit of sun. If winter was like this all the time, it wouldn't be too bad. But I remember a mild December last year, at least for the Christmas period, and then bitterly cold January. Enjoy.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Francophile:
... 11 degrees here in Glasgow ...

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That's nice - it's -9° here at the moment, and God knows what with the wind-chill. I don't often complain of the cold, but brrrrrrr!


 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 

quote:

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kingsfold suggested a Shipmeet in response to this from me:

quote:

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We are also stopping in Glasgow overnight on the 21 December. Any suggestions for churches on Sunday morning and/or places to go. We have most of Saturday evening and quite a bit of Sunday in Glasgow before catching the train on up to Oban.

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Shipmeet? I'm free... (I think)

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quote:

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Originally posted by piglet:

quote:

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Originally posted by Francophile:
... 11 degrees here in Glasgow ...

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That's nice - it's -9° here at the moment, and God knows what with the wind-chill. I don't often complain of the cold, but brrrrrrr!

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Hope you're keeping warm Piglet. Still very mild for the time of year in Auld Scotia, predicted high for today in the west was 14C, similar further north and east. A bit wet today, and very cloudy and dull, but no high winds. I can live with this.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Ah weel, you'll have the high winds today. Majorly wild and wet out at the moment.

We did a dash this morning to get the week's shopping - prudent Shipmates may like to know Lidl is offering Comte de Brismand champers at 9.99 a bottle: we bought half a case.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
My friend from when we were always in the same class in school is in Edinburgh, and she says the weather is awful and so she stays indoors at home.
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
So despite the wind and rain that the weather threw at us today, had a bonfire on the beach late afternoon with friends!
 

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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
More than a bit breezy here. Hold onto your hats...
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
And it says that today in lots of Scotland it will be really awful today. Very windy in lots, and cold. I hope people survive!
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
If it's any comfort (probably not) it's more than a touch blustrous here today as well.

Almost enough to make me feel homesick ...

Look after yourselves.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
Not in Scotland. but the Scottish Kirk, web page in London, is performing tomorrow, Friday, the evening about 7pm, and I hope it goes well. They are always good to have their days in them.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Howzitgoan Scottish Shippies?

Embra clear and cold and a bit blowy, but the worst of the weather west and south of us I think.

Hope everyone is warm and dry this Christmas.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Blowy but clear here in Aberdeenshire. The next village along had a powercut last night, no idea if they have got their power back yet.
 

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Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Rather blowy here too, not looking forward to driving across the bridge in a few minutes, but at least it's still open.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
It looks from your posts as if you're having a lot better weather than we are - we've got about two feet of snow.

I ought to go and phone my kith and kin in Scotland before we head out to have Christmas dinner with friends in the choir.

Hope you're all having a good Christmas.
 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
There was snow on Monday - several inches dumped on Rannoch Moor and Tulloch. The West Highland train to Mallaig was delayed while someone got out and changed the signals manually at Rannoch, the Network Rail van had a snow plough attached to clear the road at Crianlarich and the station attendant at Crianlarich was using all sorts of snow clearing kit to make the platform safe - a snow blower, hand snow plough and shovels. However, today coming through, most of the snow had been washed away by the wind and rain.

There was snow on all the tops over on Mull and further north of Oban all week. Ben Nevis looked very dramatic on Monday.

It was blowing a hoolie on Monday, Tuesday, some of Wednesday and Friday. Looking at the bay which was covered with white horses, I'd say gale force 10 for much of that time. It was bad enough to cancel most of the ferries on Tuesday (when we hoped to cross to Mull). Yesterday was sunny and calm - and stunningly beautiful.

Today the worst of the disruption was further north or south. Hence I'm in Glasgow overnight because there are two hour plus delays on trains going past the overhead line damage between Preston and Carlisle.
 

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Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
On the news now, it says that in Dundee, they are celebrating, praying for the people who were dead in the 18th century when the train fell down and got broken across the water, including the man who red the train.
And now, it is a train session fixed well. I always remember being on that train place!
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
It has been a rubbish Christmas for TV on BBC in general, IMO. Vast tracts of films which I've either or seen, or don't wish to see. Repeats of repeats of repeats. And now, just when I thought there would be a tholeable half hour before dinner watching Landward there is a documentary on Scottish country dancing, full of White Heather Clubbish clips of tippety-tappiting tartanry, various centenarian old biddies probably reminiscing about the time they stepped a measure with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and a man with a beard the exact size, shape and texture of a sisal doormat.

Bar the Gatiss docu on M R James the other night, I don't think there's been a thing to engage a single brain cell for weeks (and I include Dr Who in the general commination).

Anyway, back to the screen on which, a God help us, folk are prancing about in a church hall for what seems to have been several hours already - it can only be a ploy by the pro-Unionist camp to show us this is what we'll get at prime time every day if we vote for independence.
 

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