Homecoming Scotland 2009
the Photo Diary
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1. Glasgow
The first stop on Jim's trip was Glasgow. Glasgow, Scotland's largest city and former industrial powerhouse, is now known as Scotland's style capital. World famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh hailed from the city and some of his greatest works can be found here. Glasgow is also a musical hub of Scotland with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Opera all based here, not to mention the traditional music found in the bars and pubs frequented by visiting Highlanders and Islanders. And you can't go far without getting caught up in the friendly banter!
2. Glen Lyon, Perthshire
Only an hour or so drive from Glasgow, Jim arrived in Perthshire. Perthshire is known as “Big Tree Country” and the “Gateway to the Highlands,” but neither description does justice to this beautiful part of the country. Glen Lyon alone is popular with hill walkers for the Glen Lyon Horseshoe, a high level walk that takes in four Munros. Fishing is a must for enthusiasts with the many rivers and lochs abundant with trout and salmon. And several of Scotland's famous distilleries can be found in the area such as the oldest, Glenturret, and the smallest, Edradour.
3. The Borders
Traveling south, Jim then went to the Borders. The Scottish Borders are full of character with rolling hills and moorland in the west, through gentler valleys to the high agricultural plains of the east, and on to the rocky Berwickshire coastline with secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages, a land with a turbulent and romantic history, punctuated by imposing castles, elegant abbeys, stately mansions and dramatic ruins. And none more so than Traquair House, said to be the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, with colorful historical associations such as the Jacobite Risings. It has been visited by 27 monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots.
4. Dumfries
Next on Jim's schedule was Dumfries. In the southwest of Scotland, Dumfries has a rich history with strong links to Burns. Scotland's national bard spent much of his adult life in and around Dumfries, dying here at age 37. He wrote some of his most famous works like “Ae Fond Kiss” in Dumfries and you can still visit his home, farm, and favorite inn or travel the long coastline where he sought out smugglers in hidden coves.
5. Islay
Finally, Jim traveled to the Isle of Islay. Situated off the west coast of Scotland, Islay is covered with white sand beaches, green fertile land, and peat-rich moorland, perfect for creating two things Islay is famous for - whisky and golf. The Machrie Golf Links is a purist's dream. The famous links course is perched above the golden sands of Laggan bay offering spectacular views and an even more spectacular golfing experience. Try not to get caught in the machair! The island has eight operating distilleries all producing “Islay malts”, famed for their peaty taste. The legendary malts include Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Caol Ila, all open to visitors to experience their production and sample a dram.
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