Zell - Sophia Zell married her cousin George, Elector of Hanover, who became king in 1714. Unfortunately, they were only married from 1682 until 1694 when he divorced her for adultery and had her thrown in prison. She remained locked up in the castle of Ahlden until her death in 1726.
Zeitgeist - the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history
as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time. I hope I’ve been able to provide
you with a brief glimpse at the history and life in this amazingly complex and beautiful
country. For a look at several types of zeitgeists in Scotland:
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year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
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Yeoman
- Louise Yeoman is twice a graduate
of the University of St Andrews, she has been curator of early modern
manuscripts and cataloguer at the National Library of Scotland since 1992.
Prior to that, she worked for a year at the National Archives of Scotland and
for a short time at Glasgow University Library. In 1996-97 she was seconded to
BBC Scotland as writer and presenter of the BBC TV seriesStirring Times. She is
currently a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Scottish History and a
co-director of 'A Survey of Scottish Witchcraft, 1563-1736', as well as a frequent
contributor to Scottish radio and television.http://www.shca.ed.ac.uk/Research/witches/lyeoman.html
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
During my visit to Scotland, I was
surprised at how much Roman influence and evidence still existed.
Scotland had been
inhabited for thousands of years before the Romans arrived. However, it is only
during theGreco-Roman periodthat Scotland began being recorded in
writing.In honor of the Roman numeral X, here are Ten Top Roman-Scotland Sites worth visiting.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Walking
– People say Scotland is a paradise for ramblers, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Some of the best times we had during our visit were spent traveling trails,
both hidden and waymarked for the public. Beautiful scenery, variety of
terrain, and magnificent coastlines make it difficult to imagine a more
beautiful country to explore. Local tourist information centers are always a
good place to stop if you are looking for advice or suggested routes.
War
– Southern Scotland is a blend of attractive landscapes and historic houses,
castles, and abbeys. Sadly, many of these ancient buildings exist only in
fortified or ruined form due to the frontier wars that dated from the late 13th
century mostly against the invading English. You can read more datails: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/history/articles/the_wars_of_independence/
Weather
– We visited Scotland in mid May which is the beginning of the peak travelling
season there. Most visitors come to Scotland from May to August, when they can
enjoy the best weather, and longer hours of daylight (the dark only lasted
about three hours while we were there). Many people ask me about the rain, and
a good joke many share is that “if you don’t like the weather, wait five
minutes”. Temperatures, sunshine, and storms all fluctuated throughout our
stay, but it only added to the charm and mystery of the country. Out of season,
a good winter snowfall in the Highlands can provide great winter sporting
opportunities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Welsh
- a Scottish novelist, playwright
and short story writer. Irvine Welsh is recognized for his novel Trainspotting, which was later made into a film of the same name.http://www.irvinewelsh.net/
Writers
– From medieval poets through Robert Burns to Irvine Welsh, writers in the
three languages of Scotland – Scots, English, and Gaelic – have created a body
of literature expressing both their place in the Europeans mainstream and the
diversity within Scotland. I’ve only mentioned a handful of the greats in this
months’ posts. There are so may more you can find here.
Writers’
Museum – This fine Old Town mansion was built in 1622 on the
Royal Mile in Edinburgh. In the 1720s it was acquired by Elizabeth, Dowager
Countess of Stair, and has since been called Lady Stair’s House. Its official
title reflects its role as a museum of memorabilia of three of the foremost
Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. I
found this location to be a surprising and delightful hidden jewel. Many of the
pavers outside building hold quotes from various authors. To learn more: http://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/The-Writers--Museum
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Victoria
- Queen of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876,
she adopted the additional title of Empress of India. She reigned for 63
years – the second longest monarchy after Elizabeth II. Her reign has become
known as the Victorian era a period of industrial, cultural, political,
scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom, and was marked by a
great expansion of theBritish Empire. Statues
and portraits of her can be seen in most places open to public tours in
Scotland. http://www.biography.com/people/queen-victoria-9518355
Vikings – Politically, militarily, and culturally they had a
profound effect on the unstable kingdoms becoming Scotland. Their incursions
into Scottish territories began in 795 and by the end of the 9th century the Vikings regularly came to
Scotland to raid and settle. These raids as well as the culture they created by
intermarrying has led to the creation of many stories, including their own set
of myths and legends. http://www.scottish-history.com/origins3.shtml
and https://www.transceltic.com/pan-celtic/ravens-celtic-and-norse-mythology
Vocabulary – the Scottish can often use a unique set of vocabulary quite
different from even other parts of the UK. There are several sources on the
internet to help aid your understanding.
Votadini-were
aCelticpeople of
theIron Agein Great Britain. Their territory was in what is now
south-eastScotlandand north-east England, extending south of theFirth of Forthand extended from theStirlingarea down to the EnglishRiver Tyne, including at its peak what are now theFalkirk,LothianandBordersregions of eastern Scotland, andNorthumberlandin north east England.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Unicorn
- A fictitious creature may seem
an odd choice for a country's national animal, but perhaps not for a country
famed for its love for and long history of myth and legend, and theunicornhas
been a Scottish heraldic symbol since the 12th century, when it was used on an
early form of the Scottish coat of arms by William I. It can now be
found in several family crests, as well as symbols of royalty or parliament.
Unterberger –
Betty Miller Unterberger was born
1922 in Glasgow. She became a professor of
American international relations and spent the bulk of her extensive academic
career at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. As a
writer and historian she also became the first woman professor at Texas A&M University in 1968.http://www.oah.org/programs/news/betty-miller-unterberger/
Urquhart - this Castle sits beside Loch Ness in
the Highlands of Scotland.Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great
conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle
passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of
Independence. The power struggles continued, as the Lords of the Isles
regularly raided both castle and glen up until the 1500s. The last of
the government troops garrisoned here during theJacobite Risings blew up the
castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into
medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle/
As
a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one year since its
publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Tartans
–
the clan system, by which Highland society was divided into tribal groups led
by autocratic chiefs, can be traced to the 12th century, when clans
were already known to wear the checkered wool cloth now called tartan. Each
family, or clan, had their own pattern. After the battle of Culloden (see my “C”
post), the wearing of tartans was banned for approximately 100 years.
Tea
– No visitor should miss the experience of a proper Scottish afternoon tea. We
enjoyed this experience at several different locations where we were offered a
tray of tea with milk, brown and white sugar, and trays with a variety of
delicious sandwiches (usually tuna, salmon, cucumber) and cakes, butter, jams,
and fruits.
Tey
- Josephine Tey was a pseudonym
used by Elizabeth MacKintosh, a Scottish author best known for her mystery
novels. She also wrote as Gordon Daviot, under which name she wrote plays, many
with biblical or historical themes. http://www.josephinetey.net/
Thistle
– once a Stuart family badge, it has since become a national symbol.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Sir
Walter Scott – born in Edinburgh and trained as a
lawyer, he is best remembered as a major literary figure and champion of
Scotland becoming a novelist, playwright, and poet. He served as Clerk of the Court
in Edinburgh’s Parliament House and for 30 years was Sheriff of Selkirk. Some
of his most famous writings include his Waverley
series Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and Lady of the Lake. You can learn more: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sir-Walter-Scott-1st-Baronet
Alexander
McCall Smith - R.
Alexander "Sandy" McCall Smith is a British writer and Emeritus
Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh who is perhaps best
recognized as the author ofThe No. 1 Ladies' Detective
Agency series. http://www.alexandermccallsmith.com/
St.
Andrews – Scotland’s oldest university town and one-time
ecclesiastical capital, it is now a shrine to golfers from all over the world.
We traveled these beautiful streets beginning with cathedral ruins. Once the
largest cathedral in Scotland, it was later pillaged for its stones, which were
used to build the town. After examining the still impressive site, we enjoyed a
stroll through shops, ate pizza with wild boar, and spent the afternoon at the Old Course (thought to be the first golf
course EVER) which lies alongside a beach where scenes from Chariots of Fire were filmed.
Robert
Louis Stevenson – a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. His most famous
works are Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,
and A Child's Garden of Verses. This is thought to be the most
comprehensive web resource devoted to him:
http://robert-louis-stevenson.org/
Stone
of Scone - also
known as theStone of Destiny, and often
referred to asThe Coronation Stone because it was used for centuries in
thecoronations of
the monarch of Scotland, and later in England.Many legends, crimes, and ideals have
surrounded its existence. I had the opportunity to view the Stone since it now
resides in Edinburgh Castle alongside the crown jewels. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Stone-of-Scone
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Rannoch
Moor
- one of
the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. It is a beautiful outdoor space
stretching out far north and west from Rannoch Station. We traveled this
road to Glencoe which you can read more about by clicking the link below.
Ian
Rankin - Ian
James Rankin is a Scottish crime writer, best known for
his Inspector Rebus novels.https://www.ianrankin.net/
Rob
Roy
– Robert MacGregor, known as Roby Roy (Red Robert) from the color of his hair,
grew up as a herdsman near Loch Arklet. After a series of harsh winters, he
took to raiding richer Lowland propertiesto feed his clan, and was declared an
outlaw by the Duke of Montrose who burned his house to the ground. After this,
Rob Roy’s Jacobite sympathies became
inflamed by his desire to avenge the crime. Plundering the duke’s lands
and repeatedly escaping from prison earned him a reputation similar to that of
England’s Robin Hood.
J. K. Rowling - Joanne "Jo" Rowling, OBE, FRSL, pen names J. K.
Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist, screenwriter and film
producer best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. If you click on her name in
the links below this post, you can see some of her haunts that I visited, as
well as some of her inspirations for the famous series. To learn more:https://www.jkrowling.com/
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Quiraing – a series of landslides has exposed the roots of this volcanic plateau, revealing fantastic terrain of spikes and towers. This landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish, is easily explored on the Isle of Skye.
Queens
– most of the monarchs of Scotland have been men, but there have been a few
queens. I wrote briefly about the most famous, Mary, in my letter “M” post. I
have also mentioned Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in several posts. While there
have been others, most of the females who were to inherit the throne died at an
extremely young age. To learn more, see the book on Scotland I mentioned in my “M”
post.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Pitlochry
– Surrounded by the pine-forested hills of the central Highlands, Pitlochry
became a famous town after Queen Victoria described it as one of the finest
resorts in Europe. I haven’t travelled
all over Europe, but I have to agree that I absolutely fell in love with this
town during our several days there. We got to see the wild salmon leap up the
ladder built into the Power Station Dam on their way to spawning grounds up the
river. We also enjoyed a brilliant standard fare of fish and chips, savored
chocolate frogs for dessert (just like any self respecting Harry Potter fan
would!), perused beautiful shops including the Heathergems headquarters I
mentioned with the letter “H” post, stayed at the Atholl Palace Hotel I
mentioned with the letter “A” post, and visited both the Blair Castle I
mentioned in my letter “B” post, and a distillery I mentioned in my “D” post.
Potter
– Beatrix Potter’s family regularly rented
Dalguise House inPerthshire. "Picture letters" written by
Beatrix while at Dalguise are usually regarded as the first drafts of her later
books "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and "The Tale of Jeremy
Fisher". Another book, "The tale of Mrs Tiggy Winkle", which was
published in 1905, is thought to have been based on the washer woman at
Dalguise, Kitty MacDonald. While we did pass by the place, and
our tour guide shared some information about her, I’m sad to say we did not
have the time to stop and explore the area. I hope to return one day because the
place looks like such beautiful fun: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunkeld/beatrixpotter/
If you’re a Potter fan, and would like
to learn about other places she stayed in the UK, visit: https://beatrixpottersociety.org.uk/places-to-visit/
Piping
Centre - another
location I wish I had time to explore is the Piping Centre in Glasgow. This
location opened its doors in a refurbished church in 1996, and aims to promote
the study and history of piping in Scotland. It offer tuition at all levels,
and houses the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PIPING, which traces the development of the
instrument.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Oban – Known as the “Gateway
to the Isles”, this bustling port on the Firth of Lorne commands fine views of
the Argyll coast. Shops crowd the seafront, and regular ferries leave routinely
making this one of the most visited places on the west coast.
Orwell – The author George
Orwell, who stayed on the isle of Jura to write his final novel, 1984, nearly
lost his life there in 1946 when he fell into the water. This country and his
stay there made a huge impact on the man. This is a picture of the farmhouse
where he stayed. Learn more: http://www.orwelltoday.com/juraorwell'slife.shtml
Outdoor activities – Scotland may
not be able to guarantee sunshine, but its popularity as a holiday destination
is due in no small part to its opportunities for outdoor activities. That could be playing golf by the sea,
fishing on the Tweed, cruising to see whales off the west coast during the summer,
skiing in the Cairngorms in winter, hiking whenever weather permits, or viewing
a variety of wildlife. Rock climbing, mountaineering, sailing, cycling and
biking, hunting, and horseback riding are extremely popular as well.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
A portion of our time in Scotland was full of the
letter “N”.
Ness – one of the most
popular lochs in Scotland, made memorable by legends of “The Loch Ness Monster”.
First sighted by St. Columba in the 6t century, “Nessie” has attracted
attention since photographs – later revealed to be faked – were taken in the
1930s. Though serious investigation is often undermined by hoaxers, sonar
techniques continue to yield enigmatic results; plesiosaurs, giant eels and too
much whisky are the most popular explanations. The Loch Ness Centre, at
Drumnadrochit presents the photographic
evidence and wide variety of scientific explanations proffered over the years. Many
poets, authors, and other artists have been inspired by tales of Nessie. Even
Disney made a short cartoon about the monster (most recently an extra on the Merida DVD release). A preview of it can
be viewed:
After spending some time at Ness, we continued on to a hotel in Nairn, a manor house property set in spacious grounds near the North Sea called Newton Hotel.
Nairn – a town and former burgh in the Highland council area of Scotland. It is
an ancient fishing port and market town around 16 miles east of Inverness. It
was the county town of the wider county of Nairn also known as Nairnshire.
North Sea – it has
long been the site of important European shipping lanes as well as a major fishery. The sea is a popular destination
for recreation and tourism and more recently has developed into a rich source
of energy resources including fossil fuels, wind, and early efforts inwave power. Historically, the North
Sea has featured prominently in geopolitical and military affairs, particularly
in Northern Europe but also globally through the power northern Europeans
projected worldwide during much of the Middle Ages and into the modern era.
Newton Hotel – once regularly
frequented by Charlie Chaplan and his family, it stands in 21 acres of mature
parkland and gardens. Originally built as a family home in the 17th
century, the hotel has been updated and improved over the centuries. This is a
perfect location for guests seeking peace and tranquility, and is even “pet
friendly”. You can also request the Charlie Chaplan suite where he usually stayed. http://www.bespokehotels.com/newtonhotel/
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Magnus Magnusson – born in Icelandic, he had moved to Scotland
by his first birthday. This broadcaster, journalist, translator, writer and
television presenter lived and died near Glasgow. He also wrote what many
consider to be one of, if not THE best book about Scotland. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6239745.stm
Mary, Queen of Scots – the most famous of the Stuarts (1542-87) and
who acceded to the throne as an infant. Raised in France, she was beautiful,
clever, gentle and spirited. She returned to Scotland at the age of 18, already
a widow and Dowager Queen of France, and spent just six turbulent years as
Scotland’s queen. Due to changes in the country’s religion, poor choices in
husbands, and rumors of scandal, she became extremely unpopular. She was
deposed and held captive, making a daring escape to England, only to be
imprisoned there for 18 years before being executed on the orders of her
cousin, Elizabeth.
Money – there are currently two main types of currency being used
in Scotland. The first, is Britain’s pound Sterling which is divided into 100
pence. Secondly, Scotland’s own pound sterling notes, which are printed by the
Bank of Scotland. The notes represent the same value as an English note and CAN
BE accepted elsewhere in Britain, although it is usually with reluctance.
Usually, the Scottish note will not be accepted outside of Scotland, Bank of
England and Northern Ireland notes can be used throughout Scotland, but you
will usually receive change in Scottish notes. All three countries use Bank of
England coins.
Music – music has always been an important and popular art form in
Scotland. While it has changed over the years, today it’s a particularly
vibrant industry, ranging from opera, Gaelic song and pibroch (the classical music of the bagpipes) to varied
international acts, and even electronic musical styling. Traditional music has experienced
a renaissance using rhythms and instruments from around the world.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Landscape – Scotland is a land of contrasts, from the austere majesty of
the mountains to the subtle undulations of the Lowland valleys, and from
dramatic coastal cliffs to dense forests. Every scene offers breathtaking
beauty. Scotland has a great number of diverse and beautiful gardens as well. Many
gardens have a striking backdrop of lakes or mountains, while others form the
grounds of a stately home. I could swear blooms grow larger and more vibrant in
this country. Rhododendrons particularly flourish in Scotland’s acidic, peaty
soil.
Leault – we visited the Leault farm in Kincraig near
Aviemore and watched a sheepdog demonstration. Eight dogs worked as a team maneuvering
sheep. Every dog has its own set of commands
enabling visitors to see just how each of them responds to their individual
whistles and each move by the dogs is explained by their handler, Neil Ross. This
truly is an experience not to be missed, giving people of all ages the chance
to enjoy and participate in the traditional working day of a Highland Shepherd
and his dogs. We also got to handle a new litter of pups who were just opening
their eyes, and several members of the group were given the chance to shear the
sheep. His wife has written and illustrated a childrens book about life on a
sheep farm. I HIGHLY recommend this location as a stop for anyone who enjoys
animals. https://www.leaultworkingsheepdogs.co.uk/
Leonard - Tom Leonard is a Scottish poet, writer and critic. He is
best known for his poems written in the Glaswegian dialect of Scots,
particularly his Six Glasgow Poems and The Six O'Clock News. http://www.tomleonard.co.uk/
Loch – the Scottish name for lake.There are more than 31,400 freshwater lochs in Scotland. We spent
time at quite a few of them, two of the most popular being Loch Ness (which I’ll
talk more about on the letter “N” day) and Loch Lomond. We enjoyed a leisurely
cruise around Loch Lomond on our third day there. While many people may not
recognize the name at first, they will probably recognize a very famous song
about it:
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Kelvingrove
– An imposing red sandstone building, Kelvingrove is Scotland’s most popular
gallery, housing a magnificent art collection. Exhibits are grouped to reflect
different aspects of the main collection. Among these are 19th
century British artist, French Impressionists, and Dutch Renaissance painters.
Scottish art and design is well represented with rooms dedicated to the Scottish
Colourists and the Glasgow Style. There is also a vast natural history
collectionwith displays on Scotland’s wildlife. I enjoyed perusing the
collections within including Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross, Rembrandt’s, and Picasso’s. http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/Pages/home.aspx
Kilts
- garments resembling a
knee-length skirt of pleated tartan cloth, traditionally worn by men as part of
Scottish Highland dress and now also worn by women and girls.
Kippers – oak-smoked or cured herrings are one way to start the day
in Scotland. The fish are prepared by splitting it open and salting and drying
it in the open air or in smoke.
As a thank-you to the blogging community, and to celebrate one
year since its publication, I am offeringFREEe-pub copies of my western short story
“Broken Angel” from now through April 30. If you would like to receive a copy,
simply email me atwritinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com
Zell - Sophia Zell married her cousin George, Elector of Hanover, who became king in 1714. Unfortunately, they were only married from 1682 until 1694 when he divorced her for adultery and had her thrown in prison. She remained locked up in the castle of Ahlden until her death in 1726.
