Visit Scotland - A Buzz About Town

[cessna152towser]

A Buzz About the Town by cessna152towser, on Flickr
This was the scene outside our local Visit Scotland office today. The countdown clock shows 634 days left till the start of the celebrations of the five hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Hornshole (and seven hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn). Scotland also hosts the Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and there is a clan gathering in prospect for Stirling so this year the hard sell is to encourage our visitors to save their pennies and come back in 2014. The hoarding advertises the opening of BRAVE in town next week and the banner celebrates the forthcoming visit of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race on Tuesday.

BRAVE by cessna152towser, on Flickr
I've got my ticket for the first performance of BRAVE here next Sunday 16th September.

Temporary Velodrome by cessna152towser, on Flickr
There was a cycling event on today for the youngsters as a taster for the visit of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race. The skirl of the pipes could be heard in the background.

Wilton Lodge Park by cessna152towser, on Flickr
It seemed that as I followed the sound of the pipes the music grew no louder, in fact the pipers were marching away into the park.

Marching On by cessna152towser, on Flickr
Quickening my step I soon caught up with Hawick Scout Fellowship Pipe Band.

Beautiful Surroundings by cessna152towser, on Flickr
Beautiful surroundings for a pipe band performance

No Apology Needed by cessna152towser, on Flickr
Wilton Lodge Park is one of Scotland's most picturesque and has won many awards.

Dave and George by cessna152towser, on Flickr
A few familiar faces in the band, Drum Major Dave is a member of the Scottish Country Dance class which I attend during the winter months.

Mackie by cessna152towser, on Flickr
My next door neighbour Mackie was one of the pipers.

Youthful Drummer by cessna152towser, on Flickr
The band has an excellent track record for teaching pipes and drums to the younger generation, here is one of the youthful drummers.
That's all for now folks, be sure to visit us here soon.

[Mael Coluim]

Great pix, Alex! Well, don't know about saving my pennies, but I am buying stock with each paycheck that my employer provides me another 15% to get me back to Scotland in 2014!