An overseas visitor .........

[Redshank]

I have spent the last few days in the pleasurable company of X marker Mael Colium aka Ern Malcolm from Virginia USA, Ern made the trip over to Scotland in order to attend The Homecoming event in Edinburgh and then made his way over to Argyll for the Malcolm Clan gathering.

Ern contacted me to tell me of his visit and said he would like to meet up with me, I offered to arrange his accomodation and act as his guide to the area and show him some of Argyll's scenery, an offer he gratefully accepted and Ern extended me an invitation to his clan dinner held at Duntrune Castle, home and clan seat of the Malcolm family an offer that I gratefully accepted.

Here are a few of the photo's I took during Ern's stay, and I will add that this is just a taster, I think he will need a new camera in the very near future, he took so many photo's and went through so many batteries during his brief stay I am suprised his camera is still working, I am sure he will enlighten the forum with his account and photo's from his trip in the very near future.



Ern taking in the view of Loch Crinan and beyond from the hills above my cottage



Ern by the Malcolm Bell at Duntrune Castle, wearing the one decent kilt that he brought with him



Making his way up to the Castle entrance for the guided tour, Mij the labrador looks on in bewildered bemusement.



Ern and fellow Malcolms gather for a group photo in the courtyard



A shot of Duntrune Castle featuring a yellow weed (private joke between Ern and myself)



a weed free view of the castle

[Redshank]

some other X Markers looking at the Malcolm gathering



Two good and valued friends of mine, Ern and Robin Malcolm (Clan Chief)



Ern taking and arty farty shot of Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe former Campbell stronghold.



Loch Awe sparkling in the sun



Ern and Myself by Loch Scammerdale, Ern in a dubious kilt of Robertson Tartan, me in my old 8 yard knife pleat Taylor tartan



Finally, 1 photo for Ern's good wife

All that remains for me to say, is Haste Ye Back Ern, it was a real pleasure to spend time in your company and to show you the area in which I live and from where your ancestors came from, many thanks to you and your good lady.

Slainte



All above photo's where taken, developed and posted without the consent of the people or sheep that appear in them

[Wompet]

All above photo's where taken, developed and posted without the consent of the people or sheep that appear in them

Consent was given by Mij the labrador.
Beautiful pictures once again, Redshank.

[Ancienne Alliance]

All above photo's where taken, developed and posted without the consent of the people or sheep that appear in them

Ern arrived safely... I now know what the "consent" bit was all about


Best

Robert

[Sir William]

Ern arrived safely... I now know what the "consent" bit was all about

Robert

Robert,

You have my permission to show Ern my kilt if you haven't shipped it off yet. He'll see it eventually but I told him Lady Chrystel was making a kilt for me and he said he'd like to see it.

[Galician]

Truly beautiful and artistic shots! Thanks for sharing.

[McMurdo]

Great photos as always Chris. Wonderful that you helped out so much.

[Redshank]

Great photos as always Chris. Wonderful that you helped out so much.

help out ? I did nothing other than show a friend the area where I live and share some of my knowledge, wit and wisdom

[ForresterModern]

help out ? I did nothing other than show a friend the area where I live and share some of my knowledge, wit and wisdom

No Red that is not all you did. You may not realize it but I bet you were instrumental in helping make a once in a lifetime vacation into an epic journey and a lot of great and longlasting memories. Your humility is only exceeded by your hospitality it seems.

I thank you for your kind generosity in the name of all xmarkers who travel and are kindly hosted by others, both in Scotland and abroad. A great example for all of us. Thanks, and thanks again for sharing the photos and a wee bit of the story.

jeff

[Jock Scot]

With tongue placed firmly in cheek--------just one decent kilt? Oh well, that is better than none, I suppose!

Jock now dives, gently, for cover!