Dumfries 2012 - Ferintosh Burns Weekend and the XMarks Quaich

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 04:31 PM

Okay... Fantastic weekend as I'm sure you can imagine. Lots going on too so rather than set up different threads I'll lump it all together here.

So... about a week ago a parcel arrived at my door. Examination of the postal sticker revealed it had made the journey from South Wales.

I was honoured to find I was hosting the X Marks Quaich.

The box also contained various nick-nacks that have been added to the box along the way. Exciting to see the swatch of Hamish's personal tartan.

As much as I wanted to wizz off around Lancashire (sorry Troy) unfortunately I was a bit under the weather. It's a penalty of the job I do where I come into contact with everyone elses ailments. I'm usually quite resilient and don't get sick very often but ...

On this occasion I was so ill I could barely manage a game of solitaire on the lap-top.

Because of my incapacitation Quaich adventures would have to wait until the approacing Dumfries Burns Weekend No. 1, 22-25 March 2012.

Bear with me, I'll catalogue the whole shebang here...

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 04:43 PM

This is where we were headed.

The weekend got off to a grand start with a guided whisky tasting under the guidance of Robertson. I love these things, you can never stop learning.

It was great to meet 'old friends' for the first time. Here are Patrick (Porrick) from Norway and John (John Carrick) from Norn Iron. Nice to finally shake the hands of people I feel I aready know well from this and other forums.

Emma noses a 30 year old Tomatin.

Beautiful.

The Quaich gets a top-up.

Robertson is the first to share a dram from the Quaich.

Patrick joins in.

John too.

Emma shares a dram.

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 04:48 PM

Stefan joined us too. Stefan isn't a Kiltie but that matters not.

Woohoo... Meemememee

This is a selection of the whiskies available.

There was a great deal of world to put to rights as well.

Good company, good times.

The dug Reilly didn't actually join in although in this photo, he does look like it.

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:04 PM

The next Day Patrick went to Anderson's Kilts to collect his new kilt then we went to the pub to celebrate.

Emma and Robertson joined us later for a couple.

Later in the Afternoon, Alex and Gabrielle came over from Hawick to join us for the evening Pub crawl.

Alex was at the original send off of the Quaich when it left Canada last year, almost to the day. Goes without saying he was chuffed to see it again. He'll be looking after it at next week's events.

Forming up before leaving for town.

The formal photos. Gabrielle (Germany) Alex (Scotland) Robertson (Scotland) Patrick (Norway) Me (England) My Wife (Turkey) and John (Northern Ireland) A truly international affair.

Off to get amongst it...

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:19 PM

The night started with a meal at the Cavens Arms. I had the steak and ale pie with chips and peas. Flippin' gorgeous!

My son Charlie was in attendance for the meal and spent his time looking extra cute and winning everyone's hearts. Here he's charming Suzy and Craig who joined us at the pub.

On to the Tam O' Shanter where we met up with a number of other Kilties.

Even the fair came to town to celebrate. (takin' pictures of you takin' pictures of me...)

Next Pub this way!

The team gets bigger...

And bigger...

The Blokes. Under the Burns statue in the centre of town.

The Lassies.

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:31 PM

Eventually we get to the Globe,

for a pint in the snug. Alan and Alex chatting.

And finally onto the Waverley where I linked up with my mate Doublewood Dave. He'd been delayed due to work.

Not sure of the significance of the wooden indian in the Pub but it is smashin' all the same.

The next day we took it easy. We popped into town briefly (no Pubs) then chilled in the garden with Taffy and Reilly the ringlan' e'ed dug.

**tulloch** · 25th March 12, 04:53 PM

Magnificent! I would love to have been there.

**Oddern** · 25th March 12, 11:41 PM

What a great set of pics John. How I wish I could have been there with you. I know from first hand experience what great fun Dumfries and Ferintosh can be.
Maybe next year.........
Skål!