Kilted fortnight holiday in scotland & france

**Mael Coluim** · 7th August 09, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by shawhighlander

Wow, it's as if you took these photos for all of us who didn't get to go on the field trip...I feel richer

ith:

I really did take the pix thinking of you who would love to be there, The B&W shots were of a slide show which explains the quality of them. Actually, I am pleased they turned out as good as they did.

**Mael Coluim** · 7th August 09, 09:49 PM

Leaving Perth, I caught the train to

Going to Dunkeld was a sort of a dual pilgrimage for me. My surname, Malcolm means ‘follower of Columba’. I’ve done three trips to Ireland and Scotland seeing sites associated with St. Columba. Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scots, had the relics of St. Columba relocated from Iona to the Dunkeld Cathedral. Enough of a reason to see it for me. In addition now was the interest to see the crypt of the ‘Wolf of Badanoch’, Alexander Stewart.

The second part of the pilgrimage was my interest in the musician Dougie MacLean. He still resides in his home town. Has a studio and a local pub known for its musical jams and performances. Although, going there I wouldn’t see those ceilidhs or Dougie MacLean but I would be happy to enjoy a pint there. A couple of XMarkers have shared their experiences in visiting the pub.

**Mael Coluim** · 7th August 09, 09:51 PM

Leaving the train station it was an enchanted walk down the hiking path to the outskirts of Birnam. Then the walk over the

**Mael Coluim** · 7th August 09, 09:52 PM

The town had an interesting city center.

There was a office of the Black Watch there.

**Mael Coluim** · 7th August 09, 09:54 PM

Arriving at the Cathedral I want straight to the information center there. Inquired with the docent the where abouts of crypt of the ‘Wolf of Badanoch’, Alexander Stewart.

Then I explained to her I was a fan of Dougie MacLean and wanted to know where the pub was. She was overjoyed of my interest. Happens I had passed the pub on my way in to town. The docent told me she would share with Dougie’s mother about me as she sat near her on church on Sunday mornings!