Kilted fortnight holiday in scotland & france

[McMurdo]

Mael
Great photos again, thank you so much for the documenting it all. I was hoping you could add your photos of the Duke of Rothesay to the thread I created a while ago

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/p...608/index.html

[Mael Coluim]

I didn't have my drug today...
Ern, you spoilled us. You just can't have a life anymore...
Best, Robert

Sorry friend! I crashed and burned Thursday night. Thursday and Friday are double duties for me working two jobs. Will have Day 7 up soon.
Mael

[Mael Coluim]

Mael
Great photos again, thank you so much for the documenting it all. I was hoping you could add your photos of the Duke of Rothesay to the thread I created a while ago

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/p...608/index.html

Happy to do so, Glen.

[Mael Coluim]

I woke to the sound of heavy rain. Today marked my 7th day in Scotland. Another chapter was coming to an end. I needed to do my laundry and this was the perfect place to do it.

This day at the Gathering was my entertainment day. I wanted to spend the day listening to the musicians. I especially wanted to hear Dougie MacLean. My USA Kilt casual in the Caledonia tartan was the kilt of choice for this big day. The rain had stopped, but knowing the ground will be soggy I put on Crocs knockoffs. It was going to be a casual dress day! Laundry done, Willie and I head to the Malcolm MacCallum Clan tent.



At the Clan tent, the reporter, Alexa from Richmond VA was videoing an interview of one of the ladies of the Clan. I tell Neil I’m off to hear Dougie MacLean who was to perform soon. Let Alexa know where I am and will check back later. We would not connect.

[Mael Coluim]

Dougie is one talented musician. He is so down home you think you are actually sitting with him on the front porch.



Dougie gets the crowd to participate in his songs. It really was a fun time.


When Dougie performed his song Caledonia, he brings out a single malt whisky from the Edradour distillery named Caledonia! He tells us it has the lyrics of his song on it. He would offer us a wee dram but there was too many of us.

Flash forward to the evening before my departing Scotland at the bar of the Holiday Inn in Glasgow a lass from the Cunningham Clan invites me to her table. (Wearing the kilt all the times opens doors that would not even been known if trousered!) Their president of their Clan Society tells me after Dougie’s performance he sat with him during lunch and had some drams from the bottle!

[Mael Coluim]

Capercaillie was a must hear group from me. I was introduced to them musically on my 2003 St. Columba’s Voyage.


Karen Matheson had sailed on the Colmcille on a previous voyage from Ireland to Scotland. We learned on our trip that she dedicated a song to us during a performance in Paris.

The crowd loved them!

[Mael Coluim]

Did I mention before what a beautiful site The Gathering was located on. There was a race to the top of this ‘hill.’ I was told the view from above was spectacular. Next time!


The Duke has left the Palace.


Willie and I check out the Highland Games.

[Mael Coluim]

The XMarkers gather for their afternoon Meet Up!


Robin shows up after the official shot so we take another. Jaggy Thistle (TBW) had treated us to a pint!

Robin, Luckey, Cessna152Towser, OldHiker, Tam BlackWood, Mael

[Mael Coluim]

I belong to three Clan Societies. It was time to for a call.


I had yet to visit the Gordons. Willie was tempted to stay a little longer,


Back to the Donnachaidhs.


Willie feels like home there.

Ended back at the Malcolm MacCallum tent and assisted in the closing of the tent.

The Gathering was closing. I exit stage right.


The Gathering had gone beyond my expectations. It was great to meeting all the XMarkers who attended there. Our kith virtual relationship feels stronger than the blood of kin. Great memories are stored.

Tomorrow, the third chapter begins of my journey tale. On to the Argyll!!!!

[starbkjrus]

Fabulous pix. I can't wait for the next installment.