Home from Scotland
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Hi everyone….I haven’t been a very faithful blogger laterly……I’m whining about no time. But I do have a photo treat for you to make up for it. I just returned from a great trip to Scotland so you’ll find a photo journal below of some of the highlights. My friend Susan and I, who are both textile lovers of all kinds, took a group of six friends on this trip which was centered around places of interest for textile fans. We’ve shared a number of textile travel adventures….and it’s always a treat. What could be better….travel, textiles, and great company!
We saw lots of great textile treasures….including the town of Paisley where our favorite paisley shawls were originally manufactured. I’m not a huge plaid fan….but seeing the tartans woven in the Locharron of Scotland factory was really a treat and made me even reconsider my prior prejudice against plaid! They were truly beautiful and are shipped from there all over the world.
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And speaking of tartans, the Scottish men in their kilts could absolutely not be more handsome. I know it’s hard to believe that men in skirts could look good….but, believe me, they do. And the bagpipes add a certain charm too. We were lucky to come across a weekend bagpiping and Highland dancing competition……and that was really fun. Mostly men…but some women too….of all ages were performing in groups and really entertained us US visitors…and admirers!
Of course we took in all the history and charming country scenes that we could. It’s truly a delightful place to visit and the natives were friendly and helpful. I’m always on the lookout for color and design inspiration when I travel, and I certainly found lots of it there. In fact, we had such a great time and thought there was so many textiles treasures there….we’re planning another trip next year.
In closing…..enjoy a little more of beautiful Scotland….
June 9th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Hi Pam; I read your Scotland blog with great envy!!.. In 2008, we spent the entire month of May in Scotland. We went first to hike the incredible West Highland Way from Milgive(sp) to Fort William. I believe it was 100 miles…but who keeps track when you are having a good time…hiking all day and enjoying good ale at the end of the day what could be better? The hike took us 8 days, we then spent several days in Fort William recovering and hiking Scotlands highest mountain, Ben Nevis and of course seeing Loch Ness!!..missed Nessie, as do most tourists. Then off on a train/driving trip to isle of sky and the “mainland” to over dose on their incredible castles and green, green, green countryside…see the noisy paisley weaving center, and of course Edinburgh and it’s famous castle!!.. We stayed in in incredible B&B called the “InchView” in Burntisland just outside Edinburgh, don’t miss it if you ever go again!!!.. I am currently designing a quilt featuring those wonderful highland long “wooled” sheep…It might be done in my next lifetime!!!..The design is completed, I just need to clone myself to get the stitching done!!!..Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Charlotte
June 10th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Hi Charlotee….. a month in Scotland…..Wow. What a great trip that must have been. It sounds totally delightful. There’s a real charm to Scotland, isn’t there. We’re definitely planning another trip! Have a great summer….nice hearing from you!
My best,
Pam