Pipe and drum bands have become a popular symbol of Scottish ethnicity, as they are seen as “an extension of the Victorian ideal of the fighting romantic Highlander.” Few would argue that bagpipes are as uniquely Scottish and any other symbol of the nation, and I doubt there is anyoneRead More →
Burns Night is a recognition of the life and poetry of Robert Burns (January 25, 1759 – July 21, 1796), Scotland’s National Bard and the author of many Scots poems and songs. The day is typically celebrated with a Burns Supper on or near the poet’s birthday, with most celebrationsRead More →
Scotland’s’ Bard and a Festive Tradition Born in Alloway, Scotland, on January 25, 1759, Robert Burns was the first of William and Agnes Burnes’ seven children. His father, a tenant farmer, educated his children at home. Burns also attended one year of mathematics schooling and, between 1765 and 1768, heRead More →
The second week of the trip was a little less eventful than the first. In hindsight, I would have skipped much of what I did after Iona and traded it out for more touring in the Western Isles. So, in a whirwind summary, here’s what I did with the restRead More →
In honor of International Women’s Day 2018 I thought I would take an aside from the fitness posts and add a quick post about Scotland’s most famous daughter, Flora Macdonald. Unfortunately, too many have never heard of her or the exploits which made her famous, even though the time andRead More →
James Cosmo is a talented Scottish actor who is perhaps best known for playing “kilted” dads. Like many fans of Scottish history, I am awaiting the premier of the Netflix original series Outlaw King with trepidation. While I am looking forward to the story and hoping for a historically accurateRead More →