Azalea FlowersThe Scottish Snippets Newsletter in its original format began in April 1997 and continued in an unbroken series for 591 issues. Although no longer produced in that style, there is now this regular update on the new and updated pages on the Rampant Scotland site including "Scottie's Photo Diary From Scotland" and News and Views.
To receive a text version of this newsletter as a reminder to look at these Web pages when they are published, just send an e-mail to Scottie@RampantScotland.com with "Subscribe Newsletter" in the subject line.
Scottie's Photo Diary - April 2017
The first flush of spring is almost over (daffodils are fading but the birds are building their nests) and my camera has been clicking away at Loch Lomond Shores (with Ben Lomond shrouded in mist and the Maid of the Loch is still undergoing a lengthy restoration programme), Drumpellier Country Park, North Lanarkshire (with tulips and nesting birds show that nature is moving along as usual), Hogganfield Park and Local Nature Reserve (Swans and Great Crested Grebes settle down for the long wait till the eggs hatch) and My Own Garden, East Dunbartonshire (where the azaleas prove that the seasons are moving on, despite some chilly weather). See: Scottie's Photo Diary - April 2017
Places to Visit - Drum Castle and Garden of Historic Roses, Aberdeenshire
In 1984, Drum Castle and its 411 acres were bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland by the 24th laird, bringing to an end the ownership for 24 generations by one family. The Trust has expanded the gardens to include a Garden of Historic Roses. See: Places to Visit - Drum Castle and Garden of Historic Roses, Aberdeenshire
Places to Visit - Tibbie Shiels Inn and St Mary's Loch and Loch of Lowes
Tibbie Shiels was an Inn from 1823 until its closure in 2015. It stands on a strip of land separating St Mary?s Loch and the Loch of the Lowes. Sir Walter Scott helped spread word of its beauty and solitude and Scott many other distinguished names appear in the visitors? books. See: Places to Visit - Tibbie Shiels Inn and St Mary's Loch and Loch of Lowes
Memory Lane - Freemasons
As a teenager I came across the strange handshakes of members of the Freemasons, a society that was established at the end of the 14th century for mutual help and fellowship. They are also known for their elaborate secret ceremonies. My grandfather was a senior official of the Lodge in Perth and his colourful Masonic Apron is now one of my prized possessions. See Memory Lane - Freemasons
Did You Know? Sir Walter Scott's Sandstone Grandfather Clock
The 19th century author Sir Walter Scott is famous not just for his many historical novels but for the home he built at Abbotsford in the Scottish Borders. It is full of items which he had collected during his lifetime and recently an unusual item was rediscovered - a grandfather clock which used sandstone rather than wood for its case. The Abbotsford Trust is trying to raise funds so that this unique clock can be further restored. See: Sir Walter Scott's Sandstone Grandfather Clock
Next Newsletter
The next newsletter is scheduled for three weeks from now on 20 May 2017 and will be mainly Current News and Events in Scotland from David, the News and Views Editor.
Of course, if you have any Scottish memories which you would like to contribute to "Memory Lane" please send them in!
Yours aye
Scottie
Previous editions of this Newsletter are available in an Archive. The Index to the other pages of the Rampant Scotland site is available here.
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