Land of Low Sky and High Spirit

Scotland can be such a wondrously beautiful country - but conditions have to be right. The sun needs to be shining, the sky clear and bright, Scotland's vibrant colour everywhere from "the bonnie purple heather" to tartan's scarlet and greens, the cultural banter flowing and the pipes whirling in the background. Unfortunately these conditions rarely come together in the "perfect storm." More often, as it was on our recent trip, it was bloody freezing and it seemed that the ever present murky sky was permanently fixed like a false ceiling 30 foot off the ground. But then we always have Edinburgh - "Auld Reekie" is really a special place no matter the weather. It is a city with a unique cultural feel steeped in history and traditional architecture everywhere you turn. Plus it is a very walkable city with plenty of individual shops, museums and tours that surround the castle which sits on a center promontory that dominates as a reminder of how impregnable the city once was.

We stayed with Mark's brother Pete and wife, Di, who as always were perfect hosts. Family normally are, but Pete and Di invariably go the extra mile. They opened their home to us, even gave us their car and generally ensured that we all had a great time together. Pete also keeps the spirits flowing particularly the malt barley kind. Here's to high spirits and low skies - thanks guys.