Travel Diary: A Month in Scotland

by Fred and Linda Fenton

LW contributors

Having spent only a few days on previous trips to Scotland, we decided on a month-long visit this June to see and experience as much of the land and people as possible. It became a truly great adventure.

We travelled by train. Neither Linda nor I fancied “driving on the other side of the road,” especially the narrow, often single- lane roadways common in Scotland. That decision was key to our enjoyment of the beautiful Scottish countryside. Instead of concentrating on traffic and negotiating turnarounds, we enjoyed seeing the lush, green countryside through panoramic passenger car windows.

Another key decision was to stay several days each place we visited. This kept us rested and gave more opportunity to spend time seeing things and visiting with the Scottish people. They proved to be unusually warm and friendly, asking questions about us and sharing easily about themselves. We were surprised by their knowledge and concern about politics in the U.S. They expressed shock and dismay over daily shootings in America. Scotland has strict gun laws. We felt safe at all times and in all places while we were there.

One big surprise was the weather. Based on our previous trips, we took warm, winter clothing. What we found was the fairest month of June in Scotland since 1940. Days were sunny and bright, with infrequent showers only during the last few days of the month.

Another surprise was the food. We had come to expect disappointing meals on previous trips to Great Britain. This time was different. Every meal, in restaurants, coffee shops, sidewalk cafes, and pubs was excellent.

At coastal towns we were served fish caught the same day. At every place we enjoyed an unhurried atmosphere that added to the pleasure of dining.

One of the most attractive features of our trip was this slower pace of life. We rarely experienced being rushed or pressured. People had time to chat and seemed eager to do so. It was possible for us to enjoy moments of inspiration without being hurried on to the next thing.

Here are a few of the events we are likely to remember whenever we think of Scotland:

• Dumfries House, Cumnock Ayershire: A stately country home, full of priceless 18thcentury Chippendale furniture beautifully preserved in its original placement throughout the house.

• Sunday Choral Eucharist at St. Mary’s Scottish Episcopal cathedral in Glasgow: A service with beautiful music and a fine sermon by a female priest.

• The Abbey Church on the Isle of Iona: Birthplace of Scottish Christianity.

• Majestic view of top of the Craig at Staffin on the Isle of Skye.

• The 1881 footbridge over the River Ness in Inverness: Inverness, in the Scottish highlands, was our favorite place on this trip.

• The Scottish Parliament in session: Marked by thoughtful, well-reasoned political debate.

And so many more memories of a month in Scotland, one of the very special places on this earth.

The Abbey Church on the Isle of Iona

The top of the Craig at Staffin on the Isle of Skye