ON my latest drive down memory lane, I am taking the high road, north of the border, to Bonnie Scotland while singing lyrics from the 18th-century folk song “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond”.
My first tartan trip was in the 1970s to the famous ski resort of Aviemore, nestled in the Cairngorms. There was no snow when I visited, as it was summer, but the mountain views were stunning.
From that time, I made repeat visits, including one in a camper van travelling up the east coast to the top of the country before passing John O’Groats on my way across to the Isle of Skye.
Before islanders cashed in on the tourist trade, the only way to reach the island was by the Kyle of Lochalsh ferry, but, in October 1995, it was replaced by the new Skye Bridge.
The tolls to recover the costs of construction went up from the planned 40p to become one of the most expensive in Europe. Years of protests by the islanders saw the tolls abolished in 2004.
Skye, with its rugged mountains and towering sea cliffs, is a must-see place.
Outdoor pursuits, small-scale fishing, the odd croft farm and the important whisky distillers, providing work for the residents and attractions for visitors. When I visited, it had two whisky distilleries – the oldest and most famous being the Talisker, which I visited as it boasted a “wee dram” in the admission fee.
Today it costs £22 for a one-hour guided tour and the tasting of three drams. Visitors sometimes receive a welcome discount voucher to purchase a bottle of 10-year-old single malt.
If you head south from Skye, some 300 miles, you will arrive at Gretna Green – the popular destination for couples running away from England to get married over the blacksmith’s anvil. That tradition dates back to 1754, but today a Gretna Green wedding blends the romantic and legal requirements into well-organised events.
On occasions, I have ventured north to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, which has as much history as any. This year from the 7-29th August you will be able to witness the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
Also in August is the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but anytime you walk the streets of the ancient capital, go down the Royal Mile, on the cobble street connecting the Castle to Holyrood Palace. It has pubs, shops and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a tartan-clad, sword-wielding Mel Gibson impersonator shouting to passers by “They may take our lives but they’ll never take our freedom” a misquoted shout from William Wallace’s cry from the 1995 film “Braveheart”.
In Leith, Edinburgh’s port, you will find the Royal Yacht Britannia and it is also the home of the historic shipping company the Ben Line which has links with Hartlepool as one of its ships, “Ben Ledi” was in our Union Dock in the 1960s.
Join me next time as I continue my tartan trip and I sail on the River Clyde.
Author: John
Author of Around The World In 80 Years