Weekend Away in Arbroath

About 90 people from the St. Columba's congregation went on holiday in the small coastal town of Arbroath, on the east coast, outside of Dundee.  Here in 1320 the Declaration of Arbroath asserted Scottish independence, and the signatories vowed never to give up their freedom, even to death.  It's calmed down a bit since then.  We stayed in a hotel converted into a Christian retreat center.  On Saturday we went for a long cliff walk along the coastline.  Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the ruined abbey that sits in the middle of the town, or spend time in the small, cozy harbor.

 

The Highlands and Loch Ness

When Gail and Rebecca came to visit, we knew we couldn't let them leave Scotland without a tour of the Highlands and a visit to Loch Ness!  We took a day trip on a tour bus up through Scotland's Great Glen and some of the most gorgeous scenery we've ever seen, even in the dead of winter.  Mandi and Rebecca didn't feel well, unfortunately, but at least Gail and I had a great time. 

Hogmanay

The Scottish New Year's celebration is called Hogmanay.  Edinburgh goes in for it in a big way with concerts, games, street parties, fireworks, and a gigantic procession of torch-bearers from the City Centre up to Calton Hill.  These torch-bearers gathered right outside of our door, and completely filled the Royal Mile from St. Giles to North Bridge.