Yon Bonnie Banks

This time last weekend, we were regretfully driving away from the brilliant wedding of my doc cousin and his fab lady and towards an Easyjet flight back to London and reality.

The wedding was held at Boturich Castle and the scenery of Loch Lomond and the mountains beyond was simply breathtaking.

It took me back to my misspent youth / awkward teenage years listening to - among other things, I hasten to add - Scots rockers Runrig. Here for your delectation is their interpretation of the traditional folk song Long Lomond (Enjoy, Jo!).

Congratulations Tom and Fi, and thanks so much for inviting us to celebrate with you!

[http://www.thisbutterflymind.blogspot.com]

Kings, witches and lions ...

At Stirling Castle, the Historian and I end up gazing off the battlements into the highland hills with Frank, a Historical Scotland guide who had taken rather a shine to us on account of our insatiable interest and has given us an extended tour ... he is extremely well versed and we learn:

• Troop movements for the Battle of Bannockburn
• Mary Queen of Scots's favourite view
• How William Wallace booby-trapped Stirling Bridge
• The social effects of the Highland Clearances
• James I of England & VI of Scotland owned two Abyssinian lions
• Edward II wasn't up to much in warfare and statecraft, preferring thatching
• James I wrote Daemonologie and persecuted witches because he had issues with his mother

Most enjoyable ...