After reading The Road to Little Dribbling, I realise that Bill Bryson is not just a renowned senior traveller (he is 65 this year), but also a ‘grumpy old man’, albeit a very amusing, grumpy old man. The book is sub-titled More Notes from a Small Island, and that explains it well. Twenty years after […]
When I think of Scotland, I have visions of ancient castles and historic battlefields set against a background of picturesque lochs and mountains. I make a point of visiting Scotland at least once a year, being drawn back by its great heritage and scenery. Heritage is very important for Scotland, both culturally and with respect to its economy […]
I like to visit Edinburgh at least once a year and each time I seem to find something new to see or do. Edinburgh may be a capital without its own independent country (at the moment), but historically and culturally it towers above many true capitals. I include it in my Top Ten Cities because […]
Situated on a hill to the north of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has 77 acres of beautifully landscaped garden and extensive glasshouses featuring plants from the world’s different climatic zones. The garden is always immaculately kept and affords great views of central Edinburgh. Lots of squirrels keep you amused as you walk […]
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Caithness, the Kingdom of the Cats – A Warm Welcome at the Edge of the World
Written by Andrea Wotherspoon (One of two winning entries in the Off the Beaten Track Writing Competition.) Caithness, the Kingdom of the Cats, is also known as the lowlands beyond the Highlands. Indeed not many people realise it’s possible to travel a further hundred miles north of Inverness, yet still be on the mainland. And those […]