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Flags - Scotland 2025

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  The Scots (at least the ones I’ve talked to) have tremendous national pride and fly the Saltire everywhere. Interestingly, Scotland has 2 flags.  The Saltire, with the white St. Andrews Cross on a blue background, is the correct flag for private individuals and corporations to fly. The Royal Standard, or Lion Rampant , is the “other” flag and it’s  official use is restricted by an  Act  of the  Parliament of Scotland  to only a few  Great Officers of State  who officially represent  the Monarchy  in Scotland. [ 6 ] It is also used in an official capacity at  royal residences  in Scotland when the Head of State is not present. Since 1603, the lion rampart has been part of the Royal coat of arms of England, representing Scotland. With the Union of the Crowns, the St Andrew’s Cross was added to the St George Cross to start the Union Jack flag.   You will occasionally see the two separate crosses in metal.  Below ...
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A snowy start - knitwear designer - back to Edinburgh

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  Leaving the Highlands, we passed by the Three Sisters and saw some snow on the peaks. Having the weather I expected on my last full day - chilly and on-off rain.  No complaints - have had 2 1/2 weeks of warm sunshiny days. On to see Louisa Harding - famous knitwear designer and yarn producer. She’s now running a cafe in a former church. Checked in for my flights on the bus back to Edinburgh - ready to see my family, but not really ready to leave this magical place. Last dinner And so to bed.
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Ben Nevis and Needle Felting 4.12.2025

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  Ben Nevis is the highest point in the UK, 4,413 feet. Did some walking around the base and met some sheep and lambs. And a real stile! Found a penguin store To needle felting class -  back to hotel for knitting and dinner. And so to bed.
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The Black Isle 4.11.2025

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 A  leisurely start to the day - then on to meet a hand dyer. She dyes her yarns with plant and animal materials.  Someone (not me) bought some of her yarn! On to Inverness for lunch and a lil shopping. And then to the most lovely hotel - or as I tell Sloane, a castle. Walking around before dinner. A mini pod for vacationers. Delicious dinner  And so to bed.
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Wool Mill and Whisky 4.10.2025

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  A trip highlight for sure!  Knockando Mill It used to be the custom in Scotland to give Knockando blankets as wedding gifts  The original 2 room cottage on the right The original dairy/cold room with butter churn Proof that it was really warm! The new and improved house! You know the phrase - to be on tenterhooks? Comes from these hooks (above) where the newly woven and washed cloth was stretched on tenter hooks to dry. Below is a machine fitted with teazels, a plant similar to thistles. It was used to clean the wool. And finished product The stages of getting to spinnable wool - a lot of work and time - really gives new appreciation for cloth and yarn And on to another distillery - Cardhu . Def click link to read the history. The mash  Next steps   And tasting! Fish and chips for dinner - back to hotel . And so to bed.   Herb 
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Blair Castle, Whisky, Steam Train and Tea 4.9.2025

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  Headed out to Blair Castle - home of the Murrays.  Financed by selling their holding of the Isle of Man!  A bit unclear whether it was taken by eminent domain, or whether they were savvy about getting a lot of money - either way, the castle is impressive. Then on to another whisky tasting - Loren, it will be hard to choose something for you in duty free. On to afternoon tea on a steam train. Passing through beautiful country - reminds me of the Yellowstone River and the way into Yellowstone Park. On to our lovely hotel Granton-on-Spey is the town - Grant Arms is the hotel. Another dinner and so to bed.
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Coast Walk and St Andrew’s 4.8.2025

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  Walked along the coast - pics never really convey the sense of being there - you don’t get the breeze and the smells and the panorama. Stunningly beautiful. Then a visit to the Scottish Fisheries Museum  - not something I would have chosen on my own but fascinating.    A highlight for knitters was their collection of gansey sweaters. On to St Andrew’s! Here’s the Royal and Ancient - home of golf. Teeing off The beach where “Chariots of Fire” was filmed. Another group dinner - helped roommate change travel plans (sick pup)  And so to bed. 
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