I visited Scotland for the first time a little over a year ago and fell in love with the country and the people. The biggest percentage of my DNA is Scottish, possibly explaining the affinity. Cultural connections seem to exist in our very being that go beyond experience. And since God has put unique attributes in each culture, there is much to be discovered and treasured.
Recently, I returned, traveling to new areas and deepening these connections. Come enjoy some highlights with me...
The Scottish people are one aspect of this nation that I most admire. Relaxed, open, and friendly, in a way that doesn't cause me to pull back in suspicion of their motives. For example, in Edinburgh airport, we stopped an employee to ask for directions. She wasn't able to help us, but quickly found someone who could. As we left, she patted my arm, happy that we were on our way. It startled me a bit, but I quickly realized it was a sincere gesture. And, honestly, it's something I often do but then pull back as I don't want to make strangers uncomfortable. That, and so much more, leads me to feel at home there.
Several months ago, my husband had a dream that sparked this trip. As we matched details in the dream to locations, we ended up on the northernmost tip of the Isle of Skye. For five days we enjoyed this view of the North sea and the ruins of Duntulm Castle, plus a whole lot of bunnies that nibbled the lawn outside our rental.
The wind rushed and roared almost the entire time. Something about the wild beauty stirs my soul and sends my spirit soaring. It also led to some humorous walks where I could barely stand. I walked alone to the Duntulm Castle ruin and had to stop several times to hang on the fence so as not to blow into the valley or the sea. A second time, Dudley was with me and the wind even stronger. I clung to his arm, and we forged through as I literally laughed out loud. I loved it.
Duntulm Castle was built in the 14th and 15th centuries during feuds between the MacDonald and MacLeod clans. Apparently, the MacDonalds prevailed on this part of the island. I thought it was touching they erected this cairn and attached a plaque honoring their pipers. The sound of bagpipes flowing out of the castle and over the glens and to the mountains must have been enchanting.
Inside the Duntulm Castle ruins:
Video taken during a lull in the wild wind
Northwest from where my husband is standing are the islands of Harris and Lewis, the location of the Hebrides Revival of 1949 - 1952. If you don't know the story of that outpouring of the Holy Spirit and faith, I encourage you to read about it. Among the many amazing aspects is how God responded to the fervent prayers of two older women there—one blind, one with a bent spine.
Here's one link with the story:
Farther south on the island, we visited Fairy Glen with its unusual landscape created by landslips. Apparently, there are no known stories of fairies in this area but this "village in the hills" as named in Scottish Gaelic, incites the imagination.
The next leg of our journey took us through the spectacular Highlands. I can't get enough of the views of dramatic mountains, lochs (lakes), and fields of sheep.
To add to the beauty, this sun spotlight lasted through a good part of our drive.
We stopped at the iconic Eileen Donan castle on our way. Originally built by the Mackenzie clan, this much photographed spot also sparks the imagination. I could picture horses and riders crossing the bridge, waving the banner of friend or foe. One nice thing about being there in January was having the place to ourselves. No tourists in the photos!
Our next destination was the coast of Fife. My great-grandmother was born in that area before emigrating to America at age four. It was interesting to be in the region and reconnect with some of my roots. History and connections have always been important to me—indeed, in some fashion, I believe they are for us all. Everyone descends from a lineage of actual people who lived their lives in specific times and places. We're part of a bigger story.
We stayed on the Firth of Forth (try saying that three times fast) and had spectacular views west toward Denmark and south toward Edinburgh. A similar beach north of our lodging served as the opening scene in the film Chariots of Fire.
A few hours down the eastern coast was our final destination of Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island. Just on the other side of the English border—which we didn't realize until we were there—this small island carries a big history. In the early 8th century, a King Oswald summoned Aidan, a monk from Iona, to be bishop of his kingdom. Oswald gave Aidan and his companions Lindisfarne to establish their monastery and training school, which grew into one of the most important centers of early English Christianity.
A few decades after Aidan's arrival, a monk named Cuthbert joined the monastery and
eventually became its most famous bishop. Miracles associated with Cuthbert assured the monastery's prominence in the middle ages.
Modern pilgrims trek the distance between Iona island and Lindisfarne, enjoying the quiet and open space in both places afford for prayer and reflection. I've been to both but aided by cars, boats, and trains.
Yet another monk here created the illuminated Lindisfarne Gospels. Just as in Iona with the Book of Kells, Viking raids required the manuscripts' removal to a safe location where they remain today.
The intricate designs, with movement, detail, and intertwining three-dimensional appearing cords, were created to enhance meditation of the Biblical texts. Incredible, especially considering the use of goose quill pens and inks made from soot.
During our travels, I read Restoring the Woven Cord by Michael Mitton. I highly recommend this excellent account of early Celtic Christianity and their strands of prayer, Bible study, creativity, community, and much more. As he writes, the Celtic Christians wove being and belonging together so well. I found it comforting, almost familiar, yet at the same time challenging in a good way.
et Voilà! We're now home in France, yet the sense of Scotland lingers.
La vie est belle...
I loved hearing of your adventures in Scotland. The photos are amazing and capture the wild beauty. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks for sharing about your amazing tripl The photos are breathtaking!