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THISTLE SOCIETY VISIT TO STIRLING 2008

by Margaret Rowe, Tuesday, 19th August 2008

Stirling 2008 - Thistle members in front of the statue of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots at Bannockburn. Stirling 2008 - Some of the Thistle chaps by Robert the Bruce's monument. Stirling 2008 - Walking back to the King Robert Hotel from the Bruce Monument at Bannockburn. Stirling 2008 - Margaret and Kathleen at the Scottish Wool Centre, Aberfoyle.
Stirling 2008 - The group met Jean, a fantastic lady of eighty, who talked and demonstrated the art of spinning at the Scottish Wool Centre, Aberfoyle. Stirling 2008 - The group pose at open garden Culbuie Gardens, Buchlyvie with beautiful views of the hills including Ben Lomond. Stirling 2008 - The group are about to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith. Stirling 2008 - A view of theWallace Memorial from Stirling Castle.
Stirling 2008 - Some of the group who made it to the top of the Wallace Memorial (all those stairs!). Taken by a kind French lorry driver on holiday.

On a lovely sunny Monday morning a party of 23 members and friends of the society set out for a few days in Scotland. On our journey north we made our usual stops at Tebay and Moffat. We very quickly settled in at our hotel, The King Robert Hotel, Stirling. We enjoyed our dinner and then a walk up to the Wallace Monument followed by a wee night cap in the bar.

On Tuesday a perfect morning, with magnificent views we journeyed to Aberfoyle to visit the Scottish Wool Centre. There we saw a range of owls, including 3 young owlets which had been deserted by their parents. Then a display and talk by a shepherd with his dog, not rounding up sheep, but ducks. This came in during the time of the foot and mouth to show the abilities and obedience of the sheep dogs, this was followed by an informative talk about the history and breeding of Scottish sheep. Next was a talk about whisky and we were able to sample Glenmoray whisky and Highland Heather. We met Jean, a fantastic lady of eighty, who talked and demonstrated the art of spinning. She had a great sense of humour and didn't miss a trick! Then on our way once more to visit Culbuie Gardens, Buchlyvie. For those who found the uphill walk difficult there was a handsome young gardener who took them up in his Landrover. High up in the hills we wandered through woodlands, a wild flower meadow and lawned gardens. All around there were beautiful views of the hills including Ben Lomond. The evening clouded over a little as we set sail on Loch Lomond on one of Sweeney's Cruise Boats. The waves and wind, the swift moving clouds all added to the atmosphere. By now we were all hungry and ready to enjoy our meal booked at the Balloch House Hotel. Back at the hotel we enjoyed the remainder of the evening with a drink and entertained by an excellent singer.

On Wednesday we went to see the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith. We arrived early so that we would be able to wander leisurely through the vessel and stop and listen to our handsets at points that took our special interest. Everyone found it fascinating and really enjoyed the visit. The afternoon was free in Edinburgh. Some went on the open top bus; others explored the Royal Mile or visited the shops in Princes Street, while others met with Ron, one of our members now living not far away. In the evening some of us slipped away from the entertainment to have a walk through some of the dances for the SCD the following evening. Kathleen had the opportunity to meet up with her friends Lily and Iain who live in Menstrie. Kathleen and Lily had been friends from the day they started school together, aged 5, in Inverness. As it had been some time since they met up they enjoyed a great evening together.

Thursday saw us off to Blair Drummond Safari Park to enjoy a tour round the park on the coach and afterwards to wander the special pathways which brought us closer to the animals. Some visited Monkey Island and went on the aerial runway or enjoyed ice cream and drinks of tea. After lunch we returned to Stirling for a free afternoon to explore the city and visit the many interesting sights. After an early meal we set off to enjoy an evening of dancing at Alva. The Alan Ross band was in excellent form and we had a great evening of lively dancing.

On Friday we visited Stirling Castle. Our Tour Guide, a young student from Yorkshire, gave a lively history, with a few of his own versions, of the castle. Also there was quick banter about Lancashire and Yorkshire. We then went to Argyll's Lodging to enjoy the atmosphere of life and traditions of that period. The house had only been open to the public for 4 months and was most interesting and we stayed there longer than intended. In the afternoon we went to the Wallace Memorial. Most of us made the climb up the 246 steps to get a wonderful view of the countryside.

Sadly, Saturday arrived all too quickly, but we still had the Falkirk Wheel to enjoy. It was a fascinating visit and everyone was quite impressed by the construction of the lock linking Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.

We made good time on the journey home and arrived back in Wigan with lots of happy memories, and photographs to look back on.

 
 
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