Saint Andrew's Day

[Mike1]

I'll no be there Graham. Unfortunately. I don't go back across until late December. If the timing works at the airport, I should just make Balquhidder in time for the Rob Roy Commemoration, on the 29th.

[Hamish]

Hi Graham .. Sounds a fab idea! What time do you want us there (me,Elaine and no doubt Ham will come too). I'll bring some Welsh Whiskey
Derek

Oh, yes! I'll be there - and I'll bring the Gin and Tonic! Whisky usually gives me a throbbing headache (and I'm talking of a dram here, not a bottle!!). What time's the flight Derek?

[Graham]

I'll no be there Graham. Unfortunately. I don't go back across until late December. If the timing works at the airport, I should just make Balquhidder in time for the Rob Roy Commemoration, on the 29th.

Mike, tell me more about the 29th, I didn't know about it, is this another celebration to organise for me here?

I have very fond memories of Balquhidder



Hamish, you are very welcome. This is becoming not-funny, I wish you could all come, oh the tyranny of distance!!

[Derek]

Bryan ... This link will tell you everything about Welsh Whisky. Its brewed in a little village called Penderyn in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Its absolutely beautiful to drink but is quite expensive to buy .. the larger shops in the towns here sell it for around £32/35 GBP a bottle.
www.welsh-whisky.co.uk
Iechyd Da
Derek

[Derek]

Graham .. Thanks for the picture of Balquhidder. Its brought some great memories to me as well .. I can still feel the vibes of the place as I type this. We did a gig in Strathyre (just south of Balquhidder) a few years ago, which is about a ten minute drive from the church. After we had set up and had a sound check and something to eat the time must have been about 8pm and late evening was approaching. We weren't due to start playing until 9.30pm so we all went up to the church at Balquhidder. We stayed there for about an hour soaking up the aptmosphere and looking/sitting around while the sun went down. The little stream, the little bridge, the loch, the church (which was still open .. we all signed the book) .. and it was a beautiful evening and we were the only one's there apart from one couple who placed some flowers on the grave and were just doing the same as us .. just chilling out and absorbing the moment.
Iechyd Da
Derek

[Graham]

Derek, I should have looked back through the visitor book, I might have seen your name.

There really is something very special about that church and grounds. It's a place you just sit and sit. It's hard to leave.

[AckZel]

We will have founding conference of Finnish Kilt Association (We'll think the name, but if you ghave ideas, well... you know... share em!) so that the birthday of our association will be 30 Nov... kinda neat, eh?

[Derek]

Your so right Graham in what you say. It certainly is one of those 'special' places that defy words .. you can feel and smell the place as well as see it. There is a remote waterfall up in the Brecon Beacons, a beautiful isolated little valley, where many travellers over the centuries had to walk behind with their herds of sheep and cattle as it was the route the old drovers track took them. We have sat for hours around that waterfall and you can actually feel the past existing around you. Might sound nuts to some people but you really can. I will go and find a picture of the Waterfall and post it very shortly.
Iechyd Da
Derek

[Mike1]

Graham, if you are interested, there is a short article and some pictures of last year's commemoration located HERE.

My flight gets into Glasgow at 7:30 AM and I am headed across to a small village about 7 miles east of Stirling. Hopefully, I will have time to get a shower and into my kilt in time to catch the bus some pals have hired to take a group to Balquhidder.

[Derek]

Here's two pictures .. the waterfall is called 'Sgwd-yr-Eira'. That is not the wife and myself in the picture by the way.
Iechyd Da
Derek