Nae Grub or Swally on the Bus

.... So leave that tea and scone behind.

Its not the accent, it's the Scottish that will have you saying "excuse me" every few minutes. You "fit out" your house or a picnic basket but "kit out" yourself when going to a party.

The "Tattoo" that was beginning as we leave Edinburgh has nothing to do with needles and ink. Instead, for three weeks 12,000 people will gather daily to watch 1,000 military musicians, dancers and bagpipers from around the world perform at the base of Edinburgh castle. Recognize our piper?

Need something more contemporary? The Fringe Festival, the worlds largest annual art festival, runs during the same time. Dozens of comedy and mostly avant guard and nearly free theater performances are available daily. Art exhibitions and a book festival offer something for everyone.

Want something in between? The Edinburgh Festival offers several weeks of classical music, dance and ballet.

Bottom line - although we enjoyed Glasgow, Edinburgh is the place to be, at least in August. But book ahead. There's a lot "on".

PS. Haggis, a wee bit is a tasty addition to any meal. But, like hot dogs, just don't think too much about how or what there made of.

Icons of Scotland

After nearly a week, we are happy to report that Scotland delivers MOST of what you'd expect.

Want to fit in here linguistically? Add the word "wee" to every other sentence. When a man weighing 225 pounds, or 16 stones, says "you'll be seeing a wee bit o the loch through the rough at the top of the brae", it's hard not to smile. Naturally, he saying that you'll get a glimpse of the lake through the uncultivated land at the top of the hill. You'll also wait a wee bit, sit on a wee chair, walk a wee bit, fill out a wee form and after a long day need a wee dram before a wee rest.

The Kilt and piper live on. We confess, not on every street corner, but enough that we know we're in the UK's northern land. The piper appears in traditional dress, but if you want a kilt in goth black or NYC west village red vinyl, we can fit you out!

Braveheart and the Scotts blue and white flag carry proudly on. It's interesting that after a long and bloody history, there is little reference to those years gone by. However, the vote for succession is again up for referendum. You never know.

Scottish terroirs? Dogs there are a plenty, but we've yet to see a Scotty being walked about.

Scottish food has evolved. Haggis often appears on the menu. Lamb, steak pie and venison abound. We've also had wonderful smoked salmon, smoked poached haddock - both for breakfast. But stovies, cullen skink and cock a leekie soup seem to be meant for country dining. We'll keep searching.

It's light at 5AM and still light now at nearly 10PM. Days are long, which suits us fine because there is much to do. Stay tuned.