ROBBIE BURNS DAY

Here's to the Scots everywhere. Celebrate your special day. With haggis and a favourite dance, maybe the The Gay Gordon! Eat, drink, be merry! If you do not have any Scottish blood but know someone who does, give a high five! Every special day is an opportunity to celebrate. So just try! Are you a Scot?

THE SCOTS WENT EVERYWHERE-HERE'S TO SCOTLAND

The Scots influence in Canada is paramount. St. Andrew's day is celebrated in the world. Fergus Ontario celebrates in a big way. Even a province- Nova Scotia was named after Scotland. Our roots and heritage in Canada has many Scottish values. Fiddle playing and Highland dancing are performed at events across the country. Many people like a good malt Scotch, made where else but Scotland. Every parade has one or two bands playing the bag pipes and the members wearing kilts in their favourite tartan. The Scots of course have Celtic roots too which makes up a large percentage of the world's population. I do not have Scottish blood but I do have some Celtic genes. Here's to the Scottish people today.

A POSTCARD FROM SCOTLAND

Anyone who has been to Scotland, say it is one of the most beautiful places they have ever seen. My stepdad's parents- my grandparents liked to visit Scotland every couple of years when they were able. They would take a ship over and stay for a couple of months with cousins. Aberdeen was the birthplace of one of them. I think it was Granddad.

The postcards are from the 1960s.

In September 7, 1963- Granma wrote: "This is a card for your collection Having very fine weather and enjoying ourselves. Hope everyone well. Tell Mom to write. Love to all. Grandad and Granma"

There were family friends who wrote often. Hugh Fraser had been a boarder with us from about 1955 to 1957. He worked on the ground crew with Trans Canada Air Lines which later became Air Canada. After he married he returned to Scotland to work but kept in touch with our family for decades. I think he obtained a job with British Airways. I believe they had two children.

October 7, 1961, Hugh and Ishbel wrote- "As you can see we arrived safe. My plane 2 1/2 hours late. Hugh's 25 minutes early. Going around all the country spots like two Canadian tourists. Weather not bad, not keeping us in anyway. See you all soon. Ishbel and Hugh"

September 7 1968 Hugh and Ishbel wrote-" Having a lovely "caravan" holiday here in Aberdeen. It's not Hawaii but we've had terrific weather with lots of sunshine. We both rather like Aberdeen and wouldn't mind staying further. Maybe we'll see you next year. Love Ishbel and Hugh"

The large postcard and the one along the margin are postmarked from Paisley, Renfrewshire. Again from Ishbel and Hugh. The large card, from  June 11, 1962 illustrates the beauty of Scotland. From the script on the card it says- "The Kyles of Bute, Argyll. This beautiful waterway separates the Island of Bute from the mainland. In this picture a Clyde pleasure steamer is seen rounding Buttock Point at the entrance to Loch Ridden." Th couple seemed to love this area of their home country. The top card is from Loch Ness.

A friend from  work at the time at CNIB wrote me a card in 1984.
"2.2.84 Hi Barb! Touring by car with Mary. We have been on a few Mt. walks- very beautiful scenery. Today we saw Loch Ness (no " Nessie") and Ben Nevis. Ging to a castle at Nairn tomorrow-then to a theatre at Pitlochry to see a play. Scotland looks just like the postcards. See you. Love Adele"

My folks visited Scotland a couple of times. I have dozens of cards from their visit. Perhaps another Postcard from Scotland will be warranted at a future date.
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

CELTIC ROOTS

The Celts were those strong, ferocious tribes that ruled Norhtern Europe over two thousand years ago. Their roots begin in prehistory. Their original home was the Rhine.They almost conquered Rome but were turned away. What would the history of Italy have looked like if they had won.? Celtic symbols permeate our culture. Ireland is a testomonial to that heritage. Rome never conquered Ireland so many Celtic influences were not touched. The Gallic Language which is spoken in Scotland and Ireland to this day. Other areas with Celtic influence are Wales and Manx.The Celtic Cross. Celtic drawings that wave into themselves. Celtic calligraphy. They are symbols of Celtic culture. As people migrated to other areas, Celtic influences prevailed. As can been by the Cross on an Anglican Church in Toronto. I have some Celtic roots. What about you? Do you like the art, the symbols of those people?