Scottish Highlands

What a beautiful part of the world, the Scottish Highlands. Massive, rugged cliffs spotted with sheep, some snow on the higher peaks, beautiful green foliage, and wonderful people. We have had a wonderful time touring the Western sections of Scotland.

Friday, we left Larbert on our way to Oban and Glencoe. On the way we past Loch Lomond "our first stop." I use "first" very loosely, because I tend to "stop" quite often to take some photos. From there we traveled on to Oban. Oban is a fishing village that has a beautiful harbor. The weather was a little chilly, but bearable. Emilee, Aimee and I sat on the harbor wall and had our fish and chips. Very good. After Oban was onto Glencoe. We did a walking tour around the vistor's center with a park guide who was very informative about the area.

Friday evening we stayed at the Loch Leven Hotel, peaceful and picturesque. Loch Leven Hotel is located in the town of Ballachulish. As you would imagine, located on the banks of Lock Leven, a gorgious walking path follows the lock back into the coves. Lucious foilage is everywhere. At dinner, we had a difficult time understanding the menu and what we could order. The Hungarian staff were not very helpful either. Not that they didn't want to be helpful, but it almost appeared they didn't know anymore than we did about the menu. Lovely meal though, once it was received. Most of the students walked part of the trail that evening. Saturday, we woke to a great breakfast and then began our second leg of the journey.

Saturday we made our way through the Highlands seeing some magnificant scenery. The mountains are rugged and steep. It's as though if you hiked to the summit, you would be able to see the whole world at your feet. Quite amazing and awesome. One of our stops was to see the Inveraray Castle. Nesteled in the woods, the current home to the Prince and Dutchess of Wales appears to be a castle one might see at Disney World.

From the castle, we traveled past the Kilchurn Castle. A mighty fortress located about 400 yards from the road. We were unable to stop, but had a great viewpoint for photographs.

One of my favorite Kirks in Scotland is the St. Conan's Kirk. Hidden just off of the road sits an old stately building that beckons reverence upon entrance. Quiet, dimly lit, one can sense the presence of God. I don't know why, but the building encourages you to take a seat in one of the wooden pews and pause to worship God.

Dancing/Jumping with Masai Warriors

Monday, our first day in the Scottish schools went really well. I was able to visit three schools, the head teachers, and the supervising teachers. Everyone, with the exception of a couple of bus drivers in Edinburgh, has been so hospitable, kind, encouraging, supportive, friendly, etc. It is a real pleasure to be in Scotland.

While we were in Larbert High School, Mr. Martindale (Aimee's supervising teacher) mentioned that there was an assembly at 11:00 that we might want to attend, where a group of Masai Warriors was presenting a program.

Well, I'm all about seeing new things so Kurt, Aimee, and I were in for a real treat. I didn't know how much of a treat until the leader came back toward our area. I'm thinking the whole time, "Please don't pick me, please...I'm an American guest. Please don't embarrass me." You guessed it, out of all of the teachers and kids in the multi-purpose room, he chose me. Some other students, teachers, and I were lead to the front of the assembly to participate in a ceremonial dance. I tried to tell the leader I could lose my job at Harding if I were caught dancing, but he would not take "no" for an answer. Then I used my weight as an excuse, then my sleep apnea, then blood pressure, etc. but nothing worked. I was doomed to make a fool of myself. Ok, I didn't really say all of that stuff to the guy...but it did cross my mind.

We were paired with one of the Warriors and at the appointed time we were to go to the front, face one another, then jump as high as you could. Well, I didn't know anything about their culture, abilities, rituals, customs, etc. Then I quickly found out that they can JUMP really HIGH. That's right, basically flat footed jump a good 36+ vertical inches. I know that sounds high...and it is. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was experience I hope to never forget and I'm sure that the audience won't forget what they saw.

Settled In

We are all settled into the Carronvale House in Larbert, Scotland. Everyone is safe and sound enjoying themselves in “Bonnie” Scotland.

When the rest of us arrived on Wednesday morning, we were met at the airport by Adam Barr, minister of the Cumbernauld Church of Christ. Adam transported us to the Carronvale House to meet the rest of the group. About 20 minutes later we were headed to the bus stop and going into Falkirk. Jacqueline Dillion, Harding’s liaison, knew of a nice restaurant so we had lunch there and then went to ASDA, British version of Wal-Mart. In fact, it is one of Wal-Mart’s subsidiaries. The main purpose of our trip though was to find the busses that would transport us around this area. Once the busses were found, we made our way back to Carronvale House. That evening, we treated the supervising teachers, head teachers, and students to a lovely meal and informed them of our purpose in being in Scotland.

On Thursday, we journeyed to the Falkirk Wheel. Being the only one of its kind in the world, The Falkirk Wheel, named after the nearby town of Falkirk in central Scotland, is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. The difference in the levels of the two canals at the wheel is 24 meters (79 ft), roughly equivalent to the height of an eight storey building. The structure is located near the Rough Castle Fort and the closest village is Tamfourhill. On May 24, 2002, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Falkirk Wheel as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations. During the afternoon, we took a short ride to the Callendar House in Falkirk. Callendar House is an imposing mansion set within the grounds of Falkirk’s Callendar Park. Built in the style of a French château, the house has a 600-year history, playing host too many prominent historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria. The current building is by far the most substantial historical building in the area, with a 300 ft frontage.

Friday was the beginning of our two trips into Edinburgh, a wonder city with such a historical past. The students began their Restoration Movement “Scavenger” Hunt on Friday morning. Dr. Alastair Ferrie, minister of the Dundee Church of Christ and instructor of our “History of the Restoration Movement” Bible course developed a guide so the students could actually see many of the sites they would be discussing during class. This activity was designed to make the class come to life. Some of the sites were to find St. Giles, Covenanters sign, Greyfriars Bobby, John Knox’s home and statue, etc. We also took a tour of Edinburgh Castle and saw the Royal Jewels (crown and jewelry).

Saturday was another day in Edinburgh. We caught a later train and went to “The Sevens” Rugby Games. It is a 7-on-7 Rugby Tournament with teams from all over the world. It was quite exciting especially when Scotland and South Africa played. Scotland won their first game, but was beat by South Africa in the next game by a last second “field goal.” At least that’s what I would have called it. The player kicked it through the uprights with time expired on the clock. We lost by one point. Sports are very important to the Scottish. In fact, I believe Rugby in one of the roughest sports I’ve ever witnessed. American football players, try playing your next game, with no pads, full speed, and full contact…we’ll see what kind of a man you are.

Sunday we worshipped with the Cumbernauld Church of Christ congregation. My longtime friend, Adam Barr is one of the ministers and he came over and picked us up. After lunch, we all came back to the Carronvale House and just relaxed. There was a slow steady rain falling all afternoon which made for a nice Sunday afternoon nap.