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.