And on the seventh day, the weather remembered I was in Scotland.
And suddenly, I leave tomorrow.
It has been, in all the right ways, the most perfect trip possible. I saw all the exhibitions I hoped to, visited museums and locations that were on the “I hope I can” list, presented my first paper in nine years, and learned to traverse and love Glasgow. With a nostalgic pilgrimage to Edinburgh, and a Highland tour thrown in.
I have journalled many feelings, and made notes of the many thoughts about the things I have seen — but I think full analysis will keep until the wistful remembrance kicks in. Hopefully after I’ve slept for a week, and my feet are no longer begging me for the 15,000+ average-steps-per-day to end…
But still. I have promised to share. So… Please enjoy the visual feast below.
Day 3, Edinburgh…
Yes, I cried…Balmoral Hotel from the back.Arthur’s SeatCanongate Kirk, church overseen by the Reverend Robert Walker in the 18th century when he wasn’t skating on Duddingston Loch.Finally made it to Holyrood Palace!It’s good to be the king.The AbbeyThey knew I was coming.*Scottish ParliamentGothic Rocket ShipScottish Portrait Gallery InteriorNot being a post-grad has its advantages. Pictured: Cullen Skink, focaccia, seasonal salad, Trebbiano Ponte Pieta. HELLO SIR WALTER, WE’RE BACK!
Day 3, Glasgow (Conference Opening, City Centre):
Glasgow UniThese “cloisters” were made for selfies.Starting in Bute Hall is pretty impressive.Gloriously posh bar honoring Glasgow’s shipbuilding past … but the important thing is: THEY SERVE HAGGIS BON BONS. Oh the deliciousness!When three ‘Damn Rebel Bitches’** reunite, we drink.The Duke of Wellington outside the Glagow MoA, apparently this is Banksy’s favourite work of art and why he chose GMoA for ‘Cut and Run’. No photographs were allowed past this point (they locked all phones in a wee pouch). The show was jaw-droppingly profound.
Day 4, Dundee and Glasgow:
I made it to Dundee’s V&A for their AMAZING Tartan exhibition. They cruelly made me leave. I suspect there will be many blog posts out of this one. I made it back in time for some conference “fringe events” including a night at the Hunterian.
That 1930s gown. <fans self>THE Mactavish-Fraser Wedding Dress!The face you make when you at long last meet your art historical husband in person.Tartan. Banyan.Oh, Georgie Porgie.MCQUEEN.This one made me weep — that is actual trench mud, as this was worn by a Scottish soldier during WWI.Royal tartan fashion.Jacobite garters.The most amazing lamb dinner…followed by the third sticky toffee pudding.
Day 5, Conference (or, oh yeah, I’m here to do a thing):
Trying not to be intimidated…Yeah, I suppose this will do. <eep>I might remember how to do this after all!Swanky drink time!Yay me and happy birthday, Jacobiene!
Day 6, Highland Invasion (no wild haggis*** were harmed during the course of this trip):
InverarayCastle Kilchurn Castle Stalker (also known as Castle ARRRGH in Holy Grail)Glen CoeThe Three Sisters.Thistles!!
Day 7, Befriending Glasgow:
Full breakfast gloriousness.Morning at the Kelvingrove.The elusive wild haggis.The artwork that literally started it all: Sir Walter Scott in marble.See.Time for a post-Glasgow-Uni-outdoor-tour dram!Kilted Scottish reels as mosaic = jaw drop.This entire place is just magnificent.Time for a Clockwork Orange adventure.Afternoon tea at the Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Rooms. Public service reminder: Clotted cream is a divine experience.
*Wherever I go… there is scaffolding. (Like seriously, Philadelphia for the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall? Scaffolding. Take my mum to Winchester Cathedral to see Jane Austen’s grave? Scaffolding. I went to see Abelard and Heloïse’s tomb at Père Lachaise and there was bloody scaffolding ON THE GRAVE. It’s a bizarre talent, but I haz it.)
**’Damn rebel bitches’ was what the English press and government troops called women who supported the Jacobite cause. This was a reunion of three of us from our Jacobite material culture through Sir Walter Scott seminar…
***Seriously, if you don’t get this and flame my mentions, you’ll be banned.
Tartan Tinted Ramblings 
A moment’s silence for the world’s most dignified ice skater (removes hat; bows head).
The wild haggis is an elusive wee beastie. I hear it hides in scaffolding.
I’d better be careful!! 🤣
😉