Burns Night: Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
Given it was January and we were heading north of the border for Burns Night celebrations, the good weather fairy certainly watched over us on this break. The scenery driving north out of Kendal and across Shap was simply stunning, aided by brilliant winter sunshine and bright blue skies.
Our base for three nights was a hotel in Irvine, Ayrshire, from which we could get out and about – firstly heading south to Alloway to visit the Robert Burns Museum, Monument, Gardens and most importantly, the cottage in which he was born – exactly 267 years ago to the day!
The threatened rain that day never materialised, even when some of the Regent group joined our Blue Badge Guide in singing ‘The Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon’ – as we stood on the Brig O’Doon (bridge over the river Doon) and again ‘My love is like a red, red rose’ whilst in the rose garden. The haunting tones of a piper could be heard in the distance as a wedding was underway nearby. On our afternoon drive around south Ayrshire, the surrounding countryside looked beautiful in dappled winter sunshine with views across to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig; we stopped to look at the harbour used in filming the TV series Outlander. We then went on to experience the optical illusion of Electric Brae – or “gravity hill” – where a downhill slope appears to be an uphill incline; our coach seemed to be rolling uphill. Spooky! And this was before we had a wee dram! We then observed the opulence of Trump Turnberry – the former railway station now transformed in to a prestigious golf resort.
Back to the hotel for the Burns Night Supper where the haggis was held high, paraded and piped in to the venue before being ‘addressed’ and then ceremoniously sliced – and eaten with tatties of course.
Our day in Glasgow far exceeded our expectations – you simply feel compelled to return as there is so much to see and do there. Our time was spent in the 12th century cathedral and the neighbouring Provand’s Lordship. This house was built in 1451 as a home for some 40 clergy – who must have been rather on the short side. Regent guests were most amused by their 6ft 6 Tour Manager trying to exit one of the doors. We moved on to the impressive Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in time to catch the daily organ recital as we viewed some of the many exhibits. Following a tour of the city by coach, we then had free time in the city but only after visiting the City Chambers where we marvelled at the marble on display.
Storm Chandra set in overnight, threatening our return journey with rain, sleet, snow and high winds; and she delivered. But we were safely cocooned in our warm coach and although we were blown about at times, the rain somehow stopped as we arrived in Gretna Green just in time – both for us and for a bride arriving by horse and carriage for her wedding, along with her groom. And another piper of course!
The January weather fairy was most certainly watching over us on this tour.
