Auld Lang Syne

Our guide Graham Bruce coached us before we got off the tour bus in Edinburgh. “At the end of the evening, when the musicians play ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ stand and join hands, then raise them on cue. The second verse, cross your arms and take hands again.” Apparently,...

Caledonia

Two weeks ago Heathcliff and I walked down the mountain road to pick up the mail—our usual routine on days when I work at home and the weather is favorable. I opened the mailbox, and there was a package from my Aunt Margaret. It was the genealogy of my father’s family...

Over the Sea to Skye

As we traveled through Scotland, listening to music selected by our tour guide Graham Bruce, I imagined this scene. The whiskey flowed and a band—fiddle and accordion—played lively tunes then quieted for a waltz. Partners paired up on the dance floor. Lovers pulled...

Cruel was the Snow

O, cruel was the snow that sweeps Glencoe And covers the grave o’ Donald O, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe And murdered the house of MacDonald The tour bus driver navigated the one-lane, two-way roads through Glencoe, Scotland while our guide Graham Bruce...