Scotland Places To Visit - Articles -

But McGonagall Widnae Die

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:00:00 UTC

Scottish poet, Alexander Hawkesville, recounts a humorous interlude involving McGonagall in his (Mr Hawkesville's) poem, But McGonagall Widnae Die. It revolves around a time when McGonagall decided to perform MacBeth at Mr Giles's Theatre in Dundee.

Scots At The Olympics

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Wed, 18 May 2011 11:00:00 UTC

As we gear up for the 2012 Olympics, a great national event, let us not forget the contribution made by Scots to the Olympic Hall of Fame over the years.

Rab Ha'

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Mon, 02 May 2011 13:30:00 UTC

Rab Ha', the Glasgow glutton. Rab Ha' was a Glasgow vagrant famous for his enormous capacity for eating.

Show of Presents

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 UTC

A way of thanking female neighbours and friends for their gifts by putting them on display. It was held in the bride’s home for two days, both in the afternoon and evening. A wide selection of home baking was served along with sandwiches and tea.

Wedding Presents

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 UTC

Bridals were considered to be community property. It was important that everyone had the opportunity to participate. Parents of friends and neighbours gave wee mindings or small gifts. In the Highlands, handcrafted wooden and wickerwork items such as cogs, tongs, and horn spoons were often specially made.

Cryin' Siller

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 UTC

The money paid to the Kirk for calling the banns was known as cryin’ siller. The word wed means pledge. Those wishing to marry had to leave a pledge or a pawn, either money or clothing, which was forfeited if a penny wedding with music and dancing took place, as the Church disapproved.

Leap Year

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:00:00 UTC

Leap year offered ladies the chance to propose. If the chosen suitor refused, he had to buy the lady a new dress or a pair of kid gloves. A betrothal was as legally binding as a marriage. If a breach of promise occurred, such as when an engagement or bethrothal was broken, the lady could sue in court for recompense.

Speering Bottle

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:00:00 UTC

In Shetland, the young hopeful arrived at the door of his intended. He was invited in and placed a small parcel on the box bed. He approached the family and shook hands with them all in turn. He ignored his prospective bride and the hints given by her relations that they know why he has called.

Reitach

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:30:00 UTC

In the Western Isles, a reitach was a formal asking for a lady's hand in marriage. It was a complicated affair which usually took place after it was tacitly known that a young couple were contemplating marriage.

Dreams

no@spam.com (Vikara) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:30:00 UTC

Dreams

Dreams were often interpreted to suit the dreamer. They were supposed to reveal the future and appear in mate selection customs. If a girl picked up a root which grew beneath the mugwort plant, placed it on her pillow and slept on it, she would dream of her future husband.