My trip to Scotland by Marianne Kulenkampff

When I finally decided that my next destination would be Scotland, I set out to read its history beginning ca. 400 AD to the present . I read whatever book I could get a hold of, started learning the Gaelic, followed the most interesting , knowledgeable people on IG and FB to help decide how to plan my attack on gorgeous Scotland. Lockdowns and borders closed , no flights , gave me the time to do my research .

I wanted to find the soul of the country , not the souvenir shops nor the Hollywood version . I came across The White Rose Guild by pure accident and found that they had what I was looking for. With the help of the White Rose Guild , we started to put together my private tour. Based on what I had read, my interests, what I wanted to learn and see , we started to put together a trip . I wanted to meet the real people of Scotland, its soul as seen through their work and their passion . To meet the historians, the weaver, the sculptor , the poet / writer , the Lord , the sword maker , the artisans that make this wonderful, beautiful country. So with the help of The White Rose Guild , the wonderful John MacKay Harbour and Les Mac An Ultaigh in the Outer Hebrides ( together with John ) , who had the patience to help me with my Gaelic, I set out on my adventure .

I don’t think I know the words that fully describe what an amazing, incredible, awesome and beautiful experience I have had . They led me, together with the wonderful friends I made along the way in IG and FB , on the wildest ride to make me a traveler and not a tourist . To be a traveler is to meet the local artisans , the people , to feel and experience their love and passion for their work as well as their love for Scotland .To see the Tartan Historian explain the craftsmanship and history of that famous cloth and kilt. How he makes his own dyes and weaves the cloth himself to eventually be a wonderful kilt . To hold the pieces of tartan that were once held by Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The sculptor to show how the Pictish stones were chiseled , the hard work that went into creating such masterpieces and what their possible meaning might be. To actually go to his atelier and experience first hand the process of carving stoneTo visit with the Harris Tweed weaver making a fabulous cloth in his shed with the view of Luskentyre beach. The sword maker to let me handle Rob Roy’s sword, original dirks, even props from movies and show how it all comes to life .

It was not just educational but fun , interesting, getting all the inside and personal bits that a general tour cannot provide. In other words , I got first hand experience in the lives and crafts of the locals . An experience that only a tailor made itinerary, with so much love and enthusiasm, will show a person what the country is truly like .I set out to find Scotland’s soul , or at least a wee bit of it , and with the help of all those wonderful people , I think I found it. So now I can proudly say , I’ve been to Scotland and have experienced this incredibly gorgeous country and seen and enjoyed their sense of humour ,friendliness and charm .

So Thank you Luigi, Thank you John , Thank you Les , Thank you White Rose Guild !!!!!! you made the impossible come true !!!!Marianne

©courtesy of John Harbour