Its not well known that Bats have a special place in England. Seen at dusk (sometimes) they generally mess around squeaking and defaecating. When we were in Kirdford, Sussex we heard the story of the local church renovations. These repairs and changes are allowed but must accomodate the local Bats. These poor creatures seem to have a forlorn life flitting around the country side looking for somewhere to live. It appears it must be a church. No doubt you have heard all about bats in belfreys - in Kirdford it is Bats in churches. The rule is, if you are going to renovate you must leave holes for Bats. Any new structure you build or renovate must allow this pooh machines in. Tough on the congregation that comes to church in raincoat, sporting an umbrella. Bat pooh is uniquely acidic so chews through the toughest macintosh. Church is struggle with a more or less continuous rain of faecal material. Make sure you don't tell the local authorities about the bats in your shed!
Another useful fact about bats. The recent Ignoble awards featured the habits of bored bats. Apparently it involves fellatio. Professor, Sir Hamish Parkinson of Glasgow University was awarded an Ignoble for his gratuitous research into the rather sordid habits of adult bats. He demonstrated the actual physical techniques at the award ceremony using hand puppets. Buckets were handed out for vomiting.
Edinburgh is a special place. Burgh is an old word for castle so it appears the place was originally Edwins Castle. Edwin sadly has long since died and probably wouldn't recognise the place anyway. We walked to the castle from Waverly station having dropped the car off at Newcraigdribble and taken a 10 min train ride. Lady McHoots was very brave although her ankle is giving her gyp. Despite the rain we enjoyed the castle and even heard the gun salute at 1 pm. Lady McH managed to find a toilet to clean herself up after the rather loud explosion.
We visited (in no particular order), St Margarets Chapel (12 th century), A large gun, Lang stairs, Crown jewels, prison for prisoners of war, Scottish war memorial and Mary Queen of Scots chambers where she gave birth to James VI of Scotland (also James I of England), We were captivated by it all.
Also got close to the Stone of Destiny - British monarchs sit on this when crowned. Scottish crown jewels are much older than the more famous German stuff owned by Liz and co.
While Lady M visited the royal mile and more specifically the Hub. I visited Greyfriars Bobby. This was s story told to me by Mum and Dad when very young and I enjoyed finding the place. In an old graveyard in front of Greyfriars Kirk is the grave of Old Jock (the owner) and Bobby. Outside the gates and further down the street is the famous statue. A nice moment for me.
Dickson clan - from what we have read is a sub clan of the Keiths. Richard Keith (at some stage) named himself son of Dick and hence the name was formed. The clan operated around East Lothian (where we are) and around the Border districts. There was quite a lot of rat bags amongst them and their main claim to fame seems to be stealing neighbours sheep. One little point that Grandma and Grandad would have enjoyed. One William Dickson born in 1960 in Brittany (France) had a Scottish Mother related to the Lauries of Maxwellton in Dumfreisshire. You may know the song:
Maxwellton Braes are bonny
For early fa's the dew
And twas there that Annie Laurie
Gave me her promise true.
They would have enjoyed that.
