Caledonia Heritage

27 Sep, 2009

Scone Palace

Posted by: Caledonia In: Castles| Monarchy

scone

Scone (prononced Skoon) Palace, the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, sits majestically above the River Tay in Perthshire and has been home to the Murray family since the 17th century when the palace was given to them as a reward for thwarting a conspiracy against James VI of Scotland and I of England.

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29 Jun, 2009

Cranachan

Posted by: Caledonia In: Recipes

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Ingredients

2 ounces old-fashioned oatmeal
10 ounces fresh double cream
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons good Scotch whiskey
12 ounces fresh raspberries (or other fresh soft fruit)

Directions

Toast the oatmeal under a broiler, turning occasionally with a spoon or spatula, until it is golden brown.
Allow the oatmeal to cool.
Whip the cream until it is very stiff and then mix in the honey, whisky and oatmeal.
Layer the raspberries with the cream mixture in four tall glasses, cover with Kling or Saran wrap and refrigerate.
Allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving and then decorate with a few raspberries.

24 Apr, 2009

Kirkoswald Old Church

Posted by: Caledonia In: History| Monuments

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Kirkoswald Old Church dates back to 1244 when the monks of Crossraguel Abbey built a stone church to replace the shrine commemorating the great battle fought by St Oswald in 634 AD against the Welsh king, Cadwallon at Heavenfield, near Hexham. The word “kirk” means “church”. It is also possible that Robert the Bruce was baptised here.

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22 Apr, 2009

Souter Johnnie’s Cottage

Posted by: Caledonia In: History| Monuments

Since Ayrshire is Burns country and I’ve just returned from there, I thought I’d add more to the Burns theme by introducing you to the cottage of Souter Johnnie in Kirkoswald, Ayrshire. Souter Johnnie was a character from the famous Tam O’Shanter poem which Burns wrote in 1790 and is based on one of his drinking buddies, John Davidson (1728-1808), who lived in the cottage from 1786. (Souter means cobbler.)

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14 Feb, 2009

Glamis Castle

Posted by: Caledonia In: Castles| Monarchy

Glamis Castle is the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, but is perhaps more famous for being the birthplace of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle

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03 Feb, 2009

Discover My Past

Posted by: Caledonia In: History| Life

Discover My Past is a new genealogy and reference magazine solely dedicated to Scotland and its people. The magazine is available online or can be downloaded as a PDF file to be read offline.

The magazine shows you how to trace your Scots ancestry, as well as giving you a valuable insight into how your ancestors would have lived and worked.

Not to be missed!


  • Lifecruiser: That is such a wonderful palace!!!! Wow!!!! I think it might be one of my absolute favorites so far of the ones you have presented for me during the y
  • Pauline Laing: Lovely post - I came across it looking for a nice photo of some shortbread! We went to Scone Palace a few years ago, and enjoyed the maze especiall
  • SwordMama: What a VERY interesting post! My brother's name is David Murray; my maiden name is Murray. So I'm wondering if my dad's side of the family came from

Flickr PhotoStream

  • Thatched RoofSouter Johnnie InnKirkoswald KirkyardSouter Johnnie's Cottage

What I'm Doing...

  • Thought Lost was amazing this week. Curious to see how the AU storylines work out. 2 days ago
  • ROFL! The guy tiling the bathroom is singing along to the radio. Badly. Not sure if he realises I can hear him. 4 days ago
  • Then of course it is my fault when they don't get the answers they want. Yeah, let me just change the rules to make your life easier. 4 days ago
  • Arrrrghh! Why don't customers listen to what you say when they phone? Some people are so stupid! 4 days ago
  • Getting bathroom done. No shower/bath. Just decamped to a relative to indulge in cleanness. Can't wait til all finished. 5 days ago
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