Scotland is full of folklore – tales of fairies and “little people”, and talk of the gift of second sight . .
Thomas of Ercildoune, who became known as Thomas the Rhymer, lived in the Scottish Borders back in the 13th century. The story goes that, one fine day, as he sat beneath the Eildon Tree near Melrose, he heard the tinkling of silver bells and the sound of a horse’s hooves. A beautiful lady approached, astride a beautiful white horse. The lady turned out to be none other than the Queen of Elfland: Thomas fell under her spell and followed her deep within the hollows of the Eildon Hills to the fairy Otherworld. Thomas remained there for seven years, and during this time was given the gift of prophecy. When he returned to the mortal world, Thomas found he had certain gifts – he was no longer able to tell a lie and he became known as “True Thomas”. He could foresee the future, and is said to have foretold of many significant events in Scottish history including the death of King Alexander III. Some say Thomas became immortal and still lives, gathering horses for the sleeping knights that rest deep within the hollow hills.
Later in the 19th century the author Sir Walter Scott collected many of these Border ballads including the tale of Thomas the Rhymer, and walked the Eildon Hills with the artist JMW Turner.
Today you too can walk the Eildon Hills, where Thomas is said to have met the Fairy Queen, and visit Rhymer’s Glen. A magical spot, whether or not you believe in fairies!
So the Commonwealth Games kicked off in Glasgow last night 🏅🏅🏅
The opening ceremony was typically bonkers, and featured a massive Tunnocks teacake 😂🏴
Tunnocks teacakes consist of a thin biscuit layer topped with whipped marshmallow and covered in chocolate 😋 They are wrapped in iconic red and silver foil packaging and sold all over the country, in supermarkets and often in cafes. They are a taste sensation, and the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. Be sure to try one if you’re visiting this summer!
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
*If you’re travelling in the Highlands just now please be advised to avoid the Glenmore / Loch Morlich area due to wildfire 🥲**UPDATE - 14:15 on 16 July
Emergency services and partners continue to tackle a large-scale fire near Ryvoan Bothy. The emergency response is being coordinated at a national level involving the Scottish Government, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Park Authority and multiple other partners.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that the fire is currently affecting an area of approximately six squared kilometres. We are asking the public to follow the following guidance:
- Please do not travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing. A strict cordon remains in place and road closures continue to support the emergency response.
- Those impacted by evacuations will have been contacted and we would ask everyone to cooperate fully with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities for their safety.
- Residents in Aviemore and surrounding areas are asked to close windows and doors to prevent smoke entering.
-Anyone with known respiratory conditions nearby is encouraged to contact 111 if they experience any difficulties. Contact 999 in an emergency.
Thermal drone footage captured by Park Authority staff last night has helped inform fire fighting efforts and highlight the scale of the fire, but the extent of the damage and the cause is not yet known.
Overnight emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff were on the scene working tirelessly to control the fire. We are deeply grateful for their efforts, and those of the businesses and local community providing support to those affected.
We will provide further updates when we have them.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
