The World According to Linda

Linda MacDonald-Lewis (A.K.A. The Bard at Large) - A true Scot at heart

Friday, January 12, 2007

Heather and Jewels of Scotland

I have been to Scotland many times.
In the past decade I've spent most of my time there, in Edinburgh, and have come to know the old town area, like a second home.

I've seen the staff of the 'Filling Station', (my local watering hole), come and go, with the management staying on.
I've seen the changes, in the way the Edinburgh Festival is run, now that the Parliament has come back to town.
And I've seen the changes in the shops, lining the pavements of the Royal Mile, from top to bottom. The change, from well-crafted Scottish-made goods, giving way to cheaply made and bought foreign goods, that look Scottish to the untrained eye of the tourists. Which is a real shame.

But there are some that have stayed the course and witnessed these changes themselves. And felt the sting of their customers asking, 'why is your price is higher, than those same items up the road at 'such and such' a shop'.
Scots being well mannered and all, will not openly talk about these things to the uneducated masses, (that really mean no harm in their naivety on the subject). Afterall, they are on holiday and shouldn't have to deal with the politics of the local area, in the country they chose to visit. Or should they?

I suppose if you want to actually give something back.....to the country of your father or mother's origin, while on your travels there, then maybe you SHOULD understand.

The purchasing of cheaply made and cheaply sold goods from ....China ...Pakistan ... India...or Taiwan...doesn't help Scotland out much. Oh sure, you'd say ...'well it's supports the shop owners and employees and pays taxes', but it's a bit more complicated than that. Besides,do you really want to travel to a foreign country to buy mementos from there, to carry home and tell your friends about...then find out they were actually made in India or China, and just 'look like' things that represent the place of your holiday travels?

As of last checking (in November 2006)...there's still no 'country of origin lableing law' in Scotland.
Goods can be made in Pakistan and ship to Scotland, put into a box, that was made in Scotland and then (legally)labeled 'Made in Scotland' sad....but true.

So when you travel and feel the urge to shop,....ask questions....'Who owns this shop?' 'Are these items crafted here in Scotland, by Scots?' etc...


Of these shops, that have stayed on to sell strictly Scottish goods, is 'Canongate Jerseys and Crafts'.
I've spent many hours there talking to the owners Heather and Julie (Jules) Richard and made a fair few purchases, down through the time.

They started up in 1978 and have been 'at it' since that time.

Heather is very well read on Pictish art, and on the trails and hiking area of Arthur's Seat. She has designed many of the patterns of jumpers (sweaters), cardigans, and such that fill the shelves there, along with gloves and scarves and numerous other great things. If she is asked the right questions ...will give you a... not only honest...but very concise answer, about things in the shop and outside of it. Cheers Heather!

Julie(Jules), is the inspiration of the shops, books and crafts, cards, jewelry, wall plaque crosses, and other Pictish and Celtic designs and flasks. Made from ceramic, stone, and metal, along with many other delightful things. She's a great person to talk to and to have listen, and has a charming, quietly subdued, insight to life and the characters in it (that I have found to be, very enlightened and a bit disarming at times). Cheers Jules!

This is one of the great survival storys of the Royal Mile and all things Truely Scottish.
Next time you're in Edinburgh, make sure to stop by and see them and their fantastic range of products.

The Bard

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Thistle and Broom

I've just added a new link to this site, Thistle and Broom.
I had the good fortune to meet Teresa, the founder of Thistle and Broom,
in Edinburgh, Scotland on my last journey to the homeland.
We had several great chats, about what each of us was doing; and had done to help the connection between Scotland and the rest of the globe. Make sure you check out this 'Fair Trade' site.

The Bard

Sunday, January 07, 2007

FREEDOM !!!!!!!

If you know of William Wallace, his life and the history, and legend
of his sacrifice for his homeland of Scotland, now you can
do something to show your respect and honour of the man.

There is an online petition to return to Scotland, a 'letter
of safe conduct', that was taken from Wallace, on his capture at
Robroyston, on Aug.3rd, 1305. It now sits in a drawer in England.

Online Petition

Drop in and cast a vote for freedom, and the justice of this stolen
artefact being return to the land of Wallace's birth and the place where
he developed his deep felt love of his country.....Scotland.

The Bard



Saturday, January 06, 2007

Books Worth Reading

Thanks to the help of my son, I have recently
added a link in the sidebar of my book recommendations.

Anyone who has interest in learning more about Scotland,
it's Mythology, Folklore, and History, can find a valid
list of books written in Scotland, by Scots about Scotland.

When I was young, I found it very frustrating to find good
books written about Scotland. And when I could find a book
on Scotland...9 times out of 10, these books were coming out
of London Publishing houses. Funny, not funny Ha...Ha...but
funny in an ironic way....
Like I would go to the Jews to learn about the Palestinians.
I don't think so.
Thankfully...
and just recently, in the last 10 - 15 years, Scottish Publishing
Houses are now starting to make available, product from Homeland
Authors, here in the North Americas. It's about time.

The books listed in my recommendations, are easy to read and some will
also work as good guides through the countryside of Scotland and it's historic past.

If your planning a trip, happen to be a fan of William Wallace, (Braveheart),
or of Robert the Bruce, or just are homesick for your native land...these books listed, may be of interest to you.

I have read the majority of the titles listed, and /or know the authors, and their views on the history.

I trust you will enjoy them.

All the best to you all,
in this New Year!

The Bard