Bits 'n Bobs Author Blog
Our first stop this day was at Leault Farms for a sheep herding demonstration. We also chatted with the shepherd, Neil Ross, about the farm, his job, and his world view. There were 5 puppies he was already training, accustoming them to his voice and to follow him as he worked. Each dog is trained to the same verbal commands, but each responds to his/her own individual whistle commands. The results are amazing to watch. With the dogs milling about his feet, Mr. Ross sent one to get the sheep. If you'll look in the first photo, you won't see the woolly creatures. They were over a small hill, out of sight. As he chatted with us, the dog raced away to do his job. Only the one command 'get the sheep' was given. A few minutes later, the dog and sheep came toward us. All of the other dogs were alert, but remained close, ears tuned for their own command. At one point, Mr. Ross had one of the dogs gather the sheep and weave them in and out among the prone border collies, rather like a ski slalom. He also demonstrated the complete trust and bonding as his blind dog herded the sheep to his commands. Mr. Ross then singled out a sheep and (after showing us his shepherd's crook made from a sheep horn and a length of hazel wood), demonstrated how to hand-sheer a sheep. The sheep didn't seem to mind, and even peered out from behind Mr. Ross' knee to see what we were doing. Here are a few final photos and notes below about Leault Farm. Leault Farm takes its name from the Gaelic "Leth Allt" (pronounced Lay-alt) which means "dividing burn".
Leault Farm is part of Dunachton Estate, Kincraig, Scotland and is 11,000 acres in size. There are about 2500 sheep and 22 beef cows on the estate. At the fall gathers, it will take 9 men and 35 dogs 9 days to bring the sheep in from the mountains where they've grazed all summer. It's about a 12 mile round trip. The Ross family have been shepherds on Dunachton Estate since 1962. Neil Ross was born at home on Leault Farm and began competing in sheepdog trials at the age of 8. Neil became the shepherd on Dunachton Estate in 2001 after his father retired. The puppies pictured would each set your wallet back by about 1000 Scottish pounds, though the fully-trained adults will fetch 3000 pounds or more each.
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9/20/2016 0 Comments Guest blog from Sandra HaywardToday's guest blogger is Sandra Hayward with her lively endorsement of Collette Cameron's book, The Earl's Enticement. "The Earl's Enticement" by Collette Cameron Collette Cameron is an illustrious author of 20 compelling books dealing with the themes of love and betrayal in regency in Scotland etc. The novels are full of old historical intrigues, perplexing love stories and twists of the plot. It is extremely interesting to plunge into the 1820-30s where historical events intervene with personal problems and family mishaps. The author is a happy mom of three and a successful woman who inspires women of all ages around the world with her gripping books. Despite the fact that “The Earl's Enticement” is triggered by historical facts, the book is rich with humorous allusions and inspiring quotes, so do not hesitate to spend your free time devoting yourself to this book. Many of her fans consider this book to be the best one in her career! Don't miss the chance to indulge in getting to know it better! In fact, the main heroes (Adaira Ferguson and Roark Marquardt) are already introduced in one of the previous books, namely “Highlander's Hope”. The whole story unwinds just before the end of “Highlander's Hope”, so it would be also useful to read this masterpiece as well! At times, it seems that Adaira Ferguson is the uncommonest lady in the whole of Scotland. She wears breeches, swears and does not trust men like Roark. Roark is the super intelligent earl who was once betrayed and does not wish to be betrayed again, which is why he seems to be too cold and aloof. The fates of the two connect when Adaira imprisons the earl by mistake (she thinks he wants to harm her brother's wife) not knowing that Roark is afraid of small dark rooms because of some psychological trauma in the childhood, but then, Adaira gives him freedom after realizing her failure. Such freedom does not satisfy the hero who wishes to turn Adaira into an honorable, intelligent lady of refinement. The story obtains humorous tones when Adaira's family comes to Roark's place where Adaira is taught fine manners but cannot do without a blunder even one day! The two characters are a far cry from each other, they are complete extremes! Nevertheless, Roark understands that he likes Adaira the way she is, her temper, emotions and behavior! But this is not a sweet novel deprived of evil complots! Roark's malicious brother and a neighbor lady have their own plans that do not chime with Adaira and Roark's ones! To summarize, the story is compelling and full of intriguing moments that will not leave you indifferent! Worth reading! * * * Sandra J. Hayward is a Miami Dade college MBA graduate who is interested in academic research and writing but does not want to depend on the rigorous schedule. That is why she has been collaborating for a long time as a freelance writer and enjoys her flextime a lot. Day 6 was spent writing, catching up on emails, and a long discussion on marketing. I won't list the bullet points, but just note that we did make time for writerly pursuits during our trip. To reward our full day of forsaking a shopping excursion, we were treated to some of the works of Scotland's own poet, Robert Burns. At dinner, we were served a traditional Robert Burns dinner, complete with tatties, neeps and haggis. "Ode to a Haggis" by Robert Burns was read over the haggis before it was shared, and we recited the Selkirk grace, which is attributed to dear Rabbie. Some hae meat and cannae eat And some wad eat that want it, But we hae meat and we can eat, Sae let the Lord be thankit. After dinner, we were surprised by a visit from the bard, himself! Much singing and hilarity ensued. It was a truly memorable evening! In the above photo, it seems Mr. Burns asked for some clarification on a scene in one of Grace Burrowes' books. As he appears to have fathered thirteen children at last count, one can only wonder what puzzled him. If you'd like to learn more about our host, Jim Malcolm who portrayed Rabbie so well, you can visit his website: http://www.jimmalcolm.com/ He's an outstanding Scottish folksinger and songwriter who kept us entertained throughout the tour. From Scottish ballads and love songs to jaunty tongue-in-cheek tunes, we were never at a loss for music. You definitely need to add his CDs to your library!! Also check out his DVD, Jim Malcolm's Bard Hair Day, Robert Burns Returns. What a day this was! After a trip back in time at Blair Castle, we continued to Braemar for an afternoon of Highland Games, bagpipes, and brawny Highlanders in kilts. Here are a few photos to get you going: You know, in a kilt, age doesn't really matter :-) Ok, back to my story. As we headed into the Highlands, we noticed a few things. First, the heather was still blooming. Second, the hills seemed rockier with fewer trees. And third, signs were printed in both English and Gaelic. At the games, we were treated to tug-o-wars, foot races, bagpipers by the dozens, men tossing the caber and the heavy hammer, spritely dancers, and great food. I met with a lovely couple at the MacRae booth. We chatted, I bought hubby a cap and myself a scarf, and we exchanged cards. But the excitement for the day was only beginning as Her Majesty, the Queen arrived with her party to the games. My photos are below, but here's a link to the Braemar Games fb page which has not only photos, but video clips! (Can ye hear the pipers?) The rain soon began falling in earnest, and a few of us retreated to the clan tents, and from there to the bus where we had a wee dram of 15yr old Glen Ord whisky that had been aged in a sweet white French wine cask. To ward off a chill, ye ken.
Blair Castle. It began in 1269 when the Earl of Atholl returned from Crusade to discover his neighbor, John Cumming (likely assuming the earl wouldn't be back), had built a large tower house on his land. The earl took his land, and the tower house, back from Cumming, and Cumming's Tower still stands as the oldest--and tallest--part of the castle. Our drive to Blair Castle took us over the River Tay which is a major river for salmon fishing. In fact, there was something known as a 'Salmon Charter' in the middle ages to prevent the lord of the manor from feeding his people salmon more than a couple of times per week. Salmon were so numerous, it was said you could almost walk across the River Tay on the backs of the salmon. Simply by stringing a net across the river you were assured of an abundance of salmon. Just in case you were interested. As you can see, Blair Castle is quite large and incorporates several styles of architecture. In the 1530s, a long hall was built over a series of vaulted rooms to the south of the original tower. In 1740, a great undertaking was begun to turn the medieval castle into a Georgian mansion. Around 1870 a new entrance hall and ballroom were added, as were bathrooms, gas lines and telephones.
Blair Castle today boasts some 85 rooms, of which 30 are open to the public. A few interesting facts whilst you peruse the beautiful gardens of Blair Castle: The Duke of Atholl is the only duke in Scotland allowed to have his own army- though it is today purely ceremonial. Queen Victoria stayed at the castle in 1844. As a mark of loyalty, she granted the Duke the Queen's Colours, and founded the Atholl Highlanders as a private army. The Duke's family was divided in the Jacobite Uprisings of both 1715 and 1745. In 1745, his oldest son fought on the Jacobite side and sought refuge in France after the Battle of Culloden. The younger son fought for the Crown, and thence became Duke. Years later, the older son's son and the younger son's daughter married, thus keeping the 'rightful heir' (though he was charged with treason) in direct line for the inheritance. |
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