I’m back from Scotland, but the photos and memories will continue for some time to come. I was so blessed to get to travel with my dear friend Judy. Judy always keeps me out of trouble as you can see here.
I was a little worried about how Scotland would fare with me, Liz Curtis Higgs and Judy all in the country at one time, but everything worked out well.
This is Andrew – isn’t he a cutey? He’s my son’s age. Boy do I feel old.
But one of my very favorite things about the trip were the churches or kirks as they say in Bonnie Scotland. Such wondrous old buildings – some very ancient and thousands of years old, some newer, but all beautiful.
Here in Luss, Scotland we were treated to this lovely kirk. The St McKessog’s church is on the banks of Loch Lomond (yes we sang the song as a group) is named after St. Kessog. Kessog is claimed to have brought Christianity to the area around Luss in 510 AD.
The present church was built by Sir James Colquhoun in 1875 in the memory of his farther who died in a drowning accident off Inchtavannach. The church has a rafted roof of Scots pine, built purposefully to remind people of a boat overturned. You can see for yourself in this picture that it does just that.
I tried to imagine all the people who have worshipped here. Luss is such a neat little village and the ancient feel engulfed us as we walked around. I was completely caught up in the moment and hope to one day return for a longer stay. Judy and I even discussed how we should purchase one of the small, restored cottages for a quiet little writing retreat, but I digress.
The church had some incredible stained glass.
Probably the thing I enjoy the most are the old graveyards. I love to wander through the headstones and read about the people buried there. It’s always fascinating to imagine who the people were and what their lives might have been like. This church graveyard did not disappoint.
I could have stayed here all day despite it being cold and windy.
Here’s the grave of a Viking. The style is called a hogback.
Next week I hope to show you some more. I was so very blessed to participate in this trip of Christian women. We met some wonderful ladies and now have some 43 additional friends, as well as a great many incredible memories and ideas for books yet to be written.
Beannachd Dia dhuit
(Blessings of God be with you – ScotsGaelic)
