Picture Britain

The Royal Botanical Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Buckingham Palace Gardens, a photo by Sebastian Bjurbom on Flickr.

English gardens are known to be the most beautiful things about spending spring in England. Everyone knows what a great time it is to stroll amidst lush green grasses, countless arrays of spring flowers in their most beautiful blooms and the clear lakes and pools that complete the view. From here, we can say that spring in England is best experienced and felt in authentic English gardens.

There are over a hundred royal gardens all over England, and the most famous ones include the one in the Buckingham Palace and that in the Windsor Castle.

To get the feeling of royalty, be in the bloom-scented walkways of the Buckingham Palace during summer where the space is opened for the public. If you are lucky, you might even be among the chosen few who get the chance to rub elbows with royalty in the garden parties the Queen holds at certain times each year.

About 8,000 people from all over England are given an invitation to attend the garden parties in the royal gardens of the Buckingham Palace. Guests are people from or referred by government organizations and offices in England. When a garden party is soon to be held at the palace’s garden, the office of the Lord Chamberlain will send out invitations to the chosen guest on behalf of the Queen.

Pond at Autumn, a photo by wwarby on Flickr.

Windsor Great Park’s Savill Garden is another famous spot that should be included in the list of royal gardens in England to visit.

Savill Garden is world-famous for the countless species of flowers that grace the spring with their most beautiful blooms that one can see on garden exploration walks. It is also a wonderful place to be in the outdoors if one is into getting active as in walking, running, jogging, biking, horse riding and rollerblading. Those who want to chill will also find great activities to do in Savill. There are areas where one can lay his or her picnic mat and have the bounty of the spring afternoon amidst the wonderful view of the garden. The garden also has facilities for fishing.

In a royal botanical garden, one can expect even more activities to do and facilities to try out. There is more to being in royal botanical gardens than just strolling walkways adorned by flowers and breathing in air that is graced by the natural perfumes of flowers in bloom; royal botanical gardens also offer a deeper nature treat during a visit.

Circles of Green, a photo by frielp on Flickr.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew or the Kew Gardens is a place that holds the most number of plant collections in the entire world. It houses 300,000 different kinds of plants, and its herbarium holds no fewer than seven million preserved plant species that are used as a basis for studying the world’s plant taxonomy.

The 121 acres of land that house the whole royal botanical gardens have several facilities for tourists to visit and for green thumbs to learn more about their hobby. Among these facilities would be the Jodrell Laboratory, the Kew Seedbank, the center of Economic Botany, the Forensic Horticulture, the library with books and drawings and, of course, the herbarium.

Boscage, a photo by David Barrie on Flickr.

In a royal botanical garden, one can expect even more activities to do and facilities to try out. Also, the arrays of flowers are mostly known to be labeled in their scientific names with essential information about the species placed in the tag.

This is why royal botanical gardens are not only great places to come to and hangout during summer or spring, but they are also good places to start learning the basics of setting up a garden in one’s own lawn!

This guest post was written by The British Travel Guide.

Crocus Field, a photo by wwarby on Flickr.

My English Trifle

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +0000

I did it! After so many months of posting mouth-watering recipes and photos (cranachan, Bakewell tart, and Heavenly, Gooey, Crusty, Saucy, Brit-tastic, Chocolate Pudding to name a few), I finally tried my hand at an authentic British dessert. It was surprisingly easy and oh, so good.

This is the fourth year in a row that my brother and I have hosted a "Valentine's Day" party for our friends. Every year we choose a different theme (1970s, 19880s, random holidays), and this year we decided on an international party filled with costumes, decor, food, games, and experiences from all over the world. I dressed as an Englishwoman (of course), specifically a Regency Era lady. My brother was a Greek fisherman, and our friends were everything from Swedes to a French mademoiselle to Kimono-wearing Japanese siblings. We had so much fun with our party activities, but one of the highlights was the food. Swedish meatballs, Japanese rice, Dominican pollo guisado...it was awesome; but in my opinion the English trifle took the cake.

When we decided to make an English trifle I wanted to do it right--the authentic British way. Of course there are many variations on the trifle (which is basically cake, cream, custard, and berries or jam), but the recipe I chose seemed to blend the best of everything.

While not from a British recipe per se, this sponge cake Mom made is very traditional. You could also use pound cake, but this was slightly more "nutritious".

You could make raspberry trifle, and I've seen a recipe that calls for peaches, but we decided on good, old-fashioned strawberries. The recipe doesn't call for it, but we took the liberty of sprinkling them with a liberal amount of sugar :)

There's a funny story behind the custard! I found tons
of triflerecipes that almost required you to use Bird's custard powder, but I thought, "Yeah right, where am I going to find that?" So Mom was great enough to make some delectalicious custard from scratch.

A few days later we're at an African store looking for halwo and what should we see on the shelf? Bird's custard powder! I was so glad that we didn't have enough homemade custard to cover the whole trifle, so we had to add a bit of this.

Once all of the ingredients were made it was time to assemble the trifle. This is the first step: covering the bottom of a trifle dish with the sponge cake (of course we had to sample the cake to make sure it was good).

Then I smeared sugary strawberry mush over the cake. A really authentic trifle would include lots of sherry at this point, but we were having a party full of underage kids and alcohol didn't sound like a good idea. Next time though....

Then I drenched the top of that with custard--

--and then another layer of sponge cake (leftovers!)--

--and then more strawberries and custard on top of that.

You can see the final whipped cream layer in the first picture, surmounted by a valiant little flag declaring the dish's country of origin. Does anyone know if trifles are uniquely English? It seems like other countries might have come up with this idea as well...but I'll bet nobody else uses Bird's custard powder!

Here is the recipe I used, by no means definitive, but absolutely delicious. It comes from Elaine Lemm over at britishfood.about.com.

Traditional Sherry Trifle

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

300g/10oz Madeira, sponge or pound cake, halved and cut into thick slices
300g/10 oz fresh strawberries or raspberries, or defrosted frozen
6 tbsp sweet sherry (omit if serving to children)
500ml/ 2 cups thick home made custard following this recipe
500ml/ 2 cups double or whipping cream, softly whipped
Handful flaked almonds, toasted

METHOD:

The trifle can be made in one large glass dish or into individual glasses
Line the bottom of the dish or glasses with the cake slices.
Slice the fruit if fresh and reserve a few for decoration (if using frozen, leave whole) then layer the remaining evenly over the cake. Press lightly with a fork to release the juices. Sprinkle with the sherry.
Spoon over the custard, again in a thick layer.
Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream either spooned over or piped using a piping bag.
Decorate with strawberry slices or raspberries and toasted, flaked, almonds.

Quirky Bits of Council Business

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Birmingham Snow Hill Station - Livery Street - sign - Flyposters Will Be Prosecuted, a photo by ell brown on Flickr.

Maybe it's just the hopeless American in me, but I think that the A to Z of council services from the West Dunbartonshire Council website are just downright funny! Apparently the local government feels the need to be involved in everything from "amusements" to "flyposter removal" to "woodlice". Americans and Brits could both learn a thing or two (and have a laugh) from how different cultures might interpret these interesting words and phrases:

Allowances--how much pocket money you're allowed to give your kids? Ah, housing benefits.
Booklice and Bed Bugs--this is a council issue? Apparently.
Betting Shops--seedy little rooms where greasy men play poker in the corner? Oh, bookies; I see now.
Bluebottles--colored drinking vessels? More pest control.
Bottle Banks--where those blue bottles deposit their money? Nope, it's all about recycling!
Bulky Uplifts--trying to pick up something awkward and heavy? Actually it concerns household waste. Hm.
Caravan Sites--the places where Arabian nomads keep their camels? In other words, an RV park.

Compliments and thank-yous--the Scottish equivalent of "questions or comments"? They're just begging for some appreciation.
Declaration of Interest--is this what a guy should do when he spies a cute girl? It's a list of elected council members, actually.
Drains--really, do politicians have to have their hands in everything? According to The Flood Prevention and Land Drainage Act of 1997, apparently.
Exercise--does the council determine how many push-ups I should do? No, they just provide "leisure facilities". And on a side-note, what does "leisure" have to do with "exercise" anyway?
Flytipping--is this anything like cow tipping? Er, no. It's actually illegal dumping. Nothing to do with insects.
Gritting--as in teeth? It's a way to make roads safer in wintertime, and it's done with gritting lorries.
Surgeries--appendectomies, thyroidectomies, myringotomies? Strangely enough, these seem to be places where councilors give advice.
Town Twinning--a complex and lengthy process by which two towns are made exactly identical? It is a "bond of friendship" between two towns, notably Clydebank and Argenteuil. Learn more here.

I'll stop there. Suffice it to say, "the Americans and the British are identical in all respects except, of course, their language" (Oscar Wilde)!

How Katie Almost Conquered Snowdon

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:45:00 +0000

This article was written by Katie – a keen photographer and writer for moneysupermarket.com – offering advice on everything from credit cards to savings accounts.

In 2011 at the age of 23, I decided that it was time to start doing things with my life, before I’m old with no stories to tell, so I sat down and complied a “bucket list” – a list of things to do before I kick the bucket.

I decided that I would use the bucket list to help me meet people I wouldn’t normally meet doing things I wouldn’t normally have done. The list includes everything from singing karaoke solo (much to the annoyance of everyone in the pub) to travelling the world.

New Year’s Day 2012 saw me wondering what I want to get off my list this year, and after talking to a friend who is a hardened climbing expert, we agreed I would attempt to tackle Snowdon... on a freezing cold, January day. Not my brightest of ideas.

Having purchased some thermals, driven to Snowdonia and prepared my camera, we set off. I should point out now that my idea of exercise is answering the door to the pizza boy – I was incredibly naive about how tough this would be.

With drizzly weather, the summit was nowhere near visible, much to my annoyance as I had originally thought a small hill was Snowdon – I didn’t understand why it was so hyped up.

With a steep assent to the Snowdon path, I was regretting my decision before stepping foot on Snowdon. Climbing with a military man also wasn’t a wise move – meaning much embarrassment regarding my fitness levels.

Thankfully there were lots of animals along the way that I could pretend to be interested in, in order to catch my breath. This pony, I’m convinced, saved me from certain death and for a split second I considered riding him to the top.

On another quick stop, only 20 minutes from the car I stopped to “admire the view” or catch my breath if we’re being honest, and was genuinely impressed with what was behind us. In the right weather with the right lenses, any budding photographer could get a stunning shot, even if you’re not planning on getting anywhere near to the top.

An hour in and I was starting to really struggle, a mixture of the wind, cold and sheer lack of fitness meant even breathing was difficult. But the views were what really took my breath away. The remoteness of the mountain on days like this, means you can sometimes feel like the only people around for miles and miles.

The autumn colours were phenomenal, a blend of oranges, yellows, greens and browns make for fantastic photographs. The sweeping landscapes leave you open to Mother Nature, but I guess that’s all part of the fun!

This shot was taken roughly two hours in, after a lot of moaning, swearing and tantrums. I’ll be honest though, I would do it all again for shots like the above.

The terrain soon started to level out enough for me not to look like I was having an asthma attack and I really started to enjoy the view. Sudden patches of flatness could easily be confused with remote Australia (apart from the terrible weather)

The weather was worsening though, with the winds reaching 90mph. We picked up the pace to try and beat the storm but the sight of the steepest hill I would have ever climbed brought me to tears. Luckily it was raining so I didn’t look like too much of a wimp.

By this point, I’d started bribing myself to carry on. “Just five more steps and I can have some chocolate”, “Just a few more hours and I’ll be back at the hotel in a well earned bath”.

Eventually I made it to the top of the steepest assent, with this view as my reward, simply beautiful. Unfortunately the wind had now reached 130mph and my tiny 5”3 petite frame was finding walking in a straight line impossible. Not a good thing when walking up mountains.

Having made it around 200m from the summit I decided it was time to stop. The winds meant it was just far too dangerous. My climbing partner, however, decided to carry on, leaving me stranded and cold on the edge of a mountain in a hail storm. Not my favourite memory.

The break, however, did however give me time to snap this shot in a 10 second break in the storm. Well worth it I think. The descent was a breeze, I practically sprinted down – desperate for the car heater and a hot bath.

I may not have quite conquered Snowdon, but I’m pretty sure I captured the beauty.

Remembering the Clydebank Blitz

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:32:00 +0000

Photo from www.ltscotland.org.uk

By March 13, 1941, Britain knew what it meant to suffer. Since September 7 of the previous year Germany's Luftwaffe had been pummeling London, reducing the City to banks of rubble and searing flames that raged on for days. The Nazis' aims went beyond the destruction of buildings and people: they were trying to demoralize an entire nation, to eat out their souls with savagery. It was at this time that the small town of Clydebank shared in the tragedy of the whole nation.

Harry was 5 years old when the aeroplanes came to Dunbartonshire. "...I remember the noise of the aeroplanes. It wasn't just a steady noise, it was a kind of drone...." Jimmy was 6, "After the bombs had finished falling, I expected to walk home to the life I had before--but it was gone....We were left with the clothes that we stood in and that was it." May was 18 and worked at the Clydebank Co-op; she rushed to shelter whenever the sirens blared. "When the war was declared, of course, we said Clydebank is sure to be blitzed because there's the ships. And so, we got everything ready...." The sirens were all false alarms, until the 13th--a "beautiful moonlit night."

photo from www.wdcweb.info

To the locals, Clydebank meant factories, the river, church, trains, food, friends, family, and home. To the Nazis it meant the Grey Ghosts--RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth--two luxury liners which had been put to deadly purpose by the British as troopships. Clydebank was also responsible for the construction of numerous battleships, cruisers, destroyers, an aircraft carrier, and munitions. If the Axis powers could knock out this little Scottish town they might tip the scales in their favor.

The citizens of Clydebank were not caught unawares. Gas masks, I.D. cards, blackout curtains and sandbags became commonplace and the Home Guard marched as the hardy Scots steeled themselves for some kind of attack. They could not have expected the ferocity which was to come.

Just after 9 PM the sirens struck up their eerie wailing and jolted every heart within hearing distance. Perhaps a few people sighed, "Another false alarm." Mothers wept. Men gritted their teeth and gathered their families together and headed straight for the nearest air raid shelter. None were to have peace that night as 1,650 incendiaries and 272 tons of high explosive bombs hammered onto the streets, shops, and homes of Clydebank. The Blitz had come to Dunbartonshire.

Out of 12,000 homes, only 7 suffered no damage, making over 35,000 people homeless.
Entire districts like the "Holy City" were wiped out.
The glare from burning distilleries and oil tanks was reportedly seen 100 miles away.
528 people died and 617 people were seriously injured in two days.
After the Blitz there was a mass exodus, with nearly 18,000 people evacuating Clydebank.

"The cool, unwavering courage of the people is evident, and when the full story of their heroism in the face of the Luftwaffe is told, they will take their place alongside the citizens of London and Coventry."

-Glasgow Herald, 18 March 1941

The Blitz was a severe blow to the town, with the aftereffects almost as horrendous as the bombing itself. One resident is quoted as saying, "I don't think that Clydebank has ever fully recovered from the blitz. The community was never the same again." And yet their spirits, while challenged, rallied as London rallied, as Britain itself rallied. Today the town is home to over 45,000 people, with a fairly moderate unemployment rate, two semi-professional football teams, and an urban regeneration program that is working to design a better future for Clydebank. But as it moves into its bright future, this Scottish town will never forget the events of its past.

Read Margaret's story here.

Hear Jessie's story:

Sources:
en.wikipedia.org
www.ltscotland.org.uk
www.wdcweb.info
www.rememberingscotlandatwar.org.uk
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
www.eyewitnesstohistory.com

Warming Stews and Soups

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:06:00 +0000

English Watercress Soup, a photo by French Tart on Flickr.

It's cold. It's drizzly. The gray clouds are moving slow in cumulus billows above the wings of chilly ravens that scrape a lowering fog. It's the kind of weather that drives inside, either to melancholy or cozy reflection. At this time it's imperative that you

a) grab a chunky sweater (jumper) and a hot mug of tea (see my newly revised post on how to make the perfect English cup of tea)

b) make something a little more substantial: a warming winter soup or stew

One popular option is the famous British beef stew with dumplings, but I've found two other interesting recipes that might make your fingers itch to grab a hefty wooden spoon and get cooking!

The first is a soup that comes from Elisabeth Ayrton, author of the pithily titled The Cookery of England: being a collection of recipes for traditional dishes of all kinds from the fifteenth century to the present day, with notes on their social and culinary background. Supposedly it “makes a perfect supper served with toast and cheddar cheese," which sounds marvelous to me. The quirky thing about this dish is that it contains a pound of apples!

The second is a classic oxtail stew. Personally, I believe that there are many much, much nicer parts of an ox than its tail--but that's just me. I've actually never eaten an oxtail (am I missing out?), but one food writer says they're like "braised beef short ribs...with even more flavor." Not bad, but the aesthetics just turn me off. I know, I'm a wimp.

Post a comment below and tell me how you are overcoming the winter blues!

Mrs. Ayrton's Winter Soup

Found on British Food in America, a fascinating site dedicated to the discussion and revival of British foodways.

INGREDIENTS:

1 quart of lamb stock (or substitute beef, but lamb is traditional)
about 1 lb apples, peeled, cored and chopped
about 1 Tablespoon minced ginger
2 oz barley
teaspoon ground ginger
salt if needed (depends on your stock)

METHOD:

Simmer the apples in the stock until mushy, then puree the apples with a hand blender or push them through a strainer.
Return the pot to the heat, add the minced ginger and barley, then cover and cook until the barley swells and softens.
Stir in the ground ginger, check for salt and serve.

Untitled, a photo by titanium22 on Flickr.

Oxtail Stew

This recipe comes from Elaine Lemm over at About.com's British and Irish Food.

INGREDIENTS:

4 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp English mustard powder (optional)
1 whole oxtail (approx 2¼lb/1 kilo in weight) cut into 2"/5cm chunks
1 glass red wine, or small dry glass sherry
1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
1 tbsp tomato puree
4 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 leeks, cleaned and thickly sliced
4 celery sticks, roughly chopped
2 bay leaves
2 ½ pints/ 1.25 litres dark beef stock
2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, stalks and leaves, roughly chopped + leaves for garnish
1 tbsp plain flour
1 tbsp soft butter
Salt and pepper

METHOD:

Serves 6. Preheat the oven to 325°F/160°C/Gas 3.
Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish. Add the salt, pepper and mustard pwder to the flour and mix thoroughly. Toss the oxtail chunks a few at a time in the flour and brown, again two or three at a time, in the hot oil. Remove from the oil and keep to one side.
Once all oxtail pieces have been browned, add the wine or sherry to the pan and scrape the bottom of the pan furiously to remove any flour or meat juices. Keep stirring until the wine has reduced to a thick glaze on the bottom of the pan.
Add the onion and garlic, stir well and cook for 3 minutes to soften the onion, but not brown it. If the onion is starting to brown, lower the heat.
Add all the remaining ingredients, stir well, bring to a gentle boil and the cover with a lid and cook in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
Remove the dish from the oven, remove the lid and cover with a tea cloth and leave to cool. Remove the meat from the casserole and place in a separate bowl, cover and place in the refrigerator. Also, place the casserole in the fridge if it will fit, if not decant the vegetables and stock into a large jug or bowl which will fit. Leave overnight.
Next day, remove all the dishes from the fridge. There will be a layer of hard fat on the vegetables and stock, carefully remove this from the surface with a spoon. Place the cleaned stock and meat back into the casserole cover with a lid and place in a hot oven (400°F/200°C/Gas 6) for an hour.
Meanwhile mix the butter with the flour and place in the freezer.
After the hour, remove the flour from the freezer, break into small pieces into the stew and stir until the flour has dissolved. Return the casserole uncovered to the oven and cook for a further 15 minutes. Leave to stand for 10 minutes, adjust the seasoning to your personal taste, sprinkle with the parsley leaves and serve.

P.S. The recipe for the English watercress soup in the first photo can be found here.

Sources:

www.britishfoodinamerica.com

simplyrecipes.com

britishfood.about.com

Dunbartonshire

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:34:00 +0000

Loch Lomond, a photo by DMeadows on Flickr.

Loch Lomond. Stone Age cairns. The Antonine Wall. Glass making. Coal Mining. The Cutty Sark. Singer sewing machines. The infamous Blitz. The best place in the UK to raise a family. The Scottish Maritime Museum. Balloch and Bonhill, Milngavie and Milton. This is the shell of Dunbartonshire, the shell I'm going to try to crack so that I can reach the precious nut inside.

The Brackens on the Campsies, a photo by Hugh Spicer on Flickr.

Sailing Fun at Bardowie., a photo by Dave Forbes Photography on Flickr.

Each new district we explore is a chance to get at the best bits of Britain, to uncover the real spirit of the land that goes beyond tourism and amusement and day-to-day work. It's an exploration of nature, history, food, art, and people! Thank God for the internet--I would have to have millions of dollars in the bank to take a trip like I've taken with this blog. Of course, nothing can substitute actually visiting these places, but if you're stuck in Arkansas leafing through 10-pound textbooks like I am, it's a Godsend.

So here we are, off on another adventure! I hope that you will enjoy travelling through this little slice of Scotland with me.

Sources:
www.wdcweb.info

Visiting the Lake District – Things to See and Do

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:56:00 +0000

Sunset over lake windermere (explored), a photo by donebythehandsofabrokenartist on Flickr.

It's no wonder the Lake District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. An area of outstanding natural beauty, it combines outdoor pursuits, picturesque towns and villages, fantastic food and festivals, stunning natural sights and wildlife. There is excellent accommodation in the Lake District for guests, including luxury and boutique hotels, quirky cabins, self-catering accommodation and camping sites.

Many visitors come to walk, cycle and horse-ride in the glorious countryside and Wasdale Head is very popular with rock climbers. Boating in Windermere is another big draw. For culture lovers, the Cumbrian art galleries are a treat, while history buffs will be fascinated by the ancient Norman churches of Aspatria and Allonby. The Lake District was also the home of Beatrix Potter and many of her fans visit her home and museum each year.

The Lake District is obviously most famous for its lakes and several stunning waterfalls, and many visitors come simply to soak up the natural surroundings. Windermere is the longest lake in England at 10.5 miles in length and Wastwater is the deepest lake, coming in at 79 metres. There are so many lakes, rivers, hills and waterfalls to see in this part of the world, along with a rugged coastline, that one of the most enjoyable activities is to simply get on some good walking boots and head outdoors.

There are some fantastic peaks as well, with five scaling over 900 metres, the highest being Scafell Pike. They attract many climbers and walkers, but there are also plenty of good routes in the district for cycling and horse riding.

Last light At Elterwater, a photo by Jason Connolly on Flickr. www.redbubble.com/people/jadon

The best lakes include Bassenthwaite Lake, home to some great fish species and Brotherswater, known for its trout and the great restaurants on its shores. Coniston Water, Buttermere Lake, Derwentwater, Elterwater and Grasmere should not be missed either.

In terms of waterfalls,
look out for Colwith Force, Dalegarth Falls, Air Force in the Ullswater Valley, Fisher Place Gill, Dungeon Ghyll, Galleny Force, Lodore Falsl and Levers Water Falls. Many of these are included in guided tours, but for those who prefer to explore themselves there are local maps available in the local shops.

Brook that does not stop talking, a photo by mendhak on Flickr.

Borrowdale is considered to be the most beautiful part of Cumbria, with its green woodlands, attractive hillsides and old stone walls. There's also the Derwent River below and the region is home to the Great Gable, Scafell Pike and Glaramara. There is also Seathwaite, the wettest place in England!

Windermere town is about a kilometre away from the lake and is a busy, thriving place. It has numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, little bars and guest houses and hotels. It can get very busy, though, in the high season. Boat rides, boating and escorted tours are very popular in the summer.

An adventure playground is a great way for the kids to tire themselves out and let off some steam. At Brockholes visitors can enjoy slides, rope walks, scramble nets, swings and zip wires, before going for a picnic within the thirty acres of garden that run along the lake shore. There's also a covered area in case of rain and a great selection of artworks within the grounds. Guides and instructors are on hand to help visitors.

Keswick Museum And Art Gallery, a photo by Jean. on Flickr.

The Lake District has long inspired creative types and there are galleries galore that exhibit work from local artists. Popular galleries include Gallery 26 at 27 Keswick, the Heaton Cooper Studio at Grasmere and Lowest Court Gallery in Egremont. You could also visit the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal and for some theatre, talks, film and dance, head to the Theatre by the Lake at Keswick for a year-round entertainments schedule.

Brewery Tours are also very popular with visitors and there are a number of them around the Lake District, including the Jennings Brewery Tour in Cockermouth and the Hesket Newmarket Brewery Tour in Hesket Newmarket.

There are many attractions for animal lovers. You could head to Cumbrian Heavy Horses to see these impressive work horses in all their glory. Trotter's World of Animals in Keswick has many exotic species and Eden Ostrich World in Penrith has various rare breed sheep, cattle and pigs, as well as ostriches.

Hesket Newmarket, a photo by moniquz on Flickr.

The Aquarium of the Lakes at Newby Bridge is also well worth a visit. It is a freshwater aquarium at Lake Windermere, with pike, otters, sharks, rays and char. Kids will love spotting the harvest mice and voles at night and there's a great underwater tunnel where you can see diving ducks and parks.

It's also worth checking out the Beacon Museum at Whitehaven and the Conishead Priory, which has great guided tours. There are also eight privately owned historical great houses and stunning gardens to see in Cumbria. Rail enthusiasts will love the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which takes you on an incredibly picturesque journey.

Coniston Coppermines Museum is another favourite, with great recreations of the life 150 years ago of the families who worked and lived around the mines. Carlisle Castle also shouldn't be missed, with its bloody and ancient history associated with the rebellion of the Jacobites, Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment and many bloodthirsty cross-border raid tales.

These are just some of the activities on offer. There's also sailing, water sports, orienteering and high-wire courses, fishing, downhill biking, abseiling, gorge scrambling, kayaking, bird watching, fell running and much more!

December Mist in Explore, a photo by DDA / Deljen Digital Art on Flickr.

This guest post was written by David Wilcox from www.travelsupermarket.com

The Last of the Clacks

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:37:00 +0000

Red Box - Kennet - 0549k, a photo by NH_Snap on Flickr

Yay! After two days of being down due to hosting issues (the internet and I have a love-hate relationship), Picture Britain is back! This is the last post I'll make from the lovely Wee County, Clackmannanshire. I hope that you've enjoyed our rambles so far, and there's plenty more fascinating, beautiful, quirky, amusing and delicious travelling to come!

abstract curves bw, a photo by fifi mac on Flickr.

Ramble On BW, a photo by delphwynd on Flickr.

drains in my street, a photo by fifi mac on Flickr.

Isn't this neat? Street drains in Dollar.

First Snow - 2011 - 03, a photo by delphwynd on Flickr.

Welsh Cockles

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +0000

London and Wales 2010, a photo by ampersandyslexia on Flickr.

In Dublin's fair city,

Where the girls are so pretty,

I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,

As she wheeled her wheel-barrow,

Through streets broad and narrow,

Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

"Molly Malone"

You may have heard this quirky little ditty before, and if you're like me then you probably have a pretty good idea of what mussels are, but cockles? What on earth are they?

The technical definition of "cockle" is a group of "(mostly) small, edible, saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks." More generally, they are delicious little treats that are extremely popular in Wales. I always say that there's nothing like a few rashers of nice, fatty bacon, fried eggs and a side of seaweed and bivalves for breakfast to start the day off right. This is what the Welsh seem to think, anyway, and who am I to disagree?

The traditional Welsh way of preparing cockles is simply to steam them. According to one website, "the Penclawdd cockle is the acknowledged best. All they need is a little white pepper and a good dousing of malt vinegar." Another site hails the cockles' "fresh, briny flavour," which complements the saltiness of bacon and savoriness of laverbread (seaweed). Another way to eat cockles is baked into a pie with bacon and onions and wine and cheese.

So where does one buy these little beauties? Apparently Swansea and Cardiff are the best places, but if you like in the Central United States or rural Brazil
it might be a little difficult to obtain such fresh specimens. If you don't happen to live within driving distance of a Welsh port city, it's possible that you can buy the jarred variety (though salted cockles soaked in vinegar on a supermarket shelf have a distinctly different flavor profile than cockles fresh from the mud of a Welsh beach).

Before embarking on the tempting cockle pie recipe below, you should enjoy this delightful and slightly unintelligible chef who will teach you how to make a simple gratin of cockles and laverbread:

"We're having a lot of trouble with Richard today...." I love this guy!

Brit-Bit: Why say that something "warmed the cockles of my heart"? According to Michael Quinion at World Wide Words, "It may be that the shape of the cockleshell, suggesting the heart as it so obviously does, gave rise to cockles of the heart as an expansion." It may also be a perversion of the Latin cochleae cordis--the ventricles of the heart.

Bonus Brit-Bit: What do mollusks have to do with gardens (as in "Mary, Mary, quite contrary, / How does your garden grow? / With silver bells, and cockle shells, / And pretty maids all in a row")? Well, some say that the whole rhyme is just an elaborate allegory about "Bloody" Mary Tudor, where the "bells", "shells", and "maids" represent instruments of torture!

Have you ever eaten a cockle? Was it a memorable experience?

Welsh Cockle Pie

From the Great British Cookbook, serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

25 Gram Butter (1 oz)
200 Gram Streaky bacon, rinded and chopped (8 oz)
1 Medium Onion, chopped
50 Gram Plain flour (2 oz)
600 ml Milk (1 pint)
900 ml Cooked cockles (1 1/2 pints)
4 Tablespoon Dry white wine
3 Tablespoon Fresh chives, snipped
100 Gram Fresh breadcrumbs (4 oz)
75 Gram Caerphilly cheese, grated (3 oz)

METHOD:

Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the bacon and onion and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
Add the flour and cook for a further minute, stirring. Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the milk. Bring to the boil, stirring continuously, until the sauce, thickens, boils and is smooth. Add the cockles, wine and chives and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Turn the mixture into a flame-proof pie dish. Mix together the breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Sprinkle on top of the mixture.
Cook under a hot grill for 5 minutes, until golden brown.

For those who are less metric-ally inclined and who glazed over at "streaky bacon, rinded and chopped," try this cockle pie recipe.
And if you're interested in steaming fresh cockles, check out this method.

Sources:

www.welshicons.org.uk

uktv.co.uk

www.greatbritishkitchen.co.uk

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-coc2.htm

http://www.rhymes.org.uk/mary_mary_quite_contrary.htm

en.wikipedia.org

Alloa, Clackmannanshire

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:41:00 +0000

Alloa Borealis, a photo by delphwynd on Flickr.

Why is Alloa the administrative center of the Clackmannanshire council, while the town of Clackmannan languishes 2 miles away? Well, it seems that Clackmannan used to be the county town, but no more. Vast reorganization (see my confusing Lieutenancy Area experience) has selected the more populous Alloa as the Wee County's HQ.

Alloa is actually the largest town in the county, and came of age during the Industrial Revolution mainly because of the same Earls of Mar who inhabited Alloa Tower. Trades like coal-mining, weaving, glassmaking, and brewing flourished, and the harbor teemed with life. Can you hear the shouting of the sailors, the slap of fish on the docks, the cries of hungry birds wheeling overhead, the babble of the marketplace and the thumping of looms and children playing in the streets? It must have been a fascinating place to visit in times long past.

A few remnants of that past remain in Alloa's architecture. The Burgh Chambers, the old Church of St Mungo's (does that name remind anyone of a certain fascinating British book series?), Mar Inn, and St Mungo's Parish Church are practically all that is left of that vibrant time. Alloa Tower, Tobias Bauchop's House, Inglewood House, Gean House and Greenfield House are a few other local buildings of interest.

Alloa,s Old Graveyard-Church, a photo by PMacR on Flickr.

sculpture 3, a photo by fifi mac on Flickr.

Alloa has changed a bit over the centuries--today its athletic club is well known, it hosts an annual garden competition, and photographers love Andy Scott's weird and wild sculptures in Station Square and the Shillinghill roundabout.

I'd love to actually go to Alloa so that I could tell all of you about its nooks and crannies, because the information on the internet is scarce to say the least. Maybe this short video tour will give us both a better idea:

Sources:
en.wikipedia.org
www.itraveluk.co.uk

Famous Britons: Robert Burns

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:39:00 +0000

I cannot frame a toast to Burns. I can say nothing worthy of his generous heart and transcending genius. Thinking of what he has said, I can not say anything, which seems worth saying.

-Abraham Lincoln

To tell the whole and honest truth, I don't know much about poets. I enjoy poetry, but I'm ashamed to say that I can't tell my Longfellow from my Wordsworth. Are you like me, or are you a complete lit-nerd who can rattle off sonnets at a moment's notice? Well, no matter how hard it is for some of us to keep our famous poets straight, I think that there's one we can be relied upon to recognize almost every time. Who would write something like this:

"'Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled,

Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,

Welcome to your gory bed,

Or to victory.''

...only Robert "Rabbie" Burns: Scotland's national bard. For those of you who are are entirely clueless, here's a brief biography--the life of a great poet in 186 words.

Burns was born in Ayrshire on January 25, 1759 to a poor Scottish farm family (he is sometimes called the "plowman poet"). Rabbie followed in his father's earthy footsteps, though he expanded his horizons by studying French, Greek, and Latin literature as well as arithmetic and geography. He grew up into quite a wild fellow, known for heavy drinking and heavier flirting; he is famous for fathering 12 children with 4 different women. He was a prolific writer, penning hundreds of songs and poems celebrating Scots and Scottish life (preferring to write in the Scots dialect), as well as transcribing and compiling ancient oral works which might have been lost. Burns was a freedom-loving fellow who supported the French Revolution and cursed slavery and religious hypocrisy. He became famous during his lifetime, but had to earn a living as an Excise Officer. He died of unknown causes at the age of 37, probably helped out of this world by his early labor on the farm, alcoholic lifestyle, rheumatic heart condition, and a tooth extraction. In 2009 he was chosen as the Greatest Scot of all time.

Coal Harbor - Scottish Poet Robert Burns,
a photo by David Paul Ohmer on Flickr.

For those of you with a better working knowledge of this great poet, here are some quirky facts that give a greater depth of insight into his character and legacy than any short bio'Twas even: the dewy fields were green, / On every blade the pearls hang, / The zephyr wanton'd round the bean, / And bore its fragrant sweets alang...." Thus begins "The Lass O' Ballochmyle", a tribute to a lovely lady whom Burns spied along the river bank. It's a beautiful song, but when he sent it to the girl in question she completely ignored it. Later, once Burns had died and left behind an international reputation, Wilhemina Alexander made the most of her short brush with fame, constructing a memorial and proudly displaying a framed copy of the song in her home.

Burns' poem "Comin' Thro' the Rye" may have inspired J.D. Salinger's famous novel, Catcher in the Rye. "If a body catch a body coming through the rye...."
Rabbie was hailed by the Soviet Union as "the people's poet", and was honored by having his works taught in government schools and by getting his face on a postage stamp.
Surely you've heard that time-worn saying, "the best-laid schemes of mice and men," and maybe you even knew that Robert Burns wrote it, but can you complete the phrase? It continues, "gang aft agley" (or, "go often askew"). This is from the poem "To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough."
Burns has officially entered the modern era: you can now download the Robert Burns App free from iTunes to access the poet's complete works as well as a helpful glossary.

Hopefully you've now learned something that you didn't know before about one of the greatest poets in the English (Scots?) language! So, how are you going to celebrate his birthday? Having a Burns Night Supper? Getting teary-eyed over "Scotland the Brave"? Indulging in a bit of whisky?

Sources:
sites.ecosse.net
www.birdsontheblog.co.uk
www.metro.co.uk
john-griffin.suite101.com
www.online-literature.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.poemhunter.com
Portrait by Alexander Nasmyth (Scottish National Portrait Gallery [1]) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Two Towers

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:30:00 +0000

The Clackmannanshire Tower Trail is a grueling but fascinating climb through history, linking together four towers and a manor house which once formed a line of fortifications stretching across the county. I’ll highlight two of these towers for you—information, beautiful photos and all—to give you a taste of what this little excursion has to offer.

Alloa Tower, a photo by lost penguin on Flickr.

Alloa Tower

This is said to be "the largest, oldest keep in Scotland," and has survived the centuries remarkably intact; you can still see the medieval oak-beamed roof, the original pit dungeon, groin vaulting, and an internal well. It is the ancestral home of the Erskines, Earls of Mar, who were instrumental in the courts of the Stuart kings and queens. This prestigious family acted as guardians and caretakers of several young monarchs: Mary, Queen of Scots, and Jameses VI and I.

Tower Doorway, a photo by lost penguin on Flickr.

For the home of a family which was so embroiled in politics and even rebellion, I find it amazing that Alloa Tower was not razed to the ground more than once. The accompanying mansion house actually was burned down in 1800, but supposedly "the townsfolk of Alloa saved the tower by building a barricade with turf from the lawn." Those humble villagers probably preserved one of the loveliest, oldest interiors in Scotland, which after many changes over the years was restored to look the way it might have in 1712. Today you can tour the Alloa Tower and appreciate all its medieval elements for yourself, as well as learn a fair amount of history from the portraits of generations of Erskines which adorn the walls.

Doorway, a photo by lost penguin on Flickr.

Clackmannan Tower

From Alloa Tower we will follow Engelen Drive, turn left, meander through the woods, go up Kirk Wynd to The Cross, and go up the High Street hill until we reach our destination: Clackmannan Tower. Rarely open to visitors, this tower house is perched on the summit of a long ridge which runs over the forgotten little town of Clackmannan, and looks as if it’s still trying to look the part of the local castle.

I’ve done a little research on this tower’s origins and it seems as though there’s some mystery concerning the relation of its first owner, Robert Bruce (not the Bruce), to the monarch who granted the property to him, King David II. A couple websites call the king Bruce’s “kinsman” or “relative”, another says “cousin”, and then another comes out and says “illegitimate son”! It’s hard to tell who to trust, but the base fact seems to be that David and Robert were close enough for the former to grant land to the latter in 1360. The tower that stands today was an expansion of a comparatively short 14^th century tower, and today it boasts five storeys of unyielding golden stone, crenellated parapets, and holes for dumping deterrents on the heads of invading armies (or snooping tourists). It is in the guardianship of Historic Scotland, which is working to restore the structure after mining subsistence compromised it back in the 1940s. While you might not be able to go inside right now, you can still marvel at the imposing exterior: mysterious, ancient, a remnant of times long past.

Clackmannan Tower, a photo by xxxrmt on Flickr.

Sources:

www.clacksweb.org.uk/visiting/alloatower/
www.clacksweb.org.uk/visiting/clackmannantower/
www.nts.org.uk
www.rampantscotland.com
walking.visitscotland.com
www.clackmannantower.co.uk
en.wikipedia.org
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk

Easy Burns Night Supper Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:16:00 +0000

Haggis, Neeps And Tatties, a photo by RyanStevenson on Flickr.

Burns Night is a great reason to get yer kilt on! It's a traditional meal that is held in honor of Scotland's dearest poet: Robert Burns. Burns Night 2012 is on Wednesday, January 25 (the famous poet's birthday), and it's the perfect time to get out that can of haggis and indulge in a bit of merriment!

If you're at all like me, you don't have time to create an elaborate, six-course meal for twenty guests. But that doesn't mean that you can't celebrate Burns Night in style! Here are a few easy dishes that should make the greatest Scottish supper ever. But before you get out the pots and pans, you should know that there is a rather strict protocol that a Burns Supper should follow. Here is a guide for hosting an authentic Scottish party.

Pipe in the Guests. If you don't happen to have bagpipes on hand, play some traditional Scottish tunes. Here's a site that offers free Scottish music downloads. (I haven't tried it out, so use your own discretion!)
After welcoming your guests (or telling your spouse to come in through the front door), it's time for a welcome speech. This should be given by you, the host. Long or short, it should officially begin the good times!
Say the "Selkirk Grace" (it's attributed to Robbie Burns, but actually predates him by quite a bit) and don't fret about your accent:

Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

And sae let the Lord be thankit.

Stand to attention for the entrance of the haggis. This is a very solemn and poignant moment--who knows if you'll survive the meal? Recipe the "Address to a Haggis" (find the words here), or play the video below. Be sure to cut into the haggis (beware the geyser of hot entrails!) just when you hear the line "His knife see Rustic-labour dight."

After you're full to bursting on delicious food, it's time for entertainment! Break the ice with some fun trivia questions, or some singing. Then launch into the "immortal memory", a recitation of the life and accomplishments of Robert Burns. Make it funny or solemn--your choice.
Now it's time for the toast to the lassies. This is where men get a chance to praise women and generally expound on their feelings toward the sex in general. Don't get too carried away, though, the lassies get to reply with a toast of their own afterwards!
Close your little party with some poetic excerpts. You can find a collection of Burns' poetry here: www.robertburns.org.

Here is a menu for a traditional but easily-managed Burns Night Supper. Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon Chowder, a photo by foodfreak.de on Flickr

GoodFood's Smoked Salmon Chowder

INGREDIENTS:

a knob of butter
1 onion , finely diced
750g potatoes , diced
500ml chicken stock
500ml milk
350g smoked salmon , cut into ribbons
a handful of parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 lemon , halved

METHOD:

Fry the onion gently in the butter, then add the potatoes, stock and milk and simmer until the potatoes are very tender.
Add the smoked salmon and parsley and season well.
Heat everything through and add a squeeze of lemon.

It is not easy to make your own haggis, which is why I would suggest purchasing it at your local British food market (you do have one, right?), ordering it online, or fudging it with this easy haggis recipe. If you really, really want to do it the old fashioned way (or just want to get the dope on Scotland's dirty little secret), check out my post on haggis. Whatever you do, serve it with this easy whisky sauce!

You have to serve neeps n' tatties with haggis. You could make them separately, but it's easier together.

GoodFood's Neeps & Tatties

INGREDIENTS:

8 large baking potatoes , washed, peel left on and cut into 2cm x 4cm chunks
6 tbsp light olive oil or sunflower
1 swede (turnip) weighing about 675g/11⁄2lb, peeled and roughly chopped
50g butter , plus extra for serving

METHOD:

The day before you want to serve, preheat the oven to fan oven 200C/conventional 220C/gas 7. Put the potatoes into a pan of lightly salted water, return to the boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes, put them back into the pan and place it back on the heat for a couple of minutes to dry out.
Meanwhile, pour the oil into a large roasting tin (you may have to use two) and heat it in the oven until smoking hot. Now stir the potatoes into the hot oil and return to the oven to roast, turning occasionally, for 55 minutes.
Cook the swede in boiling salted water for 50-55 minutes, or until very soft. Drain and add to the roasted potatoes. Roughly mash everything together, keeping quite chunky, then cool, cover and keep in a cool place.
To serve, preheat the oven to fan 180C/conventional 200C/gas 6. Uncover the potatoes and swede, dot with the butter and put in the oven to reheat for 25-30 minutes, stirring now and again until piping hot. Serve with lots of butter.

Finish off your night of revelry with some delicious Scottish shortbread and raspberry cranachan!

Tim Pope's Raspberry Cranachan

Cranachan, a photo by T'iM on Flickr.

INGREDIENTS:

Raspberries
Double cream
Whiskey
Honey or agave syrup
Oats
Demerara sugar

METHOD:

Heat the oats and the sugar in a pan until toasted then set aside.
Whip the cream and add the whiskey and honey/syrup to taste. I like it with quite a whiskey taste but not too sweet.
Fold in 2/3 of your raspberries, save some good ones for the topping.
Put the remaining raspberries in the bottom of your glass with a little more whiskey, then fill the glass with the cream mixture.
Top with your remaining raspberries, then sprinkle over the toasted sugared oats to finish.

Sources:
en.wikipedia.org
www.bbc.co.uk
www.bbcgoodfood.com

A Little Bit of Amazing

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Alien Ship Over Alloa Docks, a photo by PMacR on Flickr.

This photo from the town of Alloa in Clackmannanshire is almost enough to take my breath away. When was the last time that you were truly amazed at something? Was it too long ago?

A Little Bit of Serenity

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Lonley Reflection, a photo by PMacR on Flickr.

In case you haven't noticed, my posting schedule has been a bit sporadic lately (one of the top no-no's in blogging!). That would be because I'm spending an inordinate amount of time with my nose in college textbooks, studying such fascinating subjects as ancient Egyptian literature and the ins-and-outs of artistic photography. Fascinating subjects, yes, but sometimes I'd rather be writing about Clackmannanshire :) In this busy, hectic, pressured week, what I think I need is just a little bit of serenity. How about you?

The Hillfoot Villages of Clackmannanshire

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:27:00 +0000

Dollar Post Office, a photo by B4bees on Flickr.

maps.google.com

The six villages clustered at the foot of the magnificent Ochil Hills are known as "The Hillfoots" (creative, I know). They are tiny, but colorful, each with their own proud legacies, and unique flavor, strung along the A91. As virtual travelers you and I can explore each of their quirky personalities! Enjoy the photos--look closely and try to discover the details. Imagine how it would feel to climb at 2,000 foot peak, or hear the splashing of a beautiful waterfall in a lonely glen, and maybe even dare yourself to go here in person.

I know that this blog helps fan the flames of my love for Britain, and it challenges me to learn more (so that I can share it with you!). But why do you read about Britain? Is it to inform, inspire, or just waste time? When you see these pictures, does it remind you of good times or make you want to make some good times?

Blairlogie

This village is actually located in the Stirling and Falkirk district, so I won't be covering it here (I will give you this little tidbit: Kenny Logan used to live in Blairlogie and still has family in the area). Check out the virtual tour here: www.streetviewandmaps.com

Golden Harvest,Menstrie, a photo by PMacR on Flickr.

Menstrie
Only five miles from the metropolis of Stirling, Menstrie has a bus service and easy access to the highway. The sharp hills to the south are the result of the shifting Ochil Fault, which once was so violent and now is almost perfectly still. Little Menstrie does have it's own "castle", which is really a three-story house that offers self-catering accommodations (complete with DVD player in the lounge).

Alva Glen, a photo by Andycabb on Flickr.

Alva
Where else can you see the last highland games in Clackmannanshire, visit the site of a haunted weaving shed (can't you hear the ghost-looms?), and pay to have a drink of Old Engine Oil? Only in Alva. The renowned beauty of Alva Glen is located just north of town, featuring spectacular scenery, and this cozy village of 4,960 would be more than happy to welcome a weary walker (check out the beautiful Broomhall Castle hotel's website for their nightly rates).

Sun On The Hillside, a photo by doomsdaydignan on Flickr

Tillicoultry

A Highlandman led his herd of cattle along the road one day when they came upon Tillicoultry Burn (then unnamed). Strangely, the cattle refused to drink, the man exclaimed, "There's Tiel a coo try" (a phrase I am still baffled by), and the name stuck. Or so the story goes.... The locals are obviously very proud of little Tillicoultry's rich history, which has evolved from the efforts of hardy coal miners and textile workers to the ecology and tourist boards of the modern era.

Dollar railway line , a photo by fifi mac on Flickr.

Dollar
The small town of Dollar is by far the most popular of the Hillfoots, if the proliferation of websites is anything to judge by. This may be due to Dollar Academy, which has the impressive distinction of being the oldest co-educational boarding school in the world. The self-made millionaire Captain John McNabb was responsible for endowing the academy in the early 19th century, and it seems to have been a good investment since Dollar is the best-performing school in Scotland.

Dollar is not without some other distinctions, including a battle which involved the death of the first Norse king of Dublin, a visit from the immortal Robert Burns, and the residency of famous Esperantist William Auld.

Mona's of Muchart, a photo by B4bees on Flickr.

Muckhart
The last stop on our little jaunt is Muckhart, which used to be a parish comprised of Pool of Muckhart, Yetts o' Muckhart, and Lees of Muckhart (the latter has been reduced to a single farm). This area is also home to the quaint little coffee shop called Mona's of Muckhart ("Clackmannanshire's best kept secret"), which specializes in home-baked goodies and hot dishes. There is also a war memorial here in Muckhart, as there is in many a small Scottish town, which will not let us forget the suffering and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have fought for freedom through the ages.

Sources:
www.tillicoultry.org.uk
www.itraveluk.co.uk
en.wikipedia.org

Marriage and Status in Jane Austen's "Emma"

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Emma av Jane Austen, a photo by cwasteson on Flickr.

One of Jane Austen's most popular novels is Emma, the story of a matchmaker who doesn't know her own heart. Frequently inspiring modern sequels and spinoffs, film adaptations, and scholarly interpretations, this is a novel whose popularity is not going to drop off any time soon! It has an almost modern feel to it--despite frequent references to such antiquated subjects as class, birth, and marriage for money--with a title character who charms us with her flaws and invites us to identify with her. I am actually fortunate enough to be taking a college course on Jane Austen, and I wrote a paper on the three central marriages of Emma as one of my assignments. Feel free to grab a cup of tea and snuggle into the nearest nook while you read on :)

Three Romances: Marriage and Status in Jane Austen’s Emma

“Follow your heart and your dreams will come true” could be taken as the watchword of the ideal modern American romance, in which affairs of the heart may be slightly influenced by such tedious issues as money and family background, but true love triumphs in the end. This has not always been the utopian model, however; earlier periods observed a very different set of standards. In the novel Emma, Jane Austen writes about romance in Regency Era England, where the plot swirls around the secrets, joys, and follies of three central couples. Austen highlights a clear connection between marriage and status—marriage is more than the fulfillment of true love; it is a ritual governed by a set of proprieties, and a tool to be used for one’s advantage. On a first reading it might seem that Emma’s world is wholly materialistic, obsessed with wealth, reputation, and heritage to the exclusion of true love and common sense. But there is more to be discovered. We must examine each of these three couples to see if true love really does “conquer all”, even when so much is determined by social standing.

The first couple is Robert Martin and Harriet Smith. They are the lowest class characters in Emma, with no wealth or honorable background to grant them respectability. Mr. Martin is a knowledgeable tenant farmer with aims to move up in the world, and Harriet Smith is the educated but illegitimate daughter of a tradesman. Robert and Harriet develop a shy attachment, but before it can blossom into love it is hindered by the novel’s heroine, a rich gentlewoman named Emma Woodhouse, who takes Harriet under her wing to teach her social graces. Emma considers Mr. Martin to be “illiterate and vulgar,” and encourages her young friend to aim at a loftier match, with disastrous consequences (Austen 47). This brings us to one of the difficulties that low-status people of Austen’s era had to contend with: submission to their social betters. The weak-willed Harriet is more than happy to defer to her “superior” friend’s advice, while Mr. Martin seeks Mr. Knightley’s approbation before proposing to the woman he loves. They must both be careful to not look too high above their station, finding happiness within the confines of their rank. And they do find happiness in the end— “Harriet had always liked Robert Martin…his continuing to love her had been irresistible,” and notwithstanding the meddling of a certain gentlewoman they are at last engaged (Austen 394).

Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax are in the uncomfortable position of loving outside their rank. The attractive Mr. Churchill has been raised by his rich aunt and uncle, indulged, and given every privilege. Jane is a poor orphan who has been raised by generous friends, destined to spend the rest of her life laboring as a governess unless she is rescued by an advantageous marriage. This unlikely couple falls very deeply in love, but the obstacles in their way seem insurmountable. Frank’s capricious aunt would never consent to his marriage with a penniless woman of such low birth, so they must resort to a secret engagement which results in much pain to both. Regency society could make marriage between the classes extremely difficult (Mr. Churchill’s own parents’ marriage “was an unsuitable connection, and did not produce much happiness” [Austen 15].). At the end of Emma, Frank and Jane have brought their romance into the open (thanks to the fortuitous decease of the aunt) and have a full future ahead of them, but it is not without some scars from past indiscretions.

At the pinnacle of society stand George Knightley and Emma Woodhouse, lifelong friends and well-suited to one another. They were both born into well-respected families of sizeable wealth, and in the beginning neither shows much inclination to marry. Mr. Knightley is in his mid-thirties and has never been paired with anyone, and Emma sees marriage as a way to get what she has no need of, “Fortune I do not want; employment I do not want; consequence I do not want. I believe few married women are half as much mistress of their husband's house as I am of Hartfield…” (Austen 73). The idleness of fortune might be considered an obstacle to romance, as it leads Emma to dabble in other peoples’ hearts until she hardly knows her own. But this blindness does not last, and by the last chapters Emma and Mr. Knightley are in love with each other, with the complication of believing that the other person is in love with somebody else. Their difficulties are largely internal rather than external, however, and it only takes an expression of love from Mr. Knightley to end all confusion and join them at last.

By writing about three couples from widely different strata of society, Austen shows us the result of hearts finding happiness in a variety of ways. Each of the six people discussed above finally found true love, though their searches were complicated by considerations that might seem archaic. But are their stories so different from the ones we live out today? Perhaps rank, fortune, and family connections are no longer the usual conversation on a first date, but these things have to be taken into consideration just as much in the 21st century as they were in the 19th. A match in which the couple is unequal in intelligence, cultural background, finances, etc. holds many potential pitfalls, and the incidents in Emma are a word to the wise. Still, Austen leaves us with a significant point: despite meddling interference, incongruous circumstances, and the confusion of not knowing their own hearts, all six characters have their dreams of love come true. The author seems to echo Shakespeare’s sentiments, “Let me not to the marriage of true minds / Admit impediments. Love… / is an ever-fixed mark, / That looks on tempests and is never shaken…” (Shakespeare 60).

Works Cited

Austen, Jane. Emma. London: Penguin, 1996. Print.

Shakespeare, William. The Sonnets. Ed. Stephen Orgel. New York: Penguin, 2001. Print. The Pelican Shakespeare.

Eight Reasons to Look Aboot Ye!

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Clackmannan Tower, a photo by xxxrmt on Flickr.

1. Why is the motto of Clackmannanshire "Look aboot ye"? The story goes that when Robert the Bruce was visiting the area (Clackmanan Tower was once the property of the Bruce family) he lost a glove while out hunting. It is not clear whether this strange motto was said by the king or to the king, but one story goes that, not one to let a good glove go to waste, he sent one of the party back for it saying, "Look aboot ye." The other story is that the king asked where his glove had gone and some witty person replied, "Look aboot ye." Whatever the true tale, this phrase now makes a tidy slogan to bring in tourists.

River Devon, a photo by B4bees on Flickr.

2. "How pleasant the banks of the clear winding Devon, / With green spreading bushes and flow'rs blooming fair! / But the boniest flow'r on the banks of the Devon / Was once a sweet bud on the braes of the Ayr." Scotland's own poet, "Rabbie Burns", wrote these words after a visit to the wee county. Read the full song here.

3. In 1563 Mary, Queen of Scots attended a wedding at Castle Campbell in Dollar Glen. And the truly amazing part? We're still talking about it in 2012.

Double rainbow, a photo by delphwynd on Flickr.

4. The town of Alloa was once a famous brewing center, home to at least nine breweries which brewed all manner of ales and "Graham's Golden Lager". Today only one brewery remains, Williams Brothers.

Sopwith Camel (Replica), a photo by Armchair Aviator on Flickr.

7. Do you have fond memories of Snoopy hunting downt he Red Baron in his trust Sopwith Camel? During WWI there was an aircraft factory near Alloa Harbour that built real Sopwith Camels, and during WWII a local engineering company made parts for planes and submarines.

Heather Ale, a photo by Dick Edie on Flickr.

8. If you're in this part of the world long enough you'll probably hear about Fraoch Heather Ale. It is produced in Alloa by the aforesaid Williams Brothers and it is unique in that it is brewed, not with hops, but with heather flowers. This is a prehistoric recipe, a tradition handed down for hundreds of generations, and is probably the oldest style of ale in the world that can still be purchased at random Whole Foods stores. Read a detailed appearance/smell/taste/mouthfeel report here, buy your own, or--if you've got some heather tips and Irish moss on hand--make your own!

Sources:
www.stforum.co.uk
www.clackmannantower.co.uk
en.wikipedia.org

Heavenly, Gooey, Crusty, Saucy, Brit-tastic, Chocolate Pudding

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:48:00 +0000

Nigel's Hot Chocolate Pudding, a photo by Le Petrin on Flickr.

I defy anyone--even you who have suffered the overindulgence of the recent holidays--to not look at that photograph and drool all over yourself.

That, my fellow Britophiles, is a chocolate pudding--a hot chocolate pudding, to be exact--and it's got your name on it. The ingredient list is oh, so short, and the directions are simple. Just melt, beat, stir, fold, and bake! It comes from Nigel Slater, "a cook who writes." Born in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, he has an illustrious career as a food writer, journalist, and broadcaster. He has written The Observer's food column for 18 years, has his own show on BBC1, and is the author of 7 books on cookery (he's even had a film, Toast, made about his childhood, starring Helena Bonham Carter and Freddie Highmore!). All in all, he is definitely overqualified for designing one of the greatest desserts you'll ever sink your spoon into.

But first, did you know that the world's most expensive dessert is a chocolate pudding?

A little note: Doesn't it seem a little odd that when so much of the world is starving, we're trying to break a record with a $35,000 dessert?

Back to something more affordable: chocolate pudding minus the caviar. Nigel's recipe is a bit different from the "traditional" British pudding. It involves no flour and is baked instead of steamed. The result is a treat that is fluffy on the outside and molten within! This recipe will serve you and three of your favorite people.

INGREDIENTS:

dark, fine quality chocolate - 200g
butter - 60g
caster sugar 100g
eggs - 3
chocolate hazelnut spread (The Britophile's Note: Nutella is absolutely to die for!) - 2 lightly heaped tablespoons

METHOD:

Set the oven at 200˚c/Gas 6. Lightly butter 4 small ramekins or ovenproof cups.
Break the chocolate into rough pieces and leave to melt in a basin suspended over gently simmering water. Let it melt without stirring, occasionally poking any unmelted chocolate down into the liquid chocolate.
Put the sugar into the bowl of the food mixer, separate the eggs and add the yolks to the sugar. Beat till thick and creamy. Whisk the egg whites till airy and almost stiff.
Stir the butter into the chocolate and leave to melt then gently stir in the chocolate hazelnut spread. Fold the chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar then carefully fold in the beaten egg whites with a metal spoon. Take care not to over mix. Just firmly, calmly mix the egg white into the chocolate making certain there are no floating drifts of egg white.
Scoop into the four buttered dishes and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes till risen. The tops should be cracked and the centres still slightly wobbly.

Sources:

en.wikipedia.org

www.nigelslater.com

Bits of Clacks

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Photo Credits:

Tree Line Hilton Farm, a photo by PMacR on Flickr.

Old Iron Bridge, a photo by delphwynd on Flickr.

Air Spirit 3, a photo by z000p on Flickr.

Arched window, a photo by delphwynd on Flickr.

Hold on to your roots , a photo by sarniebill1 on Flickr.

Ground Light Woods, a photo by PMacR on Flickr.

Architectural Sorcery

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:01:00 +0000

Britain's hugely popular newspaper, The Guardian, polled its readers to discover what they considered to be Britain's best buildings. The result was that the list of fantastic structures ranging from

De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, to the Eden Project in Cornwall, to Sir John Soane's Museum, London, was joined by Durham Cathedral, the magnificent 11th century sanctuary of history and worship. The Guardian proceeded to produce this fascinating and beautiful video about some of Durham's "stories". Enjoy!

Castle Gloom a.k.a. Castle Campbell

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:52:00 +0000

Castle Campbell (Dollar Glen), a photo by David C Laurie on Flickr

The photo above might give you the idea that what was once called "Castle Gloom" (surrounded on three sides by steep ravines, the Burn of Care, and the Burn of Sorrow) is something out of a cheesy horror flick. Actually, the castle's name was probably derived from the Gaelic word glom, meaning "chasm". A less romantic explanation, perhaps, but at least you don't have to worry about vengeful ghosts upstairs, or mad scientists lurking in the basement.

Castle Campbell (14), a photo by David C Laurie on Flickr

The view, visitors say, is fantastic, to die for, unforgettable. This 15th century tower house was constructed on an imposing pinnacle of rock, and was known by its unattractive name until Lord Campbell saw fit to change it in 1489. The removed position of the castle was probably what saved it from destruction when the Marquis of Montrose attacked on behalf of King Charles I. It wasn't enough to keep it safe forever, though, and when the Campbells opposed the mighty Cromwell their home was destroyed.

Castle Campbell 12 of 21, a photo by xxxrmt on Flickr.

Much of the castle still survives however: four storeys of stone polished by the winds and waters of time, green swards, and little bronze ferns peeking out of the ruins. This is not a tourist trap, it takes a little effort to reach it. One visitor described the approach this way, "After a hair-raising drive up a steep, narrow entrance road, you are faced with another 500 metre walk up yet another hill to the entrance to the castle and it's grounds. You'll be fair pechtin' by the time you reach the top, however the effort is well rewarded with the stunning scenery and friendly welcome from the kindly gentleman who looks after the grounds."

Though frequently undergoing various repairs, Castle Campbell is a sight you don't want to miss. Huff and puff up the hills, visit the little gardens, scrutinize the grotesque 'green man' ceiling carvings, and stand on John Knox's pulpit (it is speculated by some that the famous Protestant reformer once gave a sermon atop this rocky knoll).

Castle Campbell, a photo by xxxrmt on Flickr.

A spot of architectural and historical interest, Castle Campbell is also a great photo-op for dogs and cute little girls :)

Castle Campbell 19 of 21, a photo by xxxrmt on Flickr

Isla at Castle Campbell, Dollar Glen, a photo by pipsroadster on Flickr.

Castle Campbell,Dollar x35 ZooM, a photo by PMacR on Flickr.

Sources:

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

www.rampantscotland.com

en.wikipedia.org

www.historyextra.com

Happy Hogmanay! Er, What is Hogmanay?

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:23:00 +0000

Fireworks over Edinburgh, a photo by robbie_shade on Flickr.

It's the annual Scottish hog-eating championship, right? Umm, no, that would be wrong. Hogmanay (or Hoghmanay, or Hagmanae, or Hagmonay, or Hagmonick, or Hanginay, or Hangmanay, or Hogernoany, or Hogminay, or Hogmenay, or Hogmynae, or Hoguemennay, or Huggeranogni, or Huigmanay, depending on where you're from), is the Scots word for the last day of the year, and Hogmanay (Hoghmanay, etc.) celebrations are actually bigger than Christmas in Scotland!

Scottish New Year's Eve celebrations are probably as old as the Norsemen who once trudged the heathery Highlands, and are as much beloved by modern Scots as by their ancestors. Many ancient superstitions have produced quirky--even ludicrous--rituals, which men and women and children still practice today.

Hogmanay is an incredibly individualistic holiday, with each city and village having their own treasured traditions. Here are some tips for celebrating your New Year's Eve with a touch of Scottish flavor:

Give cakes to tall, dark, and handsome strangers. But watch out for the redheads. (Read all about "first footing" and get a recipe for a rich and fruity Black Bun here.)
Join revelers in Dundee by decorating herrings to bring to your neighbors.
Clean house! Pay special attention to your fireplace, and when you've scooped out all the ashes look them over carefully for prophesies of the year to come....
Bless your house and livestock by sprinkling water everywhere, fumigating with burning juniper branches, and opening all of your windows. Once you've finished coughing and gasping and shivering, take a swig or two of whisky.
Make your own swinging fireballs like they do in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire! Just make a cage out of chicken wire--about 2 feet in diameter--and stuff it with some flammables (paper, rags, etc.). Attach a three foot chain and go through the city streets at midnight, swinging it around your head. Throw your ball into the nearest harbor at the end of the ceremony. Doesn't that sound like fun?
Drink plenty of whisky. And then, if you're really in the Hogmanay spirit, you'll make a New Year's Resolution and say, "Ne'er again!"

Near the bottom of Calton Hill, a photo by photojenni on Flickr.

Create your own torchlight procession, like those in Falkland and Fife.
You can't have a Scottish celebration without lots of Scottish food. Excite your palate with such delicacies as haggis, venison pie, a Scots crumpet or two, rumbledethumps, shortbread (served with cheese), girdle scones; finish off with Drambuie ice cream and a cloutie/clootie dumpling.
And of course, you can't forget to wrap it all up with a jolly rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Robert Burns is responsible for the lyrics that we all know and love, but according to him it was, "an old song, of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript until I took it down from an old man." It was collected by him, then set to the tune of a traditional folk song. "Auld Lang Syne" may be translated "Old Long Since", or "Long, Long Ago", "Days Gone By", or "Old Times".

my lunch, a photo by The hills are alive on Flickr.

Sources:

www.visitscotland.com

en.wikipedia.org

Happy Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Abby Rogers) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Santa's lil helper..:O), a photo by law_keven on Flickr.

Happy Christmas, Britophiles!

May your day

be merry and bright :)