The 64th Annual Military Tattoo – Edinburgh, Scotland
Each year, the Military tattoo requires
35 miles of cabling to hold a successful event. That is the same distance
between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The first military tattoo was held in 1950 with
only eight performances scheduled on the program. Today, 217,000 people attend
the event through the month of August, and over 100 million people watch the
event via television each year. The event is televised throughout the world and
70 percent of the audience is from other countries.
Last year was the fifteenth year that the event sold out, profiting the box office 8.7 million pounds in 2013. The current amphitheater that holds the tattoo, held its first event in 2011. This structure replaced the original 37-year-old building that was in its place. Prior to the start of each event, each country present at the event is recognized and 46 different countries from across the continents have been represented in their performances thought the years. Not one performance has ever been cancelled. Some of the different groups that perform include, of course, the Scottish military as well as other qualified military groups that have supported Scotland and its growth through the decades. However, the first international military band to participate was the Royal Netherland Grenadiers. The annual performances are now held for charitable purposes, donating over 8 million pounds a year to worthy charities. This year’s performances included bands from South Africa, Western and Central Europe, and several different groups from the Scottish military such as, the Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. Performances vary from dance and music to percussion displays. The event symbolizes “Scotland’s love of their home, friends, and family” according to Marine Rob McAdams of the Scotland Marines, “It is such an honor to be accepted to perform in the Tattoo,” he stated. Next year’s event is expected to have 220,000 people attend the event while auditions for the performers are already taking place. Tara The Journey Ahead |
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Rob Harrewijn is a 26-year-old, “Defensie” of the Royal Netherlands Army, Koninklijke Landmacht. After joining the army in 2008 he has had the pleasure of traveling to many beautiful places throughout the world. He has traveled as far at the Western hemisphere and he has stayed as close to home as the United Kingdom. He and his friend Lawrence recently completed a back packing trip throughout the United Kingdom and also through Liverpool. During their weeks abroad Rob shared some of his highlights and spent most of his time talking about how Scotland is the “hidden gem” for travelers.
Harrewijn spent four days in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. “I really like Scotland. Especially Glasgow. I enjoy the people and how friendly they are,” stated Harrewijn. He says that he meets new people every time he travels and he enjoys keeping in contact with them even after he has returned home. “I have friends all over the world,” he says. Every time he travels somewhere new he is housed by someone that he has met before. “It saves on the travel expenses.” Scotland is his favorite because of the nightlife. “I am so busy with being in the army that I don’t have much of a social life when I am at home. Traveling is the time where I get to meet new people and make new friends.” He says that the Glasgow nightlife is his favorite because it is a great mixture of people from college students to people closer to his age.
“I have been to Glasgow four times. Something keeps bringing me back. It must be the people because the scenery isn’t much different from home.” Harrewijn takes two or three trips every year and he has been to over 20 countries. Every time he visits Scotland he has a greater appreciation for their heritage and their culture. He has also been to Edinburgh to see the Military Tattoo for the past three years. February of 2015 he will be taking his first trip to Aruba, which is a part of the Netherlands, but he plans on visiting Scotland again.
Tara
Harrewijn spent four days in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. “I really like Scotland. Especially Glasgow. I enjoy the people and how friendly they are,” stated Harrewijn. He says that he meets new people every time he travels and he enjoys keeping in contact with them even after he has returned home. “I have friends all over the world,” he says. Every time he travels somewhere new he is housed by someone that he has met before. “It saves on the travel expenses.” Scotland is his favorite because of the nightlife. “I am so busy with being in the army that I don’t have much of a social life when I am at home. Traveling is the time where I get to meet new people and make new friends.” He says that the Glasgow nightlife is his favorite because it is a great mixture of people from college students to people closer to his age.
“I have been to Glasgow four times. Something keeps bringing me back. It must be the people because the scenery isn’t much different from home.” Harrewijn takes two or three trips every year and he has been to over 20 countries. Every time he visits Scotland he has a greater appreciation for their heritage and their culture. He has also been to Edinburgh to see the Military Tattoo for the past three years. February of 2015 he will be taking his first trip to Aruba, which is a part of the Netherlands, but he plans on visiting Scotland again.
Tara
The Village of Kildonan
The Isle of Arran is consisted of five main villages. There is a village on the southern coast of the isle called Kildonan that was established in the early 1500’s. People from all areas of the isle come to this village for different reasons but one being the scenery.
The beach stretches a few miles north and there is one hotel that is available for travelers, Kildonan Hotel. This village is a small thriving community where visitors can come to relax, walk along the beach, or even visit the restaurants nearby. For visitors like as May and her dog Dougal, they come to enjoy the weather on nice days. “This is such a great spot for families, even those with young ones. My granddaughter still talks about when I would bring her here as a child, as she is not studying at the University of Edinburgh. There are many memories here for my family,” stated May. May and Dougal can be found walking the stretch of the beach that is sandy for most of the beaches on the Isle of Arran are rocky. There is a portion of the beach that leads up to the tops of rocky settlement that stands over 10 feet tall. This structure sits up high enough that the entire village is nearly visible. It also gives a good view of Ailsa Craig in the distance.
On nice days families may take small boats out onto the water and some people may be seen fishing in the shallow parts of the water. Off the cost of the shore there is the Pladda lighthouse that is most visible as the sun begins to set. Last year Kildonan was featured on Undiscovered Scotland for the village’s rare sandy beach and for its view of Ailsa Craig.
The remains of the Kildonan Castle can also be found in the village that dates back to the 13th century. At one point in time is was considered to be a main castle of the isle along with Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle. But Kildonan Castle is now only a shadow of what it once was. These three castles were once known for guarding the Isle of Arran. Today, Kildonan is home to 700 people.
Tara
The beach stretches a few miles north and there is one hotel that is available for travelers, Kildonan Hotel. This village is a small thriving community where visitors can come to relax, walk along the beach, or even visit the restaurants nearby. For visitors like as May and her dog Dougal, they come to enjoy the weather on nice days. “This is such a great spot for families, even those with young ones. My granddaughter still talks about when I would bring her here as a child, as she is not studying at the University of Edinburgh. There are many memories here for my family,” stated May. May and Dougal can be found walking the stretch of the beach that is sandy for most of the beaches on the Isle of Arran are rocky. There is a portion of the beach that leads up to the tops of rocky settlement that stands over 10 feet tall. This structure sits up high enough that the entire village is nearly visible. It also gives a good view of Ailsa Craig in the distance.
On nice days families may take small boats out onto the water and some people may be seen fishing in the shallow parts of the water. Off the cost of the shore there is the Pladda lighthouse that is most visible as the sun begins to set. Last year Kildonan was featured on Undiscovered Scotland for the village’s rare sandy beach and for its view of Ailsa Craig.
The remains of the Kildonan Castle can also be found in the village that dates back to the 13th century. At one point in time is was considered to be a main castle of the isle along with Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle. But Kildonan Castle is now only a shadow of what it once was. These three castles were once known for guarding the Isle of Arran. Today, Kildonan is home to 700 people.
Tara
Exhibit Photos
Tara
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
By: Emily Weaver
Heaven on Earth
By: Erin Shildmyer
There are very few things in life that truly take your breath away. Kildodan Beach on the southern end of the Isle of Arran is one of those things.
Driving around the Isle of Arran there are many gorgeous beaches and views. What makes Kildonan stand apart is that as you are driving you cannot see the beach. All that you can see, while looking out to the ocean, is rocks and water.
Once we had parked, we approached a small beach in front of us with a wall of large rocks to our right. There were steps carved into these rocks so I decided to climb. It was at the top of the wall that my breath was completely taken away. It was like a whole world was opened up to me. I literally had to stop for a moment and just take it all in. The views and the sounds felt that they were straight out of a movie.
In the horizon, you can see two small islands, Pladda and Ailsa Craig. Pladda is home to a lighthouse from the 1820s, which has been automated since the 1980s. Ailsa Craig is home to blue hone granite which used to be quarried for curling stones.
To your right, there is a white beach in a semi-circle that leads to a peninsula. There are white cottages on the beach with luscious, green, rolling hill in the background.
Adding to the view is the peaceful sound of the water lapping against the shore; Beachgoers with their dogs playing in the water.
There is nowhere in the world, that I have been, that has been as peaceful as this one spot. This beach felt so surreal. It was too perfect to be real.
Driving around the Isle of Arran there are many gorgeous beaches and views. What makes Kildonan stand apart is that as you are driving you cannot see the beach. All that you can see, while looking out to the ocean, is rocks and water.
Once we had parked, we approached a small beach in front of us with a wall of large rocks to our right. There were steps carved into these rocks so I decided to climb. It was at the top of the wall that my breath was completely taken away. It was like a whole world was opened up to me. I literally had to stop for a moment and just take it all in. The views and the sounds felt that they were straight out of a movie.
In the horizon, you can see two small islands, Pladda and Ailsa Craig. Pladda is home to a lighthouse from the 1820s, which has been automated since the 1980s. Ailsa Craig is home to blue hone granite which used to be quarried for curling stones.
To your right, there is a white beach in a semi-circle that leads to a peninsula. There are white cottages on the beach with luscious, green, rolling hill in the background.
Adding to the view is the peaceful sound of the water lapping against the shore; Beachgoers with their dogs playing in the water.
There is nowhere in the world, that I have been, that has been as peaceful as this one spot. This beach felt so surreal. It was too perfect to be real.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones: A Review
By: Emily Weaver
If you ever find yourself on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, you absolutely must find time to go to Machrie Moor to see the Standing Stones erected during the Bronze Age, which was about 2,500 years ago. Located on the settlement of Machrie, six standing stone circles can be found speckled through the hills. These standing stones, made of red sandstone or granite, were meant for both burial grounds as well as ceremonial grounds.
This hike has a little something for everyone. It took about an hour and a half to see everything, so it is not a huge time commitment. The stones are located behind several sheep pastures, but there is a clear path that takes you through them. Bring sturdy shoes since there are some muddy spots! The first stone circle is a nice introduction to the others you will be seeing. It consists of 11 medium-sized stones that are arranged in a circle. There are informational signs that are posted throughout the hike so you can take some time to brush up on your Scottish Bronze Age history, while you witness it firsthand at the stone circle.
As you move along, you continue through the sheep pastures while staying to the path. All of a sudden the second stone circle pops up and what a sight it is! These stones are much larger than the first stone circle, which makes it all the more astounding. The grounds are completely open so it allows visitors to climb on the stones for some very unique photo-ops. This is also a good place to take a rest and enjoy the cool breeze that the Isle offers.
A little farther down the path and you happen upon an abandoned farm. This is known as the Moss Farm. It’s a derelict settlement, which is partially still standing. It’s beautifully over-grown and lush and it’s an eerie feeling walking among the stone walls that ancient farmers once did.
In the distance you are able to see the massive stones that you will be getting to next. The next one the path takes you to stands at an astonishing 14 feet! It is the only one still remaining out of the original nine. As you approach, you are completely awestruck by the sheer height and mass of the ancient stone. It’s amazing to think of the amount of manpower it took to erect a stone of this magnitude.
The adjacent standing stone is just as impressive with 3 massive stones ranging from 13 feet to 14 feet. There were originally 7 or 8 tall stones like the remaining ones. It’s amazing to stand in the towering shadow of these stones and to be able to go right up to them and touch them. It’s exhilarating to be able to touch and feel monuments that were built 2,500 years ago.
The remaining standing stones, though still beautiful, are much smaller than the previous monoliths. Some are in very marshy areas so it is difficult to maneuver within them.
The hike back is a nice time to reflect on the beautiful sights that Machrie Moor offers. It also gives you the chance to try and touch a very skiddish sheep that are peppered throughout the farmlands you are hiking through.
During my trip to Scotland, I did countless amazing things and I saw gorgeous landscapes and buildings. But, the history and significance these stones held back in the Bronze Age really drew me to them. The feeling of standing inside the stone circles will stay with me for a lifetime, and I hope that others will share the same experience as they travel to the Machrie Moor Standing Stones.
This hike has a little something for everyone. It took about an hour and a half to see everything, so it is not a huge time commitment. The stones are located behind several sheep pastures, but there is a clear path that takes you through them. Bring sturdy shoes since there are some muddy spots! The first stone circle is a nice introduction to the others you will be seeing. It consists of 11 medium-sized stones that are arranged in a circle. There are informational signs that are posted throughout the hike so you can take some time to brush up on your Scottish Bronze Age history, while you witness it firsthand at the stone circle.
As you move along, you continue through the sheep pastures while staying to the path. All of a sudden the second stone circle pops up and what a sight it is! These stones are much larger than the first stone circle, which makes it all the more astounding. The grounds are completely open so it allows visitors to climb on the stones for some very unique photo-ops. This is also a good place to take a rest and enjoy the cool breeze that the Isle offers.
A little farther down the path and you happen upon an abandoned farm. This is known as the Moss Farm. It’s a derelict settlement, which is partially still standing. It’s beautifully over-grown and lush and it’s an eerie feeling walking among the stone walls that ancient farmers once did.
In the distance you are able to see the massive stones that you will be getting to next. The next one the path takes you to stands at an astonishing 14 feet! It is the only one still remaining out of the original nine. As you approach, you are completely awestruck by the sheer height and mass of the ancient stone. It’s amazing to think of the amount of manpower it took to erect a stone of this magnitude.
The adjacent standing stone is just as impressive with 3 massive stones ranging from 13 feet to 14 feet. There were originally 7 or 8 tall stones like the remaining ones. It’s amazing to stand in the towering shadow of these stones and to be able to go right up to them and touch them. It’s exhilarating to be able to touch and feel monuments that were built 2,500 years ago.
The remaining standing stones, though still beautiful, are much smaller than the previous monoliths. Some are in very marshy areas so it is difficult to maneuver within them.
The hike back is a nice time to reflect on the beautiful sights that Machrie Moor offers. It also gives you the chance to try and touch a very skiddish sheep that are peppered throughout the farmlands you are hiking through.
During my trip to Scotland, I did countless amazing things and I saw gorgeous landscapes and buildings. But, the history and significance these stones held back in the Bronze Age really drew me to them. The feeling of standing inside the stone circles will stay with me for a lifetime, and I hope that others will share the same experience as they travel to the Machrie Moor Standing Stones.
2015 Calender - Erin Shildmyer
Highland Games
By: Erin Shildmyer
One of the most well known events throughout Scotland, and the world, are the Highland Games. These games take place every year throughout the world. Some of the earliest games are recorded from the Victorian era. The games are meant to celebrate the Scottish and Celtic heritage of the Highlanders.
Nowadays the games consist of bag-pipes, food, alcohol, foot races, highland dancers, and heavy athletics. In Scotland, the highland games are held from May through September in towns, villages, and cities throughout the country.
Jennifer Smith is from Hornsea, UK but currently resides in Glasgow. She said that through the years the games have become more of a social event, but that they are still a fun reminder the Scottish heritage.
While on the Isle of Arran, we were able to experience this cultural event by attending the Brodick Highland Games. The whole Isle came alive on this day. It was a gorgeous day out so it’s no surprise that the line to get into the Games was about a half mile long. Once we were able to get into the Games, we walked over to the main field where there was a highland dance competition going on. It was so impressive to see girls that looked as young as six or seven competing at such a high level of technique.
After a little while, we decided to walk around for a bit to explore some more of the Games. There were food stands, makeshift bars, raffle games, and even a bouncy house. As we were exploring, we began to hear the faint sounds of bagpipes. Soon we were met by a bagpipe band marching in formation onto the field. They were soon followed by about four or five more bands that eventually joined together to form one large band. The hundred, or more, musicians then marched around the entire field to mark the official beginning of the Games.
The rest of the day consisted of foot races, heavy athletics, and festivities of all kinds. All in all, this was a crash course in Scottish heritage.
Nowadays the games consist of bag-pipes, food, alcohol, foot races, highland dancers, and heavy athletics. In Scotland, the highland games are held from May through September in towns, villages, and cities throughout the country.
Jennifer Smith is from Hornsea, UK but currently resides in Glasgow. She said that through the years the games have become more of a social event, but that they are still a fun reminder the Scottish heritage.
While on the Isle of Arran, we were able to experience this cultural event by attending the Brodick Highland Games. The whole Isle came alive on this day. It was a gorgeous day out so it’s no surprise that the line to get into the Games was about a half mile long. Once we were able to get into the Games, we walked over to the main field where there was a highland dance competition going on. It was so impressive to see girls that looked as young as six or seven competing at such a high level of technique.
After a little while, we decided to walk around for a bit to explore some more of the Games. There were food stands, makeshift bars, raffle games, and even a bouncy house. As we were exploring, we began to hear the faint sounds of bagpipes. Soon we were met by a bagpipe band marching in formation onto the field. They were soon followed by about four or five more bands that eventually joined together to form one large band. The hundred, or more, musicians then marched around the entire field to mark the official beginning of the Games.
The rest of the day consisted of foot races, heavy athletics, and festivities of all kinds. All in all, this was a crash course in Scottish heritage.
Saint Louis Scottish Games: September 27, 2014
By: Emily Weaver
The Saint Louis Scottish Games was a breath of fresh air after being back in the states for a month. I was beginning to become homesick for a place that wasn’t actually my home. I missed the distant sound of bagpipes in the crisp, but damp morning air, I missed the overabundance of hatchback vehicles, but I missed the people the most. I’ve missed that sense of feeling welcome, or knowing that it’s okay to go up to that stranger and strike up a conversation. So, after excitedly arriving at the Games in Saint Louis, I was elated to discover that all of the things (save the cooler weather) that I missed from Scotland were preserved in Forest Park in Saint Louis.
It was a balmy Saturday afternoon and parking was terrible, but I hadn’t been walking for long when I heard that hallowed sound of a bagpipe in the distance. I felt a flutter in my stomach, and I involuntarily began to walk faster. After paying my $10 (student discount!), I was in! To my left were the heavy weight athletics where men were heaving long wooden poles with the goal of flipping it at least once. This is known as the Caber Toss. In the next ring, heavyweight discus tossing was in full swing. All of these men in their kilted uniforms did their fair share of grunting and groaning, but their heavy weight feats were nothing to laugh at.
Further into the festival was a large semi-circle of tents. A large sign at the entrance of this line of booths read “Scottish Clans”. Each tent had a banner above them that had the name of their clan; Clan MacFarlane, Clan Lindsay, Clan Nicholson, Clan Turnbull, Clan Mackenzie, and so on and so forth. Each one I approached I was invited into a conversation of the rich history of each of these clans, all of which were heavily researched and peppered with anecdotes from the individual clan members.
Carol, a descendent of the Clan Nicholson had memorabilia from her Nicholson ancestors who had owned a general store in Saint Louis after moving to the states from Scotland. This was her third St. Louis Scottish Games she has attended and her favorite part was talking with attendees, “It’s always so exciting to hear the different stories about how far back people have traced their Scottish family connections.”
For some people, coming to the St. Louis Scottish Games is a way to reconnect with family and friends. Keith Turnbull, who took out a bottle of Campbelltown whiskey while I was talking to me, told me, “I come to the Scottish Games because it makes me feel more connected to my heritage.”
After chatting with as many of the clans as I could, it was time to find my seat for the closing ceremony. At the closing ceremony, the winners of the Pipe Band competition were to be announced as well as heavy athletic winners. The announcer thanks all of the attendees and the sponsors for making the festival possible. They also had an exciting announcement to make: St. Louis would be the host of the 2015 Masters World Championship where competitors from all over the world would come to Forest Park to compete for the world title!
Each pipe band was announced and a grouping of 3 or 4 bands at a time were lead out by a single drum major. The last grouping of bands were lead out playing “Scotland the Brave”, which I never got tired of hearing while we were in Scotland. It was an awesome sight to see all of the pipe bands lined up on the field in perfect lines all in their dress kilts.
The winner was announced and that marked the official end of the St. Louis Scottish Games, but the announcer invited us all to the entertainment tent to enjoy some rock n’ roll bagpipe music. The band was called Play to the Bone and they had similar playing style to that of Red Hot Chili Pipers. They played covers of current music, but gave it a Scottish twist with a bagpipe added in.
I was fortunate that the St. Louis Scottish Games were being held after I had traveled to Scotland. My firsthand experience with this culture gave me a new appreciation for everything I saw there. Even though it really can’t be compared with the real thing, it satisfied that longing I had for a taste, even if it was a small one, of Scotland.
The Saint Louis Scottish Games was a breath of fresh air after being back in the states for a month. I was beginning to become homesick for a place that wasn’t actually my home. I missed the distant sound of bagpipes in the crisp, but damp morning air, I missed the overabundance of hatchback vehicles, but I missed the people the most. I’ve missed that sense of feeling welcome, or knowing that it’s okay to go up to that stranger and strike up a conversation. So, after excitedly arriving at the Games in Saint Louis, I was elated to discover that all of the things (save the cooler weather) that I missed from Scotland were preserved in Forest Park in Saint Louis.
It was a balmy Saturday afternoon and parking was terrible, but I hadn’t been walking for long when I heard that hallowed sound of a bagpipe in the distance. I felt a flutter in my stomach, and I involuntarily began to walk faster. After paying my $10 (student discount!), I was in! To my left were the heavy weight athletics where men were heaving long wooden poles with the goal of flipping it at least once. This is known as the Caber Toss. In the next ring, heavyweight discus tossing was in full swing. All of these men in their kilted uniforms did their fair share of grunting and groaning, but their heavy weight feats were nothing to laugh at.
Further into the festival was a large semi-circle of tents. A large sign at the entrance of this line of booths read “Scottish Clans”. Each tent had a banner above them that had the name of their clan; Clan MacFarlane, Clan Lindsay, Clan Nicholson, Clan Turnbull, Clan Mackenzie, and so on and so forth. Each one I approached I was invited into a conversation of the rich history of each of these clans, all of which were heavily researched and peppered with anecdotes from the individual clan members.
Carol, a descendent of the Clan Nicholson had memorabilia from her Nicholson ancestors who had owned a general store in Saint Louis after moving to the states from Scotland. This was her third St. Louis Scottish Games she has attended and her favorite part was talking with attendees, “It’s always so exciting to hear the different stories about how far back people have traced their Scottish family connections.”
For some people, coming to the St. Louis Scottish Games is a way to reconnect with family and friends. Keith Turnbull, who took out a bottle of Campbelltown whiskey while I was talking to me, told me, “I come to the Scottish Games because it makes me feel more connected to my heritage.”
After chatting with as many of the clans as I could, it was time to find my seat for the closing ceremony. At the closing ceremony, the winners of the Pipe Band competition were to be announced as well as heavy athletic winners. The announcer thanks all of the attendees and the sponsors for making the festival possible. They also had an exciting announcement to make: St. Louis would be the host of the 2015 Masters World Championship where competitors from all over the world would come to Forest Park to compete for the world title!
Each pipe band was announced and a grouping of 3 or 4 bands at a time were lead out by a single drum major. The last grouping of bands were lead out playing “Scotland the Brave”, which I never got tired of hearing while we were in Scotland. It was an awesome sight to see all of the pipe bands lined up on the field in perfect lines all in their dress kilts.
The winner was announced and that marked the official end of the St. Louis Scottish Games, but the announcer invited us all to the entertainment tent to enjoy some rock n’ roll bagpipe music. The band was called Play to the Bone and they had similar playing style to that of Red Hot Chili Pipers. They played covers of current music, but gave it a Scottish twist with a bagpipe added in.
I was fortunate that the St. Louis Scottish Games were being held after I had traveled to Scotland. My firsthand experience with this culture gave me a new appreciation for everything I saw there. Even though it really can’t be compared with the real thing, it satisfied that longing I had for a taste, even if it was a small one, of Scotland.
Photos by Emily Weaver
Life's a Journey -- Tara Humphrey
The 64th Annual Military Tattoo – Edinburgh, Scotland
Each year, the Military tattoo requires 35 miles of cabling to hold a successful event. That is the same distance between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The first military tattoo was held in 1950 with only eight performances scheduled on the program. Today, 217,000 people attend the event through the month of August, and over 100 million people watch the event via television each year. The event is televised throughout the world and 70 percent of the audience is from other countries.
Last year was the fifteenth year that the event sold out, profiting the box office 8.7 million pounds in 2013. The current amphitheater that holds the tattoo, held its first event in 2011. This structure replaced the original 37-year-old building that was in its place. Prior to the start of each event, each country present at the event is recognized and 46 different countries from across the continents have been represented in their performances thought the years. Not one performance has ever been cancelled. Some of the different groups that perform include, of course, the Scottish military as well as other qualified military groups that have supported Scotland and its growth through the decades. However, the first international military band to participate was the Royal Netherland Grenadiers. The annual performances are now held for charitable purposes, donating over 8 million pounds a year to worthy charities. This year’s performances included bands from South Africa, Western and Central Europe, and several different groups from the Scottish military such as, the Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. Performances vary from dance and music to percussion displays. The event symbolizes “Scotland’s love of their home, friends, and family” according to Marine Rob McAdams of the Scotland Marines, “It is such an honor to be accepted to perform in the Tattoo,” he stated. Next year’s event is expected to have 220,000 people attend the event while auditions for the performers are already taking place. Tara Humphrey |
The People That You Meet
By: Emily Weaver
We had just said our farewells’ to
the Isle of Arran and decided that the wind was too chilling outside to stand
it any longer. So we made our way inside to the coffee cabin, where I bought
way too much Tablet. Most of the seats were taken, but there was one seat that
hosted a man, laying down and sleeping. We figured he probably rode the ferry
all the time and wasn’t bothered by people sitting next to him, so we chose
that seat.
After a few minutes, the man woke up and started a conversation with us. It was all small talk in the beginning, but then he asked us what brought us to Scotland and what parts we have and would be travelling to. The woman next to him jumped into our conversation and we didn’t learn until that this woman, with an accent you couldn’t quite place, was his wife.
They introduced themselves as The Lally’s; Michael and Ashlee Lally. Michael is originally from Glasgow and Ashlee is originally from Georgia, USA. This explained the interesting accent- She was an American with a Scottish undertone! Ashlee went to university in Glasgow, as did Michael. They met there, and Ashlee was so taken with Scotland and Michael that she decided to move there. Up until now, she has lived in Scotland 6 years and has been married for 3.
We asked them what brought them to the Isle of Arran. We discovered that Arran was a kind of a holiday destination for Scots. This is where they went for vacation! I sometimes compared it to Florida, only 100% better. But, Michael was actually here for work. He does construction, and he was assigned to do some work on Arran. After his job was done, he decided to take a few days and invited Ashlee to join him on the island where they enjoyed a weekend vacation. Now they were on their way back to Glasgow.
Earlier in the conversation we informed them that we were going to Glasgow after we explored Edinburgh and the Fringe. Their faces lit up and couldn’t wait to give us the insiders’ scoop on all of the best places and restaurants. Michael told us, “Edinburgh is the face of Scotland, Glasgow is the real Scotland.” After experiencing both, I completely agree with what he said. Edinburgh was gorgeous and so exciting, and there was something fantastic going on everywhere you looked. But, it felt almost superficial, like they were putting on a show for the tourists.
Glasgow is more of what I was expecting when I thought of Scotland. They suggested places there that we didn’t make it to, but next time I visit I will be sure to seek them out. There was the Oran Mor, which is an entertainment venue that used to be a gorgeous church, the Blue Dog Piano Bar, Glasgow’s Grand Ol Opry, the Botanical Gardens; the list went on and on.
Michael and Ashlee were just two people out of the dozens of people we met on our trip to Scotland. The people here are so inviting and welcoming and they all love their country. It’s inspiring to meet all of these people who just want you to see the most beautiful parts of Scotland.
After a few minutes, the man woke up and started a conversation with us. It was all small talk in the beginning, but then he asked us what brought us to Scotland and what parts we have and would be travelling to. The woman next to him jumped into our conversation and we didn’t learn until that this woman, with an accent you couldn’t quite place, was his wife.
They introduced themselves as The Lally’s; Michael and Ashlee Lally. Michael is originally from Glasgow and Ashlee is originally from Georgia, USA. This explained the interesting accent- She was an American with a Scottish undertone! Ashlee went to university in Glasgow, as did Michael. They met there, and Ashlee was so taken with Scotland and Michael that she decided to move there. Up until now, she has lived in Scotland 6 years and has been married for 3.
We asked them what brought them to the Isle of Arran. We discovered that Arran was a kind of a holiday destination for Scots. This is where they went for vacation! I sometimes compared it to Florida, only 100% better. But, Michael was actually here for work. He does construction, and he was assigned to do some work on Arran. After his job was done, he decided to take a few days and invited Ashlee to join him on the island where they enjoyed a weekend vacation. Now they were on their way back to Glasgow.
Earlier in the conversation we informed them that we were going to Glasgow after we explored Edinburgh and the Fringe. Their faces lit up and couldn’t wait to give us the insiders’ scoop on all of the best places and restaurants. Michael told us, “Edinburgh is the face of Scotland, Glasgow is the real Scotland.” After experiencing both, I completely agree with what he said. Edinburgh was gorgeous and so exciting, and there was something fantastic going on everywhere you looked. But, it felt almost superficial, like they were putting on a show for the tourists.
Glasgow is more of what I was expecting when I thought of Scotland. They suggested places there that we didn’t make it to, but next time I visit I will be sure to seek them out. There was the Oran Mor, which is an entertainment venue that used to be a gorgeous church, the Blue Dog Piano Bar, Glasgow’s Grand Ol Opry, the Botanical Gardens; the list went on and on.
Michael and Ashlee were just two people out of the dozens of people we met on our trip to Scotland. The people here are so inviting and welcoming and they all love their country. It’s inspiring to meet all of these people who just want you to see the most beautiful parts of Scotland.
The Scottish Master Crafter
by: Erin Shildmyer
"Just wait for it....Can you spot what's out of place?" Linda, our professor and personal tour guide, asked. We all looked in anticipation. "Look at the cute seal!" said a classmate. Wait, is that a sculpture?
The Isle of Arran has two woodcarvers. Graham McArthur, who owns Rosa Wood: Wood Carving & Turning, and Marvin Elliott, who owns a self-title studio. While both woodcarvers are well known on the island, only one of these carvers created a wooden seal that sits on a large stone on the beach.
Marvin Elliott’s wooden seal, better known to locals as the Corrie Seal, can easily fool the viewer into thinking that it is real. When the tide comes in, the large stone is covered and the seal seems to be sitting on the top of the water. The Corrie Seal is truly a part of the Isle of Arran, as it made the local news when it was washed away by a vicious storm in the beginning of February, 2014. Thankfully, the beloved seal was found about 3 weeks later on an Ayrshire beach and the seal was put back in place in the beginning of March.
Elliott has lived on the Isle of Arran for about thirty-five years and has been sculpting since 1977. He was in the middle of carving when I happened upon him. Even though his website asks that you call in advance, he was kind enough to take time out of his day to explain some of his work to me. His shop, located in Coorie on the Isle of Arran, is filled with sawdust, sketches, small sculptures, and one of the tables he crafted. On one wall, he has a picture of him presenting a hand carved mirror to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “What was it like to meet the Queen?” I asked. “Well, I’m Scottish…” was his only reply.
Everything that he sculpts is truly a Scottish piece; all of the wood that Elliot uses in from somewhere in Scotland. Even though Elliott’s pieces are Scottish through-and-through, they end up all over the world. Elliott has pieces in Japan, Kansas City, Jersey, Portugal, Orkney, Malawi, and London just to name a few.
Elliott’s well known pieces are typically animals, particularly sea creatures and birds. He also sculpts/carves human forms. Some of his work includes an 8ft unicorn, which can be found in Georgia; a life-size baby elephant; a 6ft mermaid figurehead; a bust of Winston Churchill, which can be found in Florida; a bust of Shakespeare; a life-size statue of Charlie Chaplin, which can be found in Jersey: as well as a second carved mirror, which was presented to the President of Malawi. Every year Elliott also builds a Viking ship that is burned in a bonfire during the Isle of Arran Viking Uphellya Day (a Viking festival). He also built the tail and figurehead of The Black Eagle (Svarte Orna), the signature longship belonging to The Arran Viking Longship Society.
All of Elliott’s work is handmade with a variety of hand tools and chainsaws. He must be very careful in crafting his work because some his supplies are hard to come upon. “See this here?” he asked pointing to a dark wooden bird. “That wood is over 5000 years old.” With the use of materials that rare and exotic, it’s no surprise that his work is so aggressively sought after. Elliott’s work is one-of-a-kind, and such amazing work can only come from somebody as one-of-a-kind as himself.
"Just wait for it....Can you spot what's out of place?" Linda, our professor and personal tour guide, asked. We all looked in anticipation. "Look at the cute seal!" said a classmate. Wait, is that a sculpture?
The Isle of Arran has two woodcarvers. Graham McArthur, who owns Rosa Wood: Wood Carving & Turning, and Marvin Elliott, who owns a self-title studio. While both woodcarvers are well known on the island, only one of these carvers created a wooden seal that sits on a large stone on the beach.
Marvin Elliott’s wooden seal, better known to locals as the Corrie Seal, can easily fool the viewer into thinking that it is real. When the tide comes in, the large stone is covered and the seal seems to be sitting on the top of the water. The Corrie Seal is truly a part of the Isle of Arran, as it made the local news when it was washed away by a vicious storm in the beginning of February, 2014. Thankfully, the beloved seal was found about 3 weeks later on an Ayrshire beach and the seal was put back in place in the beginning of March.
Elliott has lived on the Isle of Arran for about thirty-five years and has been sculpting since 1977. He was in the middle of carving when I happened upon him. Even though his website asks that you call in advance, he was kind enough to take time out of his day to explain some of his work to me. His shop, located in Coorie on the Isle of Arran, is filled with sawdust, sketches, small sculptures, and one of the tables he crafted. On one wall, he has a picture of him presenting a hand carved mirror to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “What was it like to meet the Queen?” I asked. “Well, I’m Scottish…” was his only reply.
Everything that he sculpts is truly a Scottish piece; all of the wood that Elliot uses in from somewhere in Scotland. Even though Elliott’s pieces are Scottish through-and-through, they end up all over the world. Elliott has pieces in Japan, Kansas City, Jersey, Portugal, Orkney, Malawi, and London just to name a few.
Elliott’s well known pieces are typically animals, particularly sea creatures and birds. He also sculpts/carves human forms. Some of his work includes an 8ft unicorn, which can be found in Georgia; a life-size baby elephant; a 6ft mermaid figurehead; a bust of Winston Churchill, which can be found in Florida; a bust of Shakespeare; a life-size statue of Charlie Chaplin, which can be found in Jersey: as well as a second carved mirror, which was presented to the President of Malawi. Every year Elliott also builds a Viking ship that is burned in a bonfire during the Isle of Arran Viking Uphellya Day (a Viking festival). He also built the tail and figurehead of The Black Eagle (Svarte Orna), the signature longship belonging to The Arran Viking Longship Society.
All of Elliott’s work is handmade with a variety of hand tools and chainsaws. He must be very careful in crafting his work because some his supplies are hard to come upon. “See this here?” he asked pointing to a dark wooden bird. “That wood is over 5000 years old.” With the use of materials that rare and exotic, it’s no surprise that his work is so aggressively sought after. Elliott’s work is one-of-a-kind, and such amazing work can only come from somebody as one-of-a-kind as himself.
Dressed to Kilt
by Audrey Hasse
On my trip to Scotland, one of the last stops we made on the Isle of Arran was the Brodick Highland Games. The Brodick Highland Games is an annual gathering to celebrate traditional Scottish games and is one of the most famous events on the island. It was a warm and sunny day, and the atmosphere reminded me of a state fair. I could smell fried food and kids were lined up to play carnival games. From a distance, I could hear the pipe band approaching. I could feel the thumping of the drums in my chest, a sensation like when you stand too close to the speakers at a concert. The men dressed in kilts marched to the field with stern, determined looks on their face. They probably weren't that rigid, it's just hard to smile with a pipe in your mouth.
I watched their kilts swing as they walked and I cant say it wasn't strange to see a man in a skirt. Especially as an american, coming from a country where masculinity could be qualified as an obsession. The closest thing I've seen to a man wearing a skirt is are JNCO jeans, those jeans from the nineties that had the really wide legs. What I would come to learn however, is that the kilt is considered one of the most masculine things a man can wear.
The first kilts were worn around 1680. They were actually a full length garment similar to a cloak that was draped over the shoulder and belted. An English Quaker named Thomas Rawlinson thought this cloak got in his way, so he created a skirt with pleats in it to achieve the same look. This is where we get the modern kilt. Kilts were worn by the miltary and even worn during combat. This is an alarming fact when you consider a true Scotsman wears nothing under his kilt.
Looking at their kilts pass by me in an endless loop made me think about how the kilt has influenced today's fashion. I've always been drawn to tartan, and as a kid I wanted a mini kilt like the one the girls wore in Clueless. They made their kilt-like skirts ultra feminine, pairing them with matching cardigans and Prada backpacks.
The kilt had it's most powerful resurgance in 2011, when Givenchy's creative director Riccardo Tisci introduced a leather kilt in his Fall/Winter collection. Rapper Kanye west wore the kilt on his Watch The Throne tour. He paired it with leather leggings. In a report by Voyr, Wests says, "I just love this silhouette. I think it's very modern."
The silhouette Kanye is talking about was once considered to be exclusively for women. It's a bold move to wear what some would consider a skirt in an industry as aggressive as hip-hop. But it seems this silhouette is only gaining traction. More rappers, including self-proclaimed "fashion killer" A$AP Rocky, have adopted more feminine looks. Most recently, rap's newest star Young Thug was photographed in a dress. These moves beg the question of whether the most masculine thing you can do is ditch your masculinity. On a larger scale, a recent trend in menswear has been extra long tee shirts that almost resemble a dress. The kilts influence can also be seen in the men and women's trend of tying a flannel or tartan shirt around the waist. This look was inspired by the 90s grunge era, but is still undeniably influenced by the kilt. Aside from Kanye West, other fashion icons like Marc Jacobs have been photographed in kilts.
At the Brodick Highland Games, I was grateful to have seen the pipers in their kilts close up rather than a caricature in book or movie. I had a new respect for the kilt and the way the pipers marched with dignitity. One of the things I admire most about fashion is it's ability to change and always move forward. Anyone can create a fleeting look but what is most impressive is when a look can continue to influence collections over time.
Balti Club
by Audrey Hasse
The Balti Club is a small, Indian take-away spot in Glasgow, Scotland. Located on Woodland Road next to a gas station, it draws you in with its bargain look. It's windows, a little foggy from a recent rain, were marked with commercially photographed menu items and large clear pricing. This fast-food aesthetic is likely meant to attract tourists low on cash, like myself.
Inside were the two owners, an older Indian man and his middle aged son. The older man was short, dressed in a button-down and apron. He stood leaning against the counter. He was watching an American reality show about airports on an out of place flat screen television mounted on the restaurant wall. When I walked in the small shop to get a better look at the menu, he quickly handed me a menu and began asking what I would like to eat and drink. He had one eye still on the flat screen.
“Where are you from?” he asked
“America. St. Louis, Missouri,” I replied, not knowing if the second half would mean anything to him.
“Oh, yes. Where is that again?
“Umm, the middle?” I offered, giggling at my own uncertainty.
He acted as if he knew exactly where I was talking about, nodding his head. It was hard to determine if he really did or if he was just being polite.
I looked over the brightly colored menu once again, scanning the Indian dishes that were intermixed with the cheeseburgers and chips. His eyes returned to the television. I decided on a cheeseburger and chips, as was probably assumed. After connecting to the WiFi and settling into the stools that were nailed into the floor, I heard a voice from the kitchen.
“Have you been to Denver?”
It was the son of the owner. He was dressed similar to his father, but was much taller. He slowly walked out from the kitchen. I told him I had been to Denver once a long time ago.
“I have been to Palm Springs as well,” he told me proudly.
The time between his questions about my travel were filled with a comfortable silence. Like his father, we were both infected by the reality TV virus. We spoke to each other through our TV gaze. He asked me about my journey home and what cities I still had left to visit as he made his way back to the counter to print my bill. My eyes returned to my burger and chips. The meal tasted good, as most fast-food does going down. I started to wrap up my trash that was covered in the ketchup/mayo combination I had gotten so familiar with over the past two weeks. I heard a voice again from the kitchen.
“Who was your president before Obama?”
“George W. Bush,” I told him.
“Oh, how did people like him?” He asked.
Inside were the two owners, an older Indian man and his middle aged son. The older man was short, dressed in a button-down and apron. He stood leaning against the counter. He was watching an American reality show about airports on an out of place flat screen television mounted on the restaurant wall. When I walked in the small shop to get a better look at the menu, he quickly handed me a menu and began asking what I would like to eat and drink. He had one eye still on the flat screen.
“Where are you from?” he asked
“America. St. Louis, Missouri,” I replied, not knowing if the second half would mean anything to him.
“Oh, yes. Where is that again?
“Umm, the middle?” I offered, giggling at my own uncertainty.
He acted as if he knew exactly where I was talking about, nodding his head. It was hard to determine if he really did or if he was just being polite.
I looked over the brightly colored menu once again, scanning the Indian dishes that were intermixed with the cheeseburgers and chips. His eyes returned to the television. I decided on a cheeseburger and chips, as was probably assumed. After connecting to the WiFi and settling into the stools that were nailed into the floor, I heard a voice from the kitchen.
“Have you been to Denver?”
It was the son of the owner. He was dressed similar to his father, but was much taller. He slowly walked out from the kitchen. I told him I had been to Denver once a long time ago.
“I have been to Palm Springs as well,” he told me proudly.
The time between his questions about my travel were filled with a comfortable silence. Like his father, we were both infected by the reality TV virus. We spoke to each other through our TV gaze. He asked me about my journey home and what cities I still had left to visit as he made his way back to the counter to print my bill. My eyes returned to my burger and chips. The meal tasted good, as most fast-food does going down. I started to wrap up my trash that was covered in the ketchup/mayo combination I had gotten so familiar with over the past two weeks. I heard a voice again from the kitchen.
“Who was your president before Obama?”
“George W. Bush,” I told him.
“Oh, how did people like him?” He asked.
If You Didn't Tweet About It Did You Even Go Out?
by Audrey Hasse
When a brightly colored flyer with a giant Instagram icon was slid toward me on a table at Driftwood, I picked it up. It was advertising a night called "#Tag" at The Garage, a club on Sauchiehall Street. Sauchiehall Street is a second home to the city's club-going twenty somethings. Bar after bar is filled with students dressed in trendy threads indulging in drink specials. A casino even occupies a space on the strip, just a few doors down from a kareoke bar with private rooms for singing. It's a toned down, college kid's Vegas disguised by the city's modern industrial look.
LIVE TWITTER FEED, DRINK SPECIALS, HOT TUB AND INFLATABLES were just a few of the things the flyer promised in bold print. All of these were alledgedly inside a single club, on a Tuesday night no less. The flyer served as free entry, so I walked down the damp street to see if it actually existed.
The club indeed existed. Finding The Garage was easy, a giant faux semi-truck extended from the sign and a crowd of people stood outside. Inside the doors were a long set of stairs illuminated by scrolling vertical digital signs. The red letters on the signs shared hashtags and the clubs Twitter handle. Before you even entered the club, The Garage made sure you knew how to adequately talk about it online. At the back bar, similar signs covered the wall behind the bartenders, giving you tweets to look at while you waited for a drink. A girl with waist length hair dressed in a corset scrolled her phone as she waited for a drink. Loud American rap music pulsed from the next room where the advertised live Twitter feed was projected on a wall.
Social media's role in nightlife has become increasingly more significant everywhere, not just at The Garage. The experience of going out relies heavily on Facebook check-ins, Instagram photos and up to the minute tweets about one's level of intoxication. The location tagged mirror pics, selfies, and tweets all serve as advertisement for the clubs and the price is right: it's free. Clubs like The Garage take advantage of young people's addiction to archiving their nights out by making it part of the experience. In a Nightlife.com article, Jon Gable, CEO of nightlife directory site Joonbug.com said, "Social media has not only changed the way that venues market themselves to customers but also the way that people go out…Through social media people now have the ability to announce their arrival at the ropes, report who’s inside, who didn’t get in, who the DJ is, etc,"
I spoke to Glasgow student Emma Stewart who was waiting in the bathroom line at The Garage. "It's about both. It's about going out and having fun but it's also about taking pictures. If you look good you want to take a picture!" she said. Emma brings up an essential point in the conversation about social media and nightlife. It seems there's a feeling among the Instagram generation that a good outfit is wasted if there's not a well compositioned, focused photo of it. Aside from accusations of narcissism, what would the negative effect of recording one's night in such a way? Perhaps it takes the individual out of the moment, but maybe this is ultra-documented night out is the new type of moment.
LIVE TWITTER FEED, DRINK SPECIALS, HOT TUB AND INFLATABLES were just a few of the things the flyer promised in bold print. All of these were alledgedly inside a single club, on a Tuesday night no less. The flyer served as free entry, so I walked down the damp street to see if it actually existed.
The club indeed existed. Finding The Garage was easy, a giant faux semi-truck extended from the sign and a crowd of people stood outside. Inside the doors were a long set of stairs illuminated by scrolling vertical digital signs. The red letters on the signs shared hashtags and the clubs Twitter handle. Before you even entered the club, The Garage made sure you knew how to adequately talk about it online. At the back bar, similar signs covered the wall behind the bartenders, giving you tweets to look at while you waited for a drink. A girl with waist length hair dressed in a corset scrolled her phone as she waited for a drink. Loud American rap music pulsed from the next room where the advertised live Twitter feed was projected on a wall.
Social media's role in nightlife has become increasingly more significant everywhere, not just at The Garage. The experience of going out relies heavily on Facebook check-ins, Instagram photos and up to the minute tweets about one's level of intoxication. The location tagged mirror pics, selfies, and tweets all serve as advertisement for the clubs and the price is right: it's free. Clubs like The Garage take advantage of young people's addiction to archiving their nights out by making it part of the experience. In a Nightlife.com article, Jon Gable, CEO of nightlife directory site Joonbug.com said, "Social media has not only changed the way that venues market themselves to customers but also the way that people go out…Through social media people now have the ability to announce their arrival at the ropes, report who’s inside, who didn’t get in, who the DJ is, etc,"
I spoke to Glasgow student Emma Stewart who was waiting in the bathroom line at The Garage. "It's about both. It's about going out and having fun but it's also about taking pictures. If you look good you want to take a picture!" she said. Emma brings up an essential point in the conversation about social media and nightlife. It seems there's a feeling among the Instagram generation that a good outfit is wasted if there's not a well compositioned, focused photo of it. Aside from accusations of narcissism, what would the negative effect of recording one's night in such a way? Perhaps it takes the individual out of the moment, but maybe this is ultra-documented night out is the new type of moment.