Scotland

Scotland was like coming home. It was great to be able to connect with a number of the places where  my parents family came from. The first photo is in the Maybole cemetery in Ayrshire where dad's relations came from. The grey plinth next to the white one celebrates two generations including my great great grandfather. We had a lovely meal in the Galloway Arms in Newton Stewart including  haggis and Scotish Salmon. We stayed in small lodges or home stays which was great and we had the opportunity to connect with the locals. Where ever we went on our travels as New Zealanders were were warmly welcomed. We also went to Alyth in Perthshire and Kelty in Fife wher mums family came from. I really felt at home. After visiting The historical Scone Palace we headed into Edinburgh, what a compact and friendly city. We stayed in the heart of the city and enjoyed the atmosphere of the fringe festival including amazing street theatre and buskers day and night. We visited Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht. The highlight of our visist to Edinburgh was the military Tattoo.  The spectacle was amazing and it was great to have the New Zealand element with the Te  Waka Huia Kapa Haka group and the New Zealand Scottish dancers with Devon and Shannon from Whangarei. Our own Governor General  Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae took the final salute.   Scotland I will return.