Tag Archives: Scotland

Heriot Watt, Hermiston and Union Canal Winter Walk

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I am still amazed by all the green space in Edinburgh. I swear, no matter where you go I am sure you will find a footpath, or trail, or walkway or park. I kid you not. Love it! I need to say that again: LOVE IT.

As a result, one of the things I like to do, particularly when I have been cooped up for a while but don’t want to venture too far, is to just hop on a bus and ride it to the end of its route. Today was one of those days. I jumped on to Bus Route 25 in the city centre which ends at Heriot-Watt University! I rode through the city centre, through Dalry until I reached my destination.

Driving by Dalry cemetery

I was not disappointed. As we drove further from the centre, the scenery did not disappoint.

Approaching Heriot Watt University

As I arrived, I was thrilled to note a number of footpaths. How wonderful! It is so therapeutic. I decided to walk around the Loch on the university grounds.

The grounds at Heriot Watt

Then I noted a couple of dog walkers.

Hermiston walkway

Tip:

I have learned that when in doubt of what path to take just explore the paths dog walkers take! They always know the good paths. Again, I kid you not! Dogs like trees and freedom, and owners like views LOL! A winning formula!

So my path was decided. I continued on the Hermiston walk and then walked the path the dog walkers just left. Once again, I was so right! It was a lovely path. The path led me to the Union Canal pathway. 7 miles back to the centre and so my return trip and walk were determined.

Walking towards the Union Canal pathway

A leisurely walk along the canal back to Edinburgh’s city centre.

Scenes along the Union Canal

I love exploring! What a wonderful Winter day’s walk.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Feeding the Birds

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There is a real love affair between the UK and birds. I think it is one relationship that actually defines the culture and yes that includes Scotland! As I mentioned before, although I am British, I have lived many years in Canada and have travelled extensively. However, I have not witnessed this passion to walk to a park armed with a loaf of breadcrumbs, to then spray them around with such intent anywhere else in the world, like they do in this Bonnie land.

Yesterday, while I was taking a quiet stroll I was suddenly interrupted with a sound that rose to a crescendo. I turned to see what I can only describe as a mix of a grand operatic performance and some form of professional wrestling conducted by our featured friends. I was transfixed by the performance and stayed until every last crumb disappeared which for the record did not take long! I could not help myself; I had to take a clip in slow motion.

https://thescottishpearl.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_6128.mp4

It continues to put a smile on my face.

My advice to you – do not get between a bird the their breadcrumb! It is an operatic, feeding frenzy.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Bulbs in January?

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It still blows my mind that I can see signs of plant growth in January! Having lived in Ontario, Canada for many years, I have been conditioned that all plants are dormant from November to April with the only colours in my surrounding being white [snow] and brown [bark]! So I am delighted to see signs of growth in my container garden. As I strolled onto my terrace with morning coffee in hand, I saw bulbs poking out of the soil, as if they were saying “Hello”.

It never fails to put a smile on my face to see the first signs of new growth reminding me that Spring is a chance to start again. I think friends must know this about me, as I recently received bulbs as a gift to witness its growth on my sill.

Are you thinking Spring yet? I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.

I think Spring growth in January is a delight.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Macsween haggis – Scotsman Food and Drink

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I found this post intriguing and thought I would share it. After all, haggis is a national treasure “Synonymous with great haggis, the Macsween family are rightly hailed across Scotland, here are ten facts you might not know about them.”
— Read on foodanddrink.scotsman.com/producers/10-things-probably-didnt-know-macsweens/

Macsween Haggis have created a £4000 haggis (pictured). Photo: Macsweens

A New Dawn, New Day & New Year!

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“Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin’ on by
You know how I feel
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good
I’m feeling good”

[Song writers: Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley]

That song is engraved in my mind. I cannot stop singing it.

Living in Edinburgh, we definitely have birds flying high! The Sun, well…. you know, it is amazing what a good imagination can do, anyway the people are bonnie so they feel like sunshine. Our breeze is more like a gale force wind! But the sentiment of the song is here! LOL! This post is to say “Thank you” to all my followers especially on the social media platforms. I ended 2021 with 20K followers on Facebook alone. Wow! Below are a few highlights I shared last year.

And with that thank you, like the song says,” it’s a new dawn, a new day” and now a new year! I have lots of ideas rattling around in my head and hope to share some of them soon. Clearly one of those ideas is to launch this site. So here it is! I will create and develop it more as we continue to explore for more Scottish Pearls in 2022!

If you are interested and don’t want to miss any information, just subscribe by completing the form below or in the sidebar.

Cheers!

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© The Scottish Pearl 2022