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Bruce, the Scottish and Irish Lions and a united Celtland

18th July 2025 funtime65

And for the weekend that’s in it an opportunity to mark Bruce, the Scottish and Irish Lions and a united Celtland.

Because what we don’t get taught in school is that Scotland and Ireland were indeed united for what must have been three glorious years.

Under the banner of Edward Bruce from 1315-1318.

And you might be familiar with his brother Robert, the King of the Scots, aka Chris Pine,

An alternative future

Edward Bruce’s reign may have been short lived but it offered a tantalising look into an alternative future.

For these Celtic peoples and indeed the Norman Anglo-Irish and their descendants.

Of course, for these weeks in this the year of the Lord 2015.

On sporting fields a thousand miles away in a different colony, Australis, we are all one team.

A British and Irish Lions rugby union select.

And woe betide anyone who abbreviates that to British Lions.

Or worse as in the case of passport pilferer Tony Cascarino who miscalled the elite combo England despite representing Ireland.

My noble bloodline

Now thanks to the excellent Sky History Channel and your favourite blogger’s obsessive interest in the past.

We can relive the days After Braveheart when Scotland and Ireland mastered perfidious Albion.

While the might of the English (and entrapped Welsh) armies and the British Empire colonised Ireland for 700 years.

The Irish and the Scots have managed to stay close through bloodlines.

With this descendant of Irish and Scots stock.

As a Murty, a direct descendant of the High King Muirchertach of Brian Boru’s blood.

And I’m not making this up!

And say an Ave there for me

And so if Edward Bruce’s name was not writ large in English-told history it does not mean we cannot honour him here.

Or point historians, patriots or those who just like a good story to his plot.

At Faughart Cemetery, near Dundalk in County Louth.

Near the modern lines of a border between the North and South of the island of Ireland.

We’re sure his spirit will welcome any of a Scots and Irish set who pays a pilgrimage and says a prayer.

And celebrates Bruce, the Scottish and Irish Lions and a united Celtland.

Countries, Sport, UK

Orkney’s your topical island

15th July 202515th July 2025 funtime65

Aye, ye read that richt… Orkney your topical island as the draw for aw the ither peedie islands of the world tae show aff their sporting skills.

All of which boils down to the Scottish archipelago off the northernmost bit of the British mainland playing host to the world games of small islands.

That they micht spik funny tae yer English-speaking or Atlantic drawl or Antipodean ear.

Or ither places where the language of Shakespeare has taken hold is yer problem.

Because the Orcadians willnae be changing their dialect which is derived from Ancient Norse for abody.

The best wedding gift

On account of the islanders being Norwegians for nearly 600 years before they were annexed by Scotland along with their sister islands in Shetland further to the north in 1472.

Because the Vikings hadn’t stumped up a dowry payment for Margaret of Denmark promised to James III of Scotland by the family of his bride Margaret of Denmark.

And you’ll learn that here but so much more if you take a dander up to Orkney, ten miles off the northern coast of Caithness.

As Daughterie and her young man did only recently.

While her globetrotting Da is still to, another example of how we all know foreign shores so much better than our own.

Fun and Games

Now 24 countries are participating with more than 2,000 competitors in the NatWest Island Games in Kirkwall.

On Mainland, one of 20 inhabitable islands in the 70 that form Orkney.

Now this is the 20th iteration of the gathering which started on the Isle of Man back in 1985.

Many of the activities you would associate with the bigger international Games are on the programme.

And naturally because we’re dealing with islands here watersports are particularly keenly contested.

Water of life

Packed out: The Games have brought out the crowdsw

The Island Games are of course in miniature to the more celebrated global events.

But they pride themselves on their own individuality.

And despite being only 40 years old the actual islands have been around for thousands of years.

A traditional symbol of the games was started in 1991 when Aland in Finland asked all teams to bring some water from their islands.

They mixed it in a fountain and in all subsequent games water from the previous fountain has added samples of water.

From each island competing in the new games.

All creating a symbol of “mixing together”.

God’s own island

All of which preamble is our attempt at getting you to visit Orkney, your topical island.

And take in its many charms, culinary, cultural and historical.

The Neolithic village of Skara Brae lies near the white beach of the Bay of Skaill.

Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the site presents a remarkable picture of life in Orkney around 5,000 years ago.

Orkney has had its fair share of visitors, and remember that this is a nature-lover’s idyll with puffins a particular favourite.

More surprising might be that it was home to Italian POWs in the Second World War who left their mark.

In The Italian Chapel made out of two Nissen huts.

And transformed into a beautiful house of God by Domenico Chiocchetti and his colleagues.

Worth a prayer you would think for the competitors this week.

Countries, Culture, Europe, UK

Hello Good Bayeux

12th July 202512th July 2025 funtime65

Hello Good Bayeux I don’t know why you say Hello I say Good Bayeux.

And apologies to The Beatles who really have nothing to do with this yarn other than this being a magical mystery tour.

Of course, Keir Starmer is claiming the loan of the William the Conqueror Battle of Hastings drape as a victory.

But the reasons are rather more prosaic and more to do with filthy lucre.

As the Bayeux Museum is undertaking a two-year €35m refurb back in Normandy.

Which obviously means the French need somewhere to store the cloth.

Merci bien

Cynics will say that Emmanuel Macron will have extracted a price from Britain in the swap.

And while we’re not sure if the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the Lewis chessmen and other artefacts have the same pull as the tapestry.

It will bring coins into the coffers.

Of course, Britain won’t be giving away a look at the tapestry.

And although entry to the British Museum in London is gratis special exhibitions come at a cost.

The price of cloth

And judging by the £18 admission price for current display Hiroshige: artist of the open road we can expect Bayeux to be pitched considerably higher.

Particularly as the 230ft long and 50cm high tapestry features 58 scenes.

In four stitches and thread in 10 natural dye colours.

Including 623 humans, more than 700 animals, 37 buildings and 41 ships and other vessels plus 94 penises, or they could be swords.

We’ll leave you then to do the math with Bayeux reporting they see 400,000 visitors a year, charging €12.

And, no we don’t know the ancient Norman or English for Kerching.

Scotland’s story

Of course, while Bayeux may be the world’s most famous drape we in our northern outpost of Scotland boast our own cloth.

Now the tapestry may be rather newer at 12 years old than Bayeux.

Which dates back to 1070 but Scottish history is just as old and illustrious as its neighbour.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is housed appropriately in the weaving town of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.

With tickets priced at £12.50.

Game of Thrones in Belfast

Sew naughty: The Game of Thrones Tapestry

The power of the tapestry is clearly still as absorbing to modern advanced sensibilities as it was to illiterate Medieval peasants.

And, of course, it is always a blank canvas to weave whatever story you wish to tell.

With inevitably Game of Thrones getting in on the action in its spiritual home of the North of Ireland.

At the excellent Ulster Museum in Belfast where those who like their tapestries guttural can see a murder on the privy.

And all free but we’d recommend you make a donation.

So Hello Good Bayeux to the latest tapestry addition to these islands, albeit temporary with the exhibition slated for September 2026.

And just think even if you do have to shell out £18 that’s probably 20p each Willie.

Countries, Sport, UK

Open for golf business

11th July 202511th July 2025 funtime65

And as East Lothian’s economy yields £8m from our tourney and the oldest major returns to Portrush, our corners of the planet are officially Open for business.

The Open Golf Championship is certainly a hospitality money-spinner.

With Northern Ireland taking in £100m to the coffers and the Causeway Coast and Glens area directly benefiting with £26m back in 2019.

Probably better not to mention that my friends at Discover Northern Ireland afforded me hospitality six years ago.

And Savannah and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, generously hosted me last year in Royal Troon on the west coast of Scotland.

The home of golf

Now any destination that gets to put on a big sporting event comes with a premium for player and spectator alike.

And I’m always reminded, at this time of the year, of an old work colleague whose parents rented out their home in St Andrews.

The champion golfer’s brothers had approached the couple, who had put their names forward as a rental home.

And asked if they could take it, offering to pay top dollar and putting on a conservatory for them.

All of which paid off when Steve Ballesteros won the Claret Jug.

Up for rent

Timing is, of course, everything and alas our arrival in North Berwick has come at a time when the nearby Muirfield championship course is off the rota.

A course of such a standard and historical significance that the great Jack Nicklaus named his course Muirfield in Ohio after it.

So the opportunity to rent out our own demesne to a Tiger Woods or a Rory McIlroy will have to wait.

The golden ticket

The Open Golf Championship rolls into Royal Birkdale next year and the R&A and golf fans are already preparing themselves.

For us in East Lothian, already putting on a show for the Scottish Open dress-rehearsal for next week’s main event.

We say, haste ye back to Muirfield. We’re Open for golf business.

And if that means we can earn a pound or two on our house for a week and the local economy too then all the better.

Countries, UK

East Lothian the best of beaches in Seacliff… get our drift

10th July 202510th July 2025 funtime65

I’m reminded every day how fortunate I am to be living in the most sought-after town in the country and now I learn that this county here East Lothian boasts the best of beaches in Seacliff… get our drift.

Only this week (and it has been a few months since the last time) we rehashed why we left another prize-winning idyll, Greystones in County Wicklow, in Ireland.

For North Berwick on the east coast of Scotland.

Of course, I hear husbands everywhere screaming ‘just say you’re right’, and they would be correct, and I did.

As much as I miss the land of my mother, it makes it ever harder to push my case.

When praise is continuously heaped on this little corner of Scotland, just a half an hour east of Edinburgh.

For a place I like to joke is ‘God’s waiting room’ with its own ‘Olden Mile’ it is hotting up.

And that’s not just the balmy climes that are drawing visitors far and wide.

Golfing and gigging

Watch for the trees: Archerfield Walled Garden

The Scottish Open Golf Championship has attracted the world’s top players to the Renaissance Golf Club in Archerfield.

Where, shameless plug here, the likes of Nick Faldo have been known to pop in to the Archerfield Walled Garden.

To buy the wares from the best horticulturalist in the business (She told me to say that).

And the Boomtown Rats, the Bluebells, Ezra Collective, Irvine Welsh and Rory Stewart are among the acts who will perform at the Fringe By The Sea next month.

Of course with so many luminaries passing through the upmarket coastal town we’re tempted not to keep Seacliff to ourselves.

Rock up to the Drift

But then the Drift cafe, with arguably the best views of Bass Rock, even more so than the Seabird Centre in North Berwick, then the secret’s already out.

And you’ll want to book ahead for a window seat.

A Mecca for cyclists and trekkers, you can also drive up to it.

Seacliff fans are known to make a day of it in getting there.

And when there, descending the cliff to go for a dip and then returning to avail of the sauna pods outside the cafe.

Escape Sauna offers an open session or you can book privately for a session for up to five people.

And a nod to Portstewart in Ireland

Well seen then that travel journalist Chris Haslam picked Seacliff out as his best in Scotland.

After visiting 756 beaches and 51 resorts throughout Britain and the North of Ireland.

Now with all this on our doorstep we’re not going to be churlish about Portstewart Strand in County Derry winning the overall award.

And the only way to approach it is on the train.

From Belfast around the strand en route to my Mum’s own Co. Donegal.

Countries, UK

Holidos and Don’ts beach safe

24th June 202524th June 2025 funtime65

The radio piece pricked my mind, about my daughterie going missing yards from our seaside home, to put out our informational Holidos and Don’ts beach safe.

With this British island baking on the hottest day of the year at the weekend our beaches became blocked with day trippers.

And on one beach,West Wittering in Sussex on the English south coast, on one day 40 children went missing with all thankfully found.

Porty time

Just like the Daughterie some half an hour after going walkabout from our then-home in Portobello, Edinburgh’s city beach.

Thankfully, of course, Porty was our patch with both her and us knowing the lay of the land, our neighbours, and they knew her.

But if you’re new to a beach then the likelihood is you won’t.

And your little prince or princess will slip your leash for just a moment and set your heart racing.

Listen up

These days, of course, there is advice aplenty at hand so don’t be too proud to follow it.

The first thing to do is get your bearings and agree a meeting spot if your little one gets detached from you.

Perhaps take a photograph too of all of you at the beach.

So that if the worst happens then those looking for Kiddo can see what they look like and what they’re wearing.

Make sure too that both yourselves and your children have their mobiles with them and that they’re charged.

Which in the case of today’s youngsters and many adults shouldn’t be too difficult.

While some beaches even give out wristbands so kids can put their details and telephone number and address on.

And if it goes wrong

Flag it up: Red flags mean don’t go near the water

Of course the best-laid plans gang aft agley as the great human observer, bard and fellow Scot Robert Burns opined.

So know who to report your missing child to.

And the Coastguard is on 999 which too many people don’t know.

With that in mind too another thing to flag up is flags.

With red flags naturally an alert that swimming is prohibited.

While a yellow drapes indicate moderately hazardous conditions.

The good news, of course, is that it is extremely rare that you will not be reunited with your child within a short time.

While strangers are for the most part friends that you just haven’t met yet.

I scream for ice cream

Which was what one caller found when their toddler was found at an ice cream van.

Where a kindly family had protected the lost boy and bought him an ice lolly.

With said lad, in a world of his own, only concerned that they hadn’t got him an ice cream.

Out of the mouths of children.

And something alas we can’t advise on in our informational Holidos and Don’ts beach safe.

Countries, UK

Athens of the North’s unfinished republic

10th May 202510th May 2025 funtime65

And Happy Republic Day to the 149 out of the 193 countries free of monarchies and a shout-out from Athens of the North’s unfinished republic.

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has long been a contradictory city.

Auld Reekie, on account of the smell in the Old Town.

Or the Athens of the North, styled to reflect the part The Scottish Enlightenment played in European culture in the Middle Ages.

Which is to take us to where we are today, Calton Hill atop and looking over Edinburgh’s Old and New Town.

Scotland’s Parthenon

And where we are joined by a hundred-strong group of fellow Our Republic supporters.

In front of Scotland’s National Monument, known colloquially as ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace or ‘Scotland’s Folly.’

The columns which were built to resemble the Parthenon in Ancient Athens.

The memorial stands in tribute to the Scots Fallen from the Napoleonic Wars.

And it is poignant to be here in the week that’s in it when we marked 80 years since Victory in Europe.

Edinburgh’s Grace

Appointment at the Palace: Holyroodhouse

But Edinburgh’s Disgrace? Well, the columns were erected out of public donations which ran out.

Meaning that it remains unfinished.

There is of course something beautiful to the unfinished.

As only the divine creation could be considered complete.

Unfinished symphony: La Sagradia Familia

Which would account for Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

There is of course a symbolism too about an incomplete work such as in the Martin Luther statue in Washington DC.

Which will only be finished when true civil liberties have been achieved.

Friends across the water

The same might be argued for Scotland’s National Monument and its aspiration to be The Athens of the North.

On a day when God shines sunshine on Edinburgh we stand at the Monument’s pillars.

And hear the argument for a republic and the abolition of the monarchy.

The Scots cite the Declaration of Arbroath, the template for the US Constitution and Robert Burns and A Man’s A Man For ‘A That.

And brithers be and sisters too as Catalans, Bahamians and Jamaicans take the stage and sing and rouse the faithful.

Redemption song

We bring the curtain down with a rousing anthem, Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry, sung with gusto by Rue Cooper.

And wish the Jamaicans well for their Autumn referendum to give themselves the right to instal their own head of state.

Rue knows her audience and adapts Robert Nesta Marley’s words to accommodate Calton Hill, Edinburgh.

And bathed in the light we consider Athens of the North’s unfinished republic.

And promise to build a new future and return here when the work is finally all done.

Countries, Deals, Music, UK

London’s Theatreland

1st May 20251st May 2025 funtime65

Leave your troubles outside, in here life is beautiful… in London’s Theatreland with dream-makers Keith Prowse Attractions.

And, yes, there was a smile on my face when we whooped and danced in the aisles to Beautiful: The Carole King Story.

Until the mobile started pinging with complaints from the neighbours back in Ireland about our kids’ house party.

And the Earth moving under their feet.

The Emcee from Cabaret was right, of course, a musical night out is the perfect escape from normal life.

And London Theatreland is an alternative fantastical world.

Populated by the likes of Orpheus, MJ, the Phantom of the Opera and Elphaba and Galinda.

Bad, Mad, Wicked or Ghostly

Beautiful: Jesse Mueller in Washington DC

It is one of the many benefits of being a travel professional to be invited to the world’s biggest stages.

And I am eagerly anticipating what Broadway trailers the American Travel Fair have in store for us next month in Chicago.

So whether your tastes are Bad, Mad, Wicked or Ghostly then package up your troubles.

Maybe it’s because you’re a Londoner

And sign up for a deal with a musicals tour operator who is always worth an encore… Keith Prowse Attractions’ Bargain Londoner.

You’ll stay at the 3-star hotels like the Royal National, President Hotel or St. Giles, ideal for stretching your budget without compromising on the experience.

Sample Package:
MJ The Musical! – Travel between 16 June 2025 – 18 June 2025 | From €287pps

2 nights at the 3* Lancaster Gate Hotel (room only)
Grand Circle Seats to MJ The Musical at The Prince Edward Theatre

While the Great Value Londoner balances quality and cost with 4-star hotels.

Such as the Copthorne Tara, Holiday Inn Kensington or DoubleTree by Hilton, all hand-picked for superb service at an affordable price.

Sample Package:
Hadestown! – Travel between 01 November 2025 – 03 November 2025 | From €343pps

2 nights at the 4* Copthorne Tara Hotel with breakfast
Balcony Seats to Hadestown at The Lyric Theatre

And because you are a cut above, maybe try out the Touch of Class Londoner.

Step up your stay with stylish, service-led hotels and top seats in 4-star luxury at hotels.

Like The Royal Horseguards, Park Plaza Victoria or St. James’ Hotel with breakfast included for a refined London adventure.

Wicked entertainment

Sample Package:
The Phantom of the Opera! – Travel between 26 August 2025 – 28 August 2025 | From €439pps

2 nights at the 4* St. James Hotel with breakfast
Stall Seats to The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre

And as ever there is a class above even that, the Posh & Pampered Londoner.

With the ultimate indulgence with stays at London’s finest 5-star hotels, such as The Savoy, The Royal Garden or The Mayfair Radisson.

Sample Package:
Wicked! – Travel between 19 June 2025 – 21 June 2025 | From €777pps

2 nights at the 5* Royal Garden Hotel with breakfast
Best Seats to Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre

Just make sure that you don’t leave your kids in charge of a ‘free house’ at home as you party on in London’s Theatreland.

Countries, Food & Wine, UK

Vintage England

14th April 202514th April 2025 funtime65

And with news that the vineyards will have moved north in Europe by the end of the century a look today at Vintage England.

And because we know while some of us drink alone that’s it’s better with a group then Solos Holidays cover your bases.

Solos have a new two-night escorted break to discover the vineyards of the Surrey Hills, an hour from London.

The wine-lovers’ trip begins with a dinner at the four-star Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel, nestled in the North Downs.

Sommelier time is here

You will be joined by an award-winning wine tutor and sommelier.

To guide you through immersive visits to Albury Vineyard.

Albury has made a name for itself for its still rosé and sparkling wines.

And Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest single-estate vineyard.

You’ll sample exclusive tastings, the chance to meet the growers and expert insights into English winemaking.

Hurray to Surrey

A two-night Taste of Surrey Hills Vineyard tour departing on 24 September, costs £645pp.

It includes a double room for sole use with private facilities.

A charcuterie lunch on day two, breakfast & dinner with wine and beer daily.

And a welcome drink and information evening.

Denbies Sparkling Vineyard Train Tour and exclusive wine tasting tour, Albury Vineyard tour and exclusive tasting.

The 50-minute Denbies will takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard.

While the Albury version is a 1 and a half to two hours tour with a guided walk and a gazebo tasting session as your final reward.

Support your local grape

Little wine drinker me: And a toast to you too

For those British patriots out there it’s a chance to support Vintage England and its wine market.

It is only growing in popularity and quality with the beautiful Surrey landscape an added allure.

And even more so in the heart of England by the turn of the century.

When it could well be the centre of the wine industry as France fries under the warming Earth.

Countries, Ireland, UK

Zephaniah Day a paean to poets

13th April 202513th April 2025 funtime65

And I know what I’ll be doing every April 12 from now on… celebrating Zephaniah Day a paean to poets.

London Hansworth’s Brunel University set the day up to immortalise the great dub poet, born here.

Although better known as a son of Birmingham where he grew up.

And fans of his writings, including very much this Edinburgh Fringe poet, will want to take in a major exhibition ‘The Brighter Flame’.

Featuring his work and life story, and displayed in different locations like Victoria Square and Snow Hill Square.

While a mural of The Great Orator has been unveiled in Handsworth Park.

A world poet

And while Zephaniah is writ large in Britain’s two biggest cities.

In truth, Zephaniah’s poetry travelled the world as indeed did he, spending his final days in China.

The dreadlocked rasta was quick to say in his lifetime how differently poetry was perceived around the world.

Peak of his form: Peaky Blinders with Cillian Murphy

And on a much-replayed appearance on the Jonathan Ross chat show he relayed that in countries like Jamaica and India.

The public would come up to him and say show us what you’ve got.

Before responding to Ross’s invitation and launching into Overstanding on the show.

Ode to our national bards

The whole world, of course, comes together in verse every March 21 to celebrate the UNESCO World Poetry Day.

But right across the globe nations celebrate their countries’ own poets.

With those of a Scottish disposition and its diaspora raising their Burns Days on January 25 to a world level.

And the Irish marking James Joyce on Bloomsday every June 16.

While the Welsh mark the day when Dylan Thomas first read Under Milk Wood in 1953 with his own say.

Dear England

That there isn’t an actual day celebrating an English National Poet would seem a careless omission.

And you can take your pick from Shakespeare, Wordsworth or Keats.

Although we’d humbly suggest Zephaniah Day a paean to poets.