Going Home
The soft thud of the wheels of the aircraft as it touched the tarmac signalled to us passengers that we had just landed in Scotland. Almost involuntarily I let out a deep sigh at knowing we had arrived, all was well, and the journey was over.
Like so many others, I enjoy returning to Scotland - although I do find the journey rather long. Yet, for myself and others, it is a means to an end and there is a lovely feeling of relaxation as we touchdown and enter the air terminal.
I looked out of the window. The sky was rather grey; nevertheless, I always find a certain beauty about Glasgow airport, something which is not seen at most others. I speak specifically about the backdrop of mountains which seem to surround the distant horizon, giving a lovely welcoming look to an otherwise, run of the mill airport scene. A little like Scotland itself, I thought with a whimsical smile on my face. Like so many other things about this country, things seem to look similar to other places on the surface, yet upon taking a closer look, just a hairs breath below the surface, there is a world of difference to be found between this and any other country.
When the real impact hits!
Alighting from the plane and going through the terminal is always fun. This is the time when the real impact of having ‘arrived’ is felt. Of course accents are completely different from those we had just left behind, and there is always a friendly customs clerk to give a “Welcome to Scotland” - with a big smile. For me this upcoming week promised to be a busy one. I was meeting with our Australasian manager, my son Sean. Together we would be manning a booth at a busy trade show in Glasgow - an event which, although enjoyable, calls for many long hours meeting people, both old friends and new, and catching up with their news while swapping our own.
Yes, it would be busy - but fun. The schedule started almost right away, as we had to be at the SECC, building (where the event was held), the following morning to set up our booth. The weather was chilly - for sure - in fact Britain has just had its’ coldest winter for over 50 years, but the warmth of the people more than made up for the outside temperatures.
Once we had set up for the show, it was a constant whirl of business - and a lot to cram into the few days we were to be in Glasgow. We both wished we had more time to visit with some folks we wanted to, but as always happens, the time was tight and we had to leave without seeing everybody. Nevertheless, we will be back next year and hope to catch up then - if not before at one of the many highland games we attend.
Speaking of highland games
Speaking of highland games, I must mention that the Central Florida Highland Games took place in Orlando the weekend prior to my departing on my Scottish trip. This games was a special event for us here at the Banner, due to one of our columnists, Lady Fiona MacGregor and her husband Sir Malcolm MacGregor, being guests of honour at that weekend. And what a hit they were!
On numerous occasions I tried to get close to them for a chat, but they seemed constantly surrounded by people, which was wonderful.
No easy journey
The Macgregor’s had not had an easy journey across the Atlantic after their plane schedules were delayed due to snowy weather conditions in the UK. In fact at one point, when speaking to the President of Orlando highland games, I was advised that it wasn’t sure whether or not they would be able to make it.
But that’s the Macgregor’s for you! If they say they will be there - they will - snowstorm or not! Well done, Fiona and Malcolm! You were very welcome!
New Scottish Heraldry Column
I would like to take a moment this month to welcome a new columnist on the pages of the Scottish Banner. He is LCDR John Glenn of Glynstewart, USN (Ret). John has been a subscriber to the Banner for some time now, and whilst he has enjoyed reading the publication, he noticed that we do not carry a section on Clan Heraldry.
John is a student of Scottish coats of arms, has his own coat-of-arms, and is a member of the Heraldry Society of Scotland as well as being the Secretary of the Society of Scottish Armigers. Would we like a column on Scottish Heraldry? Too right we would - we didn’t have to be asked twice. Johns’ first article - along with his coat of arms – is printed on page 13. Welcome John, we are pleased to add your name to our masthead.
In future, readers will be able to ask John questions they may have on their own coat of arms, and in a fairly timely fashion, he will be able to answer them for you. Here at the Banner he is a very welcome asset and one who we believe our readers will thoroughly enjoy reading.
That brings our readers up to date on this month’s news within our world here. We trust you will all be coping well with the cold weather conditions in many parts of the country. Yet as I look at the date on these pages, it tells me that this is March and so spring should not be too far away...