Tag Archives: Clanadonia

GreatScot! Sunshine and Smiles – 2nd Outlandish Adventure Day 10

We woke up after a lovely night’s sleep and leisurely made our way to breakfast in the hotel where Summer had her first opportunity to try haggis. I think she actually liked it! After breakfast, we headed out to spend some time walking around Glasgow on such a warm and sunny day!

Breakfast
Before haggis
Not bad
WOW weather
Central Station
Yeah, required to take pics of anything that says Fraser
Beautiful day on Buchanan St.

After a bit of a walk, Summer decided she couldn’t go another step without coffee and I am a sucker for anywhere that says patisserie, so we stopped into Valerie’s and had both!

WP_20150523_12_24_22_Pro

Refueled, we spent the next several hours wandering along Buchanan and Sauchiehall streets enjoying the glorious weather, stopping into Boots for some items and enjoying all the buskers out entertaining.

We managed to spend a few moments catching up with Susan, who was just getting ready to head out on another tour. It was funny to see the Americans traveling light and the local dragging a big suitcase behind her for a change. 😉

Meetups being the order of the day, we also had a chance to catch up with a bonny lad by the name of Richard Rankin. Even funnier, when we were scoping out a good place for the visit, we ran into Clanadonia, a local Celtic music group grabbing coffee before more hit and run performing.

Kilts!
Wait a minute. We recognize you guys.
Me and Richard Rankin
Another signature for Amanda’s gloves

No sooner did Richard have to run, than we heard from another local friend wanting to know if we were free for dinner. They were at a local restaurant called Mussel Inn. Those of you who know me well, know that I was all in as soon as the word mussel was mentioned! We walked the 2 blocks over and then spent the next couple of hours eating delicious food, enjoying great conversation and pretty much laughing our heads off. Thanks so much Eilidh and Peter!

Seafood Chowder
Mussels with shallots and cream

After bidding Eilidh and Peter a fond farewell (or at least a see you later), we walked back to the hotel in a light mist (rain is never far away in Scotland) and piled into the car for the drive north. Even though the hour was a bit late, we made it to Pitlochry with no problems.

Our last thing for the day was a midnight online hangout between Outlander Podcast and Great Scot blog. We had a blast doing a video hangout and chatting with people online about their favorite parts of the Outlander season, so far. So I guess I have now made my Internet debut. I blame the lateness of the hour or I probably would never have done it in my right mind. 😉

Finally, it was time to drop exhausted into bed. Stay tuned to see what we can get into next!

Slàn leat an-dràsta!

Great Scot! More than one ‘Clan’ comes together – 2nd Outlandish Adventure Day 2

This blog may be even shorter than yesterday. Much of that may be because I slept like the dead from the time I finished last night’s blog post until almost 10 am this morning. I finally did drag myself out of bed, feeling very much refreshed, just in time to grab breakfast in the hotel restaurant with Deborah. After that, we packed our stuff and checked out.

I dropped Deb off at her car and then headed north to Pitlochry. That will be my home base for the weekend before heading back to Glasgow next week. Sitting down in comfort, I did a quick technology check to make sure all was working for the all important Outlander viewing in the morning. After some fiddling, everything appears to be working but I’ll keep my fingers crossed until morning, just in case.

Tech check done, I performed a quick wardrobe change and headed across the mountain from Pitlochry to Crieff.  It was a lovely drive through misty rain. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to take some pictures and post them. After a 45 minute drive, I arrived at the lovely Crieff Hydro — a Victorian built hotel and spa. I very quickly started running into friends, old and new, all there for the Outlandish UK Gathering.

Pretty soon it was time for dinner, but first, there was a very special pre-dinner entertainment. None other that Outlander world-famous street musicians Clanadonia, fresh from the streets of Glasgow. All the attendees gathered round to watch — and some ended up becoming part of the performance — as the band rocked the venue.  After several rousing numbers, Clanadonia ended with their smash hit ‘Hamsterheid’– a smash hit partly in that it was featured during the chase scene in Episode 101 – Sassenach.

At this point, many of you have probably noticed something missing in this blog post…pictures. I accidentally left my cell phone in the car and didn’t have it to take pictures with this evening. But don’t worry, I’ll have both the phone and my camera to take pics tomorrow. I can’t wait to see what the Outlandish UK Gathering organizers have in store for us. I’m already pretty sure my credit card balance won’t be safe after shopping at the Outlander Fayre!

In the meantime, do enjoy this video I made of Clanadonia that I was able to make with my handy Surface 3. I sure wish the quality was better but you’ll get the feel. 😦

Clanadonia

After a lovely buffet dinner, the Outlander clan settled in for some Outlandish Trivia. 5 rounds later, three tables were engaging in a tie-breaker for the overall win, but alas, my table was not among them. Why couldn’t I remember William Ransom’s FULL name and title. 😉 Knowing I had a bit of a drive and an early call tomorrow morning, I headed out for home.

In the car, I marveled that even so late in the evening it wasn’t quite dark yet. Pretty sure the sun will be up very early tomorrow (as will I). I made my way back across the Sma’ Glen, keeping a sharp eye out for rabbits, deer and other cars. Have to tell you that the rabbits far outnumbered the other 2. Arrived home safe and sound and now ready to catch some sleep before my very early alarm goes off.

More to come tomorrow!

Slàn leat àn-drasta!