#greyfriar's kirk

[we-will-wait-forthis]

[edinburgh-by-the-sea]

old stones and fresh rain

[scotianostra]

Looking west over Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh from The  National Museum of Scot land Rooftop Terrace.

[alexisgeorge]

16 avril:

Visite d'Edinburg J2

[whimsipunk]

👻

[ginjones]

@msmongoose ah! I'm from Edinburgh and can attest that the Surgeon's Museum is indeed amazing if not a little hurl inducing. Wanna see 200 year old human eyeballs? We'll; you're in luck!

Hob in every Dreamling fic as a history professor:

"History maps humanities journey across the wild open plains of our imaginations; whispering a sweet, permissive prayer to hope and wonder"

Me currently studying a history degree:

STUPID MAN WANT POWER, GETS POWER, TURNS INTO HOMICIDAL TYRANT THEN EVERYONE GETS SYPHILUS AND DIES

[nancyfmccarthy]

Edinburgh

We have now had two days in Edinburgh. The weather has been surprisingly wonderful. We have walked the city from end to end.

The Old Town is crowded and very touristy. The Royal Mile is lined with shops selling cashmere and souvenirs. Because it is British, it is neat and orderly in a Disney-esque way, attractive but not our cup of tea. We did enjoy the hike up to Arthur’s Seat.

This afternoon we walked around New Town and the West End. This felt more like the elegant city which I had imagined. Our walk included the botanical gardens and great views from Calton Hill.

Tomorrow we get our rental car and head to St Andrew’s.

Our hotel, The Bonham, is in a beautiful row house in the West End.

The Royal Mile before the afternoon crowds.

The path down from Arthur’s Seat

The crowd heading into Edinburgh Castle - we skipped it!

The castle is built on the what was a volcano. the Royal Mile (and Old Town generally) is built along the volcanic ridge.

Buddy, the Skye Terrier, who is said to have stood by his master’s grave in Greyfriar Kirk yard for 14 years until he himself passed sway in 1872.

Circus Street, which is noteworthy for its cuteness!

View of Old Town from the botanical garden.

Paul with Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle went to the medical school of Edinburgh University. Holmes is said to be based on one of his professors there.

New town and the Firth of Forth (no, this is not a type-o! All of the place names are reminiscent of Monty Python to me) from Calton Hill.

[scarfacemarston]

Damn. Got bailed on twice trying to hang out with people. :/ I paid for tickets and everything.

Two more days, though til I get home so that’s good news.

Found this dope ass pic in Greyfriar’s Kirk, though.

[pershing100]

Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

[myhauntedsalem]

Mackenzie Poltergeist in Greyfriars

Greyfriars Kirkyard is the site of one of the most bloody religious persecutions carried out in the 17th century by King appointed Lord Advocate Sir George Mackenzie against the rebel Presbyterian Covenanters for their failure to accept state approved religion and swear loyalty to the King.  It is also the location of the most well documented poltergeist activity in the world – the Mackenzie Poltergeist in Greyfriars.

It all began fifty years after the “National Covenant” was signed, pledging to keep Scotland a Presbyterian country, when King Charles II ascended the throne and quickly disavowed the Covenanters right to freely practice their religion and demanded that all accept the new official state religion. On June 22, 1679, the king’s forces swept the last of the Presbyterian Covenanters away in a bloody yet decisive battle known as the Bothwell Brig.

Refusing to swear allegiance to the King, several thousand Presbyterian Covenanter rebels were rounded up and imprisoned in a section of the Greyfriars Kirkyard (the graveyard of the small Greyfriars Kirk parish, owned by The Church of Scotland), known as the Covenanters’ prison.

Over the coming winter months, the Covenanter prisoners of war were branded dissidents and subjected to deportation, inhumane torture, starvation, exposure and beheadings at the hands of Lord Advocate Sir George Mackenzie. Nicknamed “Bluidy MacKenzie”, by his victims, this vile brute was in charge of the Presbyterian Covenanter persecution on behalf of Charles II. And, though his everyday life facade was that of loving husband and father, legal scholar, published author (it’s said he wrote the first Scottish novel) and well read man, the private business of persecution that he conducted on behalf of the king, was so well hidden that even his wife never saw this vicious and sadistic side. The persecution was relentless and in the end, most if not all of the prisoners died and were buried in the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery where they had been held captive.

In all, Mackenzie was responsible for the deaths of 18,000 of his countrymen in pursuit of a unified religion, during a period that was labeled, ‘The Killing Time’. His bloody reign of terror came to an end in 1691 when he died and was ironically buried in a casket contained in the Black Mausoleum tomb, a building located on the GreyFriars Kirkyard a short distance from the scene of his gruesome war crimes and where his victims were laid to rest.

For 300 years, both victims and tormentor rested in an uneasy peace, just feet from each other. And, then one dark and stormy night in 1998, a homeless man, possibly wanting shelter from the rain or looking for something valuable to steal, broke into the ‘Black Mausoleum’, a vaulted and well fortified tomb, the final resting place of the infamous ‘Bluidy MacKensie’.

The vagrant ransacked the tomb, smashing caskets on every level until he came to one which held the body of Bluidy MacKensie himself.

While trying to pry open the casket, a large hole opened up in the floor under his feet, dropping the man into a chamber below. The pit was filled with the remains of plague victims, unceremoniously dumped into the hole and covered over during plague days as a quick way to dispose of bodies. Confronted by the putrefied remains and stench of still rotting flesh, the homeless man ran screaming hysterically from the mausoleum into the night, never to be heard from again.

The next day, another passerby looking through the iron gates of MacKenzie’s tomb was (in her own words) “blasted back off it’s steps by a cold force.” Sometime later, another woman was found near the tomb’s entrance lying unconscious and her neck covered with bruises as if someone had tried to choke the life from her.

Had this homeless man awakened an angry spirit, to be let loose on a sleepy and unsuspecting burgh?

Once these stories of the macabre hit the internet, the legend of the Mackenzie Poltergeist in Greyfriars was born and lit up the area like wildfire attracting ghost hunters and macabre seekers from every corner of the earth.

Since 1998, when Mackenzie’s casket was first defiled, over 500 ghostly attacks have been reported by those visiting the tomb, many of these injuries documented with photographs.

So far, documented injuries perpetrated by the MacKenzie ghost include burns, skin gouges (around the neck and abdomen); unexplained bruises; broken fingers; feeling as if one’s hair is being pulled. Some visitors have said they were punched or kicked by an invisible attacker while in the MacKenzie tomb. Others talk of feeling nausea or numbness, strange smells or auditory hallucinations such as wall and floor knocks, all having occurred with multiple witnesses present. Some even claimed the ghost had followed them back home or to a hotel.

In 2000, Colin Grant, an exorcist and minister of a spiritualist church performed an exorcism ceremony on the graveyard. Standing in the cemetery, it’s said he was overcome by the sensation of being surrounded by hundreds of tormented souls and evil spirits trying to break through to the mortal realm. Fearing for his own life, he left quickly, saying the evil was too powerful for him to overcome. A few weeks later, Colin Grant was found dead of a sudden and unexpected heart attack.

Today, many people believe this graveyard is haunted by the Mackenzie Poltergeist, a malevolent spirit who’s hatred lives on from beyond the grave. And, far from a restless or benevolent spirit, he exacts punishment on any who dare disturb his final resting place.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 2.10

1258 – The Siege of Baghdad ends with the surrender of the last Abbasid caliph to Hulegu Khan, a prince of the Mongol Empire. 1306 – In front of the high altar of Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, Robert the Bruce murders John Comyn, sparking the revolution in the Wars of Scottish Independence. 1355 – The St Scholastica Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead in two days. 1502 – Vasco da Gama sets sail from Lisbon, Portugal, on his second voyage to India. 1567 – Lord Darnley, second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, is found strangled following an explosion at the Kirk o' Field house in Edinburgh, Scotland, a suspected assassination. 1712 – Huilliches in Chiloé rebel against Spanish encomenderos. 1763 – French and Indian War: The Treaty of Paris ends the war and France cedes Quebec to Great Britain. 1814 – Napoleonic Wars: The Battle of Champaubert ends in French victory over the Russians and the Prussians. 1840 – Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom marries Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. 1846 – First Anglo-Sikh War: Battle of Sobraon: British defeat Sikhs in the final battle of the war. 1861 – Jefferson Davis is notified by telegraph that he has been chosen as provisional President of the Confederate States of America. 1862 – American Civil War: A Union naval flotilla destroys the bulk of the Confederate Mosquito Fleet in the Battle of Elizabeth City on the Pasquotank River in North Carolina. 1906 – HMS Dreadnought, the first of a revolutionary new breed of battleships, is christened. 1920 – Józef Haller de Hallenburg performs the symbolic wedding of Poland to the sea, celebrating restitution of Polish access to open sea. 1920 – About 75% of the population in Zone I votes to join Denmark in the 1920 Schleswig plebiscites. 1923 – Texas Tech University is founded as Texas Technological College in Lubbock, Texas. 1930 – The Việt Nam Quốc Dân Đảng launches the failed Yên Bái mutiny in hope of overthrowing French protectorate over Vietnam. 1933 – In round 13 of a boxing match at New York City's Madison Square Garden, Primo Carnera knocks out Ernie Schaaf. Schaaf dies four days later. 1936 – Second Italo-Abyssinian War: Italian troops launch the Battle of Amba Aradam against Ethiopian defenders. 1939 – Spanish Civil War: The Nationalists conclude their conquest of Catalonia and seal the border with France. 1940 – The Soviet Union begins mass deportations of Polish citizens from occupied eastern Poland to Siberia. 1943 – World War II: Attempting to completely lift the Siege of Leningrad, the Soviet Red Army engages German troops and Spanish volunteers in the Battle of Krasny Bor. 1947 – The Paris Peace Treaties are signed by Italy, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland and the Allies of World War II. 1954 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower warns against United States intervention in Vietnam. 1962 – Cold War: Captured American U2 spy-plane pilot Gary Powers is exchanged for captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. 1964 – Melbourne–Voyager collision: The aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne collides with and sinks the destroyer HMAS Voyager off the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, killing 82. 1967 – The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified. 1972 – Ras Al Khaimah joins the United Arab Emirates, now making up seven emirates. 1984 – Kenyan soldiers kill an estimated 5,000 ethnic Somali Kenyans in the Wagalla massacre. 1989 – Ron Brown is elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee, becoming the first African American to lead a major American political party. 1996 – IBM supercomputer Deep Blue defeats Garry Kasparov in chess for the first time. 2003 – France and Belgium break the NATO procedure of silent approval concerning the timing of protective measures for Turkey in case of a possible war with Iraq. 2009 – The communications satellites Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251 collide in orbit, destroying both. 2016 – South Korea decides to stop the operation of the Kaesong joint industrial complex with North Korea in response to the launch of Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4.

[languageyeti1985]

Scotland's Historical Colourful Tapestry.

Step into the captivating world of Scotland's regal history, where tales of courage, royal drama, and ancient artefacts intertwine to shape the very essence of this enchanting nation. 

Join me on a journey through time as we explore the pivotal role of the Scottish Church in the fight for independence and the rise of James VI to the English throne. Delve into the significance of ancient artefacts, such as the mysterious footprints found at Dunadd Fort, in shaping Scotland's identity. 

Together, let us uncover the allure of Scotland's royal heritage and its profound influence on the country's culture.

Robert The Bruce - is more than just a romantic tale of a spider in a cave.

The courageous life of Robert the Bruce and the Scottish Church's support step back in time to the tumultuous era of Scottish independence, where the fearless spirit of Robert the Bruce shines like a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

I invite you to relive the saga of courage and determination that changed the course of Scottish history. As we delve into the life of Robert the Bruce, we shall also explore the pivotal role played by the Scottish Church, providing unwavering support and moral strength in the fight for freedom.

The idealism and romanticism of Robert the Bruce in the early 14th century, as Scotland was embroiled in a fierce struggle for survival, would seem worlds apart from the imagination of an Australian actor/director in Hollywood looking to make money from Scottish history.

Amidst this turmoil, Robert the Bruce emerges as a knight determined to claim the Scottish throne. Follow him through the highs and lows of his journey, from witnessing his father's loyalty to King Edward I of England to the transformative moment at the Battle of Bannockburn. Discover how this warrior's unwavering resolve and strategic brilliance ultimately restored Scotland's independence for a short time.

The Scottish Church's unifying force, we can not overlook the vital role played by the Scottish Church during this critical period. The Church served as a unifying force, rallying the Scottish people under a common purpose and invoking divine support for their cause. 

With influential figures like Bishop Robert Wishart standing by Bruce's side, the Scottish Church provided:

The Church gave spiritual guidance to Robert and the country.

It fostered a sense of national identity and resilience among the Scots.

It forgave Robert of killing a contender for the throne John Comyn, in the sacred precincts of Greyfriars Kirk in Dumfries.

Despite the bloodshed and brutality inherent in pursuing kingship, Robert the Bruce demonstrated a profound spiritual side. His religious devotion led him to seek penance and forgiveness for the lives lost on his path to the throne. 

In moments of introspection, he would reportedly say, "God forgive me, I have spilt the blood of innocent men" acknowledging the weight of his actions and seeking redemption for the sacrifices made during his quest for the crown. This spiritual depth in Robert the Bruce showcases the complexities of his character as he grapples with the consequences of his ambition and the desire for divine absolution, throughout which the Church was there.

A shared legacy of courage, Bruce's bravery and the Scottish Church's steadfast support left an indelible mark on Scotland's collective consciousness, by which their actions instilled a sense of national pride and the belief in the intrinsic right to self-governance. The legacy of Robert the Bruce and the Scottish Church's support continues to inspire generations, reminding the Scots of their capacity to overcome challenges and preserve their cultural identity.

A very Scottish soap opera, as always, it ends in tears.

A Royal Drama and the complexities of human emotions of Mother and Son and Elizabeth the Virgin Queen's throne, as we enter the captivating world of royal intrigue and emotional complexities as we explore the fascinating tale of James VI's ascension to the English throne, uniting Scotland and England under a single monarch. 

As we unravel the intricacies of this historic union, we find ourselves exploring a tapestry where political ambitions, power struggles, and personal emotions intertwine, shaping the destiny of two kingdoms as they embark on a shared path toward unity.

During the enigmatic reign of Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, and her unmarried status, she became an iconic figure, embodying strength and vulnerability. Uncover the secrets behind her refusal to marry, delving into the political implications and the emotional toll of her choices. Witness her resolve as she navigates a treacherous path to maintain England's sovereignty amidst international intrigue and internal opposition.

As we explore the life of James VI, the Scottish monarch whose ascension to the English throne was a pivotal moment in history, let us appreciate the complexities he faced. 

Born to Mary, Queen of Scots, and raised in the tumultuous atmosphere of Scottish politics, James VI's path to the English throne was marked by opportunity and challenge. Follow his journey to England, where he inherits a kingdom facing its difficulties and prejudices.

James VI grapples with conflicting emotions and responsibilities as the royal drama unfolds. Having sent letters to Elizabeth, pleading for clemency for his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, James is torn between filial duty and the preservation of his claim to the throne.

Despite the emotional turmoil, James VI steels himself, knowing that any action that threatened his place in the ascension to the English throne would be disastrous for his reign. With a heavy heart, he instructs the messengers to take no action that might jeopardise his claim or position. His decision reveals the weight of the crown on his shoulders, as he must balance personal emotions with the practicalities of ruling two kingdoms.

The Scottish soap opera continues to unfold as James VI ascends to the English throne, uniting Scotland and England under his rule. However, the complexities of governing two distinct kingdoms remain, and James must navigate a delicate path to ensure stability and harmony within his realm.

As history weaves its tapestry, we witness the triumphs and tribulations of James VI's reign, leaving an indelible mark on British history. His decision to prioritise his claim to the throne over personal sentiments highlights the harsh realities of monarchy, where duty often prevails over sentimentality.

In the end, the royal drama comes full circle, as James VI's reign becomes a reflection of the human emotions, political ambitions, and power struggles that shaped this historic union of Crowns. His legacy is one of complexity and nuance as he navigated the tumultuous waters of being both a son seeking justice for his mother and a king securing his place on the English throne. In this Scottish soap opera of history, the story ends not in a fairy-tale conclusion but in the reality of the complexities and challenges those who wear the crown face.

Unravelling Scotland's identity through mysterious footprints and a stone.

Journey into the mystical past of Scotland, where ancient artefacts whisper tales of bygone eras. The significance of these relics in shaping Scotland's identity and cultural heritage. Among the enigmatic artefacts, the footprints found at Dunadd Fort in Argyll are an intriguing symbol of kingship and dominion. Let us traverse the footsteps of history and uncover the mysteries hidden within these sacred carvings.

An ancient power centre, Dunadd Fort, perched high above the Moine Mhor, we find ourselves transported to the heart of the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata. This once-powerful fort was central to the Gaelic kings' rule from AD 500 to AD 800. Discover the significance of this sacred site, believed to be the place where new kings were inaugurated, symbolising their dominion over the land.

With the mysterious footprints at Dunadd Fort, amidst other ancient carvings, lie the intriguing footprints - a unique feature that captivates historians and visitors alike. Contemplate their purpose and meaning, speculating on their role during real-life inauguration ceremonies. 

These footprints offer a glimpse into a distant past, connecting us to the ancient rituals and traditions that once shaped the Scottish monarchy.

Shaping Scotland's identity with these artefacts of Dunadd Fort and similar carvings at Clickimin Broch in Shetland, we realise that these relics are more than mere historical curiosities. They serve as tangible symbols of Scotland's identity, reminding its people of their ancient roots and shared heritage. The connection to these artefacts fosters a sense of pride and belonging, reinforcing the notion that the past continues to shape Scotland's cultural identity in the present day.

Scotland's history intrigues me the most in the way it has been shaped and told by various external sources over the centuries. From ancient historians like Tacitus to the influence of the Church and England, Scotland's history has often been interpreted through the lens of others, leading to a romanticised and sometimes distorted narrative. This complex interplay of historical perspectives has contributed to Scotland's unique cultural identity and sense of nationhood.

The stories and legends surrounding Scottish history have become integral to the country's culture and heritage. These tales of heroism, struggle, and resilience have helped forge a shared sense of identity among the Scottish people. Despite the need to take some of these stories with a pinch of salt, they have played a crucial role in shaping how Scots view their past and place in the world - me being one of them.

One iconic symbol of Scottish identity, the kilt, is a prime example of how history and storytelling have influenced cultural traditions. While kilts were worn in Scotland for centuries, Sir Walter Scott's romantic novels popularised this traditional garment. His literary works, which often drew on historical events and figures, helped cement the kilt's place as a symbol of Scottish pride and identity at home and abroad.

Another powerful symbol of Scotland's royal history is the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, which is an ancient stone upon which Scottish kings were traditionally crowned and holds deep cultural and symbolic significance. Its history, which includes being taken to England by Edward I in 1296 and returned to Scotland in 1996, has further reinforced Scotland's sense of nationhood and independence.

Overall, as told through various narratives, Scotland's history has profoundly shaped the country's cultural identity. Fusing historical events with folklore and legend has created a rich tapestry of stories that resonate with the Scottish, fostering a shared sense of heritage and pride in their unique history. 

These historical tales continue to be cherished and celebrated, reinforcing the spirit of Scotland and its enduring cultural identity and enriching Scotland's tapestry woven with stories, unicorns and more than a few drams of whisky.

[alexisgeorge24]

14/04 (J1)

Départ à 1h00 de bercy pour Londres. Je découvre en chemin que ça sera par Douvres le passage de la frontière. Très long et fatigant comme trajet, douane et ferry obligent. Le retard de 1h me fait rater mon bus de Londres pour Edinburg et je dois prendre un train qui me coûte 95e ("lovely" comme ils disent). 16h après avoir quitté Sucy et enfin arrivé au super hostel (castle rock) d'Edinburg: déjeuner, douche, sieste. Puis bière en attendant Jessica qui me rejoint pour le week-end.

15/04 (J2)

Réveillés à 6h au hostel par des italiens qui parlaient fort, nous entamons la journée un peu de mauvaise humeur et après leur avoir cassé les dents. Mais on est vite consolés par la vue panoramique offerte par le sommet de la colinne surplombant la région "Arthur's seat". Puis nous avons enchaîné tarte, Dunbar's Close Garden, le Parlement (on nous nous sommes assis à la place des députés, plutôt au milieu pour n'ofenser personne), Holyrood Palace (où passe sa majesté en juillet généralement), New Calton Burial Ground (un parmis les 10aines de cimetières qui mettent mal à l'aise Jessica), le Calton Hill (belle vue avec imitation Parthenon), Dean Village.

Nous dormons dans un appartement partagé avec 4 autres chambres et une seule salle de bain.

16/04 (J3)

On maintient notre dynamique et visitons:

Castle Edinburg: perché sur un ancien volcan, symbole de la ville

National musem of Scotland: on pensait y voir son histoire mais finalement c'est un fourre-tout intéressant (et gratuit, comme tout les musées ici)

Greyfriars Kirk: encore un cimetière très charmant où je touche les fesses d'un arbre

Scottish National Gallery: belle collection de tableau

Puis pub avec burger, bière et vin (what else)

17/04 (J4)

Journée excursions en "banlieue" avec la visite du bateau Britania, palais flottant royal qui a navigué dans le monde entre 1953 et 1997; sans trop de surprise on remarque que les appartements de la reine sont légèrement plus spacieux que ceux des matelots. Puis changement de quartier ambiance campagne pour visiter le Château de Craigmillar (où y habitat Mary Queen of Scots, va falloir apprendre l'histoire...).

Puis on termine la visite de la ville avec le Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Ensuite Jessica rentre à Paris et je suis seul... L'aventure commence là pour moi.

18/04 (J5)

Réveil à 4h50 pour attraper le train pour Aberdeen, j'enchaîne avec un bus et je me trouve à l'entrée du parc Cairngorms. J'ai 15km à faire sur route avant d'atteindre le début du sentier mais au bout de 40min quelqu'un veut bien me prendre en stop, 2 heures de gagnées!

J'arrive donc au lac Loch Muick sous un soleil éclatant, je le contourne puis fait un AR au sommet Cac Càrn Beag. Au total 20km et 750m d+. Par contre j'ai les fesses irritées et ça m'inquiète pour les journées à venir...

Je trouve un spot ydilique pour le camp dans une mini forêt au bord du Loch Muick, je fais un tour de drone, me repose, mange et m'endore. Mais avant je regarde un épisode de The Last of Us (série avec des zombies) et je regrette...

19/04 (J6)

Réveil grandiose avant le levé de soleil devant le miroir d'eau qu'offre le Loch Muick (aucune attaque de zombie pendant la nuit mais j'ai quand même eu froid). Petit déjeuner et c'est reparti, le moral au max avec ce beau temps. Je rejoins la Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve la mâtinée par un col et des paysages magnifiques, c'est pas très haut mais les sommets vallonnés, la quasi absence d'arbre et les cours d'eau, donnent un très joli paysage, on dirait le Jura sans végétation (c'est pas flateur dit comme ça alors que c'était magnifique, mais c'est ce que je me suis dit sur le moment; c'est mon journal j'écris ce que je veux). Puis déjeuner, sieste et c'est reparti pour une boucle sans le sac qui me fait passer par les sommet Mayar et Driesh. Très beaux panoramas sur tout le parc et tous les sommets ronds semi enneigées. Bilan de la journée : 26km 1130 d+ (et les irritations du feceps se sont stabilisées).

20/04 (J7)

Réveil après une meilleure nuit (est-ce que je commence à m'adapter au froid ?!) et c'est répartie pour la rando, direction ligne droite pour atteindre le village de Braemar via le sommet Crow Craigies puis Loch Callater (Loch c'est lac obviousement). Il fait beau, bon, mon dos commence à s'y faire à mon sac, les paysages sont sublimes, je pue, la vie est belle. Évidement arrivé à Braemer je prends direct UNE BIÈRE, que je ne savoure pas, c'est elle qui me savoure. Bilan de la journée: 22km 630m d+

21/04

Réveil en Laponie, tout est gelé dehors, ma tante est recouverte de glace et je comprends mieux pourquoi je me suis pelé cette nuit. Il en faut plus pour atteindre mon moral, et la forme est toujours là avec ce soleil brille toujours. C'est parti donc pour rejoindre Aviemore en 2 jours. Bivouac dans une cabane le Corrour Bothy que je rejoins au bout de 22km. Comme j'ai encore de l'énergie je me fais un sommet (le devil's spot) pas loin en bonus. Et je ne m'y attendais vraiment pas, j'ai là la plus belle vue du Cairngorms. Bilan de la journée: 27km 750m d+.

On est 6 autour de la cabane, 3 en tente et 3 (dont moi) avec un spot dans le bothy. J'apprends en discutant avec les scots qui me tiennent compagnie qu'il y a plein de Bothy du genre sur la côte ouest des highland que je comptais justement faire après. Par contre un habitué du coin me dit que mon itinéraire de demain est super dur et quand il voit mon sac (et son poid) il éclate de de rire. Mais il me dit que j'ai un physique de militaire (merci) et que j'y arriverai. En effet je l'ai croisé en faisant le sommet bonus en mode sprint, donc je l'ai bien évidemment impressionné. Mais clairement je suis à la fois pas serein, et j'ai hâte de voir ce que "difficile" veut dire pour un Scot. Rdv demain pour savoir.

22/04

La nuit dans le bothy à été la meilleure car pas eu froid du tout. Petit déjeuner et c'est parti pour rejoindre Aviemore en passant par le plus haut sommet des Cairngorms, le Ben Macdui (1309m). Je précise que l'option la plus simple serait de passer par un col m'economisant 7km et 400m d+. Mais il fait beau et je suis toujours en forme (à part mes pieds). Finalement la montée du Ben Macdui était en effet bien plus compliquée que les autres rando dans la zone. Le chemin que j'ai emprunté (parmis les 3 en tout qui y mènent) ne figure sur aucune carte et c'était carrément du hors piste sur 20% de la monté. Mais c'est pas les Alpes, les sommets sont très arrondis et le hors piste se fait "facilement". Donc je pense que le monsieur qui a voulu me faire peur ne connaît que les montagnes d'Ecosse. La vue était bien évidemment belle mais un peu déçu, car étant donné l'arrondi du sommet, on n'a pas de vue plongeante au loin. Le devil's spot reste donc la vue #1. Au bilan: 29km 800d+

J'arrive à Aviemore et prends direct un bus pour Inverness, la capitale des highlands. Une fois sur place le processus "retour au confort" est lancé : lit, douche, bière, pizza, re-bière, re-bouffe, série télé, dodo.

[scotianostra]

On November 21st 1591 a group of Carmelite Friars (also known as White Friars) established a Lepers Hospital in a “sheltered spot called Greenside, near the northern skirts of the Calton Hill”

The Greyfriars or Franciscan church (of the Observant branch of the order) stood in the Grassmarket until it was destroyed by fire in 1845. The Whitefriars of Carmelites did not settle in Edinburgh until 1518. Their house of Greenside, near the Calton Hill, was transformed at the Dissolution into a lepers' hospital.

The 18th century  Maitlands History of Edinburgh, gives us a wee bit about the area;

"King James II. by his charter of the twentieth of his reign anno 1456 granted to the Edinburghers a spot of ground on the northeastern side of the Craigend gate, and eastern side of the pathway Leading to Leith whereon to hold Tilts and Tournaments at presents Called the Greenside, This piece of ground in the year 1520 was by the Common Council of Edinburgh with consent of the King and Archbishop of St. Andrews, granted to certain Carmelite Friars to erect a convent on which proved of no long duration. for John Robertson a merchant in Edinburgh, pursuant to a vow, on his receiving a signal mercy from god erected by a licence from the town council, on the Site of the Said Monastery an house or hospital for leprous persons to be under the direction & government of the Said Council who appointed a committee to Settle the Same who drew up certain very severe Constitutions to be observed by them, under no less a penalty than that of being hanged; and to shew they were in earnest ordered a gibbet to be erected at one end of the said hospital to enforce the observation of their Statutes."

When the Hospital was in existence the field in which it was situated was called 'The Hangman's Acre'. This name arose in consequence of a Gallows being placed at each corner of the building on which the keeper had the power without trial to hang any leper whom he found escaping The monastery was built in 1526. At the north end of Greenside Row is a pump which was formerly Rood Well of Greenside belonging to Friars.

Recently a project saw forensic artists digitally reconstruct faces from skulls found in a cemetery at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, including a woman with leprosy, who may have been a tailor, and a man who was likely a peasant.  So it seems the lepers may have only escaped the confnes of the leper colony in death.

Archaeologists initially excavated the cathedral's cemeteries in the 1980s and 1990s, ahead of a construction project and subsequent archaeological investigations. In all, the researchers found more than 100 burials dating from the 12th to the mid-16th centuries. The skeletons were then archived for future study.

The woman with leprosy, as seen in the pic, was likely between the ages of 35 and 40 when she died in the mid-15th to 16th century. The extent of her leprosy lesions suggests that she contracted the disease in adulthood. 

Greenside is now the home to the Omni Centre, housing bars and restaurants. Rockstar games also have their offices in another part of the complex leading up to Leith Street.

[sluttypatrickstar]

im from the uk and im used to like... casually walking through graveyards and graveyards being popular walking sites. my high school graduation was at a church, and the church is surrounded by its graveyard (which is piled high with hundreds of thousands of bodies), so there are tons of pictures of me and my friends dressed up real nice and having a great time in between a bunch of gravestones

i didn't realise this wasn't normal until my american friends online freaked the FUCK out when i mentioned walking through graveyards and thought it was bad vibes or how i'd end up in a horror movie

we literally have popular graveyards meant for visiting here! greyfriars kirk in edinburgh has harry potter tours to look at the graves with famous names like tom riddell and mcgonagall (who was a Terrible Poet) as well as ghost tours to visit the reported poltergeist, and westminster abbey in london makes you Pay to go see the graves of all the famous people.

i'm so used to being surrounded by history and death now, they fade into the background. and they're nice places to walk, really! people or their families paid for these gravestones and memorials, some incredibly expensive and fancy and some smaller and simpler; they paid to be memorialised. so i feel like, in a way, when im walking around listening to the birds sing and looking at the names of these people, im thinking of them. i didn't know them so i guess i can't remember them, but they live on. and i would rather live on in people's little walks :) being thought of, being wondered about...

don't y9u think it's kind of fucked up and immoral that you go walking around dead people's resting places for fun

do i think going for a walk in a cemetery that's open to the public 24/7 with a footpath and garden and everything is fucked up and immoral? no??? what the fuck???????????

[staysouls-blog]

“Reflection paper”

In "Prayers for Bobby," Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) is a devout Christian who raises her children with the conservative teachings of the Presbyterian Church. However, when her son Bobby Ryan confides to his older brother he may be gay, life changes for the entire family after Mary learns about his secret. In this adaptation of a true story, devout Christian Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) fights to "cure" her gay son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley). Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change his lifestyle, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, but after the church is unable to help her cope with Bobby's death, she seeks to understand her opinions on homosexuality for herself. Eventually, Mary becomes an advocate for gay rights. Greyfriar's Kirkyard is the graveyard surrounding Greyfriar's Kirk (church), and it was a place close to both of the mentioned coffee houses frequented by J. K. Rowling. It has been said that some of the gravestones here may have given Rowling inspiration for some of her famous Harry Potter characters. Eilean na Moine Island in the loch was used as Dumbledore's grave; it was filmed, then digitally placed in Loch Arkaig. Loch Eilt is a freshwater loch in Lochaber in the West Highlands.

Harry Potter fans now know the exact location of an American Hogwarts, but the real one exists in England. Alnwick Castle stood in for the famed wizarding school in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The monument reads, "Greyfriars Bobby – Died 14 January 1872 – Aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all". In 2021 a new monument to mark the 150th anniversary of the dog's death was placed close to the east wall of Greyfriars Kirk. However, according to experts in the breed, Greyfriars Bobby is more likely to have been a dandie dinmont terrier which originated in the Scottish borders in the 17th century. Over the years, Greyfriars Bobby's black nose has started to become shiny from all the tourists rubbing the nose of the legendary statue. Many believe that it will bring them good luck in the future. Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for supposedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died himself on 14 January 1872. Sweet Tooth showrunner Jim Mickle took to Twitter to post a behind-the-scenes video of everyone's favorite human-groundhog hybrid, Bobby. Is "Dog" Based on a True Story? While it's not entirely based on a true story, elements of "Dog" are inspired by Tatum's life. Lulu, the Belgian malinois in the film, is named after Tatum's beloved late dog. Bobby passed away in January 1872, aged 16 years old, and as a final token to his loyalty, was buried close to his master in the kirkyard. A granite fountain with a statue of Bobby can be found opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard – a permanent memorial to this faithful pup.