An architectural gem of Edinburgh’s New Town exists at 66 Queen Street. Perhaps of particular interest to visitors from the U.S.A. is the connection with the White House, official residence of the President in Washington. Both 66 and 67 Queen Street were built for General Sir Ralph Abercromby of Tullibody and Mr William Tait by…
Author: pipingscottours
Mike’s Choice : Cambuskenneth Abbey
The 13th century Cambuskenneth Abbey sits close to Stirling and the River Forth and was founded by King David I whose residence of Stirling Castle was close by. It was occupied by the canons of the Augustinian Order who brought their ministry into the wider world. They moved outwith the confines of the Abbey as…
Mike’s Choice : Edinburgh ‘Sistine Chapel’
The Mansfield Traquair Church was formerly a Catholic Apostolic Church. This movement founded around 1831 predicted a ‘second coming of Christ’ and was led under self proclaimed apostles. One of those was a former Church of Scotland minister : Edward Irving who was a friend of Thomas Carlyle, essayist and translator. Irving was a very…
Mike’s Objects “The Witches Well”
Often easily overlooked is this fountain at the top of Castlehill near to Edinburgh Castle. It is known as “The Witches Well” and is near the site where many women were burned at the stake. Attempts at early healing include ‘magical practices’ some of which relied on herbs, bloodletting and charms before the evolution of…
Pictish Symbols
Complex symbolism exists in a distinctive style of art which developed in parts of northern and and eastern Scotland during the later part of the 1st millennium AD. This was part of a complex belief system connected to the Picts or peoples inhabiting these lands. “The Picts” or (painted peoples) were so described by the…
Mike’s favourite objects “The Monymusk Reliquary”
This small 8th century wooden casket with ornate fittings may have contained the relics of a saint or anointing oil for religious ceremonies. They were used for swearing oaths, establishing churches and bringing saintly protection in battle. This is also one of the most important and early Christian objects to survive in Scotland. Initial interpretations…
Failte (Welcome)
Welcome to the website of Piping Scot Tours Please select from the menu above or get in touch using the contact form below. Kintail, A beautiful viewpoint in the Scottish Highlands. Mike combines his role as a guide with his talent as a traditional Scottish Bagpiper. Recent Testimonial : ” We cannot adequately express our…
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