#1 Bucket List Item Complete
During term break, as a family, we took a caravan trip from Cambridge for ten days around Scotland. This has been my number one bucket list item. I had planned on going to Scotland about 8 years ago, but I met my love Aaron shortly before that and plans changed, knowing all along that one day I would get to Scotland. My fascination with Scotland comes from my Mum being born there and my Grandmother's melodic Scottish accent. My Mum was the only one of her siblings born in Scotland and I am the first one in our family born on the Canadian Prairies. I have a tattoo on my inner left arm of a thistle and wheat.
My connection to my roots is strong, however a part of the connection was missing. I have always though of myself as Scottish and Canadian. I had the joy in my teens of staying with my paternal Grandmother in Chateauguay, near Montreal, and touring around with her as she told me of all the places my Father would hang out and stories of his childhood. I couldn't have that with my Mum's parents and it was so special to have that connection to my Father. I did spend time with my maternal grandparents, but not in the same place that my Mum was from or either of them.
My maternal Grandparents met during WWII. My Grandfather, a Canadian soldier, would sneak out on the bicycle his mates at the base would share, to go see my Grandma. Eventually they were married and shortly after my Mum was conceived. During her pregnancy, my Grandmother, who was living in Glasgow, was sent to Lennox Castle north of Glasgow to keep her safe, along with other pregnant women. The castle was converted into a maternity hospital from 1941-1964. It was originally opened as a Mental Health facility in 1936 closing in 2002 with many Villa's, staff housing and work shops built on the estate that we didn't see. The facility has a terrible history. There was a fire in 2008 at the abandoned site leading to its ruin.
Our trip was planned so the last few days would be in Glasgow. On our way from Isle of Skye we stopped in Lennoxtown in Stirling and found the path to Lennox Castle. I got quite choked up, a few tears were shed and Genevieve was bouncing with excitement, what an experience to share with her. There was a couple that had been biking on the path but had stopped and the Mum was breastfeeding their infant child, this was not lost on me. The walk was about 10 minutes or so and a part of it was alongside a cliff that my Mum later told me my Grandmother told her about walking beside while staying at the hospital.
Then there it was, peering through the forest, overgrown and so beautiful. Cue more emotions and I let them flow through me. A special connection was made to my Mum and Grandmother as well as to my daughter. I took the sight in and fortunately there was cell service so I was able to Face-time my Mum to share the moment with her as she has not been back to Scotland.
I'm happy I saw some photos online before hand so I knew to expect that it would be in ruins. I was able to tell it was a grand place in its time with beautiful grounds. The carvings on the exterior were lovely and the entrance way was spectacular even with its litter and graffiti. I kept letting emotions go through me, feeling my roots as I had throughout Scotland. My heart is full, that little piece that was missing is now filled in. We found an opening in the fence surrounding the site and ventured through, getting closer, I was able to touch the building and take a few souvenir pieces. What an experience and moment for me.
After spending time at the Castle and wandering the grounds a bit we headed into Glasgow. The next day we ventured to the West end of town by train and found the house where my Grandmother grew up. The area is full of row houses, a working class neighbourhood a little worse for wear. I was taking photos of the house and waved at the man in the window. Him and his wife, the Mackays, came out and had a lovely chat with us. They were enthusiastic about my story and were quick to share stories of their own. They were delightful and added positively to the experience. It looks quite different now from the photos I have seen and the owners told us of the refinishing of the exterior but it was my Grandma's home. With a full heart we set off back to the train station.
I was slightly worried about finally doing this trip and the now what. I'm a worrier and over thinker sometimes. I don't have the 'now what' feeling at all, I feel like anything is possible and that a piece of me that was missing has been filled. I recognise and know how lucky I am to complete this journey. I now get to take any journey without Scotland hanging over my head, or the question pulling at the back of my subconscious, how can I go somewhere else when I should be going to Scotland. My dream trip is complete and a part of my soul has been filled.
Love and Light from this Happy Lass
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