Title: The Mentor: Scotland, The Land of Song and Scenery, Vol. 1, Num. 10, Serial No. 10, April 21, 1913 - A Trip Around the World with Dwight L. Elmendorf
Author: Elmendorf, Dwight L.
Language: English
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                     THE MENTOR 1913.04.21, No. 10,
                                Scotland



                            LEARN ONE THING
                               EVERY DAY

                   APRIL 21 1913      SERIAL NO. 10

                                  THE
                                MENTOR

                               SCOTLAND

                         THE LAND OF SONG AND
                                SCENERY

                     A Trip Around the World with
                          DWIGHT L. ELMENDORF

                    DEPARTMENT OF          VOLUME 1
                    TRAVEL                NUMBER 10

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[Illustration: ROBERT BURNS’ COTTAGE, SCOTLAND]



_SCOTLAND_

_Robert Burns’ Cottage_

ONE


Few poets singing in dialect become world famous. This is true for the
simple reason that a dialect poet is likely to be local--to write of
local things--to avoid the universal. But Robert Burns--“poor Burns,”
as we think of him--was the exception. Who does not know “Auld Lang
Syne” and all that it means? Or who has not said to himself in his own
way, “A man’s a man for a’ that?”

Robert Burns could not help but be a poet of the people--the “peasant
poet.” He was born close to the soil of Scotland. On January 25, 1759,
he opened his eyes in a small cottage about two miles from Ayr, in
Scotland. His father was only a small farmer, and Robert got very
little education, but lots of hard work.

However, he managed to learn to read, and used to carry his books into
the fields with him to snatch a few moments’ reading during the day. At
meal times he sat with a spoon in one hand and a book in the other. He
liked best the ballads of Scotland--the old songs of the minstrels.

But in 1781 he went to Irvine to learn the trade of a flax-dresser.
And it was here that he indulged two habits that clung to him all the
rest of his life--drinking and falling in love. For the poet was a boon
companion at a feast and a great heartbreaker--but his own heart was
broken also many times.

His fortunes fell very low in 1786, and he intended to sail for the
West Indies, there to try to better them. But his first volume of
poetry proved to be such a great success that he did not go. His
poems took the people by storm. Everyone read them. He was invited to
Edinburgh, where he became the lion of the hour.

But all this did not bring him in much money. Finally, in 1789 he got
a position as excise officer. But as the years went on, and he grew
wilder and wilder in his dissipations, friends drew away from him. His
only companions were those of the lowest classes.

At last, on July 4, 1796, he knew that he was dying. He wrote on the
twelfth to his cousin for a loan of fifty dollars, to save him from
passing his last days in jail. He died on the twenty-first of July,
1796.

The Burns Cottage, near Ayr is reverently preserved as a memorial to
the poet. Here is the little room where he was born, and here are to
be found many mementos associated with his life. This cot, built of
clay by Burns’ father, is a shrine for those who love the memory of the
“peasant poet.”

  PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
  ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 10, SERIAL No. 10
  COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.



[Illustration: ELLENS ISLE, SCOTLAND]



_SCOTLAND_

_Ellens Isle_

TWO


A fierce looking man who had lost his way stood on a beach of
snow-white pebbles near a beautiful little glassy lake and blew a
loud blast on the bugle which he held in his left hand. And almost
immediately he dodged into a nearby thicket of bushes and stood there
peering forth at a little skiff that came gliding toward the shore from
underneath a gnarled oak tree overhanging the water. The only occupant
of the boat was a beautiful young girl, who, after guiding it to a safe
landing on the silvery strand, stepped gracefully out on the pebbles.

This was James Fitzjames’ first sight of Ellen, the heroine of Sir
Walter Scott’s poem, “The Lady of the Lake,” which has immortalized
for all time Loch Katrine in the Trossachs, Scotland. There in the
lake sleeps Ellens Isle, the pretty little island on which the girl
lived--and last secret fastness of her fierce clan.

In the poem Fitzjames has become separated from his companions, and his
bugle call is to summon them to his side from the hunt on which they
are engaged. But before they come Fitzjames makes the acquaintance of
the girl and goes to Ellens Isle with her--and that’s the beginning of
the romance that has made Scott’s poem famous.

All the country round about Loch Katrine has been made famous by Scott.
Almost every spot has been the scene of one or more incidents in his
novels. High above Callander rise Uamh Var, where the stag was started
at the beginning of “The Lady of the Lake,” and Ben Crackie, with the
wild Bracklin Fall, within the roar of whose waters the seer of Clan
Alpine wrapped himself in the white bull’s hide to dream his dream.
Northward from Callander lies the beautiful Pass of Seny, up which
Duncraggan’s heir rushed with the Fiery Cross, to thrust it, at the
door of the little kirk of St. Bride, into the hands of the new-wed
Norman, heir of Armandave. And westward from Callander lie Coilantogle
Ford, where James Fitzjames fought Roderick Dhu; Lanrick Mead, the
fierce clan’s muster-place; and Duncraggan, scene of the Highland
funeral.

The popularity of “The Lady of the Lake” has brought many visitors to
Loch Katrine. This beautiful region is visited by hundreds of tourists
each year.

  PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
  ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 10, SERIAL No. 10
  COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.



[Illustration: MELROSE ABBEY, SCOTLAND]



_SCOTLAND_

_Melrose Abbey_

THREE


Among the ruins of Melrose Abbey, ivy covered and deserted, lies buried
the heart of Scotland’s greatest king--Robert Bruce. Why is it there,
so far away from his grave at Dunfermline? Bannockburn was the greatest
achievement of Bruce’s life. This decisive battle was fought on June
24, 1314. Robert Bruce was born in 1274, at a time when Scotland was
struggling fiercely to throw off the yoke of England under Edward I.
Bruce grew up with the love of freedom strongly implanted in his heart.
He was a natural leader.

Finally, his chance came. On March 27, 1306, he had himself crowned
king of Scotland; but he was as yet a king without a kingdom. He
gathered his supporters together and overran Scotland until only
Berwick, Stirling, and Bothwell remained to the English. Edward I had
died, and Edward II, a weak and unstable man, was on the British throne.

But even this weakling now saw that unless a strong blow was struck
Scotland would be lost. He assembled his army and advanced on Bruce.
And then Bruce, by a wonderful exhibition of strategy, rapidity of
movement, and personal bravery, so decisively defeated him that the
complete rout of the English determined the independence of Scotland
and confirmed the title of Bruce.

After peace had been made the new king of Scotland proved himself as
able a lawmaker as he was a warrior. But he did not live many years to
enjoy his triumph. On June 7, 1329, he died of leprosy, contracted in
the hardships of earlier life, and was buried at Dunfermline.

Now comes the story of the “Heart of Bruce.” During his life he made
a vow to visit the Holy Sepulcher. But he could not do this; so he
begged Douglas to carry his heart there after his death. But the brave
Douglas, on the way to the Holy Land stopped off in Spain to help the
Spaniards against the Moors and was killed. However, the box containing
Bruce’s heart was recovered by Sir William Keith, and at last was
brought back to Scotland and found a resting place in Melrose Abbey.

Melrose Abbey is eight hundred years old, and, though battered both by
time and the assaults of many hostile armies, is still famous for its
architecture. It is situated on the River Tweed, near the little town
of Melrose.

Sir Walter Scott has immortalized this famous old ruin forever, when in
“The Lay of the Last Minstrel” he describes the visit to Melrose Abbey
of William of Deloraine, who had come to steal from the hand of the
dead magician, Michael Scott, his book of magic.

How beautiful the abbey may have been we can only guess; but it is
still picturesque, though the windows, once filled with wonderful
stained glass, are now bare and desolate, and the only incense on its
ruined altar is the breath of the wild rose.

  PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
  ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 10, SERIAL No. 10
  COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.



[Illustration: ABBOTSFORD, SCOTLAND]



_SCOTLAND_

_Abbotsford_

FOUR


A man who at the age of fifty-five resolves to pay off a bankruptcy
debt of six hundred thousand dollars must justly be regarded as a hero.
Not many men, weakened in health and used to all the comforts, would
attempt to do this--especially when the debt was incurred through no
fault of their own, and when the law does not force them to pay. Yet
that is what Sir Walter Scott--the “Wizard of the North”--did, and so
fiercely did he work at his writing--twelve, fourteen, and sixteen
hours a day--that at his death six years later every penny of that
colossal and heartbreaking debt had been paid.

The story of Abbotsford, the home of the great poet and novelist, of
which he dreamed for years, and which he planned and built himself, is
a drama, a tragedy itself. No sooner was the great house finished and
the dream of his life complete than the crash of tremendous ruin fell
on Scott.

It was on a bleak winter morning in 1826 that a friend called at
Abbotsford and found the novelist terribly agitated.

“My friend,” said Sir Walter to him, “give me your hand; mine is that
of a beggar.”

The publishing house with which he had been connected had failed,
and Scott took upon himself the terrible burden of satisfying its
creditors. It was an apparently hopeless task for a writer, and one in
such a frail state of health as Scott, to accomplish. But where others
would have yielded to Fate, he stood up to fight it, and though the
effort cost him his life he succeeded, and may truly be called the most
heroic literary figure in the world.

Walter Scott was born at Edinburgh on August 15, 1771. His father
wanted him to follow his own profession, that of a lawyer; but the boy
wished to write. He wrote poetry at first; but according to the story
turned to prose romance when he found that Lord Byron excelled him as a
poet. It was in 1814 that a novel--“Waverley”--by an anonymous author,
appeared. Its popularity swept like wild fire all over England. Book
after book, all of the same excellence, was published. The secret of
authorship was jealously kept by Scott--for what reason many guesses
have been made--but at last his name was definitely connected with this
great series--the “Waverley Novels.”

He prospered brilliantly for eleven years. And then came the crash of
ruin. Scott put his shoulder to the wheel. His wife died soon after the
struggle began; but, though sick at heart, he toiled on indomitably.
Success was his in the end; but the struggle killed him.

It was on the twenty-first of September, 1832, that Sir Walter Scott
died.

  PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
  ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 10, SERIAL No. 10
  COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.



[Illustration: STIRLING CASTLE, SCOTLAND]



_SCOTLAND_

_Stirling Castle_

FIVE


One Sunday morning in 1543 a pretty, helpless little girl baby less
than a year old was seated on a throne in the spacious chapel of
Stirling Castle in Scotland, surrounded by fierce, mailed men. A
cardinal held a crown over her head; the tiny fingers were clasped for
a moment about a scepter; a huge, unwieldy sword was buckled round the
little waist; and a noble spoke the words that created Mary Stuart
queen of Scotland. Forty-four years later the stroke of a sword in
the headsman’s hands ended the life of this queen--one of the most
beautiful and tragic figures in all history.

Besides the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots, Stirling Castle has seen
many historic events. This old stronghold is situated on the Firth of
Forth, some thirty-five miles above Edinburgh. It stands on a hill high
above the town of Stirling. No one knows exactly how long ago it was
built; but it is very, very old.

Away back in the time of the Romans these invaders of Britain had a
station in the town of Stirling. Alexander II, king of Scotland, gave
the town its first charter in 1226, and he made Stirling Castle the
royal residence. During the wars of Scottish Independence the castle
was besieged many times. Edward I of England captured it in 1304. For
ten years after that it was held by the English; but Robert Bruce
besieged it fiercely in 1314. Edward II, who was king of England at
that time, was a weak ruler, and he knew that if the Scots captured
Stirling Castle they would probably win their freedom. So he gathered
an army and marched north. But he was so badly beaten by Bruce at the
battle of Bannockburn that the Scots won their independence, and Bruce
became their king. On the esplanade before Stirling Castle stands a
statue of this great man.

The tragic story of the execution of Mary Stuart, who was crowned at
Stirling, is one of the most pathetic episodes in history. Condemned
on an unjust charge, she was sentenced to death by Elizabeth, queen of
England. The final scene in the life of the beautiful queen of Scotland
took place in Fotheringay Castle in England. As Mary approached the
block, the melancholy sweetness of her beauty touched every heart. Even
her executioners knelt and begged her to forgive them for the sad duty
that they were forced to perform.

“I forgive you with all my heart,” sadly replied Mary.

She knelt down and laid her head upon the block amid a tense silence,
broken only by an occasional sob. A moment later the chief executioner
held up her head, exclaiming, “So perish all the enemies of Queen
Elizabeth.”

  PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
  ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 10, SERIAL No. 10
  COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.



[Illustration: FINGALS CAVE, SCOTLAND]



_SCOTLAND_

_Fingals Cave_

SIX


Fingals Cave is a part of the Scotland end of the Giants Causeway,
which was supposed to have once led from Ireland to the Isle of Staffa.
They say that Fin MacCoul, or Fingal, as he is called, built the Giants
Causeway. Fingal was an Irish giant--the champion hero of all the
Emerald Isle. He wanted to fight Bennandonner, another giant, so he
built the great causeway from Scotland to Ireland. It is written that
Fingal won. In tradition he is the hero of both Ireland and Scotland.

Fingals Cave is the most famous of the many natural caverns on the
Isle of Staffa, one of the western islands of Scotland. This island is
three-quarters of a mile long, and about one-third of a mile wide. No
one lives there; but every weekday during the summer a steamer takes
tourists over to see the famous cave.

There are other caverns on Staffa; but Fingals Cave is the best known.
Its columns are of basalt, and are six sided in shape. These columns
are so regular that it seems hardly possible that the force of the
waves alone could have formed them. But that is the fact; although
not many years ago some one rushed into print to say that the ancient
inhabitants of Scotland and the islands nearby had dug out all these
caverns themselves. He even gave a lecture in New York City (charging
a dollar a seat, the proceeds to go toward building a pedestal for the
Statue of Liberty) to give his theories to the world. Unfortunately for
him he did not know very much about geology, and could not prove his
theories to be correct.

It was also stated by another theorist that the columns of the Giants
Causeway were petrified growths of bamboo; but this idea too had only a
short life.

Fingals Cave was discovered in 1772 by Sir Joseph Banks, who visited
Staffa on his expedition to Iceland. The cave is on the southern face
of the island. It is 66 feet high and at the entrance 42 feet broad. It
runs back into the land a distance of 227 feet, and is only 2 feet wide
at the end.

Seals and sea birds haunt the cave, and the murmur of the sea gave it
the name in Gaelic of “The Cave of Music.” But when the weather is
stormy the cave roars in anger. This is due to the air within being
compressed by the waves, and then rushing out.

  PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
  ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 10, SERIAL No. 10
  COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.



                              THE MENTOR

                “A Wise and Faithful Guide and Friend”

                VOL. 1      APRIL 21, 1913      NO. 10



SCOTLAND

_THE LAND OF SONG AND SCENERY_

_A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD_

_With DWIGHT L. ELMENDORF
Lecturer and Traveler_

  ROBERT BURNS COTTAGE
  ABBOTSFORD
  ELLENS ISLE
  STIRLING CASTLE
  MELROSE ABBEY
  FINGALS CAVE


In its contour and in its varied natural features Scotland is unique.
It seems, indeed, as if Nature had shaped the land in a spirit of
coquetry with the sea.

Though limited in territory, Scotland has a shore line thousands of
miles in extent. Her coast is a series of inlets, firths, and sounds,
and she has added to the irregularity of her shores by setting out
innumerable beautiful islands that rear their rocky heads in the
western sea. No one knows the full beauty of Scotland who has not
visited the islands. Their picturesque and varied attractions pronounce
them the true and natural offspring of the parent land.

Scotland has long been called the land of scenery and of song. The two
are intimately associated. The scenery of Scotland has inspired many of
her songs, and the songs have paid tribute in return by celebrating the
beauty of the scenery in affectionate and eloquent phrase. The songs
of Scotland breathe the life of the people and of the nation in a way
that has won the sympathetic interest of the world. The prevailing note
in Scottish song and literature is romance. The very name of Scotland
is fragrant with romance. Its scenery is rich in romantic beauty and
romantic associations, and its songs give eloquent expression to both.

[Illustration: ROBERT BURNS]

And so the traveler in Scotland finds the charm of her scenery happily
voiced for him, and as he wanders from one spot to another he can
recall the lines that enhance its beauty. It may be “The Banks and
Braes o’ Bonnie Doon” or “Within a Mile of Edinboro’ Town.” Wherever he
goes he may enjoy the scenery in companionship with the spirit of the
poet who sang its praises.

To most of us Scotland means Wallace and Robert Bruce in heroic
chivalry, and Walter Scott and Robert Burns in romance and in song.
Most of the scenes and places that interest the traveler are associated
with one or another of these four names.


THE HOME OF BURNS

The name of Robert Burns has a hold upon the people of Scotland and on
those who visit there such as finds no parallel in any other country.
This makes a visit to the small town of Ayr an incident of prime
interest to the tourist. The Robert Burns Cottage is situated about two
miles from the town, and it is kept with reverent care as a memorial.
The building itself, low-roofed and humble, with its Burns mementos, is
a veritable shrine for lovers of the poet.

The chief feature of the quaint old house is the little, low-ceilinged
room in which Burns was born in 1759. You will be glad to linger there
awhile. The impressions of the room will remain in your memory for all
time. As you note the humble simplicity of the scene you will get close
to Burns, and you will feel the full meaning and appeal of his lines:

    “Gie me a spark of Nature’s fire!
    That’s a’ the learning I desire.
    Then, tho’ I drudge thro’ dub an’ mire
      At plow or cart,
    My muse--tho’ hamely in attire--
      May touch the heart!”

The whole country roundabout is full of Burns associations. A short
distance off is Auld Alloway Kirk, where Burns’ father is buried, and
where Tam o’ Shanter, overcome by the spirits that he imbibed too
freely, was assailed and pursued by spirits ghostly. A short distance
beyond the church are two bridges over the Doon, the old bridge being
celebrated as the one over which Tam o’ Shanter made his escape from
the evil spirits. In the garden near the bridges stands the formal but
impressive Burns Monument.

[Illustration: AULD BRIG O’ DOON

_The old bridge at Ayr, celebrated in Burns’ lines._]

Between that humble cottage down the road toward Ayr, and the Greek
monument in the garden, is told the story of a simple, sweet, singing
bard, whose lines so completely filled the hearts of his fellowmen that
the very scenes of which he sang have become endeared to all humanity.


THE WALTER SCOTT COUNTRY

Between Loch Achray and Loch Katrine lies the Trossachs, beautiful in
winding wooded roads and lake and mountain views--and famed chiefly for
being Walter Scott’s own land of romance. It has often been said that
one who has read Scott’s novels needs no guidebook in the Trossachs.
Drive through this charming valley to Loch Katrine, a beautiful lake
nearly ten miles long. From the east end steep cliffs ascend from the
water’s edge, and there, looking through the brilliant foliage on
the bank, you can see the pretty little _Ellens Isle_, made immortal
in Walter Scott’s poem, “Lady of the Lake.” This is one of the most
“pictured” spots in Scotland. You will find it in any illustrated
volume of Scott’s poems. You will find it in color and in gravure,
in large prints and on postcards, wherever you turn. It is the very
heart of the Trossachs, and one of the most inviting spots in the
British Isles--as attractive in its natural beauty as in the romantic
associations that cast their spell about it.

[Illustration: THE BURNS MEMORIAL

_Standing on a hillside park near the town of Ayr. In a room within
the monument are a number of Burns relics, together with his bust and
portrait._]


MELROSE ABBEY

Hallowed by eight hundred years of history and immortalized by Walter
Scott, Melrose Abbey stands today the most interesting, as well as the
most beautiful, ruin in Scotland. It is the drawing attraction of the
little town of Melrose, situated on the Tweed. Enticed by the magic of
Scott’s lines, thousands visit the Abbey every year.

    “If thou wouldst view fair Melrose aright,
    Go visit it by the pale moonlight.”

So firmly have these verses stamped themselves on the hearts of readers
all over the world that tourists feel that their visit is not complete
unless they have seen the Abbey “by pale moonlight.” In response to
this desire the Abbey is opened on moonlight nights for special visits.

[Illustration: SIR WALTER SCOTT]

Melrose Abbey was founded by David the First, in the twelfth century.
After being destroyed by Edward the Second, it was rebuilt by Robert
Bruce in the fourteenth century. It was again destroyed and rebuilt in
the following century. During the many years of its history it suffered
dreadfully from the ravages of war. Armies of invasion from England
ruthlessly assaulted its sacred precincts and destroyed its beautiful
features. In spite of that, after being reconstructed several times,
it holds its place as a beautiful example of architecture and a most
picturesque ruin.

[Illustration: BRIG O’TURK, IN THE TROSSACHS]


THE HOME OF SCOTT

About three miles from Melrose, on the right bank of the Tweed, stands
Abbotsford, a name most dear to readers of the Waverley novels. There
the “Wizard of the North,” as he was called, wrote his way into fame
and fortune; there he lived when his fortune was swept away with that
of his publisher; and there in his old age he settled himself grimly to
repay debts amounting to six hundred thousand dollars--all by the work
of his pen. He finished this stupendous task in about six years. He
discharged his debts honorably; but he gave his lifeblood to the task.
Scarcely had he come clear of his debts when his pen fell from his
hand, and, in the bright, sunny dining room of Abbotsford, he dropped
wearily to sleep, with the waters of his beloved Tweed murmuring
musically in his ears. He had kept faith with his creditors; he had
paid the last penny; he had secured his home for his children--and his
work was done.

[Illustration: DRYBURGH ABBEY

_Showing the location of Sir Walter Scott’s tomb._]

Attended by a funeral procession more than a mile in length, including
the great that came from distant parts to do him honor, and the humble
peasant neighbors that knew and loved him, Sir Walter Scott’s body was
borne reverently to Dryburgh Abbey, and in that beautiful ruin, a most
appropriate spot, he now lies at rest.


THE CASTLES OF SCOTLAND

Two of the most impressive and picturesque castles of the world are in
Scotland,--Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle.

Stirling Castle is situated on the Firth of Forth about thirty-five
miles above Edinburgh, and it was for years the favorite residence
of Scottish sovereigns. It played a prominent part in the history of
Scotland, and is intimately associated with the name of Robert Bruce,
who recaptured the castle from Edward the Second of England, in the
fourteenth century, after the battle of Bannockburn.

The castle, like that of Edinburgh, is situated on a lofty height. On
the esplanade before it stands a statue of Robert Bruce. The view from
all sides is beautiful, and commands, on the west, a fair range of
mountains, including Ben Lomond and Ben Venue, while on the south the
battlefield of Bannockburn stretches away before the eye.

[Illustration: EDINBURGH CASTLE

_One of the most beautiful and impressive castles in Great Britain._]

Edinburgh Castle, an ancient seat of Scottish kings, has a most
magnificent situation on a rocky height above the city. On three sides
the mountain on which it stands drops almost sheer. On the east it
slopes gradually off toward Holyrood.


THE HOME OF MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS

There at Holyrood we find the scene of one of Scotland’s most affecting
dramas,--the tragedy of Mary, Queen of Scots. Holyrood Castle, which
was the unfortunate queen’s home for many years, is part ruin and part
in good repair and occupied. It is there that the visitor can see the
bedroom of the fair young Scottish queen, and there also the spot where
her unfortunate minstrel and counselor, Rizzio, was murdered. Holyrood
is intimately associated with the memories of Mary, Queen of Scots, and
all who have followed with interest her sad story and want to feel an
impression of her actual presence should spend a day in and about the
castle.

[Illustration: HOLYROOD CASTLE

_Associated with the most dramatic years in the life of the unfortunate
Mary, Queen of Scots._]

The modern Scottish home of British royalty is Balmoral, situated on
an estate of ten thousand acres about fifty miles from Aberdeen. This
beautiful palace was purchased by the Crown in 1852 from the Earl of
Fife for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. It was for years the
favorite country home of Queen Victoria, and is now said to be the most
cherished residence of British royalty.


THE SCOTTISH ISLES

Months could be profitably spent in touring through the Isles of
Scotland, and they would be months of unalloyed delight. Two small
islands should be visited even in the course of the briefest Scottish
tour, the Island of Iona, where Saint Columba, the missionary, landed
from Ireland in 563, to begin his missionary work in Scotland, and
on which are to be found the tombs of ancient Scottish, Irish, and
Norwegian kings.

For over a thousand years the Island of Iona was the chosen “God’s
Acre” for the great chieftains. The land was held sacred on account of
Columba, and it was regarded as the securest spot on earth for mortal
remains to rest in. Therefore the bodies of kings were taken there even
from distant points in Ireland and in Norway, and for centuries Iona
was the Mecca of religious pilgrims who went there to pray and to pay
reverent tribute to the tombs of the great.

[Illustration: BEDROOM OF MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS

_Visited by many every year, this is the most interesting spot in
Holyrood Castle._]


FINGALS CAVE

Historic interest will draw you to Iona; the interest of wild nature
will attract you to Staffa. On the Isle of Staffa is Fingals Cave, one
of Nature’s curiosities, extraordinary in its formation and offering
features of a wonder-compelling kind. The island is a rounded tableland
which has been thrust up through the sea by volcanic action. It is
about two miles in circumference, and rises nearly 150 feet above the
surface of the ocean. The cave, which is crowned by a high arch of
land, rises sixty feet above the sea, and through its interior length
it varies from twenty to forty feet in width. Staffa has many caves;
but the extraordinary size and character of Fingals Cave centers the
interest of all visitors there. It is impossible in rough weather to
enter the cave by boat. The method of visiting is to land some distance
away and enter by a protected footpath. Once inside, the effect of
surging, roaring waves overarched by echoing walls of basalt is most
impressive. The basaltic columns--similar in formation to those of
the Giants Causeway, across the sea on the coast of Ireland--rear
themselves in parallel lines like a formidable palisade constructed for
the support and protection of the cave.

[Illustration: BALMORAL CASTLE

_The highland home of British royalty--Queen Victoria’s favorite summer
residence. Purchased by the Crown from the Duke of Fife._]

We have visited but a few of the many places renowned for beauty and
romance in the land of the heather. We have not seen Ben Nevis and the
ruins of Inverlochy Castle; nor Swan Island in Loch Lomond; nor yet
Lochleven Castle with its thrilling tradition of Queen Mary’s escape.

    “No warden’s fire shall e’er again
      Illume Lochleven’s bosom fair;
    No clarion shrill of armed men
      The breeze across the lake shall bear;
    But while remains a stone of thine,
      It shall be linked to royal fame,--
    For here the Rose of Stuart’s line
      Hath left the fragrance of her name.”

And while we have pointed out the unique attractions of the Scottish
Isles, we have said nothing of the wild, romantic beauty of the
Highlands. The picturesque old ruin of Linlithgow Castle, Bothwell
Castle, Loch Ness, the noble Northern peaks and their surroundings--all
have been celebrated in glowing prose and verse, and around them
clusters history and romance enough to make many volumes.

It is not easy to sum up the beauties of Scotland within the space of
a few pages. It is a land where Nature and Romance go hand in hand,
Nature affording a background of rare beauty, while Romance invests it
with vital human interest. Picture an ideal tour in which each day is
filled with profit and pleasure, and all Nature’s resources in land,
sea, and sky combine to delight you and draw you on--then call that
tour a “Summer in Scotland.”

[Illustration: TOMBS OF THE KINGS

_A part of the historic old graveyard on Iona Isle. Among forty kings
of Scotland buried here are King Duncan and Macbeth, made famous by
Shakespeare._]



_SUPPLEMENTARY READING_


[Illustration]

  The Land of Heather                _Clifton Johnson_
  Scotland of Today      _T. F. Henderson and F. Watt_
  Tales of a Grandfather            _Sir Walter Scott_
  Scotland, Historic and Romantic     _M. H. Lansdale_
  History of Scotland                  _P. Hume Brown_
  A Literary History of Scotland        _J. H. Miller_

[Illustration]

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*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "The Mentor: Scotland, The Land of Song and Scenery, Vol. 1, Num. 10, Serial No. 10, April 21, 1913 - A Trip Around the World with Dwight L. Elmendorf" ***

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