This morning, Twitter teased me with a tweet from Historic Scotland:
Historic Scotland @welovehistory
Let our Rangers take you on a guided walk from Blackness Castle to Hopetoun House. (Free event, booking required) http://ow.ly/okQgg
Let our Rangers take you on a guided walk from Blackness Castle to Hopetoun House. (Free event, booking required) http://ow.ly/okQgg
And the details:
As part of West Lothian Walking Week, Rangers from Historic Scotland and Hopetoun House will be leading a guided walk. Beginning at Blackness Castle and heading to Wester Shore Wood to Hopetoun House by Abercorn Church this will be roughly 5 miles long, return transport will be provided.
Many points of interest will be highlighted along the way including cultural and natural heritage.
In 1537, James V (1513–42) embarked on an ambitious programme to convert the 15th-century castle into a formidable artillery fortification. The looming threat from Henry VIII’s Protestant England was the catalyst. The work was completed in 1543, just as the ‘Wars of the Rough Wooing’ were about to erupt.
A Bride Comes to Bonniebroch
But Cait Grant is hardly dreaming of wedded bliss. As a duty to her father, she must marry Adam Cameron, laird of Bonniebroch. And then, because of a blood oath to her clan, she must murder him. . .
If only her new husband weren’t so devilishly handsome. If only she didn’t have to play the loving wife for one long, languorous month. If only she didn’t surrender to his softly sensual touch, she would be able to fulfill her oath. If only she didn’t fall in love. . .
As part of West Lothian Walking Week, Rangers from Historic Scotland and Hopetoun House will be leading a guided walk. Beginning at Blackness Castle and heading to Wester Shore Wood to Hopetoun House by Abercorn Church this will be roughly 5 miles long, return transport will be provided.
Many points of interest will be highlighted along the way including cultural and natural heritage.
| Blackness Castle |
Blackness Castle is a 15th century castle guarding the Firth of Forth and the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. From its website (link),
![]() |
| School children volunteer at Linlithgow Palace - James V's birthplace and residence. |
Ah, the rough wooing ... historical author Mia Marlowe features another "rough wooing" earlier in James V's reign in her novella, PLAID TO THE BONE:
A Bride Comes to Bonniebroch
But Cait Grant is hardly dreaming of wedded bliss. As a duty to her father, she must marry Adam Cameron, laird of Bonniebroch. And then, because of a blood oath to her clan, she must murder him. . .
If only her new husband weren’t so devilishly handsome. If only she didn’t have to play the loving wife for one long, languorous month. If only she didn’t surrender to his softly sensual touch, she would be able to fulfill her oath. If only she didn’t fall in love. . .
Marlowe delivers her trademark humor in this enchanting novella. PLAID TO THE BONE features all that I love about Scotland - pride, loyalty, and love. This is a must read for all Albaphiles. PLAID TO THE BONE is a prelude to a new series, SPIRIT OF THE HIGHLANDS. Book One, PLAID TIDINGS, will be available on October 1 (link).
I am giving away an ecopy of PLAID TO THE BONE to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about a "historical walk" you would recommend from your hometown or somewhere you have visited.
My first assignment in the Air Force took me to Boston, where I soaked up Colonial Historical along the walk from Fanueil Hall to the Old North Church.
2. This giveaway is open to all readers.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, September 21, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 22.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
To learn more about Mia and her books, check out her website at miamarlowe.com. You can follow Mia on Twitter @Mia_Marlowe.
| Plaid to the bone, indeed! |
