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A selection of messages from our readers across the globe

QUEEN OF HEARTS

TAKEN BACK TO TIGHNABRUAICH

Sitting here at my computer, still somewhat shocked by the death of Queen Elizabeth, several thoughts immediately spring to mind. Firstly, as I read my latest edition of Scotland, I recall with considerable fondness our visit to your beautiful country in 2019 and to now see once again, via the media, many of the Edinburgh landmarks we were fortunate to visit, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles’ Cathedral, and many other parts of the old city, including Edinburgh Castle (where we were lucky to be at the time of the 21-gun salute for the Duke of Edinburgh’s birthday), it makes me realise how quickly things can change within the space of a mere three years. Here, so very far away in Melbourne, Australia, it is comforting to be reminded of the very strong link still existing between the United Kingdom and Australia, largely in part to the devoted lifelong e orts of our late Queen. She tirelessly endeavoured throughout her very long reign to constantly renew her links with a great many of her subjects, including those of us in the farthest reaches of the Commonwealth. Her Majesty will be sorely missed and, When I fi rst saw the article on Tighnabruaich (Issue 123, September 2022), I very much doubt that we will ever see her my memory fl ew back 70 years ago. like again.

I was a member of the First Glasgow Company of the Boys’ Brigade, the original Jenny Collins, Melbourne, Australia company.

Every Glasgow Fair we left town from the Broomielaw on board the paddle steamer Waverley to our destination, Tighnabruaich.

When we arrived, we formed up and started a march with the bugle band playing our own song Portavadie by Millhouse, Argyll. We lived in bell tents, bathed in a cold, cold stream, and had a mess hall with a cook to feed us. We had a large rowboat to fi sh in Loch Fyne. The cook prepared our catch. Each tent competed against each other in everything. A highlight was a journey in a fi shing trawler across Loch Fyne to Tarbert.

I am 86 years old, but my memory of our trip down the water every year still is fresh.

God bless the Boys’ Brigade who gave many young boys the chance to see and experience one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Bill Roebuck, Oregon, Ohio United Kingdom and Australia, largely in part to the devoted lifelong e orts of our late Can’t see Queen. She tirelessly endeavoured yours or want throughout her very long reign to to read more constantly renew her links with a letters? Go to great many of her subjects, including scotlandmag.com/ yourviews those of us in the farthest reaches of the Commonwealth. Her Majesty will be sorely missed and, I very much doubt that we will ever see her

CLAN COLQUHOUN CHECKING IN

As an American Colquhoun (my ancestors spelled it ‘Calhoon’) I was delighted to read the article about the clan in the home country (On the Bonnie, Bonnie Banks, Issue 122, July 2022). While I’ve never been to Glasgow, I did visit Edinburgh while serving in the United States Navy. While there I bought myself a clan scarf and necktie. Thanks again for the enjoyable read. Roger Calhoon, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, USA

The Editor, Scotland, 2 Jubilee Place, London, SW3 3TQ editor@scotlandmag.com facebook.com/ScotlandMagazine @Scotland_Mag @scotlandmagazine