The border crossing between England and Scotland at Carter
Bar. This is a pass over the Cheviot hills, which lie like a barrier between the
two countries. A Scottish piper was there to welcome visitors. Charles was very
interested in the bagpipes - a traditional Scottish instrument, which some
people love and some hate. It is played by inflating a bag with air, which then
deflates through sounding tubes called `skirls' and a lower tube on which the
music is played, like a turbocharged flute. Note also the formal Scottish
costume. The most striking part of this is the kilt, a little like a skirt but
with tremendous historical significance. The precise pattern on the kilt
(tartan) indicates precisely which clan (extended family) the wearer belongs to.
Wearing a kilt you are not entitled to is one of the worst social errors a
Scotsman can make. The bag on the front is a sporran, used for carrying money
and other valuables. |
 On the border between England and Scotland. Even though
this is a low pass in the hills, the views over the Scottish lowlands towards
Edinburgh are stunning. |
 Ivy and Charles on the border. Behind, some of the Cheviot
hills can be seen. The highest is `the Cheviot', which rises to 2,675 feet. |
 The small border town of Jedburgh, seen from the hill
overlooking the town. In the foreground is the ruined abbey. |
 Jedburgh Castle is still in use as an administrative
centre. It was once a stronghold of Mary, Queen of Scots, granddaughter of Henry
VII of England and mother of King James VI of Scotland, who later became James I
of England.
|
 Jedburgh Abbey was founded by King David I of Scotland in
1118 as an Augustinian Priory. It was elevated to the status of an abbey 1147.
It was burned as part of the regular border warfare in the early sixteenth
century, and ultimately suppressed in 1559. The ruins still dominate the town. |
 Jedforest Park is a nature reserve and animal park near Jedburgh. It was almost impossible to induce Charles to leave the childrens'
play area, set amid woodland of Scots pines.
|
 Charles' first ride on a tractor! This was in one of the
barns in the Jedforest park.
|
