Scottish Stitcher: Edinburgh

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Edinburgh's Memorial to Witches

This is the Witches Well in Edinburgh. It is situated at the bottom of Edinburgh Castle Esplanade just before you go out onto the Royal Mile. It marks the spot where many (so called) witches were executed in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The plaque reads:-

"This fountain, designed by John Duncan, R.S.A. is near the site on which many witches were burned at the stake. The wicked head and serene head signify that some used their exceptional knowledge for evil purposes while others were misunderstood and wished their kind nothing but good. The serpent has the dual significance of evil and wisdom. The foxglove spray further emphasises the dual purpose of many common objects."

One of those who was killed here was Agnes Sampson who was strangled then burned in 1591/2. She and many others had been accused of witchcraft by Geillis Duncan, a servant of David Seaton of Tranent. Her employer accused her of going out at night to help the sick! Geillis was horribly tortured as were the others, in order that they would "confess" to their crimes.

As Diana Gabaldon points out in the Author's Note at the end of Cross Stitch, the last recorded burning of a witch in Scotland was in Dornoch in 1727 when Janet Home was found guilty of witchcraft, covered in tar, put in a barrel and then publicly burned.

The last Scot to be jailed under the Witchcraft Act was a Scottish spiritualist medium, Helen Duncan (1897-1956) who was imprisoned in 1944. This was during WW2 - there was concern because at a seance she had told the relative of a sailor that he had died when his ship sank. The Government had been trying to keep the sinking secret. There was also concern that she was taking advantage of grieving relatives. Interestingly, the Witchcraft Act of 1735 was not repealed until 1951.

It wasn't until I was reading this over that I noticed a strange coincidence. First we have Geillis Duncan accused of witchcraft, then John Duncan designer of the Witches Well and finally Helen Duncan - charged under the Witchcraft Act. Wow!

Love, Liz

Craigmillar Castle - Edinburgh's Other Castle!

Edinburgh's other castle is situated about three miles south east of the city. It is an amazing place to visit. I was surprised to find it surrounded by countryside which makes it difficult to believe it is so near the city.

The Castle was built by local lairds of the name de Preston, sheriffs of Midlothian. They owned lands at Gorton (near Roslin) and Craigmillar. Building the castle probably began in the 14^th century with the tower house. The Preston family were very much involved in Edinburgh's political life. Over the years the castle was altered and added to and funds allowed and fashion dictated.

CraigmillarCastle is most associated with Mary Queen of Scots who used it as a summer residence and came here to recuperate after the birth of her son, the future James VI in 1566. Craigmillar Castle is also where (it is rumoured) Mary (or at least her nobles) conspired to get rid of her husband Lord Darnley. This was known as the "Craigmillar Bond".

Preston Coat of Arms

The estate was sold to Sir John Gilmour in 1660. Gilmour was a lawyer and supported or Charles II. He became president to the Court of Session. He totally transformed Craigmillar by modernising it and making it a fashionable residence. The family eventually moved to Gilmerton and the castle was let. By 1775 it had fallen into ruin, attracting artists and poets who enjoyed its picturesque decay.

Trees now grow in the inner courtyard which add to the beauty of the place.

There is a P shaped ornamental pond in the grounds, probably dating from about the mid 16^th century.

This is what is called a rebus - device that uses pictures for words or parts of words. The family name of Preston is shown by a cheese press and a barrel or tun of beer - Preston!

The views of Edinburgh from the battlements are amazing!

HistoricScotland have been looking after the Castle since 1946.

Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh

Went to the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston outside Edinburgh yesterday and had a wonderful day. It rained all the way there and we were a bit worried that it would be a day of dashing from one tent to another to try to keep dry. But actually it stayed dry for most of the day, although conditions underfoot were a bit muddy! We had worn appropriate footware, so we were ok.

Couldn't resist taking this photo on the way in - must have really intelligent sheep to be able to read this notice! As for Pink - was she there, and did she really need her own sign?!

No, this is not a pic of hubby!

Hubby wandered off to see tractors and such like while BF and I immediately headed for the craft and food areas (well, we're townies after all)! Some of the jewellery on display was amazing, but it was a bit crowded to take photos. Was quite impressed by the country girls in their tweeds and riding boots, very fashionable indeed! There were lots of trade areas - even a Cath Kidston area, very pretty.

The food court was great as there were lots of free samples to be had - loved some of the cheeses and (of course) the fudge and sweet things! Bought a bottle of raspberry gin - incredibly delicious, and my friend bought a bottle of toffee vodka - amazing taste. So I foresee a few good evenings spent making sure these products taste as good at home as they did at the RHS!

Did manage a look at the farm machinery and had a good laugh trying to work out what on earth they could possibley be used for!

A great (but muddy) day out!

Love, Liz

Piano Van Man

When I was in Edinburgh recently I visited the NationalGallery which has a wonderful collection of paintings from different eras and a fantastic cafe and terrace overlooking Princes Street Gardens.

On my way out, I was aware of lovely piano music coming from somewhere, so I set off to investigate!

All I could see was this lorry, but at the back was a guy sitting at a piano - his playing was wonderful. He is the Olympianist - you an check out the website. He is touring the UK raising money for charity. Has anyone else come across him?

What a great and unusual way to raise money. (Love the BeethoVAN!)

Love, Liz

Edinburgh and Vintage

I couldn't have picked a better week to be in Edinburgh. The weather was glorious!

Here are a few photographs of the closes on the Royal Mile - was surprised to find that some vintage signage was still visible!

Loved this building.

Top tips for shopping -

Princes Street Usual chain stores, street itself messy because of tram works.

George Street Lovely shops, but pricy!

Royal Mile Tartan tat! I discovered a couple of charity shops here, but the prices were astronomical!

If you are just there for the weekend and don't have time to explore the outskirts of

Edinburgh, then Cockburn Street, just off the Royal Mile, is the best place to find

some lovely, quirky little shops. There are a few vintage shops there too.

Last Sunday I went to Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair in the HMV Picture House in

Edinburgh. It was very busy - full of youngsters searching through the rails of vintage fashions. The lighting inside the hall was terrible which spoiled it bit! I bought a little vintage fabric pin badge and some homemade raspberry marshmallow - delicious!

Hope the weather is good where you are!

Love, Liz

Pipers Come Home

A parcel arrived yesterday - all the way from the lovely Kylie in Australia! She sent me a few wee bits and pieces that needed to come home to Scotland.

First there was this lovely little vintage Scottish piper doll. Isn't she cute?

Look at her lovely blue eyes and rosy cheeks - all that piping, I suppose - the cheeks, I mean, not the eyes - don't think eye colour is affected by bagpipes!!! (Unless of course you count bloodshot eyes!)

Kylie also sent this vintage Edinburgh Castle apron - again featuring pipers - very unusual. Going to keep this for St Andrew's Night or Burns Night when I'm cooking haggis!

Last, but not least was this vintage postcard of Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh - love the colours and can you see the wee girl feeding the pigeons in the bottom right corner?

And funnily enough, Edinburgh is where I am heading soon. So I really could be sending you that postcard - great timing, Kylie!

Kylie had added a wee tag to the dolly -