Brodie Castle, Highland Games and more!

There was a time when going for a “day out”, was a big fan-fare occasion.  It meant just what it said – you left early, came back late;  gone for a whole day!

It is too easy these days to think of trips or ‘days out’, merely as entertainment put on by others to allow us to pass the time until something else comes along to entertain us.

I love a good day out – and I mean a day.  I’m always trying to think of places to go locally or looking to see what ‘event’ is taking place. 

Here are a few examples of days out I have enjoyed…. 

Brodie Castle

An Easter trip was made although we didn’t do the tour round the actual castle (which you can). We were more interested in the adventure playground, the gardens, the fantastic walk to and around the large pond and a visit to the ‘Playful Garden’.

The latter comes complete with a hugh white rabbit which, despite the signs asking them not to, kids climb all over him…..well, its not every day you get to see an enormous white bunny lounging on a hill – except if you eat the wrong type of fungi perhaps but I digress.

A few examples of what you will find there…….

The Highland Games

You may have heard of the Scottish ‘Highland Games’ which occur in the summer months.  Yes, we do get summer.

The events here go way back to when the Clans would meet up and compete in feats of strength and skill. Some of these events remain to this day, think tossing the caber and you get the idea.

Our local Highland Games has a vast array of events, from the races, tug-o-war, piping competitions, dancing and of course, the ‘heavies’, who do all the caber tossing and throwing the hammer duties.

During all of this, we are also treated to a fairground, or the ‘Showies’ as they are called here.  You know the type of thing; ghost train, death traps that hurl you towards space, loud thumping music that remind you that once upon a time you were young enough to go clubbing.  All that sort of stuff.  And as if that wasn’t enough, theres also the candy floss, hot dogs, charity stalls and beer tent.

What there isn’t, is enough toilets and if you are a woman with an overly functioning bladder (don’t look at me), you’d better plan your trip 15-20 minutes in advance as that was how long I had to queue to use one of the four lavatories on offer.  I would have laughed about it but that might have triggered stress incontinence.

Its a great ‘day out’ and most of the town seems to show up for it, as well as tourists from all over – and its free!

A day out can include all manner of things.

Our town recently had a ‘Book and Arts Festival’.  This coincided with the local gardening club annual show, so naturally I went to both so see what was going on.

The Book and Arts Festival goes on for a few days, with talks, displays etc on a variety of topics but the first day involved a pipe band and a crowd of people dressed up with others who had brightly coloured flags, parading through the streets.  

Naturally, I tagged on at the end.

I didn’t have a flag but I did ocassionally swing my bag containing raw bones for the dog, just to make it look as if I was meant to be there.

The Gardening Annual Show was a new event for me but as a keen amateur gardener, I skipped along to get a feel for the local standards.

I now realise I need a proper greenhouse.

There was a wide range of categories – cactus displays, childrens challenges, best trug and even home baking to name a few.  It was also good to see that on the whole, although what I grow might not be the most attractive to look at, I’m doing alright on the horticultural front.

I still have much to learn obviously, like how on earth do you grow a cucumber that wouldn’t be out of place being used as a light saber in a Star Wars movie?

Or how do you make 4 tomatoes grow  the same size and turn red in time for a specific date in August?  We’re into September now and I’ve managed 2 cherry tomatoes.

I noticed some people are just very creative.  Perfect displays in tea cups, gorgeous bouquets shown framed that would have had Van Gogh feeling inspired.

People put in a lot of effort and it was good to see a large crowd go to appreciate the results.

There was  a raffle too, which obviously I didn’t win.

In a few weeks we have another ‘day out’ to attend – the Vintage Car Rally.  (I’m not entering our motor even though I think it passes as vintage these days.)  I’m digging out my flask, tartan rug and waterproofs in anticipation – it pays to be prepared.

There is another type of ‘day out’ though – maybe even my favourite type.  

The one which isn’t organised or planned by others for you.  No great fan-fare or itinerary.  Its the day where you just get up and go – could be a trip to the beach, a walk in the woods or a picnic…..anywhere.

Sometimes, its good just to pack up for a ‘day’ and go.