The Scottish Experience 2017

Traveling in Scotland is easy and deversified. 

We made use of taxis, guided tours, trains, and a rental car.

My Scottish Experience: 

Linlithgow, Scotland

2 Sept. 2017

Photo above: The sanctuary of St. Michael's Parish Church in Linlithgow, Scotland. 

We based our travels in Scotland from the new Paddockhall Farm Cottages, located only minutes from the beautiful city centre of Linlithgow, where you can catch quick smooth train trips to Edinburgh or Glasgow. This area also has responsive and reliable taxis companies. 

The white cottage had many large windows - glorious - because the cottages were set in the middle of golden wheat fields with views of 

panoramic evening sunsets, jumping giant jack rabbits, and flocks of birds. 

To view the Cottages: 

 http://www.paddockhall.com

 

A stunning Scottish historical gem, St. Michael's is located mere feet from Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, whose gravesite is located on Linlithgow Palace grounds. 

St. Michael's was consecrated in 1242, and lost to fire in 1443 - with reconstruction beginning in this year. 

Situated upon a hill, St. Michael's ancient cemetery surrounds this majestic church, and as you explore the ancient grave sites, you have a splendid view of Linlithgow. 

We marveled at St. Michael's medieval architecture and beauty, visited the ancient graveyard outside its 

doors, and inside the church we were greeted by parish members eager to share St. Michael's history, and provide exciting and interesting historical references about their church and about Scotland in general. 

Obviously, a visit to St. Michael's Parish Church, located in Linlithgow's city centre is definitely a do-not-miss experience. 

Ancestry note: 

As many Americans have Scottish names in their family ancestry, the four members in our group were also interested in any information about their Scottish ancestors' names. 

We had a great conversation about Scottish names with the  

volunteer, Craig. So appreciative of his time and help at St. Michael's. Our group mentioned our family names, and here is what he had to say. 

(See video)

After I told him my father's name, Craig, he directed us to a memorial in the church to fallen soldiers. Searching the list, I discovered one of the carved names was J Craig. 

Another name inscribed on the memorial was Wilson. Wilson was my  grandmother Sally Gartman's maiden name, and Wilson was also the family name for two other members in our group. 

So we had made an exciting discovery - even though these people were probably not our ancestors - it was definitely a fun discovery. 

 

Thank you, volunteers, at St. Michael's Parish Church, for your kindness to strangers. 

⭐️Visit:  St. Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow, on Facebook.