Scotland and Ireland Tour Travelogue Two
Dear Friends,
About 40 miles northwest of Edinburgh sits Stirling Castle, the gateway to the Highlands. Beginning in the 12th century, the castle has been the site of many significant historical events. The most well known of these is likely the Battle of Stirling Bridge (depicted in the movie Braveheart), when William Wallace and his comrades handed the English an ignominious defeat and retook the castle for the Scots. It was also here that Mary, Queen of Scots was born in 1543. Bonnie Prince Charlie later failed in an attempt to seize the castle. In late June 2017, the castle was overtaken by 30 boys and young men from the Georgia Boy Choir who were on a mission to besiege the fortress with Beauty. They were quite successful in their efforts, presenting a standing-room-only concert in the Chapel Royal. Albeit a rainy and cold summer day, the hearts of all present were warmed as they listened to the boys sing. Particularly poignant was their presentation of “Think On Me,” a song penned by Mary, Queen of Scots herself, who wrote both the words and the music to her people as she was imprisoned and awaiting execution.
Click on this link to see a video of the Georgia Boy Choir singing “Think On Me” by Mary, Queen of Scots, arranged by James Mulholland.
Before heading north into the Highlands, the boys visited the stunning William Wallace Memorial, an imposing 220-foot-high tower that sits atop a hill across the valley from Stirling Castle and looks like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie. Inside the tower, encased in glass is Wallace’s own sword, a claymore that stands more than 5 feet high. It is an awesome artifact to see. Even more amazing is the view from the top of the tower. The only way up (or down) is via the 246-step spiral staircase. All agreed it was well worth the effort.
A couple of hours on the bus then brought them to the Cairngorms Christian Centre, a lovely cabin situated just a quarter mile from the River Spey deep in the Cairngorms National Park. This quaint cabin was to be their home for the next few days. The young singers couldn’t have been happier. Complete with a table-tennis room and a football pitch (soccer field) right across the street, it was the ideal situation for a group of active boys and young men.
On Wednesday morning they drove in to Inverness on the northeast coast of Scotland. Inverness is the largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. The Cathedral Church of St. Andrew sits on the east bank of the River Ness, which intersects the town. It is a lovely Victorian edifice built of red stone and granite. On this brisk, but sunny summer day, the Georgia Boy Choir was on hand to present a mid-day concert to the parishioners and visitors to the cathedral. Before making their way into the chancel where they performed most of their selections, the young singers surrounded the audience and sang “Amazing Grace” accompanied by the Choir’s bagpiper, Jay Bopp.
Click here to view a video of the Georgia Boy Choir’s performance of Amazing Grace.
Following the concert, the Dean of the Cathedral raved about it, and proclaimed that it was among the very finest performances that had ever occurred there. He thanked the boys profusely and encouraged them to return soon.
The boys made their way to the main shopping district and found many souvenirs to take back to Georgia with them. They were eager to return to their cabin in the Cairngorms where, following a delicious dinner they joined some local boys who were out on the field playing rugby. Although many of the Georgians had never played the game, they had a splendid time learning and playing together with their new Scottish friends. They went to bed tired, but satisfied and looking forward to the adventures the morning would bring.
Until next time,
The 2017 Georgia Boy Choir Scotland and Ireland Tour Team