Your Christmas~New Year Present from my Castle in Scotland

OK, so ‘technically’ it’s not ‘my’ castle, but I like the sound of saying “my castle in Scotland”… 🙂

Since I am not able to be there with you for Christmas and New Year’s, I thought I would at least be able to give you a present to let you know that you are in my thoughts…

So, I recorded you a song!

I may not be the world’s greatest nightingale – and given that I don’t have any fancy recording equipment with me, this was recorded on my iPhone in my room in the castle, and relatively quietly as I didn’t want to disturb the neighbours!, and with a backing track I found on iTunes – but I hope you like it… I poured all my love for each of you and my newly found home here in Scotland into the song… (just click on the image below to listen)

In case you didn’t know, Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788.

Here is Burn’s original verse, although not his original line spacing, and with the words sung in this version of the song in italics:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint stowp! And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o'kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

For auld, &c.

We twa hae run about the braes, And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit, Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld, &c.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn, Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld, &c.

And there's a hand, my trusty fere! And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught, For auld lang syne.

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne!

Before arriving at the castle, I checked out of the wonderfully lovely Loch Ness Inn and said goodbye to everyone… Btw, I love their folder for the bill (below):

After a short drive through windy mountain roads – that were actually really good! – I arrived at my Christmas residence that was constructed in the late 1870s (almost brand new by castle standards!)…

After checking in, I decided to go for a meander in Prince and find somewhere lovely to curl up for lunch…

…and found Snow White and a few dwarves in the bushes…

Back home for the evening – and probably for the next couple of days… I think I will stay curled up here and read and write rather than doing any exploring for the next couple of days…