Masquerade 3

Thirds 

I’ve encountered elements of Sir Walter Scott three times.

Firstly at the Wallace National Monument in Stirling, secondly at Scott’s View between Melrose and Dryburgh, and finally at Scott’s burial place at Dryburgh Abbey.

Scott’s bust in the Hall of Heroes at the National Monument 

Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh on 15 August 1771. As a child he was raised listening to the stories of the people and histories of the Scottish Borders, a voracious reader he enjoyed historical, romantic, poetical and prose works. Walter also explored his natural environment, developing a lifelong appreciation of the natural beauty of the countryside and its role in the struggles of the Scottish people.

‘Scott’s View’ Lookout overlooking the River Tweed valley

His early life laid the basis for his poems and novels. His best remember poem "The Lady of the Loch" of Ellen Douglas. While among the favourites of his novels are "Rob Roy", "Ivanhoe" and "The Waverley novels. all heavily influenced by his Scottish heritage.

The Scott Chapel at Dryburgh

Sir Walter Scott died at his home Abbotsford near Melrose on 21 September 1832 and was buried with other members of his family in a chapel of Dryburgh Abbey. It was said that as the funeral procession passed his favourite lookout, his horse paused for one final time.

Masquerade 2

 

A second bite.

Dublin and Trinity College are both associated with literature.

It is the home of the Long Room - the grand library with its barrel vaulted ceiling and shelves of historic Irish literature bookended with busts of literary greats. The room has been an inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts, and used as the Jedi Library in "Star Wars".

The most famous book at Trinity though is "The Book of Kells", the Medieval monastic manuscript of the four gospels. Transcribed on the island of Iona, it was transported to Kells for safety and later gifted to Trinity.

Oliver Goldsmith’s statue in a poppy field beside the main entrance to Trinity College. Oliver was born in Lissoy County Westmeath. He studied at Trinity as did his brother Henry. A writer and poet, he is best known for his novel “The Vicar of Wakefield”.

Always known for its strong musical traditions Ireland has supported many musical forms from folk to rock, and one of her sons Phil Lynott, the lead singer of Thin Lizzy, and the voice of the parson on Jefff Wayne’s musical version of “The War of the Worlds”.