Old Key that Was Never Lost

So amazing. I spend countless hours searching for keys and my glasses. Doesn't everyone?

The original key used at Stirling Castle in Scotland. The Castle dates from at least the early 12th century; present buildings mostly built between 1490 and 1600. I wonder how big this key is? I'm sure it must be quite large, never to have been lost in 900 years, counting from the 12th century to the 21st century! It's beautiful, isn't it? via

Red Roof in The Highlands of Scotland

lovely photograph by david eustace

What a great pop of red.

Cawdor Castle, Cawdor Scotland

14th century castle. photo source

Cawdor Castle and Gardens Website here.

Vintage Tartan Plaid Clothes Pin Apron from Scotland

Here is another item I'm selling on ebay. I got this cute little handmade apron from an elderly lady who had me help her clean out the house while it was on the market. More photos here. Thanks for looking! xo

Will Scotland Secede from the UK?

I took this photo today with my iPhone. I was working on an ebay listing of an apron from Scotland for holding clothes pins or pegs as they say across the pond. I found a thistle in bloom to put in the tiny embroidered pocket.

Will Scotland go Independent? The vote is coming up on September 18th so we don't have long to wait and find out. I am obsessed with Scotland since I started watching Outlander on Starz. The costumes and sets are wonderful. I haven't read the book but I'm enjoying the series.

There is an article from NPR and a podcast too in case you want to know more about why Scotland would want to break away from the United Kingdom and become an independent country. I got the cupcakes photo there too. Click here to read and or listen.

I hope you had a nice Labor Day. xo

Inverness Scotland - Culloden House - Grand Country Estate

Culloden House, Inverness, Scotland via click on link for more pics.

MacDonald Clan and Tartan Scotland

Per Special Request from Heather. Click to enlarge photos.

MacDonald

Tartan

Motto: By sea and by land.

Crest: Out of coronet a hand in armour fessways, holding by its point a cross crosslet fitchy, gules.

Cover and Back of my small book.

ISBN 0-00-458958-0

First published 1986, Second Edition 1991

Sunday morning coffee

Here's what I'm drinking at the moment, hot coffee in my favorite cup with soy milk. I'm still loving the Waterlogue App for transforming my photos into watercolors. I'll see you a little later with the cover of the Clans and Tartans book and the pages for MacDonald per special request from Heather. What a perfect Scottish name! xo

Kerr - Clan and Tartan

There is no rhyme or reason to the pages I will feature from this little book of mine. I just like this particular tartan this sunny Saturday morning.

The Crest Badge is nice too -- The sun in his splendour. Motto: Late but in earnest. Oh dear, but at least the Kerrs have an excuse for always being late. Question -- Do report cards still have a section for tardiness these days, as mine did? Have a great weekend.

MacAulay - Scottish Clan and Tartan

The MacAulay Tartan, watercolor version

MacAulay Scottish Clan History on left. Motto: Danger is Sweet. This brass running dog paperweight is one of my favorite things.

Recent Instagram Photos

My Instagram @contentinacottage

I have been trying to drink more water and I like drinking out of glass. This French Limonade stoppered bottle holds almost 4 cups. I try to drink at least two of them during the day. Last night, I noticed lots of bubbles had formed inside for some reason even though it was tap water.

Strong morning shadows on my kitchen wall. I love the radiator key projected on the wall.

Long afternoon shadows from the kitchen window on the gable end.

A vintage handmade clothespin apron from Scotland. I love the embroidered heather.

This is a closeup of the writing on my water bottle. Happy Friday, it's almost the weekend!

Antiquarian Map of British Isles 1807

A large folio hand-colored map of the British Isles in my living room.

Published in London July 1, 1807 for John Cary, Engraver and Mapseller.

This view attempts to show the large size. I framed it myself. It's one of the first things I put on my walls when I moved in the cottage over 10 years ago and I still love it. There is a small inset map of the Shetland Isles. I have no idea why I love old maps so much because I have the worst internal compass ever. I love the GPS feature on my phone and use it all the time with turn by turn voice directions and I usually have to use it to find my way back home too. Are you a good map reader? 

Tartan Love isn't just for Scotland

via

I wonder what their yarn looks like? Instant tartan?

I have always loved Tartanware and I don't own a single piece.

Tartan throws over the back of the chairs at either end of this long table and tartan throws over the white table cloth laid on the diagonal complete this picture.

Tartan behind the secretary desk bookcase looks grand, doesn't it?

Tartan Love

Royal Stewart Tartan and Christmas are perfect together. via

An Architectural Pineapple in Scotland

The Pineapple at Dunmore Park, Scotland -- I've never heard of this, have you. I've never seen another photo either. Is this a well-kept secret? via What an amazing architectural feat.

Royals Watching the Highland Games in Braemar Scotland

They so enjoy each other's company.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Ellizabeth II and Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay laugh as they watch the sack race during the annual Braemer Highland Games at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 7, 2013 in Braemar, Scotland. The Braemar Gathering is the most famous of the Highland Games and is known worldwide. Each year thousands of visitors descend on this small Scottish village on the first Saturday in September to watch one of the more colourful Scottish traditions. The Gathering has a long history and in its modern form it stretches back nearly 200 years. See more pictures here.

Summer in Scotland

High summer in the Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Scotland via

Mellerstain House in Scotland

I was surprised to learn this charming cottage was in Scotland. It looks so much like a story book illustration, doesn't it? I love the hedge lining the walk. Let's go inside, shall we? via