Glasgow & the Balloch Highland Games

Today was a day of opposites and a fitting end to my all-too-brief stay in Glasgow.

I woek up relatively early and caught a bus into Glasgow again to take the City Sightseeing tour once more the whole way around. As with yesterday we had a live guide to explain everything and although she wasn't as interesting as the two we had yesterday, they were great nonetheless.

THe weather was beautiful and although the city was far busier, I managed to find my way around fairly easily! Once I had oriented myself on Borders (of all places) I was fine.

The afternoon, in contrast, was spent at Balloch (near Loch Lomond) for the Highland Games. These are a fantastic example of how traditions remain in Scotland that have long since passed in England. As well as the traditional cycling and running, Highland Games showcase more 'Scottish' pursuits such as caber tossing, highland dancing and the pipe band competitions.

As I said above, the weather was fantastic - about 27 degrees! And on the shore of Loch Lomond the setting was unparalled. We also met Fiona's new boyfriend Jamie for the first time, which was nice and not at all awkward, although Iain was most definitely distracted by all the pipe bands!

The day ended with a fish supper (Glaswegian for fish and chips) and a bottle of Irn Bru (which outsells Coke in Scotland - it's like a cross between Lucazade and Red Bull) and me trying on Iain's kilt! This was the first time I've felt fat - he's a size 30! I think I'm going to have to buy one for myself now - they're so comfortable!

Anyways, tomorrow is a huge travelling day so I better be off!

Ciao.

PS: For photos of the Highland Games, click here