Goblin 'Ha

Back in the early 13th century lived a man of noble standing named Sir Hugo de Gifford. He considered himself a wizard and was rumored to have even made a pact with Satan himself. He built a castle, and underneath it a special place where he could practice his sorcery. They say he summoned hobgoblins to help construct his home, known as Yester Castle. Though the castle lies in ruin now, it is still thought to be a supernatural place. After visiting the town of Gifford tonight, I did a little bit of research about the area. In doing so, I found this poem:

Of lofty roof and ample size,

Beneath the castle deep it lies;

To hew the living rock profound, 

The floor to pave, the arch to round,

There never toiled a mortal arm; 

It all was wrought by word and charm.

- Sir Walter Scott, Marmion.

I did not get to go to the castle ruin tonight, but I think I'll make a trip back there to see it. Apparently even though it is in ruin, you can still find perhaps the oldest gothic stone archway in Scotland - and  is still standing. Maybe is the faerie magic? Some people here may think so. The site is technically off limits to the public and there are no signs posted for it anywhere. You have to scramble through the overgrown wooded area to find it. Pretty interesting. There is apparently also a "mushroom forest" in those woods if you go deep enough. 

But even if you can't find your way to this mystical, mysterious castle, you can pop into the Goblin Ha' in Gifford town, named after the subterranean chamber where Sir Hugo was said to have practiced magic. Truth be told, Gifford is a very small town. There isn't even a post office...you put the mail through a designated person's mail slot, and they bring it to the post office for you. But there are two pubs. One being the Goblin Ha'. It really was a cute place. We sat outside and enjoyed the flowers, until we could not take any more of the May Flies and "midges."


 Since I have not yet developed a palate for beer, I often have a difficult time trying to find something enjoyable to have at a pub or bar that that won't break the bank. Today I decided to try a cider. For 1.50Pounds, it wasn't bad. After sitting in the pub for a while, we then decided to take a walk around the old town. Here are just some pictures from the wanderings:

Flowers surrounding our outside table

The little town of Gifford

The entranceway to a mansion where a famous violinist used to live. Apparently Lady Gaga came to look at this property to consider purchasing it. Thought that was interesting! 

Tree lined streets leading to the mansion. Can't you imagine horse drawn carriages riding up to the gates?

Is this a dragon weathervane?

Forgot to mention today a funny little incident that happened on the way to the bookstore. There was an older lady waiting in a bus stop with shopping bags at her feet. In her hands she was fumbling with a long pack of cookies, or biscuits rather, muttering under her breath. As I passed she said "could I borrow your hands?" and held out the package towards me. I opened them and handed them back, and then she offered for me to share with her while she waited for her bus! Since I was on my way to get to the bookstore before it closed, I declined, but it was just one of those little interactions with strangers that make you smile. Anyway, off to bed!