Ask Mary:: Should I take the train from London to Scotland?

I get so many emails every week asking questions about moving to Scotland as well as generic questions as to what should they do on their visit here. I'm starting an Ask Mary feature where I'll share the questions and answers for all to see and chime in. 

If there is something you want to know about living in Scotland go ahead and ask in the comments section and I'll answer them right here on the blog. 

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Amie asked::

How long is the train from London to Scotland? Where do I go for train information?

It takes around 7 hours to drive to London and 45 min to fly. But, to take the train it takes approximately 5 hrs.

The train is a great way to travel. You can sit back and relax while someone else does the driving. No need to stop for the bathroom or something to eat as everything you could need is right there. Grab yourself a seat by the window and don't forget a book. You can even choose to travel on a sleeper train. Travel while you sleep! Brilliant.

The downside to taking the train is that it can be quite pricey for long a journey. You'll be surprised to find that you can take a flight for much cheaper. But, it is always good to check all your options and be prepared. Booking early is the key to finding the right price, whatever you choose to do.

The links below will help you plan::

TRAIN

www.thetrainline.com

www.virgintrains.co.uk

www.nationalrail.co.uk

www.scotrail.co.uk

BUDGET AIRLINES

www.ryanair.com

www.easyjet.com

www.flybe.com

*make sure to check the terms and conditions. Budget travel is an art!

BUS

www.megabus.com

www.nationalexpress.com

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Have any of you taken the train from London to Scotland? Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments section.

If you have any questions just ask below or send me an email!

Bass Rock

I am so obsessed with Bass Rock. I first saw her last summer when we went to Tantalon Castle. It just has this elusive look about it. Where does it get its white tint? Is that a light house? I feel like I'm looking at Shutter Island and that something shady is going on.

The white tint is the tens of thousands of seagulls that call it home. Isn't that wild?! Those are birds! There is a lighthouse but it is uninhabited. There was a castle on the island that was once used as a prison. The chapel remains are still there. Bass Rock has even been featured in many works of fiction including Robert Louis Stevenson's Catriona.

It is totally quirky and cool. I wish I could go exploring. I want to know what kind of shenanigan's are going on over there.

St. Conan's Kirk

You never know what you're going to find here in Scotland. There is all manner of old sites just waiting for us explore. When we took our drive up north to Oban we saw a church on the side of the road. It over looked Loch Awe and was surrounded by the forest. I made LD stop so I could take a look. What I found was St. Conan's Kirk.

Up until the 1870's there was almost no human habitation there. Lord Blythswood's brother built himself a stately mansion not far from here and his wife and mother stayed there. His mother found the drive to church too far and wanted something closer so they had this church built. Isn't that crazy?! Oh what money can do.

It started to rain as we walked up to the church and you could hear the rain drops on the old windows. I couldn't help but wonder what it was like to go to church here back in the day. It has gorgeous large windows and I just imagined if the sermon got boring I'd look out on to the loch and do some day dreaming.

The door was open for us! I love old doors. Don't you? Upon entering there was a collection box to leave a few pence for taking a look around. These old cathedral's have so many nooks and secret places to leave things. It was very cold inside as everything was made of stone. We took a look around and left as silently as we came. There was a special reverence about the place. I wished we could have stayed longer and really explored the place. Maybe next time.

When you're driving through Scotland you need only look into the horizon and you'll find spires shooting above the tree's. History is hidden through the woods but if you can find it you can take a look so you'll always know where you came from. It's quite magical.

Interview with Expats Blog

I was recently interviewed by Expat Blogs; a hub of expat blogs all in one place.

It was fun!

I hope you'll head on over and check it out!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think. 

Then have a look around at other expat blogs around the world. 

Enjoy!

Recipe:: Snickerdoodles

I love a good soft cookie don't you? Especially when the weather has turned cold and rainy. It is time to get baking to warm up the house. I love this recipe because it is so simple. It is easy to just whip up a batch and have them ready to serve in no time. Sebastian wasn't keen on waiting too long. We munched on these all afternoon. 

Snickerdoodles

1 cup Crisco

1 1/2 cups Sugar

2 eggs

2 3/4 cups Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking Soda

2 tsp Cream of Tarter

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cream together Crisco, Sugar, Eggs

Add Flour mixture

Roll into balls, drop in cinnamon sugar

Bake at 325 F for 8-12 minutes

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Enjoy!

Here On a One Way Ticket

A few months before Christmas I received an email from BBC Radio Scotland. I immediately thought it was spam and went to delete it. But, then what kind of scam would want an interview with me for a radio program? The email address was legit so I emailed back.

After we exchanged a few emails back and forth I received a call from BBC Radio Producer, Phil. We had several conversations over the coming weeks. I actually loved telling my story to someone who wanted to hear it. He had wonderful questions and wanted details to experiences I'd not ever thought to share. When he found out that LD was also an expat--well, he was thrilled!

On my birthday {January 7th} my little apartment was filled with presenter Jennifer Tracey, Phil the producer and a sound person. A mini radio station right in my own flat. We sat together and had a chat. Jennifer quoted my blog and asked me questions that got me teary eyed. Sebastian watched a movie in the other room {which was a huge help}. They brought me chocolates and we were sad to see them go. If I ever have to chance to do it again, I would. In a heartbeat! It will be a special memory for us.

BBC Radio Scotland is currently doing a program entitled 'Here On a One Way Ticket' and are talking to expats from around the world who have chosen to make Scotland their home. There are a variety of reason why we've all come. BBC Radio Scotland  has given us the opportunity to share our stories. Our story is being shared today.

If you are interested, have a listen! Tell me what you think.

I think my voice sounds funny and I'm not sure what to think about it. This is our story!

{click the picture to take you to the radio interview}

A special Thank You to presenter Jennifer Tracey and Producer Phil Sime for taking an interest in our story and for all their hard work and help sharing it.

Mary