The actual reunion at Mas-du-soleilla is only two months away and excitement is mounting for those who can leap the hurdles to get there. Since it is clearly impossible for most of us, this forum has been created for all of us to get together in spirit and words and pictures. The memories of being together as cousins all over the U.S. are too strong not to continue...
Elliot and I are making a quick pilgrimage to the Elliot castle in Scotland before the reunion. The castle, (pictured at the left), called the Hermitage, lies in the borderlands between England and Scotland, near Liddesdale, and boasts a history full of contentious moments. Several web sites chronicle its past as stronghold of the Elliot clan:
http://www.elliotclan.com/history.html
"The Elliots have existed as a Clan with a recognized Chief at least from the time of King Robert the Bruce (1306-1329) to the present day. Before the Union of the Crowns in 1603, they held that part of the frontier with England known as "The Middle March" -- their Chief usually being appointed Captain of Hermitage Castle in Liddesdale, and they became famous as one of the great "riding" clans of the Scottish borders.
Later the Elliots were notable for the part they played as leaders in the expansion of Britain overseas, and in the settlement of the New World, where their independence of character for which the Clan has always been renowned, made them particularly welcome. In the modern world, the Elliots have prospered and the Clan is now widely spread throughout the world.
http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Journals/Journal/817545
"Hermitage Castle has a long and colourful history. The castle was a bastion of power in the "debatable land", land that was exchanged between English and Scottish hands during the border wars and skirmishes. The castle is steeped in folklore and legend, and there have been reports of varied strange phenomena in recent years."
It is my fervent hope that we can all continue to share our news and fortunes with each other as the years go by and the occasions for gathering persist in eluding us. You're all too much fun not to stay in touch.
Sidney
