Doc & Da (Iain & Hilda)

We awoke to a fine and cool day. A bit brisk, but fresh and clean.

After breakfast we prepared for our trip to the Lammermuir Hills to a place marked up years ago with a small circle on an old map showing the spot where Kirsty’s Mum and Dad wanted their ashes scattered.

Joining us for the event were Ian and Morag Hastie and wee Rob Cowe. We met at a small layby on top of the Lameermuirs to hold our startegy meeting. Some months before Stuart Cunningham had set out on an expedition to plot a course through the gorse to the top of the nearest hill, but we settled upon a more accessible spot with what we think was an equally spectacular view to the north over the East Lothian and the Firth of Forth.

We fought our way to a fence line with only one fall in the deep gorse, which was Kirsty, who was back packing Doc & Da, but luckily no spillage. Unfortunately, you can’t make ‘angels’ in heather.

So, the time has come to bring them home. With a tear of two we scattered their ashes as they would have wanted, with a smile, a laugh and wee dram. A beautiful resting place over looking their beloved homelands. We shared the hipflask around and we sang a couple of their favourite tunes.

Afterwards, we headed to Haddington, their old home town, for lunch and a good chat. It was terrific to catch up with Ian, Morag and Rob. Then off we went, knowing we would see them all again very soon.

Rob was very soon, as we went over to his place at Old Castles for dinner. Abby and James (Bride and Groom) were there as were 2 of Abby’s bribesmaids and, of course, Rob and Lorna (Mum and Dad of the Bride). The place was looking good with the wedding only 3 days away. It was a lovely evening, many G&T’s and a few glasses of red.

The excitement is building.