Scottish ancestry, whisky, tartan, golf and the Loch Ness Monster
Over the centuries, it’s estimated that around the Scottish diaspora – those who have emigrated from Scotland to other countries around the world – numbers between 28 and 40 million, although some authorities reckon it’s possibly as much as 80 million.
In 1700 in the USA, or rather the American colonies as they were then, the total population was 250,888, some 3% of whom were ethnically Scottish. Fast forward to today and around 9.2 million Americans self-report some kind of Scottish ancestry. In contrast, the population of Scotland is c. 5.5 million, so if all our US relatives came for a visit at once the country would get slightly crowded. Mind you, we’d welcome them. We Scots are famously friendly. And if you have any Scottish blood, then you’ll surely want to visit our country to investigate your past…
Of course, thousands of Americans do come every year, to play golf and to sample our whisky. The USA has traditionally been one of the biggest markets in the world for Scotch whisky, with a value to the UK of c. £1billion ($1.24 billion) a year.
Americans also come here to investigate their family history and heritage, to buy tartan and tweed and to soak up the unique atmosphere and traditions of this rather wonderful wee country.
Some even come to visit Loch Ness (pictured below) to see if they can spot the world-famous Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Despite many scientists saying that Nessie is a myth, every now and then someone sees something that is very hard to explain.
Of course, when you come to Scotland, you need somewhere to stay. And that’s where we come in…
Rather than opting for a five-star hotel, why not stay in a five-star, early 18th century country house, close by Edinburgh with easy access to many world-famous golf courses, whisky distilleries, ancient castles and buildings and a sense of history that you can almost reach out and touch? Somewhere like the Old Millhouse…
The Old Millhouse is set in three acres of gardens and trees, with the river South Esk flowing serenely along the edge of the grounds, a spa pool to the rear and at the side a huge BBQ and solid teak garden furniture for those ranch-style steaks or grilled vegetables and fruit. Deer and rabbits visit our garden and our own hens provide fresh eggs for breakfast.
Inside, everything is five-star. From the exceptional quality of the decoration and furnishing to the Hypnos beds (by Royal Appointment no less!) each room is unique, magical, comfortable and homely.
With five, individually furnished double bedrooms in the upper floors, a huge kitchen, dining area/orangery, the Drawing Room, the leather-chaired snug/whisky bar and a large utility/washing/drying room for your golf clubs and clothes, the whole place exudes classic simplicity and elegance.
If you want to find out more then please contact your host, Sally de Waard on +44 7824 773 060 or email her at sally@oldmilhouse.co.uk
