Artizan’s are Guard of Honour for a wedding at Mugdock Country Park.

The Strathleven Artizan’s were honoured to be asked to perform a Guard of Honour at the wedding of Autumn and Robert in Mugdock Country Park near Milngavie. The bride and groom had travelled all the way from Texas to have their very special day in Scotland. The Artizan’s performing this guard were; Duncan Thomson, Jim Tannock, Paul Hunter, Chris Pollock, Big Frank and Jeanette Ryan.

Mugdock is a beautiful and historic park set in outstanding scenery. The bride and groom were married in the open air in the grounds of the parks amazing medieval castle. The weather was a bit wet to say the least but it did not ruin a beautiful ceremony performed by the bride’s brother. After the ceremony, while the couple were having their photo’s taken the Artizan’s were lucky enough to be invited into the castle tower where it had been restored with outstanding medieval displays. The view from the top of the tower is excellent. It is open to visitors every weekend. The reception was taken in the old stables beside the parks visitor centre. The food and drink provided were excellent and everyone had a great time. After some speeches, whisky, and lots more photographs the Artizan’s said goodbye and made for Edinburgh.

We had decided to go and visit Paul McDonald in Edinburgh at the sign of the cross and the sword. Paul is a master sword smith and expert on medieval weapons. A few weeks before the Heritage Centre in Renton had been given the gift of a very old looking sword uncovered almost sixty years ago in Bonhill. Most of us thought the sword looked medieval and could have been from the time of Bruce. However Paul informed us the sword was 17th or 18th Century and Sudanese. So how did a sword from Africa get to Bonhill hundreds of years ago? Any ideas send us an email. We were also honoured to all hold the actual sword of Rob Roy McGregor which is being restored by Paul. Coincidently while picking up some shelves for the centre a few days later we met the producer of the amazing Rob Roy film at his home in Gartocharn.

On the way home from Edinburgh we visited Roslyn Chapel for a flying visit and had some dinner before heading home after a long and interesting day out.

By Chris Pollock