Polish Stone Map of Scotland. Barony Hotel.

Some eight years ago workmen uncovered the original stone map of Scotland in the grounds of the Barony Hotel at Eddleston, by Peebles.    After a great deal of hard work by a team of volunteers the site has been cleared, the stonework cleaned and repaired and the site flooded to its original levels, plus a nice new viewing platform.   An amazing piece of work and so nice to see it back to its former glory.

 Thought I would add this other bit of Polish related items,  this being the sculpture to the Polish War dead in the Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.  The bear's nose is shiny due to the paint being rubbed off by countless hands over the years.

Harley Davidson, Edinburgh

A few days ago I ended up at the old Harley Showroom at KB Edinburgh to discover they had moved, so today, on my way to B&Q at Hermiston Gait I popped into their new premises at Sighthill, Edinburgh, just off the City By Pass and at the end of the M8.

 The showroom is certainly quite impressive, as are the selection of new and used Harley Davidson bikes.   Thought I should pop in another trike just in case Lennie is reading this.

 I suppose I have to make the same comment as I do about the big flashy car showrooms,   " Who is paying for the Premises? "    No doubt the customer as usual, from the price of the product.

As stated I was on my way to B&Q to get a bargain on the 10% pensioner's discount day.  At the checkout I learned that this offer will end in September and the discount will only apply to gardening related products.  So looks like Screwfix will get my custom as usual rather than trail round the by pass on a Wednesday.

Testerday's accident on the A702 Biggar Road was a fatality and at a part near Easter Howgate where major roadworks a couple of years ago were meant to make this part of the road safer.  Appears that a northbound lorry and a southbound car collided head on.

Vantage point at Edinburgh Airport

 On pick up duty at Edinburgh last Thursday morning waiting on the Johnston's of Chobham.  For once I manage to find a really good vantage point near the end of the runway and was able watch the comings and goings of these wonderful flying machines.

David and Carl's wedding

 Must congratulate David and Carl on their wedding and reception at Pollockshiels on Saturday,  I did not take many photos although many more were taken by others.  This was one of the nicest weddings I have attended, the service was conducted by a lady humanist minister who was superb; the hospitality, meal, reception and friendship of all who attended was a real credit to the couple.  Well done. 

Lodge 772

 I was at a wedding in the Pollockshiels Burgh Hall, Maxwell Park, Glasgow on Saturday  and discovered that it is still used as a meeting place for Lodge 772.    A really lovely venue in a nice quiet part of the City of Glasgow

A two or three wheeled Indian

Been a busy weekend since my last entry, kind of off colour and well out of sorts so it was hard.   Last item referred to an accident and today we had another, possibly fatal on the A702 near Penicuik. Road closed all day for the accident investigators so now waiting to see what the media have to say.

Currently looking for new bike boots so popped into Saltire Bikes, Edinburgh , along with William and Sandra ( of Chobam fame) to try on a few pairs.    However the stars of the show, so to speak are the Indian motorcycles on display, and for sale of course.

 Mentioned the word "trike" to my friend Lennie the other day and he told me to wash out my mouth with soap and water !!!!   but there are some smart machines on the road. I saw another this afternoon, pink, ridden by a young lady dressed in pink and black at the Gogar Roundabout as I was heading home from the airport.

 Just for interest added this smart little three wheeler.

Country Roads and speed do not mix.

There is a road safety advert on the TV which says that the majority of accidents happen on country roads, well  here was one we came across yesterday.  Appears that this driver came over a brow of a hill at a junction far too fast, lost control and after demolishing a wall ended up in the field. 

 Not sure how amused the farmer will be when the recovery vehicle has to drive through his crops to retrieve the wreckage.     Another bloke I know had a bit of an bump on Saturday afternoon on the outskirts of Dalkeith,   head on collision, two cars total write offs and he had to be cut free by the fire service,  fortunately no serious injury.

 Wrote about the model aircraft lads a few entries ago,  eventually downloaded he photos to add a bit interest.

 Out on the moor, nice wee manicured runway and taxi ways.

Had to go into Edinburgh this morning, what a nightmare,  easy to see that the Festival is about to start, roadworks everywhere, traffic jams, and cyclist ruling the roost, so to speak.  Good job that the City is small enough to get about by foot as traffic is horrendous and parking spaces are all gone by 8 am.    As  usual the silly season is upon us with hotels, bars and food outlets all hiking up their prices to fleece the tourists - daylight robbery methinks, all in the name of supply and demand.

Tried to get to my motorcycle shops,  TWO WHEELS was busy with no parking available and when I popped across to the Harley Davidson garage at KB,  all gone,  !!!   Now moved to  new premises at Sighthill, so it was home to browse the Internet instead.   My Gold Top boots, which are only about forty five years old have finally given in and will need to head to the great boot grave in the sky,  I priced a new pair of Gold Tops at £369 , but think I will be knocking on 115 years  if he boots last as long, so maybe a cheaper pair will suffice meantime, but then again they do look good .  SPORTSBIKESHOP had a fine selection of goodies to peruse. 

Mrs B. just returned home and commented that she had just seen one of the motor cycle hearses passing being followed by a limo.