© Robbie Kennedy Bennett

© Robbie Kennedy Bennett



A POEM FOR HOMECOMING SCOTLAND
Homecoming Scotland 2009 is an events programme to celebrate 250 years since the birth of Robert Burns.
For Scot’s or of Scottish descent or just love Scotland, this is a celebration of Scotland’s contribution to the world.



You Keep On Singing Scotland © Robbie Kennedy Bennett








© Robbie Kennedy Bennett

May 2010 and another break in Scotland, this time in Stirling. We arrived at Bannockburn around lunchtime visiting the sight where the battle took place between the English and Scottish armies.

Robert the Bruce

© Robbie Kennedy Bennett

History has it that in 1314 Robert the Bruce secured Scotland’s independence and his statue commemorates his victory. The journey up was fine with a decent weather forecast for the day but heavy showers the 2 days following. A hailstorm or any note of bad weather did not arrive until around 7.30pm of the Thursday evening after morning sightseeing at the castle and a drive out to the Royal Burgh of Culross.

The National Wallace Monument

© Robbie Kennedy Bennett

We had almost gone to Stirling the previous Christmas period but weather proved to be not so kindly for travelling so far. We were fortunate to stay in The Old Tramhouse, the last remaining relic of the Stirling Tram Company on the Causewayhead Road.

The Old Tramhouse

© Robbie Kennedy Bennett

I say fortunate because it is as good if not better than the reviews that we had read. Our break in Stirling, renowned as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ was enhanced because of the friendliness of Alison Cowie, the owner of The Old Tramhouse.

We had a 2 night stay at The Old Tram-House and found it to be an ideal base to visit the sights that Stirling has to offer. Alison was very friendly and informative on everything we asked. It is a lovely guesthouse with beautiful decor and Alison makes you feel like one of the family. The room/en-suite was spacious, comfortable and very clean with a view of the Wallace Monument. If we visit Stirling again this will be our first choice of where to stay. The bus service is very regular and right outside and the Scottish breakfast that Alison provides is excellent and can set you up for the day.









© Robbie Kennedy Bennett

HEADING BACK TO SCOTLAND © Robbie Kennedy Bennett

One year on from homecoming
and heading back to Scotland.

Stepping up to Stirling Castle height,
Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn, the field of the freedom fight.
Events of Stirling Bridge and heroics of William Wallace,
tower high over Causewayhead,
we rested and were well fed, in The Old Tramhouse.

One year on from homecoming
and heading back to Scotland,
get on th’ track, c’mon come back.

Heading Back to Scotland © Robbie Kennedy Bennett


Our 2 nights were now over but before going home there was one more excursion to the Kingdom of Fife. From Stirling we drove east along the A91spending a few hours in St Andrews admiring the ‘Bonnie Bonnie’ sands that I have wrote about. The road signs to my Dad’s birthplace of Collesie and his up bringing at Ladybank tugged at my heart.

View from South Queensferry

© Robbie Kennedy Bennett

Later in the afternoon we headed for the Forth Road Bridge to South Queensferry, a detour to Dumfries and a short stop-off at Gretna arriving back home at 1.10am.


You keep on singing Scotland
You sing so clear
You keep on singing Scotland
Louder year by year


Heading Back to Scotland © Robbie Kennedy Bennett









Poetic Writing of ROBBIE KENNEDY BENNETT

www.scotlands-enchanting-kingdom.com/in-my-blood.html

www.poetryofscotland.co.uk/bennett.php

www.footballpoets.org/p.asp?Id=22949

www.blackcountrybugle.co.uk/blackcountrybugle-news/displayarticle.asp?id=104273

www.fifetoday.co.uk/east-fife-mail-news/Wolverhampton-wanderer-muses-on-coastal.3926209.jp

www.wolvesheroes.com/2009/01/13/an-ode-to-hugh/#more-2360

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