Having come across an intersting post on Facebook, this observer went up to see one of the windows in the tower at Rait Castle that has become a shrine of sorts. Two painted roof slates containing fragments of poetry have been placed in the recess. The packet on the left is an empty ginseng box on on the right there are three candles. The slate on the right contains most of Upon Cupid by Aancreon, a Greek lyric poet and reads:
As lately I a garland bound
'mongst Roses I there cupid found
I took him in my cup.
And drunk with wine
I drank him up
On the left a verse from Shelly
And the Sunlight clasps the Earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea
What are all these kisses worth
If man kisses not me?!
That has been there a few month now as myself and a friend went a bike run up there.Nice to see it's still there.
ReplyDeleteLittering at ancient buildings part of the Scottish culture. That's just really as bad as gum stuck to pavements or discarded takeaway boxes.
ReplyDeleteWe need immediate enforcement action. Where's Highland Council's Environmental Health and SNH?
Seems to be some kind of spell/ritual to bring love into someones life. I think you will find that is more ancient, traditional and as much a part of our culture as anything. Now go pick some chewing gum of the pavement and think about ridiculous your outrage is!
ReplyDelete....or call for the Witchfinder General?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said !!!!!
ReplyDeleteLittering at ancient buildings part of the Scottish culture. That's just really as bad as gum stuck to pavements or discarded takeaway boxes.
We need immediate enforcement action. Where's Highland Council's Environmental Health and SNH?
You having a laugh or are you really that sad ????
Is it the return of Isobel Gowdie ?
ReplyDeleteIsobel and Dr Grigor were last seen
ReplyDeleteboarding a train at Auldearn Station.
Rumour has it they were going out for a Grilled Stake Supper.
There's more Scottish tradition in littering by discarding chip wrappers and Irn-Bru bottles.
ReplyDeleteLeaving greek poetry at a Scottish Castle - littering and littering only.
People will be saying next it's to have their dogs do a dump on the Links...
"People will be saying next it's to have their dogs do a dump on the Links..."
ReplyDeleteNow come on, you know fine no one will ever say that! Not much of an argument?
gurn.... these poems have been there for three years, and I have always considered them a hidden gem in a neglected heritage site. I hope your expose of them does not cause any undue harm to these works carried out by peaceful loving people.
ReplyDeleteI think it's mysterious and haunting and lyrical and lovely. I wish I had thought of it....hmmmm.....
ReplyDeleteRait castle is of great historical interest and these slates should NOT be there no matter how romantic they are. But the sooner Cawdor Estate start to take an interest in the property the better
ReplyDeleteOh don't be such a sour-puss! Remember, history isn't merely a thing of a past, we are making it every second of every day, in a myriad of wonderful ways. History should be a living breathing being, not a fossilised, idealised edifice with a descriptive plaque stuck on it. Ooooh listen to me being all profound-like!
ReplyDeletewell said pookie, i say leave them alone they are not doing any harm to anyone or anything.
ReplyDeleteArggghhhhH!!!! This makes me so...sad and reflective....arghhh....sniff....sniff...boo hoo...Arghhhhhh!!!
ReplyDelete