Scotland Sundays: Regent Road Park

Today I want to highlight a real hidden gem in Edinburgh--Regent Road Park.  This very small park is such a tranquil place with views of Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Palace,  and the parliament building.

It's a very quiet park, there were only a few dog walkers when we visited.  We had a great time strolling down the short park lane filled with wooden benches.  I wore my Purple Parfait Pinafore (sewn from the Parfait Colette pattern) and my 1940s DuBarry blouse:

My absolute favourite part of the park is a circle of stones and plaques:

These 'Stones of Scotland' were gathered and arranged in a beautiful natural exhibit to celebrate the new Scottish Parliament.  There is a stone from each of the thirty-two local authority areas of Scotland. Here's a fabulous poem that was written for exhibit:

In case it's a bit hard to read on the plaque...here's the full poem:

Scotland

It requires great love of it deeply to read

The configuration of a land.

Gradually grow conscious of fine shadings,

Of great meanings in slight symbols.

Hear at last the great voice that speaks softly.

See the swell and fall upon the flank

Of a statue carved out in a whole country's marble.

Be like Spring, like a hand in a window

Moving New and Old things carefully to and fro.

Moving a fraction of a flower here.

Placing an inch of air there.

And without breaking anything.

So I have gathered unto myself

All the loose ends of Scotland.

And by naming them and accepting them.

Loving them and identifying myself with them.

Attempt to express the whole.

Hugh MacDiarmid (1892-1978)

How beautiful and touching is that?  Hope you have a lovely Sunday and a lovely Mother's Day to those in the States (including to my own wonderful mum)!