Oh dear, I hope it doesn't close down until after 2007. We were hoping to stay at this place which is where or within about 100 yds. of where my husband's family lived prior to 1839. I was so happy to find that we could bring the dogs......And I understand there's a great annual Folk Festival in Denholm. But perhaps if Scotland's truly closing down, we could expect a wee break on the price......? we don't fancy golf too much.

Of course now, we'll also have the ethical dilema of the sociological and economic implications of our visit, as well as adding to the enviromental effect of freezing the place up with our jet plane ride over the pole, to consider too.

It does seem a puzzler that so little of the land, even after almost 300 years, actually belongs privately or publicly to the people of Scotland, considering that the country was the cradle to so many firebrands regarding such stuff. Perhaps they were all driven out.

See you all in a couple of years, if the fates and money allow.....hope you don't mind a couple of extra Westies too. They don't have any cash to spend on really touristy stuff, but they are even more friendly and enthusiastic than their travelling companions. Does anyone know if Canadian tourists seeking to experience their roots in 2007, with dogs in tow, will be too late to explore the area around Dornoch as well?