Protocol for Piping a Formal Dinner: A Ceremonial Guide for Highland Bagpipers
It is believed that the custom of dining in began in the monasteries, was adopted by the early universities, and later spread to military units when the officer's mess was established. British officers of the 19th century were drawn from the aristocracy, and while they considered themselves gentlemen, they were not necessarily men of means; third and fourth sons had little chance of inheriting title and lands under primogeniture.

Gatlinburg TN Scottish Festival & Games in Gatlinburg Tennessee May 19 & 20
May 19 & 20, Gatlinburg will again host the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games. This annual celebration of heritage is beloved by veterans to the festival and new-comers alike. The Gatlinburg Mountains play a perfect host to this reminiscence of Scottish heritage and homeland.

Scottish Roadtrips -- Encountering Porridge with Salt and Other Dangers
Edinburgh and beyondRoadtrips around BritainIt's hard to overstate the poetry of Edinburgh. Even when crossing the North Bridge in a screaming gale, fearing you lost your nose five streets ago.

Dondero: Internationally inspired holiday dishes without extravagance
Ah, the holidays. Don't they just scream food and drink? Typically, the feasting and traditions outshine a holiday's religious or cultural basis. That's human behavior throughout history. The trappings soon obscure the purpose, the ornaments hide the tree, the bathwater swamps the baby.