Last time we were anywhere near the Horseshoe Inn in Eddleston we were at the Barony Castle Hotel. In the grounds of the hotel there is the Great Polish Map of Scotland. A remarkable concrete structure in a pond made by Polish war veterans in 1979.
Anyway, the Horseshoe Inn stands at the end of the road that leads up to the Barony Castle and that’s as far as we were going today.
Unwanted visitors
Everyone knows that horseshoes are lucky without perhaps knowing why. Let us help you with some well established facts. Many years ago the whole of northern Europe was inhabited by fairies, elves and goblins. When Celtic tribes invaded their lands they took refuge in the forests and started wearing green to camouflage themselves. Rightly or wrongly, these little people were blamed for many of the misfortunes suffered by the settlers. The relationship between the two groups was at best uneasy. However, it was quickly understood that the elves feared the metal weapons of their enemies … they were afraid of iron! Hence folk took to hanging horseshoes above their doors to discourage unwelcome little visitors.
Logic
All of the above is absolutely true, however, there is still much debate about which way a horsehoe should be hung in order to derive maximum benefit. Some think the two ends should point up the way to prevent luck falling out. Others think it should be the other way so that the luck falls on those below. We lean towards the former because logically with both ends down the way it would never be able to retain enough luck to disperse. Don’t think about it too much. The big question was how lucky the Horsehoe Inn would be for us.
It’s a real traditional kind of place with lots of beamed ceilings and open fires. The restaurant was very busy so we opted for the bar which was quiet. There was a very comprehensive menu but we were just passing through so coffee and a scone was all we wanted. They didn’t ask if we wanted the scone toasted but that’s the way it was when it arrived. Sitting by a cosy log fire eating scones and drinking coffee we felt nicely cocooned from the realities of the world outside. Lucky indeed.
Merry Christmas
The World Cup finishes today with a final which is not being billed as Argentina v France but rather Messi v Mbappé. On account of my sister living in Nice along with the Auld Alliance and all that, we will be supporting France.
Unbelievably, in three days time it will be the shortest day of the year, yeah! As well as light the longer days also bring hope and heralds the beginning of another year.
As we prepare for a family invasion over the festive season it just remains for us to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. We’ve very much appreciated your comments and support over the past year. May all your horseshoes be the right way up!
Thank you for a wonderful year of sconology. Very best wishes for the festive season from all at Henry’s Coffee Company.
Many thanks and the same back.
Another lovely post.This place looks really nice,and of course always an interesting bit of history.
Well yes,France lost in the end but it was a tremendous final and Argentina did deserve to win.Well done to both teams.
Happy festive season from France to all the readers,and look forward to the next scone!
Kath
Merry Christmas to you and Pat, Bill. May you enjoy family time as we hope to enjoy ours with both daughters, our son, and their families.
Best wishes from downunder where the Christmas days are long and bright!! Keep warm, while exploring more scones. Cheers Mark and Julie.
Don’t rub it in Mark! All the best to you and yours.
All the very best to you and Pat. Hope you both have a lovely festive period with your family. Please keep up the scones review, it’s great. Lots of love, Tom and Carol. X
Thanks Tom, hope you and the family have a great time!
Wishing you both a Happy Christmas and all the Best for 2023, Tracey & Chris
And the same to you!
Well well well what a final, young Arran is an avid Messi supporter, he must have been cheering louder than you.
Great story about Barony Map and interesting twist on horseshoes.
Have a great Christmas
DandE
I missed the penalties on my way to the airport to pick up Kirsty and Co. Great result for Messi though. You have a great Christmas as well.
You’ve brought yourselves and Scotland closer all year with your delightful view of the world and sconces that I can almost taste from here!
Keep well, keep the travel commentaries coming and have a festive Christmas and New Year!
Christine and Steve
Oregon
P.S.
Any update on the sheds of Scotland book???
Thanks both, hope all is well in Lebanon have a great Christmas and a fabulous new year.
Merrie Christmas and all the best for 2023!
Christine and Hugues from Belgium.
Cheers, all the best to you both