“Down with tyranny – we are and we will make free”.
Depending on you’re political stance, these words could easily refer the UK’s departure from the EU .. or, just as easily, to Scotland’s continuing struggle for independence. These words don’t refer to either, however. It was, in fact, the cry of the Covenanters when they were descending on government troops in Dumfries in 1666 at the start of the Pentland Uprising. The Covenanters refused to recognise the King, rather than Christ, as head of the Church. Thus began some of the bloodiest episodes in Scottish history with over 18,000 Covenanters eventually paying the ultimate price. You mess around with Christians fighting other Christians at your peril … God on both sides?
What’s in a name?
In spite of its name, this hotel, does not appear to have any direct connections with Covenanters. It was probably named after a famous Covenanter, Rev Richard Cameron, who was born in one of the neighbouring houses. When you enter between the two Doric columns of the doorway you come into what seems like a rabbit warren of small sitting rooms and bars. Eventually we were directed by some very chatty and friendly staff to a small snug bar. From the window we could look across the road to Falkland Palace and the statue of Onesiphorus Tyndall-Bruce. What a name … sounds like an advert for single piece pyjamas? Turns out that Onesiphorus was the son of slave traders, educated at Eton and Oxford who, by the 1810, had managed to acquire debts of £50,000, approx £1m in today’s money. He ended up marrying into money and owning the whole of Falkland. A perfect example of British upper class privilege that’s still so prevalent today.
In the movie, Outlander, the Covenanter Hotel was Mrs Baird’s guest house where Claire and Frank spent their honeymoon in episode 1. As we pondered whether they had had a scone 
or not, ours arrived. Quite nicely presented, we were eager to get started. Sadly, they were probably the worst scones we have had in a long time. Peculiar texture and very sweet. No topscone but we enjoyed our visit nevertheless. Falkland is a wonderful village that still looks as if it belongs to a bygone era.
Anyone for …?
We did consider going for a game on the oldest tennis court in the world … first played on in 1539. It’s within the Palace and takes the form of Royal tennis … one of only forty such courts in existence. Not something that Andy Murray would recognise and difficult after a large scone. We just went home.
Free scone
We are sponsoring a free scone at the Covenanter Hotel for anyone who can predict what will happen in the next week of British politics. Answers on a postcard … no time wasters!
KY15 7BU tel: 01337 857163 Covenanter
///haggling.cycled.vesting
ps Many thanks to our Canada correspondents who sent us this photo of a Falkirk K6 outside the Mad Hatter pub in Orangeville, Ontario. 
///count.zoomed.violist
Just wondering if Mairi Ferguson is my cousin from Musselburgh, plus did you know my descendant David Hackston was one of the first Covenanters. Also would like to say hello and thanks again for a wonderful visit.
You know that you are always welcome here Janette. Don’t think our Mairi Ferguson has any connections with Musselburgh. She is originally from NZ but now lives in Perth Australia though she won’t be back there until December ‘cos she has been touring Europe for the past year. All right for some. Wasn’t aware of your covenanting background though I gather David Hackston was responsible for the murder of Archbishop James Sharp of St. Andrews in 1679, so maybe you shouldn’t broadcast it too widely.
Hope you and yours are all well, Bill and Pat
Good report as always Bill.
It appears time rolls on but politic’s and the topics don’t!
Thanks Mairi, we are still following your adventures too
Oh dear it was definitely Not a nice scone. We saw another tearoom after we left this place, so next time we’re in Falkland, we’ll try it.