My brother-in-law and his family have just moved from Denver, Colorado to Scotland. They've bought a home in Edinburgh and will be moving in come August. I've been looking online for some ideas for a house warming gift and thought some of you may be able to help.

I'd like to give them a gift basket that includes a few traditional Scottish gifts (maybe a Scottish symbol for good luck?) or something that is made in or representative of that region. Also, though, I'd like to throw in a couple of items that would help them with their transition to such a new culture. His wife is from Wales and so she isn't completely out of her element but my brother-in-law is. They both have terrific senses of humor and so I'm considering a mish mash of classic goodies along with some clever ones (I found some dialect drink coasters that I thought he might benefit from, lol).
Once they've been there for while we plan to send a care package of things we know they love but that can only be gotten here at home. For now, though, we'd like to celebrate their new life in the UK.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Well, I'd suggest a bouquet of thistles with a leek thrown in but I doubt you'd find a florist who would do that.



OK, more seriously 3 words:

RICH HIGHLAND SHORTIES!!!

They are the BEST things EVER!!!!

Anything that has to do with Robert Burns, books, cds, etc.

Anything you can find that is funny while still saying something disparaging about the English. (If I can find online a story about the creation of Scotland I saw there, I'll post it for you to print out or something.)

A cd of any pipe band or military tattoo (bagpipe music). I recently heard that the pipers that are usually found on the Royal Mile (a major tourist hub) have been banned because locals were complaining about the noise.

You could print out recipes from this site and make a nice book for them.

Where are they moving to in Edinburgh anyway? Old Town? New Town?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bibliomaniac,

HA! Found it.

Here's the link:

The story of how God created SCOTLAND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Story of Scotland.

In the beginning when God was creating the world,
He was sitting on a cloud,
telling his pal the Arch Angel Gabriel
what he planned for Scotland.


" Gabby" says He "I'm going to give this place high majestic mountains, purple glens, soaring eagles, streams laden with salmon, golden fields of barley from which a whisky coloured nectar can be made, green, lush, spectacular golf courses, coal in the ground, oil under the sea,...gas".


" Hold up! Hold up!"

Interjected the bold Gabriel

" Are you not being too generous to these Scots ? "

Back came the Almighty's reply

" Not really, wait until you see the
neighbours I'm giving them !!! "

Ha, I actually really like the thistle and leek (or maybe daffodil)wreath. If I could somehow weave in a bald eagle too then I'd have Scotland, Wales, and America all represented. What's not to love?

I don't know if where they will be is considered old or new town. The description that was noted with the pictures they sent said it was a country home in Costerton, about 2 miles from Pathhead. All I know is that, wherever it is, I can't wait to visit.

quote:

Originally posted by t.:
Ha, I actually really like the thistle and leek (or maybe daffodil)wreath. If I could somehow weave in a bald eagle too then I'd have Scotland, Wales, and America all represented. What's not to love?

I don't know if where they will be is considered old or new town. The description that was noted with the pictures they sent said it was a country home in Costerton, about 2 miles from Pathhead. All I know is that, wherever it is, I can't wait to visit.

Yeah, but I have yet to see a daffodil on a 1 pound coin. I don't know if anyone even grows thistles for the purpose of selling them though.

How about St. Andrews cross with a red dragon and a bald eagle on it? Or stick with the flowers and include the state flower of Colorado instead. It's the columbine, right?

Sounds like they aren't moving to the city proper, but a town outside the city. *leaves to check road map*

Found it, well Pathhead anyway. It's on the A68 southeast of Dalkeith and Edinburgh. It's not far from the firth - that's nice. A country home sounds lovely. What made them decide to move there? OH! Will they be turning the home into a b&b? Lots of people do that there, even if they have only one room to rent out.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bibliomaniac,

Her job led them to Scotland. They've been married less than a year but she's lived in Denver for the last 10 so. I can't begin to explain exactly what she does. Technically, she's a scientist and her field of expertise is water conservation and planning. She's worked all over the world for the company that she's with and I think they just called her regarding a new position that they wanted her to consider. They've just had their first baby and so she was intersted in getting closer to her family in Wales. My brother-in-law was game and so there they are! They are really lovely people and we are very excited that they have this opportunity.

Wow, how cool, can I move into their place in Denver Colorado and they can have my place?


where in Edinburgh are they going to live? I moved out of Edinburgh when I was 17 and ive only ever went back to visit, i could never stay there again.

As long as they not staying in or near: Wester Hailes, Sighthill, Pilton, Pennywell, Craigmiller or Granton. The houses in these areas you need an asbo & criminal record to 'fit' in.

Our symbols of luck are 6 numbers on the lotto, White Heather & Coal

Buy them a brolly

LOL! I wonder how many versions of that pic are going around! This is only the second that I've seen but I'm sure there are more.

Yeah, I don't think like that either, although from personal experience, I prefer to be in the north of England than London.

I don't think most Scots think that either, but on my first trip to Scotland I was Edinburgh and I asked some locals about seeing the Royal Yacht Britannia, how do I get there and was it worth going to see. Well, I got some funny looks, and a less than favorable reply. From what they said I thought they're problem was with how things were set up at the attraction itself so, I decided not to go, but I also asked what the Scots thought about the Royal Family, knowing full well the history between the two countries including the succession of James the VI of Scotland to the English thrown and the fact that the Queen Mother (who was still living at that time) was raised in Scotland. I got a nice flat "They're tolerated" and that was it. So, whether or not people really believe what that sign has to say, the sentiment still survives.

quote:

Originally posted by t.:
Her job led them to Scotland. They've been married less than a year but she's lived in Denver for the last 10 so. I can't begin to explain exactly what she does. Technically, she's a scientist and her field of expertise is water conservation and planning. She's worked all over the world for the company that she's with and I think they just called her regarding a new position that they wanted her to consider. They've just had their first baby and so she was intersted in getting closer to her family in Wales. My brother-in-law was game and so there they are! They are really lovely people and we are very excited that they have this opportunity.

Oh well that'll be nice for her, until her company wants her to move again.

Hey t.

Did your brother in law & family make it over here?