family’ s European heritage. I managed feelings of excitement and bewilderment while exploring cavernous 11th century castles, walking the sandy beaches that prehistoric dinosaurs stomped, standing near cascading waterfalls, and strolling in the shadows of 900-year-old mountains where I can only imagine my ancestors once trekked.
I visited many historical sites, interesting and educational museums with 15th century weapons, a centuries-old cemetery where the infamous Scottish outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor is buried, and small quaint mountain villages in the picturesque Scottish Highlands.
Scotland’ s history is a rich storyline, spanning from medieval times to its current status as a nation within the United Kingdom. The country’ s history includes periods of Roman influence, though it was never occupied by the Roman Empire.
The rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands- and the Isle of Skye in particular- is spectacular and magical. It’ s an eco-tourism adventure off the beaten path, but a path worth taking. In other parts of the country, while walking along the coastline overlooking the deep-blue North Sea, I did, at times, feel a sense of familiarity.
Location: Isle of Skye
sounds, think Simply Red, Average White Band and Malcolm McClaren.
I also found local folks to be incredibly friendly, good-natured and
Medieval Castle on Isle of Skye, Scotland
welcoming for anyone who wants to visit Scotland – or in my case, trace a branch of their family tree. And, as a recently retired cancer doctor, a radiation oncologist, I now have more time to explore.
Throughout my journey traversing the Scottish Highlands and immersing myself in the fascinating, educational and entertaining Scottish culture, I learned that family research and following a DNA evidence trail – which all people of color should consider – often raises more questions than answers.
And so, sometime soon, I plan to return to Scotland with my sisters, Donna and Elaine, to embark on a more substantial journey of discovery of our family’ s Scottish roots – a discovery that the Scottish song,“ Auld Lang Syne”, has taught people the world over to yearn for. •
Dr. Alison LaVigne, who grew up in Washington, D. C., is a newly retired radiation oncologist.
And if you like adventure movies and sci-fi television shows, Scotland offers the majestic deep-green landscapes where hits such as“ Harry Potter,”“ Outlander” and“ The Outlaw King” were filmed.
Scotland also offers a variety of world-class restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood, such as scrumptious oysters plucked from the North Sea. For nightlife, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands offer easygoing pubs with live Scottish music, a mix of local age-old Gaelic rhythms and contemporary soulful
Alison Lavigne & Micheal H. Cottman on Isle of Skye, Scotland.
Courtesy of Micheal H. Cottman
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