In the car, when I’ve not got my nose in a map, attempting to second guess or counteract the efforts of our hormonal Satnav, I try to look out of the window as much as possible. On our journey ‘oop north’ last week, Â the signposts caught my eye, even more so as we travelled into Scotland, with memories of the stern warning that ‘Twenty’s Plenty’Â on a previous visit.
Dougie whooped as we drove across the border into his homeland, via the town of Coldstream which markets itself as ‘The First True Border Toon’. We didn’t stop to get out so he could pose by the sign or have one foot in each country, though we did wonder whether we’d need a passport to come here in the future. If the vote is yes to independence, will they ever let Dougie back in?
Further up the road, the town of Greenlaw stands proudly on the River Blackadder. Of course, all I can think about is Rowan Atkinson and the TV series but then, if I’m thinking that, surely there must be other people who think the same. Does the town make the most of its link with the TV programme? The pub is named ‘The Blackadder Arms’, which is encouraging, and I noticed there was a ‘Blackadder Mini-Market’. But the local chippie has the rather unimaginative name, ‘The Chip Shop’. Surely they could call it ‘Baldrick’s Battered Bream’ or ‘The Flashheart Fryer’?
Onwards to Edinburgh and as we approach the main city bypass there is a huge sign:
The story behind this fairly new sign is that Elizabeth Leighton, resident of Grandtully, Perthshire, passed through the town of Boring on a cycling holiday in Oregon. She told her friend, Emma Burtles, who lives in Dull and the two thought it would be a great idea to somehow link the two towns. They can’t officially be twinned, as Boring is too big, but Steve Bates, the chairman of the Boring Community Planning Organisation and Marjorie Keddie, chairwoman of the Dull and Weem Community Council, worked together in 2012 to make the pairing happen. The sign was erected in June last year and a street party was held for the 84 residents of the tiny Dull village. The two communities are tentatively getting to know each other via the Dull and Boring Facebook page. I gather this new sign is causing quite a stir with American visitors very keen to see it. One tourist took a taxi to see the sign…..from Edinburgh… 75 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes drive away.
Perhaps the town where you stayed – Kenmore – should be paired with Barbieless, just a thought and if it exists.
I think they've missed a trick there, Bryce.
My dear girl, didn't you know we still go around in pony and traps up here. Why, I traverse to my employment verily each day by the same mode!Seriously though, nothing archaic about the sign at all – you were driving through horse country!
As an aside, for True Scots, the question of independence goes far deeper than being anti-English. That's NOT what it's about at all, for the unenlightened.
Did you go to the House of Bruar?
Hmm, fair enough Nana, but I can't recall seeing that many horses around Edinburgh. That bypass is pretty busy, so no-one in their right mind on a horse would even contemplate going on it, surely. Anyway, I found the sign amusing, just imagining a whole lot of horses, pedestrians and other animals lining up to travel on the bypass.
Yes, the question of independence is a serious one in our house too. Dougie very torn and, of course, not living there, has no vote, but still cares very deeply for his country.
Didn't do any shopping in House of Bruar this time bit did walk up to the falls – it was such a sunny day, we loved it!
You see that sort of warning quite a bit in rural parts of the US – but I don't know if you see them outside capitol cities like Edinburgh. I'll have put out the query. Hats off to Elizabeth Leighton for having such a clever idea and following through on it. I'm sure I would like her and her sense of humor! Hope you're enjoying yourself – sounds like it!
We're back home now, MsC. Thought I'd get a post up on the blog and then have a proper read of everyone else's blogs tomorrow. Can't wait to read about your trip to Bali.
Frankly I feel a little cheated after reading your posting as you didn't actually go to Boring. But on reflection I suppose you're allowed a little poetic licence.
Isn't Kenmore the home of quiz winners? It should be.
I know, trades description and all that. Just couldn't resist it.
Kenmore. Genius.
That's funny…wouldn't you hate to live in a town by those names, though?!
I'd have to try and make the most of it, maybe naming my house 'Tedium' ?
wait, aren't you going to tell us about Weem?
Ah yes! Weem. We did see Weem, or at least travel through it. Famous for its woods, called Weem Woods ;-). I do like the name Weem.
I have never really understood the 'twinned with' signs you see all over the country…and I know this makes me the grinch who stole Christmas but I only ever think 'who pays for this twinning lark and who does it benefit?'..aren't they just jollies for the selected few?….but on a less grumpy note I am now trying to think of towns that could be paired amusingly…..
I know what you mean, Libby. I suppose at least with this 'pairing' and not 'twinning' is that there won't be tax-payer funded jollies, although I wonder who paid for the sign…
You've got me thinking now. A whole other blog post. Need to get the atlas out.
Every time we cross the border, I play Runrig "Going home" and I cry and I feel properly at peace. One day I can retire back there and blessed am I in an English husband that's willing to move back with me xx
It is an emotional thing, going home. I tend to feel the same when we approach Newcastle – whether it's over the Tyne Bridge or through the tunnel, it feels familiar and welcoming.
Where will you and your hubby settle when you retire? Any thoughts yet?
I love the story about the sign, that's brilliant! I have similar feelings when I touch down at Heathrow, that's quite sad isn't it?!
It's not sad at all, Emma. As you live abroad that must be quite a lovely feeling when you reach home turf. Do you kiss the tarmac?
Hilarious! I hope they eventually let Dougie back in once the passports are introduced!
Oh I do hope so or I'll just get him to wear his kilt.
You totally caught me with that title… I was already feeling sorry for you lot! Great "jumelage" story. xx
I like to tease…
Ooh I like the 'jumelage' word!
I wonder if they all have stickers on their fridges that says something like "you don't have to be dull to live here, but it helps"?
They have fridge magnets of the sign already. I bought one!!
How do they pronounce Dull? Like with a double o? or short and snappy?
I'd say short and snappy – like Mull as in Kintyre?!
That sign is just brilliant, such a great idea to twin them!
They should do more silly twinning – makes for more entertaining signs.
Does anyone really need to be told to drive safely in Dull?
Ha! I didn't think of that. One of the main businesses in the village is a company which arranges 4×4 Land Rover safaris up the mountains. Must be strange to have Dull as the address.