12.02.2018 Views

Evergreen

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

2017 EVERGREEN 15<br />

rest and admire the view. At<br />

one spot near the waterside<br />

is a bench where we<br />

can share our own poetic<br />

thoughts with a seated<br />

statue of Robert Burns<br />

himself. Higher round the<br />

trail you’ll pass the stone<br />

bench where it’s said he was<br />

inspired to sit and put pen<br />

to paper.<br />

In late October, the low<br />

sun struggles to reach the<br />

deeper parts of the gorge<br />

giving us the play of light<br />

against shade. The burn is<br />

never far from sight or out<br />

of earshot and nowhere is<br />

it more dramatic than at<br />

the Falls of Moness. Burns<br />

needed no camera to record<br />

the scene — only his pen:<br />

White o’er the linn the<br />

burnie pours<br />

And rising, weets wi’ misty<br />

showers.<br />

We might experience these “misty<br />

showers” first hand when crossing<br />

the little footbridge above the falls.<br />

Looking over the balustrade to the<br />

50 feet cataract and deep cavern<br />

below, it can be a terrifying place<br />

after a rainy spell.<br />

As you look down over the falls<br />

from the safety of the bridge, just<br />

keep your guard. Although you may<br />

think you’re alone, there’s every<br />

chance you’re being watched. An<br />

old name for the Moness was the<br />

Pheallaidh (Feldy) burn (hence<br />

the name Aberfeldy meaning the<br />

mouth of the Feldy). Pheallaidh is a<br />

supernatural water creature that often<br />

lurks around the falls with nothing<br />

but mischief in mind. However, only<br />

those with the power of the second<br />

sight will be able to see him.<br />

In 1914, the Den was gifted to<br />

Aberfeldy by the Marquess of<br />

Breadalbane. Before this, to enjoy the<br />

two-mile long trek would have cost<br />

us 6d. Now, you’ll be glad to hear, it’s<br />

free to all.<br />

WILLY SHAND

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!