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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