Photos Now Posted

There is a slideshow of photos from the events of Bum's installation here in Edinburgh on the right side of the BLOG now. If you wish to see them a little larger simply click on the photo and you will link to the Picassa site where the slide show is held.

Enjoy!

And a Good Time Was Had By All

The installation of Bum last weekend here in Edinburgh was an unqualified success. Saturday morning dawned clear but soon clouded over and the bucketed down until half 11, but then the rain began to clear. While the wind pushed back the clouds a crowd of 75 gathered in the Lindsfarne room at St Cuthbert's Kirk for formal greetings and presentations.

Councillor Alistair Paisley officially welcomed the delegation from San Diego; former Lord Provost Eric Milligan spoke eloquently on the coincidences that unite our two cities; Chrissy Ambler reminded us all of the festivities that had marked the installation of the statues in San Diego; Wendy Lucas-Meyer shared a letter from San Diego's Mayor, Jerry Sanders; and Daniel Haslam spoke on the Gas Lamp Quarter's on-going efforts including the lovely Bobby and Bum themed gifts now available in the gift shop and Steve Powers presented the plaque that he and E Clampus Vitus had prepared which will be placed with the Bobby display in the Edinburgh Musuem in the Canongait. Official gifts were exchanged, hands were shaken, speeches were made and Bobby and Bum's praises were sung.

Waiting downstairs in the kirk foyer were the official honour guard for our day - the Skye Terrier Association - the owners in period dress, the dogs brushed and looking their best ready to proudly lead us from the kirk to the statue. After all the speeches were done we joined a queue behind two pipers and the dogs and took our wee walk. The wind had done its job and the rain had cleared so as we emerged from the kirk it was to a blue sky and balmy weather. After a short walk through the West end of the Princes Street Gardens, past the Ross Fountain and across the bridge we arrived at the statue's site. The statue itself, and the plaque behind it had been draped with the American and San Diego flags respectively and surrounded with flowers - all looked extremely festive. A couple of short speeches later and the flags were off - Bum was officially home here in Edinburgh. The children immediately moved in, wishing to pat him and to climb upon his broad back. The terriers were also quite curious and the flashbulbs were popping! We broke for lunch then, with promises to meet up later for our dinner reception at the City Chambers.

Six thirty came before we knew it and many of our friends from San Diego proved eager beavers so the joint was jumping from the get go! About 45 friends and neighbors joined us for the evening's festivities. The servers kept the wine pouring, dinner was served and conversation flowed. After dinner I was pleased to take a group on a brief tour of part of the city chambers, pointing out the keys to the city and the paintings in the European room, as well as the councillor's lounge. Back in the main hall it was time for the evening's entertainment to begin. Chip and Eddie Clark started things off with a couple of old Scottish stories retold with audience participation, and then Louise Millington and her band Cantara took the stage to the delight of all. We danced the Gay Gordons, we Stripped the Willow, and immersed ourselves in the music. I made a special request for Flowers of the Forest, taking a moment to tell the story of the tragedy of Flodden Field. The evening whirled away on the wings of the music and all too soon it was time to say goodnight.

Sunday morning we met at 10:45 to take a bus tour of Edinburgh, beginning in the Calton Hill graveyard where there is a statue of one of America's most famous Presidents - Abraham Lincoln. Then it was onto the bus for a drive over Regent Terrace and into Holyrood Park - up the back of Arthur's Seat to see the singular views over the Forth and then, as you come around the hill the city herself. We saw Craigmillar Castle and then were off to South Queensferry to see the famous bridges of the Forth - road and rail.

After our bus tour we ended the official functions at The Albanach, a lovely pub on the corner of the High Street and Cockburn. The conversation was every bit as animated at the pub as it had been at the ceilidh the evening before and we were sad to see it come to an end. But 11 of the group from San Diego needed to leave for Glasgow so needs must.

We parted company with a feeling of accomplishment and good will. The Brotherhood of Dogs is at last a complete reality. For years to come I predict that this will be a common photograph, both here in Edinburgh and in San Diego's Gas Lamp Quarter:

The Event is upon us!

We are in the throes of final organization, arranging pipers, entertainers, luncheon menus, goodie bags, tours buses and the like. We have great activities planned and anticipate that a great time will be had by all!

Here is the itinerary for the installation:

Edinburgh/San Diego Sister City Association
Presentation of Statue of San Diego’s Town Dog Bum to the City of Edinburgh
1200 Saturday 19 July 2008
Unveiling Ceremony in West Princes Street Gardens

AGENDA

1145 Assemble in St Cuthbert’s Church Hall (West End of Princes Street)

12 Noon Introduction by John Wilson – President of Edinburgh/San Diego Sister City Assoc.

Councillor Alistair Paisley – A Welcome to the City of Edinburgh

Mrs Chrissy Ambler – President of San Diego/Edinburgh Sister City Society

Mrs Wendy Lucas-Meyer – Co-ordinator San Diego Sister City Society

Mr Daniel Haslam – Director of Development San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Historical
Foundation

Mr Steve Powers – Representing E Clampus Vitus, John P Squibob Chapter 853

Mrs Margaret McDonald-Cross - Skye Terrier Association

1230 Assemble at the rear of the church. Parade will proceed led by Skye Terrier Assoc
In Period dress along top path in Princes Street Gardens, continue down to the
Ross Fountain, over the railway bridge to the installation site.

1300 Mrs Chrissy Ambler and Mrs Wendy Lucas-Meyer will unveil the statue of Bum

Later Saturday evening we will gather in the Historic City Chambers building for a recpetion, dinner and a good old-fashioned ceilidh!

Then Sunday we will take a bus tour of Edinburgh and the environs including the Forth Road and Rail bridges followed by a traditional Scottish Luncheon.

All in all a busy weekend is planned and excitement levels are high here in Edinburgh. I look forward to posting pictures and an update on the events as they happen.