Working on BambinO with Scottish Opera this summer has been an absolute blast. I have worked with kind and talented colleagues, performed to enthusiastic audiences and caught up with friends and family along my tour route.
On one of my days off, I visited Fairy Glen Falls with Sam Pantcheff. I must admit I didn’t need much persuading when our Stage Manager Val recommended the nature walk, as I was hooked in by the word “Fairy”! It was quite enchanting and a spot I would recommend visiting if you are near Rosemarkie. After the carpark, we followed a woodland path which ran next to a meandering brook. It was very tranquil, thanks to the sound of the trickling water across smooth stones. The path leads to the first of two waterfalls. It was a grounding experience and charming to look at. Just to the left of the waterfall is an unassuming path which leads up the mountainside. There was a rope bannister attached to aid your journey. Once at the top, it revealed a second, larger waterfall.
At the water’s edge, there was a tree trunk that sparkled and seemed to have scales like an Aligator. On closer inspection, I found it to be covered in money. It turns out that previous visitors hammered coins into the tree trunk in exchange for a fairy wish. It is now recommended not to continue the tradition as it can be poisonous to the trees, but the woodland handlers left the money trees so that new visitors could see and admire the peculiar result. I wonder if a new tradition will emerge that looks after the woodland and its creatures. Perhaps wildflower seed bombs could be scattered along the path. What do you think?
On sadder note, I was upset to hear the news of our Queen’s passing. Queen Elizabeth II represented stability, grace and dedication to me. I will certainly be thinking of her and her family this weekend, and perhaps I will make a wish to my local fairies in appreciation of her hard work and devotion to duty.
