Karen’s Chat about Memorable Holidays

One of the most memorable holidays I had as a child was to Pitlochry in Scotland in 1965. In those days, a lack of continuous motorways meant the journeys took a lot longer, and in our case two days!

I was seven and travelled with my parents, two siblings, two foster children, and two dogs. My aunt and uncle were in their car with two poodles, Candy and Tina. Our dogs were mongrels and called Ricky and Peter.

Our car was an Austin A35 and a lighter green than the one shown in this photograph, and we naturally called it ‘Greeny’. As it was small, we took turns in riding with Mavis and Pat in their car.

For the journey, I recall waiting to set off and watching Dad crank a handle below the bonnet to get the car started. I also remember Dad and Pat’s creased clothing and two-day beard growths.

We stayed in a cottage with a raging river at the bottom of the garden. Uncle Pat told us the story of a fearful rainbow man who lived under the water. He loved children and would jump out, pull them in to eat for dinner. The warning worked and we stayed away from the edge too terrified to go any near.

River Tummel ran through the town, and I remember sitting by the river watching the water cascade over stones. Mum bought us Wagon Wheel chocolate biscuits. They were huge back then – or maybe we were small!

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh passed through the area in their big black car. We were duly lined up to wave at them. On this holiday, I seem to be going through a phase of not liking my picture taken. On the few I have, I am either pulling a face or hiding it!

During the holiday, Mum and Auntie Mavis came across two feral kittens but never saw their mum. The kitties were hungry and milk was left out for them. On the day we were leaving, Mum and Mavis lured the kittens into the cottage. Once they had them inside, they slammed the door and the frightened kitties shot straight up the curtains. Eventually, they were caught and put in a box to travel home with us.

On the journey home. We took turns sleeping in the footwell between Mum’s feet at the front of the car. When it was my turn, water dripped on my head. It was then discovered the bag that held a goldfish won at a fair, had sprung a leak. It then became a race to find a service station before the fish drowned.

Have you had a memorable childhood hood holiday?