The Hopetoun Monument . . . .

. . . carries the inscription, "This monument was erected to the memory of the Great and Good John, Fourth Earl of Hopetoun by his affectionate and grateful tenantry in East Lothian. MDCCCXXIV."

I take this to mean that, if they didn't come up with the goods, there would be hell to pay. The fourth earl die in 1823, the foundation stone was laid on May 3rd, 1924 and there is a similar tower in Fife. There are some magnificent views from the top but it is difficult to get there without stepping in pigeon nests.

Today we had our annual "pot luck" Christmas lunch at Dirleton; it was a lovely day for the ride out there and, as usual, the food was ample in both quantity and quality.