Mungo Park

Today I went to Selkirk for the funeral of an old colleague. After a service in the Sheltered Housing Complex where he lived we drove then walked up into the hills to a delightful graveyard with a magnificent view! It was another day of brilliant spring weather, until we were all at the graveside when we noticed this black, black cloud moving overhead. Yes, five minutes of torrential rain at just the wrong moment, and then the sun was back out. Everyone a little damp.

When I drove into Selkirk I saw Mungo Park. I had forgotten that he was born at Foulsheils in nearby Ettrick Valley. He was a noted surgeon, scientist and explorer who was murdered on one of his expeditions in Bussa, Nigeria. He lived from 1771-1806.

My grandmother's cousin was married to his nephew. Almost a relation! But not quite!