Devorgilla Bridge

Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway, lived from 1210 to 28 January 1290. Her name is also sometimes given as Dervorguilla, Dearbhfhorghaill, Derborgaill or Dearbhorghil. One of the most powerful women of the age, she was hugely influential in her own right, and was the mother of one Scottish King, John Balliol, and the grandmother of another, Edward Balliol. (They founded Baliol College, Oxford).

She built a bridge across the Nith in Dumfries. When this replacement was built in the 15th century (!), the dedication to Devorgilla was retained.

This Old Bridge at Dumfries (with the Caul in the foreground) was at one time in its history the dividing point between civilisation and lawlessness. On one side was the Royal Burgh of Dumfries, on the other the Brig'end - a place where the King's law could not extend. All you had to do if you were on the run was to get across the bridge, and you were safe from due process.

Today I was in Dumfries on my way to a funeral in St John's Town of Dalry in Galloway. A step back into the past - with a country funeral and country manners. Such grace and gentleness - and how good to find it still. The small church was packed with 200 people, and after the service we followed the coffin into the graveyard where Dougie Bell was laid to rest. He was the most faithful servant of this church, and somehow it added to the poignancy.

My father was born in Dumfries. As a child he was sickly, and - in the fashion of the day - was sent to somewhat distant relatives in the country for the good of his health. So from the age of 7 until 14 he was brought up in the clachan of Dalry. Georgie was a little girl in the family, while father was an older boy. Georgie married Dougie. He was a man of infinite worth. Born the thirteenth child of a herd - and when his father collapsed and died aged 59, they were put out of their tiny cottage. All his life he had other people in his heart. His favourite saying was:- "If ye cannae dae a bit o' good for somebody, life's no worth living." This simple man was awarded an MBE! Which almost restores my faith in the honours system.

Yesterday's blip: For the avoidance of doubt, I am neither a surgeon or a simulated patient/actor. But just a member of the examining team. What I bring is that I am meant to know something about communication!