Dee Green’s photograph overlooks the sea at Newark, Scotland on land belonging to her family in the 1600s. (PHOTO/DEE GREEN)

“I left a part of me ‘there’ and brought a part of ‘there’ back with me.”

Those thoughts encapsulate Dee Green’s emotions about visiting Scotland.

Green, owner of Limestone Bay Trading Company, never intended to visit as a tourist. After years of research, she had discovered her roots and developed friendships with Stewart/Stuart relatives.

Making good her wishes, contacts gave access “to things I would never have seen or done without their help. It was about seeing places they lived and finding more details to better understand,” Green said.

Green’s friends both located destinations and provided transportation. “I wouldn’t attempt to drive there. I would have missed so much on my own,” she said.

During two weeks, she visited Edinburgh, Kirkwall, Birsay, Deerness, Newark and Birsay. Her travels continued to areas in Orkney, Eday, Innerleithen, Peebles, Barns, Stobo and “all areas from the Borders to Glasgow, Oban and Campbellton.” Green also visited the coast of Kintyre, then returned to Edinburgh from Oban by way of Sterling and towns in between.

“The Orkney Isles, Kirkwall and Eday, along with Peebles/Innerleithen/Barns were my favorite areas,” Green said. “I will never forget any of it, but especially how kind and welcoming everyone was, and how willing perfect strangers are to help.”

While staying in Peebles, she went to dinner at a small inn. “We sat and ordered a glass of wine. Once it arrived, they played ‘Sweet Home Alabama,'” Green said.

For another dinner, Green visited a 16th-century country manor house owned by friends met while researching. “Both retired from a university in Scotland. They prepared a full Scottish holiday meal from broth through trifle.”

She was pleasantly surprised to find an ancestor’s portrait (1539-1646). She had a physical description but wondered about his appearance. Documentation proves he lived to 107 years and stood about seven feet tall.

She found the Scottish to be self-sufficient, welcoming and helpful. “I would go back any time. It was an amazing experience.”

Scottish friends have asked to Green to collaborate on documents and a book. They plan to visit here … not as tourists.