Erwin Montgomery

When Lyn, Erwin's wife, asked me to give her husband a half day tour, I was struck first of all by the incongruity of his name. Erwin and Montgomery, the first and last names of the opposing generals at the Battle of El Alamein in World War II.

The weather forecast was pretty poor, just what we expect in November, wet, windy and cold, however, the weather held up until nearly the end of our time together. Erwin is an American professor of Neurology and has been over in Europe for a lecture tour. He is a big fan of the 18th century Scottish philosopher, David Hume, has a liking for malt whisky, has Scottish ancestry and this was his first visit to Scotland. Best of all it was one on one. The tour went well and I enjoyed what turned out to be a discussion on the hoof with a learned and charming man..He is now the proud owner of a photograph of him standing at th grave of Hume himself, We also visited the graves of Adam Smith and Dugald Stewart, two other giants of the Scottish School of Philosophy. The tour ended with a visit to the Scotch Malt Whisky society where Erwin had his first taste of cask strength single malt from the Glenfidich distillery and then Lunch at Zizzi which although only a franchise restaurant does wonderful Italian food in a nice atmosphere served by really friendly and helpful staff.

The atmosphere was heightened by the people who were having lunch before the Rugby international between Scotland and Australia. Scotland won 9-8, the first win against aAustralia in 27 years! When will we see your like again?. Indeed!