A week in Scotland – Day 2

Day 2 of our little adventure saw us rise a little earlier than normal for a day off and down to meet the people of Rabbies Tours. We were off to the Highlands to see the Loch Ness Monster as well as some other stuff from Scotland’s History.

Mac – the tour guide / bus driver – was an excitable person providing commentary along the way with gesticulation’s emphasizing the important bits as we drove along. It was amusing to watch him particularly when he was talking about King James VI of Scotland becoming King James I of England. the fingers where shacking about all over the place. Mac took us through the years as we drove along clearing up some misconceptions about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce that were suggested in the Movie ‘Braveheart’. In the movie, it is implied that William Wallace was betrayed by Robert the Bruce, however, Mac says this was not the case and that Wallace was betrayed by a cousin of some description. How dare he suggest a movie from Hollywood by bending the truth – that would never happen!!

We stopped at a few places along the way. Just after Calendar – the gateway to the Highlands and the location of the Victorian era’s upper class set on holidays – we met Hamish. Hamish was a very likable fella who was more than happy to pose for a picture for a small fee – some food. And I think he was after a kiss from the person feeding him at one point.

We passed through a few historic places where some serious battles took place between the jackabytes and the English Army. Places such as Glencoe where it is said that the Campbell’s – a Scottish clan loyal to the English – murdered their hosts in the middle of winter. It also led to many people not trusting the Campbell’s. Even to this day, signs are posted on doors welcoming all visitors … except those of the Campbell Clan. Glencoe is also very scenic with hills and mountains all around.

We passed through Fort William on the way past Ben Nevis and then on to Fort Augusta which is where Loch Ness is. We were told some of the stories about Loch Ness and some of the theories behind the origins of such a creature shouldn’t it exist.

 

On the way back from Loch Ness we stopped at the Forth on Fyfe Rail Bridge. This bridge has been operational for over 100years and it really is a very big bridge. We stopped underneath it when it was dark so in some ways you didn’t get a real good feel of the scale of the bridge. Let me assure though … it is BIG!

A week in Scotland – Day 1

Last week saw Estee and I in Scotland enjoying the sights around Edinburgh and the Highlands.

We stayed in an apartment that meant we could do our own cooking for dinner and that breakfast had to be arranged. Although this wasn’t that bad as some cereal was left for us to have as part of the accommodation. It was on the Royal Mile not far from Edinburgh Castle and not really that far from most of the things to do and see in Edinburgh.

The Monday was just dealing with getting to Edinburgh. Nothing like a 2hr trip to Victoria Station then another hour to Heathrow (we could have taken the express but chose not too) then 2 hours at the airport and then 1 hour on the plane. But all in all it could have been worse I guess. We could have arrived in Scotland to see rain pouring down. The weather was good all week actually so that was really good. When I say good though bear in mind the location and the time of year!!

Anyway after getting our gear into the accommodation we then went off for a little walk around Edinburgh up and down the Royal Mile. Eventually we wound up at a little corner pub where we decided to have an early dinner.  It was a quiet little place but not too bad. I tried to convince Estee to have the Hagis but she wasn’t into that idea but I was so got that with Neeps and tatties. I was nice, a little salty perhaps but nice. Estee had a bit but said she would never order it herself. Doesn’t know what she is missing out on!!