Part Three – Up through the Highlands and down again

After the Isle of Skye we drove through some spectacular Highland scenery (including a mountain range called the Five Sisters) and along Loch Ness. Loch Ness was enormous and was accompanied by a couple of crappy ‘Nessie’ tourist attractions. We decided not to stop and spend 20 pounds at ‘Nessie’s Adventure World” and headed into Inverness instead.

Rach was extremely excited about being in ‘Jamie Fraser’ country. She is addicted to a series of books set in Highland Scotland and was most excited to be walking on the set. Inverness was a lovely old town and we enjoyed walking around it, and visiting Culloden the next day.

For anyone not polished up on their British history (or alternatively, not an avid reader of Diana Gabaldon), Culloden was the sight of the last battle on Britain’s soil. It was where the tired Jacobite soldiers (Highland Scots fighting for stupid Bonny Prince Charlie) were defeated by the English army. What followed was a bleak time for Scotland – the clans were dissembled, the tartan was banned and many people lost land and life as they were seen as traitors. Super-interesting for me (if you hadn’t guessed, Rachael is writing this), bearable for Ben.

After Culloden we visited Stirling (oh, with another castle on the way – see pics of Brodie Castle). Stirling is halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh and is a beautiful old town. We visited the Old Town Gaol, where a very clever actor, swapping voices and costumes, lead us through and entertained us (hence, the photo with the noose and Rachael’s neck).

Stirling was fantastic (Ben’s favourite) and we wished we had an extra day there. But, time was running out and we set off for Edinburgh. This was the one time in our whole trip when having a car was not a bonus! Finding a car spot, going back to pay 3 quid every two hours, then finding a parking station that was only 3 pound for 4 hours….and then coming back 15 minutes late and having to pay 10 pounds!!!

But apart from that, Edinburgh was fantastic. It is dominated by the huge castle on the hilltop and is full of tiny wynds and closes, cobbled streets great buildings. We even visited an underground close (like a lane), which they built straight over the top of when they wanted a new city building. Edinburgh was a wonderful way to finish off our Scotland trip. Check out our photos below – we hope you enjoy them!

Rach and Ben

LOCHNESS AND URQUART CASTLE

RACHAEL ON THE LOSING SIDE

BEN IN 'TARGET BROCHURE' LIKE POSE

RACH AT CASTLE BRODIE

RACHAEL RECIEVING A JUST PUNISHMENT AT STIRLING OLD GAOL

BEN AT THE CRANK (THEY USED TO MAKE PRISONERS DO THIS FOR HOURS)

STIRLING CASTLE FROM THE OUTSIDE

EDINBURGH CASTLE

BEN AT FLESHMARKET CLOSE WHERE WE STAYED

POSTCARDS ARE AVALIABLE IN THE LOBBY

RACHAEL WITH MAN IN DRESS

BEN ON THE WAY HOME (NOT AN IMPRESSIVE GATEWAY FOR A COUNTRY BORDER)