Monday, April 3, 2017

93.365 {2017} Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, Glencoe, Fort William

 King Robert the Bruce
Here we travel to Central Scotland to Stirling which has a population of 36,000.  It is a beautiful old town with cobbled roads and ancient historic houses and buildings.  
 Stirling Castle


We initially started with a guided tour but it was quite large and hard to understand, so we ventured out on our own.



The current castle dates from the late 14th to 16th century.  


So many unicorns!  The unicorn is actually Scotland's official animal.  It is not surprising in a country  full of myth and legend.  It has been a symbol since the 12th century.  It symbolizes purity and innocence and has healing power.

It often appears chained as according to myth that the unicorn is dangerous as a free animal.  

Stirling castle was great!  They had actors in some of the rooms and it was a wonderful interactive experience for young kids.




In the castle great kitchens.
 The National Wallace Monument

William Wallace was a patriot.  When he was victorious over the English at Stirling Bridge in 1297 he was knighted.  He was eventually betrayed and found guilty of treason however and hanged, beheaded and disembowelled in London.  
You can see Stirling castle off in the distance from the monument.

 Doune Castle was a 14th century castle and once upon a time controlled the Highlands and Lowlands route.  It has recently been used to film scenes from the Outlander and also Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The girls loved exploring here.






 Ballachulish - Glencoe



The girls meeting some Scottish deer...and were sharing a few crisps with her.


a sheep ferry!
 Ballachulish - Glenetive


 Glencoe shrouded in misty rain!


1 comment:

Unknown said...

What a wonderful vacation. I love traveling through your experiences!