Scotland day 3

Last day in Scotland (and pretty much of Boet's trip). We were pretty stumped about how much sightseeing we could fit in and get back to Edinburgh in time, so decided on the low sightseeing option, which turned out to be a good plan, as the drive took longer than envisaged.

 A quick stop to see this funky old bridge - was it Cowbridge, I can't quite recall!

 We found a great sweet shop, which sells an impressive array of interesting confectionary, including Mellow Yellow, which I haven't seen in over 25 years!

 Hmm, haggis, neeps and tatties!

 Back in Edinburgh, and Boet models this delightfully whimsical t-shirt. Thanks for my copy Boet!

 David Hume could out-consume Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.

 View of Arthur's seat from Edinburgh castle, with a hint of YES vote leftover

 This one is for you, Dad.

 This photo clearly shows the after-effects of drinking a dram of Laproaig - but who on earth is that guy!

Funky no entry sign!

Scotland Day 2

After spending the night in Blair Atholl, where we saw a very disheveled looking Patrick Stewart (ie. not Patrick Stewart) in the local pub, we headed off for the scenic route through the Cairngorms to Inverness.

 A quick walk in the forest to start the day, in the hopes of spotting the elusive red squirrel - no luck on that front, but we did see one scarper across the road at high speed later in the day.

 Killikrankie gorge, the site of the first battle in the Jacobite rebellion, and the subject of many fine songs. Normally I like to listen to The Corries's version, but I can't find any decent ones on the internet, so here is a bit of a modern take by The Picts.

 Seems like the queen is out to do some posting!

 A quick stop in Pitlochry to do some shopping.

 We stopped off at the Spittal of Glenshee, where Boet used to work in 1995. Alas, it burnt down in August :o(

 Ah, spectacular scenery in the Cairgorms - colour slightly boosted by me, as the day was a bit drieg.

 Loved this bridge, it was a winner!

 Boet joins the Scottish Tourist Board!

Some compulsory car modelling.

 Shocking!! The scandal!

Scotland day 1

After Switzerland, Boet went off to Barcelona, which he loved, and I came back to work for 4 days, before meeting him in Scotland for a 3 day drive around the country.
After meeting him in Edinburgh, first stop was Stirling.

 Robert the Bruce, at the Battle of Bannockburn memorial.
The Scot in me is a big fan of Robert, for beating that fiend King Edward 2nd at this battle.
Those who are keen students of my blog will remember that Robert the Bruce fled to hide in a cave in Rathlin Island, off the north coast of Northern Ireland. A spider's persistence in constantly rebuilding his web after it being destroyed by winds and rain, inspired Robert to return to Scotland to fight the English.
You would also likely remember that Robert the Bruce was called Braveheart (not William Wallace), as his will dictated that his heart be cut out and carried by his troops, to inspire them in battle.

 Bannockburn memorial

 Interesting pyramid mausoleum in a Stirling graveyard.

 Ooh shiny!

 Stirling castle in the background

 After Stirling, it was off to drive around Loch Lomond.

 In our fancy merc

 On the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond, as sung by the delightful Runrig.

 We stopped at a funky old roadside inn, nicely decorated in preparation of Halloween

Hmm, darn, I can't remember the name of these falls, but I do remember visiting here on my 5 day MacBackpacker tour of Scotland years back.

 Lock Tay - was spectacular in the gloamin. In case you do not was "gloamin" is, it is apparently "the tid o day whan it is nae fell daurk thareoot, but the sun is nae up. This stairts whan The Yird fare frae day tae nicht. The sky leuks the lit oranger while in Gloamin."