Blogs from Inverness-shire, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe - page 9

So I arrived in the country, that is so wild, and so hostile, that even the Romans didn't dare to cross it! Yes, you know I can only mean bonnie wee Scotland with that. (Btw I am referring to Hadrian’s Wall, that is still viewable and available for sightings in North-England) Might have to do with those blue painted crazy fellows walking around here back in the 100rds :P The travels itself are worth a whole separate chapter. I left home on time to go to Schiphol, not expecting so much traffic even for a Monday morning! It really was manic but luckily I arrived on time, and after the usual waiting for customs and security it was ready for take-off. In the cutest airplane btw, not many times that I have sat in a plane ... read more

Nach dem ersten nicht rein schottischen Frühstück, das dafür bei allen aus Fisch und Eiern bestand (S hatte sogar Kedgeree, eine Art Risotto mit Fisch, Curry, Gemüse und Eiern) geht's auf zu den Highlandgames! Der Moderator macht auf seine lustige und dialektale Art richtig Stimmung, auch wenn er zwischendurch vergisst die Lautsprecher auszuschalten. "The ... let me check again... 149th Highland Games in Nairn - here we go!" Von unserer Picknickdecke aus beobachten wir Wettbewerbe in Jugendpiping, einen Halbmarathon, Kinderwettrennen, Tauziehen, Hochsprung, Hammerwerfen, Highland dance (männlich und weiblich gemischt), Kugelstoßen, Weitsprung usw. Man erfährt von jeder Kapellenformation die Herkunftsregion, welchen Tartan sie tragen und wer der lead piper und lead drummer ist. Die lange Parade, die nach der Begrüßungsrede einfach durch ein Trommelsignal aufgelöst wird, zieren am Ende... read more

A free day! It was our driver's rest day, so we would not be on the move today. Haggis had given us a leaflet with activities on it earlier in the trip and we could pick some if we wished or just do our own thing. I had decided sod the cost, who knows if I will ever be back here and plumped for two of the activities: the rib boat trip up to Urquhart Castle and canoeing. Breakfast was included at the hostel, so I helped myself to some of that. It was pretty good; cereals, toast, baked beans, hard boiled eggs and spreads. I think there was tea and coffee too. I'm glad for once that I didn't stuff myself as the boat trip might make me a little sea sick. We headed down ... read more

It was another early start. I had a bit of an upset stomach and a headache, I wonder if it was the fish and chips or the mushy peas. After popping some pills I felt better and headed over to the bakery to get some breakfast. We were setting off pretty early, but luckily the local bakery opens even earlier so we could get some food into us, before another busy day ahead. I got a coffee and a bacon and black pudding pastry wrap, which was delicious. I love black pudding. There was also a mouth watering selection of cakes and biscuits, so I got one to have a little later. On the bus we drove for a bit to reach Loch Fada viewpoint, well it wasn't a proper viewpoint, as we just pulled over ... read more

Once again, I had a nice big breakfast before I headed out. This morning, I was taking the city bus to the Culloden Battle Site. Here is a very, very brief history lesson as to why this battle came about on Apirl 16, 1746. When Queen Elizabeth died without heirs, her cousin's (Mary Queen of Scots) son became King of England (James I) and Scotland (James VI) of the House of Stuart. Here also is the execution of Charles I (son), Oliver Cromwell and no monarchy, Restoration of Charles II (grandson). His other grandson, James II & VII, who was a Roman Catholic, eventually became king. This made the Protestant nobles of England very glittery. So, his Protestant son-in-law and nephew, William of Orange, was prevailed upon to land an invasion from the Netherlands, which he ... read more