Blogs from Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe

Our first tour of the day started with a drive around Lerwick. We then headed to Jarlshof. On the way our guide told us about the use of the Shetlands during WWII. When we got close to Jarlshof, the highway crossed right over the runway for the major airport. There are gates similar to railroad crossing signs that block highway traffic when a plane is landing. Jarlshof is another one of those areas that was uncovered during a huge storm back in the 1800s. This site has settlements from 4500 years ago, through the bronze age, then the iron age, then Peeks arriving, Christianity, the Vikings and then the Scottish. Each timeframe built on top of the previous ones. We enjoyed the tour but HATED the bus drive. The driver accelerated then let off on the ... read more

We got up and ate a quick breakfast before preparing to head out on our included excursion. We were able to switch to the morning one yesterday so that we would have free time afterwards. Edinburgh was our last tender day. A least, the seas were very calm. The tender ride over was about 30 minutes then we got on our bus. This was not our favorite tour. The ped by the sites we wanted to see so we couldn’t get good pictures. We ended up at the Edinburgh castle and the Royal Mile. Susan and I both hate crowds and the place was packed. We also only had about 45 minutes of free time. We got our pictures then walked down the Royal Mile a bit before the crowds made us turn around. We found ... read more

Susan just got her 4th new country, and I got my 3rd. I now have 68 different countries that I have been to. Our port was Ullapool Scotland. We didn’t get into port until after lunch and there was a bridge group that was going to meet in the morning, so I joined them. It was fun. The 3 people at my table had been on the world cruiser that this ship had just finished. During that 160+ day cruise they took bridge lessons and played on the sea days. My partner knew how to play. The other couple, not so much. George told me if there was another bridge group meeting, he wanted me as his partner. After lunch, Susan and I started a movie until around 2 when they let people take the tender ... read more

All the B&Bs were booked or way to expensive for my 3 nights in the Borders so I booked an Airbnb. The hosts were very responsive and provide a lot of helpful information up front. I am really glad I stopped for groceries before leaving Galashiels as there wasn't really anything in Lilliesleaf in the way of shops or restaurants. Hilltop Cottage is surrounded by pastures of sheep and the sounds of sheep, pheasants and rooks fill the air. The small kitchen is well equipped with a 2 burner hob and small oven, a microwave and a crock pot! There are plenty of utensils and pots and pans to do some light cooking. The bathroom is spacious with a towel heater and full bath. And there is plenty of closet space in the bedroom. If you ... read more

Today was the worst day weather-wise of the trip but one of the best days for ruins! I started the morning with some eggs provided by the hens here at the farm and a perfect cup of tea. I then armed myself with my map book and my GPS and set off for Tantallon Castle. It was a misty morning and the visibility was a little poor in spots however what I could see of the countryside was beautiful. Green fields, sheep, horses, cows and lots of hedges. I pulled up to Tantallon shortly after it opened to find one other car, which was great. This is another Historic Environment of Scotland property and I was able to show my pass and quickly make my way on to the grounds. I quickly noticed some shells on ... read more