SATURDAY TO THURSDAY

Another train trip with a risk of a strike.We arrived at the station to find that our our train had been cancelled…all the Scottish trains were cancelled.There was one train that began in London and was still going to Inverness…3 hours later.We were directed to the first class lounge with all the cookies,coffee and crisps(potato chips)that we wanted.

Arriving late,we took a cab to our apartment,and made our walk to the second floor.It was a well appointed apartment with a washer/dryer!Our hosts had left us a basket of goodies(2 small bottles of wine…consumed) and basics in the fridge.

The next morning we walked to the town for ticket confirmation and seats and groceries.We discovered that it was but a 10 minute walk to the station.There was a pedestrian bridge across the Ness River, a suspension bridge we walked often.

The bus and train station were not far apart,thus both options explored.We were also had to make a grocery run.We made our way to Marks and Spencer’s Food Court.It is a wonderful place for travellers…pre made fresh meals only needing to be heated.

We spent the day exploring Inverness,a lovely little city with clean streets,friendly people and good smells in the air everywhere.The flowers were still in bloom and lush.There was a holly tree the size of an apple tree…all ready for Christmas decorations.The skyline from our side of the river was lined with churches,the majority protestant.The city had an indoor market for us to explore with jewellery,food,Scottish goods and whiskey.

The next day was our 9 hour tour to the Clava Cairns,battlefield of Culloden as well as Plooda Falls.

Clava Cairns is a collection of Bronze Age circular chamber tombs.It is a well preserved historic site.Some of the Cairns had roofs and all of the structures were made of stone.The Cairns were all surrounded by a circle of stones,and aligned with the winter solstice.

For those Outlanders fans( my hand is up),the Craigh Na Dun,the stone used by Claire to time travel ,was a copy of one particular standing stone at this site.

We continued our tour to Culloden to see the battle fields of the Battle of Culloden.This battle was fought in April 16,1746.It was a battle between the Jacobites,who wanted to return Bonnie Prince Charlie to the throne, and the British government forces.The battle only lasted one hour,due to numbers and the difference in weapons.There was a great loss of life,and the Jacobites retreated..

The battle field was large with boggy ground,preventing quick movement(in front of the Jacobite line).Each side had flags marking their lines.

The center of the field was full of heather,past blooming and thistles large and prickly.They would have prevented quick movement in the battle field.The thistle is a national emblem of Scotland,and seen on many objects,shields and monuments.

We also saw highland cows on site.They are hairy with horns and raised for their meat.They also produce milk but not for human consumption.Their meat has less cholesterol than our cows . The museum had a 360 degree theatre in which you could stand in the middle and observe the war as both sides advanced.

Back to the bus and a drive through narrow road to Glen Affric,touted as one of the most beautiful glens.There are pine forests,rives,lochs.There were footpaths to the top of a hill that provided a splendid view and a second footpath taken you down to the water.By this point in the tour it began to pour,making the rocky paths difficult to navigate and I did not quite get there.

We then drove down a smaller dirt road past a previous estate surrounded by a village for the workers.Some of these houses have been restored and are occupied.The mansion is in ill repair near the river.There was also one smaller Cairn at the end of the road.There are hundred of Cairns throughout Scotland,but not all have been excavated or maintained by the government.

Our last stop was Plodda Falls,one of the most spectacular water falls in the Highlands.It falls a 150 feet and is surrounded by towering Douglas firs.The trees were originally brought from Canada,as they grew straight and tall,to be used for masts of ships.

It was dark as we returned to Inverness.Here the sun rises at 8 am and sets at 4:30,so short days.

Inverness has a large castle overlooking the River Ness ,but it was under repair and we could only see from a distance.The site has been used for various castles since the 11th century.It has had many masters and armies occupy it.

Throughout our stay we had many coffee breaks and treats to keep us alert.And yes Bridget,there are fairies in Scotland…..so they say!!

I would like to leave you with signage from one of the many local pubs:

One more packing,and one more train….to visit and hug Nicole and Phil.