Today we visited the Culloden Moors. As picturesque as the area is, its very sobering to think of that battle. It was more of a slaughter that kept raging long after the 40 minute battle was over with. I say that because for years and years afterward, if anyone was found to be speaking Gaelic, they would be arrested or put to death on the spot. The house pictured was from that time frame and is at the beginning of the trail leading to the battlefield - its so small! Also, the display of weapons were things that were found on the battlefield - the shields even had chunks out of the edges from the swords and dents in it from the bullets.
An extra sobering piece of information we learned as we passed by those last plaques (the square ones) was that the dead from the Scots side of the battle were buried in mass graves. One clan alone had a grave that was 12 feet wide and at least that many feet wide.
As we left there and made our way up to the highest village in the Highlands - Tomintoul - we saw these "hairy coos" along side the road. Our driver was nice enough to stop and let us grab a photo of them. Yes, I totally fan-girled over these cows 😂 I mean, in my defense, I've only ever seen miniature hybrid versions of them. haha We then were able to see the area where Balmoral Castle is - this is where Queen Elizabeth vacations. We were also told that Prince Charles and "that woman" have a hunting cabin on the premises (they still don't have a great opinion of Camilla around here, can you tell?!). The area is so beautiful and breathtaking.
We stopped at a cute little diner in Tomintoul and had lunch before heading out of the Highlands to the Northern shoreline. The North Sea is so vast and almost intimidating (I'm a land-locked-girl, guys, don't judge lol). We made our way to Dunnottar Castle and Stonehaven village. The water is so clear along the shoreline by the castle, and the stairs to get to the castle will do you in 😂 I got my steps in on those staircases alone! Inside the castle, they have the real crown jewels on display...in a photograph LOL Also - that castle is haunted! I've toured a haunted castle and lived to tell the tale!!
At the village of Stonehaven, they opened a museum just for us to look around in and, well, I got in trouble...oops! It was part of the display but I had to have a little fun 😜
After that, we went to dinner as a whole group and then Chris and I caught the Scotland version of Uber and went to the beach. We hunted for seashells, watched the ships come in to harbor, and we walked in the North Sea! Such a cool experience!
By the way, these last 3 pictures were taken at 10:15 PM. It doesn't really get dark here, we're so far North.
Tomorrow, we head to Edinburgh, with a few other stops along the way. I can't wait to see what other great adventures we can have!
Dang girl! What a first day. Wow. Wow. Wow. I love that you had the bus stop. I’m glad you did. :)
ReplyDeleteThat’s so tragic about the battle place and that by simply speaking a certain language you could be killed. :( It makes you appreciate the freedoms we have here. Not that it’s the same there anymore, but still.
I’m loving all the castles!!