Scotland

August 2000

When I visited Scotland in 1999, I decided to return as soon as

I could to see more of this beautiful country.  I was able to

schedule a trip during August of 2000 to travel throughout

Scotland.  I also attended the Edinburgh Military Tattoo held at

Edinburgh Castle each summer.  Scotland is a beautiful country

to visit and tour.  Its scenery is beautiful and very rugged.

My flight from the USA too me to London first and then to Glasgow.

Upon arriving in Glasgow my tour embarked on a tour of the city. 

This is the National Art Gallery and Museum.  There were very

nice art displays and many interesting articles in the museum.

This is the Museum of Transportation.  It was near the

National Art Gallery and Museum.  It had a great railroad display.

There were many traditional tenements in Glasgow. 

They were built on every street downtown.  They are a great

example of how people lived when they moved to the city.  They are

well maintained structures and do not have the stigma of our city tenements.

The famous Glengoyne Distillery, 15 miles north of Glasgow. 

This distillery made single highland malt scotch whiskey

which was a favorite of the Queen Mother.

Here I am sampling the single malt at 9:00 am. 

I still think orange juice in the morning is better.

Stirling Castle was our next stop.  This was the childhood

home of Mary Queen of Scots.  William Wallace's

victory over the English was nearby.

This is one of the cannons used to defend Stirling Castle.

Another view of Stirling Castle.  A very pretty natural setting.

One of the beautiful views from the Glen Coe region of Scotland. 

This is the rugged section of northern Scotland.  They get enough

snow to have a couple of ski centers in the area.

We stayed at this hotel for two nights.  It overlooked the beautiful

Loch Linnhe on the North Sea.  The town was called Ballachulish

and only had a few houses.  The hotel had a great pub.

The Glenfinnan monument which is a tribute to those who

lost their lives in the Jacobite cause in 1745.

This is Armadale Castle the home of the McDonald Clan. 

This part of the trip took us to the Isle of Skye. 

We had a very short stay on the isle.

The Eilean Donan Castle, the Clan MacRae

stronghold during the 13th century.

The boat locks at Fort Augustus, called Neptune's staircase. 

It is part of the Caledonia Canal system.

One of the many canal boats that sail on the Caledonian Canal.

Mount Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. 

There wasn't much snow on top in August.

I am looking for Nessy!  Loch Ness was beautiful but no Nessy today.

Inverness Castle built between 1833-36.  It is now the Sheriff's court.

Brodie Castle, home of the Brodie family for over 700 years. 

Lovely furnishings and grounds.  A post card setting.

Ardoe House Hotel, Blairs, Scotland.  We had a two night stay here

while we toured the country side of this section of Scotland.

Glamis Castle, the home of the Queen Mother.

I have arrived!  I am standing next to the first fairway at St. Andrew's. 

 I did not bring my clubs so I just watched the golfers play.

The Royal and Ancient Clubhouse at St. Andrew's.

Edinburgh Castle lit up at night.  The Castle has a commanding

view of the city.  It is a center piece of huge proportions. 

It is a wonderful to place to visit.

It is time to rest and this cannon was nearby!  It is one of many

cannons found at this still active fortress.

  I was able to attend the famous Edinburgh

Military Tattoo.  This was the highlight of the trip!

  It is an annual summer event and a terrific show.