I joined a group of 44 people from Texas for a tour around Scotland. We started in Edinburgh and made a big circle around Scotland with visits to many places, including castles, lakes (lochs in Scottish terms), islands, beaches, sheep farms, and bagpipe performances. We ended in Glasgow.
Map of our route
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a large city in Scotland, with a combination of medieval and modern themes. We focussed on the Royal Mile region and Princes Street Gardens.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle was the royal residence before 1603, when England, Scotland, and Ireland were united. The castle was also the site of several wars including the War of Scottish Independence. The castle consists of remnants of past eras, artifacts, a war museum, and canons. There is also a gun which is fired daily at 1pm - sounds like a sonic boom.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Military Tattoo is an evening musical show featuring performers from all over the world. It takes place in the stadium next to Edinburgh Castle and has an international audience - live and on TV.
Videos from the Tattoo:
Dunrobin Castle
Since the 1300s, Dunrobin Castle served as home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, a naval hospital, and a boarding school. Inside is like a palace, with luxury furnishings. The castle resembles a French chateau - it reminds me of Palace of Versailles near Paris. There is also a large garden with falcon demonstrations.
Castle Sinclair
The Castle Sinclair Girnigoe sits on the north Scotland coast. It is arguably the most spectacular ruin in Scotland. Near the bridge is a narrow peninsula that people can walk to. Upon reaching the end you are surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides.
Duart Castle
Duart Castle sits on the cliffs of the Isle of Mull. It was the site of battles and love stories. The owner of the castle gave us a tour of the interior including visits to the dungeon, kitchen, State rooms, and Banquet area. Our tour guide also played a Scottish song on the piano.
Loch Cruises
Cruise along Loch Ness, in search of Loch Ness Monster - I'm sure I saw it swimming the water. The cruise ended at Urquhart Castle - great views of Loch Ness.
Cruise along Loch Katrine aboard the SS Sir Walter Scott, a refurbished steamship in service for over 100 years. Beautiful scenery on the Loch.
Islands
Orkney Islands, including visits to the Italian Chapel, Skara Brae & Skaill House, St Magnus Cathedral, Standing Stones of Stenness, and Ring of Brodgar. We also spotted some sheep pigs.
Isle of Mull, where some of us spent two nights at Isle of Mull Hotel. The hotel has great views of the ocean and the restaurant serves lobsters.
Isle of Iona, including a visit to Iona Abbey
St Andrews
A small charming town along the coast. It has a golf course, long beach (which was in the opening of Chariots of Fire), castle, and cathedral.
Nature and Scenic Spots
Scottish Heather Flowers
Peacock
Queen's View
Glen Affric
Loch Carron
Inveraray
Loch Lomond
Glencoe
Coastline and Beaches
Sheep Farms
Leault Farm, where we watched a demonstration of a Highland Shepherd and his sheepdogs. The Shepherd called out some commands and the sheepdogs helped line up the sheep. We got to participate in trimming the sheep's wool (basically like a haircut) and petting the sheep.
Ledard Farm, a sheep farm where several generations of the Wood family live. We got to experience bagpipe performances and a multi-course dinner. Our group was divided into two teams for a musical showdown.
Movie Scenes
Eilean Donan Castle, used in the James Bond movie The World is Not Enough
Glenfinnan Viaduct, used in Harry Potter movies.
We also saw a train which crossed the viaduct.
Glasgow
Glasgow is known for its culture and music. We had a French themed lunch at an upscale restaurant in Glasgow - the restaurant also had a live music performance. Dessert was delicious. Also saw artwork on buildings.
Map of our route
All Scotland Pictures
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a large city in Scotland, with a combination of medieval and modern themes. We focussed on the Royal Mile region and Princes Street Gardens.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle was the royal residence before 1603, when England, Scotland, and Ireland were united. The castle was also the site of several wars including the War of Scottish Independence. The castle consists of remnants of past eras, artifacts, a war museum, and canons. There is also a gun which is fired daily at 1pm - sounds like a sonic boom.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Military Tattoo is an evening musical show featuring performers from all over the world. It takes place in the stadium next to Edinburgh Castle and has an international audience - live and on TV.
Videos from the Tattoo:
Dunrobin Castle
Since the 1300s, Dunrobin Castle served as home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, a naval hospital, and a boarding school. Inside is like a palace, with luxury furnishings. The castle resembles a French chateau - it reminds me of Palace of Versailles near Paris. There is also a large garden with falcon demonstrations.
Castle Sinclair
The Castle Sinclair Girnigoe sits on the north Scotland coast. It is arguably the most spectacular ruin in Scotland. Near the bridge is a narrow peninsula that people can walk to. Upon reaching the end you are surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides.
Duart Castle
Duart Castle sits on the cliffs of the Isle of Mull. It was the site of battles and love stories. The owner of the castle gave us a tour of the interior including visits to the dungeon, kitchen, State rooms, and Banquet area. Our tour guide also played a Scottish song on the piano.
Loch Cruises
Cruise along Loch Ness, in search of Loch Ness Monster - I'm sure I saw it swimming the water. The cruise ended at Urquhart Castle - great views of Loch Ness.
Cruise along Loch Katrine aboard the SS Sir Walter Scott, a refurbished steamship in service for over 100 years. Beautiful scenery on the Loch.
Islands
Orkney Islands, including visits to the Italian Chapel, Skara Brae & Skaill House, St Magnus Cathedral, Standing Stones of Stenness, and Ring of Brodgar. We also spotted some sheep pigs.
Isle of Mull, where some of us spent two nights at Isle of Mull Hotel. The hotel has great views of the ocean and the restaurant serves lobsters.
Isle of Iona, including a visit to Iona Abbey
St Andrews
A small charming town along the coast. It has a golf course, long beach (which was in the opening of Chariots of Fire), castle, and cathedral.
Nature and Scenic Spots
Scottish Heather Flowers
Peacock
Queen's View
Glen Affric
Loch Carron
Inveraray
Loch Lomond
Glencoe
Coastline and Beaches
Sheep Farms
Leault Farm, where we watched a demonstration of a Highland Shepherd and his sheepdogs. The Shepherd called out some commands and the sheepdogs helped line up the sheep. We got to participate in trimming the sheep's wool (basically like a haircut) and petting the sheep.
Ledard Farm, a sheep farm where several generations of the Wood family live. We got to experience bagpipe performances and a multi-course dinner. Our group was divided into two teams for a musical showdown.
Movie Scenes
Eilean Donan Castle, used in the James Bond movie The World is Not Enough
Glenfinnan Viaduct, used in Harry Potter movies.
We also saw a train which crossed the viaduct.
Glasgow
Glasgow is known for its culture and music. We had a French themed lunch at an upscale restaurant in Glasgow - the restaurant also had a live music performance. Dessert was delicious. Also saw artwork on buildings.
