Bonnie Scotland; a Photo-Dash Through the Highlands August 5-16, 2012

I am sitting here in Pamplona catching up on my homework. This trip to Scotland was too nice not to blog about!

In mid-August, after our voyages in the Aegean, Captain Ron invited me to stop for a visit to Scotland on my way home.  With such a gracious offer, how could I refuse?!

We flew into Edinburgh and had some time to have a quick look before catching the train north to Inverness. These were the first grey skies we had seen in three months, and the cool weather felt refreshing after deep summer in the Med.

You can enlarge any photo by clicking on it.

Arriving in Edinburgh....St. Giles Cathedral, with it's gargoyles.

Greyfriars Bobby, the little dog who faithfully kept vigil over his master's grave
and was beloved by the neighborhood.

"Ferguson Corners" at one of the spooky gothic cemeteries in Edinburgh.

Memento mori;  me and Skully!!

I was there when it happened!

A beautiful view of elegant Edinburgh....built for the ages.

Lady Di taking tea...without spilling.
  A lady does nae stuff her gob.

Holyroode Castle, the Queen's  home in Edinburgh.

Beautiful buildings everywhere

Old fashions and new ...

Views from the park.

At the Scott Tower. a neo-gothic confection.

The Scott Tower;  himself seated within

Riding the train through the countryside from Edinburgh to Inverness,
where Ron's sister picked us up.

....past roses in full bloom and Victorian cottages.

 We took a road trip from Tain to some villages to the north.
 Here is the church in Dornach where Madonna and Guy Ritchie were married.

In Dornach

 

Another gargoyle, this on the cathedral at Dornach

Heather coming into bloom.

Shaggy highland cattle

Fabulous Dunrobin Castle

There was a display of falconry.  Pretty impressive.

Dunrobin castle, home to the Dukes of Sutherland....magical!

They'll let ANYBODY in this place!

Manicured formal gardens overlooking the sea.

Ron introducing me to "Fly's Cemetery",  a delicious pastry made from
 figs and shortbread. YUM!

The highlands

Scotland's thistles in full bloom

 Shin falls, where the salmon run.

On the road through the countryside.

Inverness.  Of course we visited the marine store there...!

Gettin' my Highlander on!

Sheep shearing at the Black Isle Show,  a county fair.
 Migrant New Zealander sheep shearers cheerfully 
compete with the local Scots crews!  It was fun to watch.

A prize winning Clydesdale, the powerful Scottish draft breed.

Nap time for baby.

Ron showed me around his home town of Tain, founded in 1066.

Tain is the home of Glenmorangie Whiskey. Mmmm.

Fist sized thistles...the largest ever!  Like artichokes, heavy on the CHOKE.

A thousand year old king on Tain's cathedral.

 A Barbara Cartland -themed restaurant
 in her hometown of Helmsdale.  As Seen On TV!

Helmsdale town

Headed north to the northern tip of Britain

At John O'Groats, the northernmost town on the British mainland

 Beautiful highland countryside with heather almost in bloom.

Highland views...

Kinlochbervie, a major fishing port.

 Along the lochs in the central highlands

Ron's fishing lake.

It would just be WRONG not to have fish and chips while I'm here!

Back in Edinburgh in time for the Edinburgh Festival.

Street artists and performers everywhere!!!

Live Celtic music!

So that's where he keeps it...(read the sign!)

Ron says.."Typical Edinburgh"!

Ron being such a good sport on a ghost tour with me in the Edinburgh Vaults.  
Spectral encounters, no.
Ghastly, yes.....like Detroit's "Sir Graves Ghastly", back in 70's !!

Thank you so much, Ron, for showing me the best of your homeland. It was wonderful! Thanks to Ruth and Penny for our fun lunch rendezvous, and to Ron's family and neighbors for their hospitality.  And the haggis was delicious!

"Fair and full is your honest, jolly face,

Great chieftain of the sausage race!"
Robert Burns