2 May 2013
As we set of today there were a few of us sniffling and
coughing trying to ward of the “bug” but naturally that didn’t deter us “hardy
folk” from spending a full day touring the wonderful highland area of Scotland.
First stop
was Brodie Castle near Forries in north east Scotland. Originally built in 1567,
burnt down in 1645 and finally expanded in 1824, to its present form. Consequently
it is a miss mash of buildings around the original towers.
(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)
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The Imposing Brodie Castle
Today the castle houses a large collection of fine antique
furniture, oriental artifacts and painted ceilings, as well as a notable daffodil
collection. It is open for tourists during the summer months and can be hired
for weddings and other events.
Cawdor Castle was next on our “to do today list.” Set amid lavish gardens not far from Nairn
and Inverness, Cawdor Castle was also built around a 15th century
tower house with substantial additions in later centuries. It is perhaps best known for it’s literary
connection to Shakespeare ‘s tragedy
Macbeth but this is rather fictionalised as the castle was built many years
after the 11th century King Macbeth.
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| An Older part of Cawdor Castle |
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| John and Roslyn braving the elements at Cawdor castle |
As the day was bleak, wet and FREEZING we opted to sit in
warmth of the lovely café while the others wandered around the extensive
gardens.
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| View from the Cafe at Cawdor Castle |
Replete after coffee and cake we moved on to Fort George the
large 18th century fortified garrison protecting the Firth of Moray to
the north east of Inverness. It was
built in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising in 1745. Interestingly , the current fort has
never been attacked and has remained in continuous use as a garrison so much so
that when we entered we could hear gun fire practice, watch parade drill and speak to members of the
regiment as they went about their daily business.
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| Fran with in the weapons room at Fort George |
Tom and I spent a long time in the nearly refurbished Royal Regimental Museum as it was bitterly cold and
wet outside. However we did “brave it” enough to briskly walk around the
complex as well as to visit beautiful chapel.
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| The Regimental Chapel |
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| Inside the Chapel with the Regimental Flags |
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| Note the Beautiful Stained Glass Windows |
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| Fran with the Regimental Drums |
We would have loved
to walk along the ramparts and old fortifications but because of the inclement
weather we decided not too. Usually we take photos of Tom with the guns but not today unfortunately!
As we travelled back to our snug little unit we stopped
off to take photos of this colourful
pheasant, as well as the ancient packhorse bridge at Carrbridge.
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| A fast moving hard to photograph Pheasant! |
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| Carr- Bridge built in 1717 |
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