Category Archives: Scotland

Scotland Travel Journal ~ Braemar

Continuing on our journey through the Cairngorms on Wednesday September 18th, our lunch stop was in Braemar. This was a very busy village with tourist buses and many visitors. We found a parking spot in front of the Fife Arms, a 5 star hotel in the Highlands.

We were early for lunch so we walked about the village.

The Parish of Braemar and Crathie is one of the largest, highest and most remote in Scotland. It is set in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, more or less equidistant from Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth, and on any given day the number of visitors to the area may exceed the resident population.

Christianity probably came to Deeside in the fifth century when monks from a monastery at Whithorn in Wigtonshire travelled throughout Scotland.
Later groups of missionaries came to the area from Northern Ireland and from Glasgow and after 400 years of work, by 900AD, Celtic Christianity was well established.

On August 17, 2019, Saturday, Queen Elizabeth II visited Braemar and Crathie Parish Church in Aberdeenshire. 

Braemar church is built in the shape of a cross with a very prominent pulpit which reflects the significance of the preaching of the word by its founders.

The communion Table is made of oak and came from the original Parish or East Church. The Font bears the inscription “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism”.

There were several banners around the church. This one struck a chord with me.

It was easy to see that the church needs some repair work done.

We crossed over the Clunie Water to see more of the village.

Laura saw this photo opportunity!

We planned on eating our lunch at The Fife Arms, a 19th-century hunting lodge on Clunie Water. This ornate hotel is a 2-minute walk from central Braemar, 15 minutes from Braemar Castle and 8.9 miles from Glenshee Ski Centre.

We waited for lunch service to begin at The Flying Stag and enjoyed our surroundings. On this very warm day air conditioning would have been appreciated. Windows were opened and we had some cooling.

Remember my theme for the Cairngorms or the Highlands? Antlers abound everywhere we turn.

We couldn’t dilly dally here since we were on a quest to reach Dunnottar Castle on the North Sea before it closed for the day. After lunch we headed east from Braemar and passed the many acre Balmoral Estate with not a glimpse of the castle. The castle can be visited from April until the beginning of August. Leaving Braemar, we were only halfway done with our fun experiences for this day in the sunshine.

Our weather continued to be exceptional for our driving days for that we again were very thankful. We did reach the castle in time and there are many photos to share so this post will come to an end here.

Currently here in Colville we have experienced rainy days with some snow showing on the mountain tops around us. Hope all is well in your corner.

Artful Hodgepodge

History and art is something I enjoy together. I took this photo at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.  spring of 2011. George Washington in our National cathedral with the stained glass window and sunlight adding some highlights!

If it’s Wednesday it must be Hodgepodge. Thank you, Jo!

1. What’s something you think is under appreciated. Explain.  

The work that policemen have to do dealing with people who are mentally ill, drug addicts, and other people who have no respect for their authority is under appreciated. Policemen are important in restraining evil, for the health of our country and the safety of our citizens. I appreciate our Border Patrol Agents in the same way.

2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive?

It helps me to stay on top of things if I have company coming. Winter does make things harder when the snow and ice appear. Keeping my lists and ticking off the items is a good motivation for me.

3. What’s a popular food you don’t like? 

Sushi

4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. 

Seeing works of art in an amazing historical cathedral is very satisfying to all my senses.

I find history in art very interesting.  It’s enjoyable to connect some historical facts to the places we travel to. Art is more interesting when I know something about the artist. Modern art has no appeal to me.

Children’s story illustrations/artwork are a favorite of mine, too.

5. What advice would you give to someone half your age? 

Don’t put off traveling. Plan the trip and go!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Speaking of being productive in the winter, this two have a way of getting me moving…

We had our first sign of some snow in these parts. Addy also lost another tooth!

Thanks for popping by and leaving a comment. You are appreciated!

Scotland Travel Journal ~On the Snow Road

On Wednesday morning, September 18th, our 98 mile journey would take us through a large section of the Cairngorms north and then east to Dunnottar Castle.

We had the buffet style breakfast the Inn provided and then packed up and checked out for our travel day.

The night before I searched on my computer for likely stops along the road. The Lair Tea and Gift shop in Glenshee popped up and sounded like a great place to stop. We kept our eyes peeled along the road and pulled in.

We were the first customers of the day.

The staff were getting ready for a motorcycle group that were arriving closer to lunch time.

We placed our orders and enjoyed our treats. We all were thankful that this little haven popped up the night before and that we could enjoy our time here.

It was fun to check out the gifts for sale. Tempting but we stuck to our snacks and drinks.

This shop appeared along the road and we didn’t think fast enough to turn off the road for a visit. There are not a lot of turn around spots.

A little further along the road we did use a turnout to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery standing still instead of in motion.

These Highland landscapes were very different from what we had experienced already in Scotland. As you can see we had yet another amazing blue sky and sunshiny day, squint, squint. This road would not have been fun in the rain or with snow.

Our next stop along the A93 would be at Braemar which is close to Balmoral where the ‘Royals’ might be seen. That will be another post.

Balmoral is not open to the public in September, typically, so there was no chance for us catching a glimpse. Maybe we’ll return during another season and make some different stops in the Highlands…

Scotland Travel Journal ~ Blair Athol

Just five miles up the A9 from Blair Castle and Gardens is this cluster of buildings, eateries and shops that is a ultimate shopping experience in the Scottish Highlands, House of Bruar. It’s such an easy stop with a huge free car park and easy in and out. The food court was amazing. There was a separate savory pie shop, a fish and chips shop, and a whisky shop. The inner food court had choices I’ve never seen in a buffet style eatery. Walls of shortbread, candy, Scottish Tablet, and other treats filled a large section of the main building. Highland clothing in the men’s shop and a separate shop for Women’s clothing and accessories. My only disappointment was that all the slippers with the lambs wool lining were not made in Scotland or any part of the United Kingdom.

Before we started our shopping we got a savory pie from the pie shop and ate outside in the courtyard. It is always good to have a full stomach before you shop.

After checking out all the shopping areas, we paused to enjoy some treats. That jug in particular has a meaning attached to it in memory of Dear Grandma Wilma. Cheers!

On the way back to Pitlochry we searched out The Atholl Palace Hotel for a quick stop. This would have been a fun place to stay but it was booked for our dates. Check out the link. The interior is so cool.

One more stop before we dropped our car off at our Inn.

Blair Athol distillery is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery located on the south edge of Pitlochry in Perthshire, near the River Tummel in Scotland.

Set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish.

The description sounds nice and we’ll have to take their word for it because we didn’t sample any.

After this stop we took the car back to our Inn and freshened up a bit before walking down the main street of Pitlochry for a little shopping and for dinner. My Pharmacist found a Chemist to purchase some products for me to ease a sore throat and other symptoms that were developing. Night Nurse to the rescue!

We went back to the Old Mill for dinner on this night. After dinner we sat out on the patio of our Inn and enjoyed a little time before settling in for the night. Tuesday the 17th of September was a full day.

On Wednesday after our breakfast at the Inn and checking out, we would head northeast on the Snow road through the Cairngorms to our next lodging on the coast of the North Sea.

Thank you for traveling along with us.

Scotland Travel Journal ~ Blair Castle and Gardens

From the Queen’s View we headed back to the A-9 for our second stop of the day, Blair Castle and Gardens. Blair Castle was our only white castle on this trip. We were still marveling at our wonderful weather on this Tuesday in September, the 17th. Atholl Estates is one of Scotland’s best-known Highland estates. Its history dates back to the 13th century, but throughout the ages, it has adapted to the times.

750 years of history, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

If I was going to pick a theme for the Cairngorms and for Scottish castles I would say antlers!

Over 19 generations, the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl have backed winners and losers, fallen in and out of political favour, won battles and lost them. They have almost all, in one way or another, left their mark on Blair Castle.

The story will take you from Mary, Queen of Scots to the Civil War, and from the Act of Union to the Jacobite cause and the battle of Culloden, and from the Isle of Man to Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands and her presentation of colours to the Atholl Highlanders.

Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times, enlarged and adapted over 750 years. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture, in 30 rooms.

Did you know there is a language of the Fan?

After our self guided tour of the interior of the castle we headed out to walk to the gardens. While outside we enjoyed a couple of Scottish Highland treats, a bagpiper and Highland Coos!

Laura managed to capture this shot of the Coos tongue in it’s nose!!

From the castle and the coos we drove a short distance up the A9 to have the ultimate Highland shopping experience at House of Bruar. That stop and the rest of our evening will be another post.

Jumping to the present:

Remember Remember the Fifth of November holds a different meaning in our house. It’s not about Guy Fawkes but it is about Greg. Today marks 2 years since his stroke. We thank God for His providence and how well Greg is doing since that day.

Scotland Travel Journal ~ The Queen’s View Pitlochry

After we had a bountiful buffet breakfast at our Inn on Tuesday the 17th of September, we set out to enjoy a famous view, castle, and epic shopping experience. First stop was The Queen’s View. I copied the following description.

A short drive from Pitlochry, along a winding tree-lined road, hugging the River Tummel, lies the Queen’ s View. This famous vantage point looks out over one of the most iconic panoramas in Scotland, directly to the west along Loch Tummel from where, on a clear day, you can sometimes see the mountains surrounding Glencoe by the West Coast. A popular destination since Victorian times, it is often thought that the location was named after Queen Victoria who did, in fact, visit in 1866 . However, it is more widely believed to have been named after Queen Isabella the 14th century wife of Robert the Bruce who used the spot as a resting place on her travels

 

Our next stop on this day would be Blair Castle and Gardens where we had two wishes come true.

Do you have a favorite View?

Hello November! That was a quick October…

Scotland Travel Journal ~Kenmore, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry

After indulging at the Highland Chocolatier we headed further out southeast from the A9 along A827 through Aberfeldy to the little Village of Kenmore. This post finishes off our Monday September 16th travels.

We lived in Kenmore, Washington for 20 years. Laura and her family lived in Kenmore for many years, too. We wanted to connect our Kenmore to this Kenmore in Scotland. Kenmore near Aberfeldy Scotland is on Loch Tay.

This photo above is from a walking trail that runs through Kenmore, Washington. Kenmore is located at the top of Lake Washington (Loch Washington) and is about 14 miles from Seattle, Washington.

The photo below is from Kenmore, Scotland.

Beautifully situated on Loch Tay.

We had a short walk about the little village.

Farewell to Kenmore Aberfeldy Scotland.

Laura spotted some castles along the way that would have been fun to explore but it was after visiting hours.

Driving back through Aberfeldy on Kenmore Street.

Further along the road we decided to pull into Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillers.

I have a travel tip for you. Even if you do not enjoy whisky, the distilleries are a great stop to stretch your legs and use the facilities which are mostly labeled Toilets here in Scotland and England. We found the toilets at the distilleries were always clean and nice.

More scenery on our way to Pitlochry where we would be staying for two nights.

After we checked into our rooms at the hotel we walked to the Pitlochry Dam and Fish ladder on our way to dinner in town. We were impressed with the views but there was nothing happening in the fish ladders. The river Tummel runs along Pitlochry.

 

We walked a little further to the Old Mill for our evening meal.

Our after dinner sunset walk to the hotel along the main road through Pitlochry was lovely.

We were ready for a good rest before we set out for more adventures on Tuesday.

Hats off to Josh for his first day of driving in Scotland and thanks be to God for our traveling mercies and blue skies!

Scotland Travel Journal ~On the Road to Perthshire

On Monday the 16th of September we picked up our rental car and Josh began his excellent driving on the other side of the road. On this day our final destination was Pitlochry for two nights. From Stirling we headed out on the A9 northeast through Perth and onwards to Pitlochry with a side trip along the A827. At the last round about by Perth we pulled in a Service station to fill the gas tank. That Service station was loaded with cars and large semi trucks! Yikes! All along the way we were thanking our LORD again for such fine weather and his great care for us.

Our first planned stop for the day 10 miles from Pitlochry was Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier which was just 5 minutes off the A-9.

Iain created his special Chocolate Kitchen and magical chocolate shop in a small village in Highland Perthshire, an area renowned for its dairies, berries, honey, and natural beauty. It took 3 years and 120 variations of recipe and techniques to create the first Velvet Truffle. His team comes from local families that share the passion for craftsmanship and his apprentice chocolatiers train for over 3 years.

The Chocolate Lounge was fun and unique.

After being seated in the Chocolate Lounge it took some time to decide on what to order. It was not easy to make our choices.

Three of us chose the 4 piece selection of Chocolates.

I decided to go with the All Things Chocolate Experience! Thick dark hot chocolate, a Salted Caramel Dark Heart, Dark Chocolate Cake and a Coffee. I did share my cake.

After we indulged we enjoyed poking around their gift shop and chocolate shop.

We made a few purchases and it was time to head further out on the A827 to Kenmore. More on that journey next.

Scotland Travel Journal ~Stirling Finale

The Victoria Arms was our lodging choice for Stirling. We dropped our luggage off here in the morning and when we returned after 5pm our luggage was in our rooms for the night.

After we freshened up we entered our Restaurant destination into one of our phones and started our walk to dinner.

Rob Roy McGregor (1631-1734). On our way to dinner we came across this statue of notorious Scottish outlaw Rob Roy, who joined the Jacobite rising of 1689 with his father when he was just 18 years old. His father was jailed for treason for two years. When he was finally released, his wife, and Rob Roy’s mother, had passed away. Rob Roy hid out in the Highlands under the patronage of John Campbell, the 2nd Duke of Argyll, and he built a house in Glen Shira. His fortunes began to rise again as he became a cattleman, but he lost all of his money and cattle due to a duplicitous chief herder and was declared an outlaw, his family thrown out of their house which was then burnt down on the orders of his principal creditor, James Graham, 1st Duke of Montrose. This began a blood feud between the two which lasted until 1722, when Rob Roy was forced to surrender and was imprisoned until 1727. He was released in part because of the success of Daniel Defoe’s biography of Rob Roy, The Highland Rogue, and he died in 1734.

We made it to Brea.

We all enjoyed our choices for dinner and dessert!

Laura found some interesting signs in the facilities…

and…

We enjoyed conversation with the mom and adult daughter seated next to us who happened to be from the United States, too. The mom enhanced our conversation by complementing a subtle feature on Josh’s hat.

We had a lovely walk back to our lodgings in the moonlight. We retired to our rooms for a much needed rest. Sunday September 15th was complete.

On Monday the 16th of September we enjoyed our breakfast at Victoria Arms before we packed up and ordered a taxi to take us to Enterprise Car Rental Agency in Stirling.

Looks like another beautiful day, Thank You LORD!

Scotland Travel Journal ~ Wallace Monument

On Sunday the 15th of September our sight seeing would end at the Wallace Monument. We could see it in the distance and were hoping for a tourist bus to take us there. We walked down into the center of town and stopped for a coffee and a snack before we found out that the Tourist bus had ceased operation at the end of August.

At the central bus stop in town Josh found out from a bus driver that we could take the #10 bus and it would get us up to the monument. After many stops along the route we were dropped off right at the parking lot for the Monument. We opted to wait for the mini shuttle van to take us from the parking lot up to the Monument.

We ventured inside and bought our tickets for the climb.

Greg and I made it to the Hall of Arms. Josh and Laura made it all the way to the top, 246 steps, in a narrow winding staircase!

The Arms of Great Britain

We all made it to the Hall of Arms and watched the video available.

The Arms of Sir William Wallace.

In the hall of heroes Laura and Josh spotted one of our heroes on this trip, John Knox.

At the Royal Chamber you could design your own coat of arms for your battle shield.

Find out about William Wallace here.

Laura found this little figurine along the way.

It was very windy at the top.

You can read the historical account of this battle and the history of this time here.

We were blessed with spectacular views on this beautiful day.

We took the tram down to the cafe and gift shop and I talked Greg into letting me photo him at the taking of Stirling bridge photo op. Josh and Laura made it down the 246 steps and took one of the last shuttles back down to the parking lot. We had ordered a taxi that arrived soon after. The taxi took us back to our lodging for the night and we finally checked into our rooms. We were surprised that the taxi ride cost us less than the bus. We had a dinner reservation at 6:00 so we freshened up and got ready to walk to the restaurant.

I’ll save our photos into town, dinner, and our Inn for another post.