Memorial Day in Scotland

Over Memorial Day weekend, my sister, April, Jason, and I ventured off to Scotland. We spent 3 days trying to see all the sights of Scotland...and we almost succeeded.

On Saturday, we headed out on a whirlwind to Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Highlands, Loch Ness, and Inverness. It was a long day...but well worth the lengthy bus ride to see the beauty of Scotland's lochs and mountains. Plus, who can resist an opportunity to say they sought out the best of all Scottish legends...Nessie of course!

"On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond" (and yes, I did sing the song the whole rest of the day!)

In the guide books, Loch Lomond is noted as the loveliest of the lochs in Scotland.

Sisters...and we didn't even try to push each other in the water!


After leaving Loch Lomond, we were on our way to Glencoe.Rick Steves considers Glencoe the essence of the wild beauty of the Highlands. We agree.
April getting a shot of the snow still in the peaks of the mountains.

The valley of "The Weeping Glen," a fitting name given the bloody clan history (a British slaughtering of the MacDonald clan, whose leader was a bit too late swearing allegiance to the British king)

Jason and Amy in the Highlands of Glencoe


Then we had to say good-bye to Glencoe...and headed onward to Loch Ness
(the main event of this trip).
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness

Amy and Jason with the deep waters of Loch Ness behind us.

See if you can spot Nessie in the waters of Loch Ness...

April on the banks of Loch Ness

Cruising through Loch Ness in search of the legend. But it got too cold on the top of the boat. So, we moved down to the bottom on the way back to the dock (after I had taken plenty of pictures, of course!) And for the record...
No, Nessie didn't make an appearance this particular day.


After sailing through Loch Ness, it was time to be heading onward for one last peak into Scotland.
Here's that last peek I mentioned: A quick look at Inverness
That's the last stop on our Saturday excursion through Scotland. We were worn out but it was worth every bit of the time and energy we put into it!


Our Saturday adventures were "quite lovely," but on Sunday we were off to explore Edinburgh. It didn't disappoint.

Main Cathedral along the Royal Mile

Walking down the Royal Mile (on one end is the Edinburgh Castle and at the other end is the Palace of Holyroodhouse)

Edinburgh Castle

Amy and Jason at the entrance to the castle

The view of Edinburgh from the Castle

Edinburgh is both the historical and cultural capital of Scotland.


Then on Sunday, we were off to explore Braveheart country...historic Sterling.

Sterling Castle- known as the best castle in Scotland. It was said that whoever holds Stirling Castle holds the whole of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned at the Stirling Castle.

Do you think that well fortified gate had something to do with the Sterling Castle's power over the kingdom???

Here we are getting ready to storm the gate. I think the role of queen would suite me quite well!

April in the castle flower garden

Well, it doesn't look like storming the gate went real well for Jason...

The William Wallace Memorial (aka Braveheart) That hilltop (known as Abbey Craig) is where he watched the English crossing into the city of Sterling. He then led the Scots in victory over the English.

Monuments to two of Scotland's favorite heroes: William Wallace (in the distance) and Robert the Bruce, who won victory over Edward II giving Stirling back to the Scots once again.

Then it was off to celebrate April's 28th birthday!
Happy Birthday April!

April wanted to celebrate by having high tea at the renowned Willow Tea Room.

Doesn't that look like a great birthday high tea?!