Scotland and bagpipes just go together. The first official event of the 10-day tour of Scotland was a welcome dinner which began with a bagpiper entertaining the group for at least 30 minutes. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled.
The tour began in Glasgow but quickly moved on to Ballachulish. The trip to Ballachulish included a stop in Ft. William at one of Scotland’s renowned whisky distilleries which produces Highland malt whisky. The group received an informative tour explaining all the steps involved in producing a good whisky. The guide was generous enough to share some of the whisky during a tasting.
The next two nights were spent at a remote countryside hotel situated on the lovely Loch Linnhe. The travelers were easily reminded of how old the hotel was as the stairway to their rooms creaked and groaned. This historic, charming, hotel has been serving the area since 1877.
The first ferry ride took the group to the legendary Isle of Skye. Much of the day was spent on this magical island as a local guide shared much of the island’s history. The travelers had time to experience Portree, the capital of the island, and have lunch. Of course, along with lunch there was time to do a little shopping.
As the group left Ballachulish, they traveled further into the Highlands. They traveled through the Great Glen enjoying views of stunning and unspoiled landscapes. This area is known for its many lakes, also. One of these is Loch Ness. Even though the travelers did take a cruise looking for Nessie, no sightings were made.
The next two nights were spent in Thurso, one of Scotland’s most remote towns on the North Coast. The group was able to experience and embrace the rustic environment of the Scottish Highlands.
A second ferry ride took the travelers to the Orkney Islands. They were able to visit Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe. This settlement was built at the same time as the Great Pyramids in Egypt. A visit was made to the Standing Stone of Stenness, reported to be older than Stonehenge. With all of this history experienced on this one day, the travelers will also remember the lighter side of the visit—a view of a Scottish Coo and a hairy pig.
As the travelers made their way toward Edinburgh, time was spent at beautiful Dunrobin Castle. This castle has been standing since the 13th century. Several hours were spent on the grounds of this castle as the travelers enjoyed a walking tour of the castle and the beautiful gardens. Demonstrations and lectures were given on birds of prey including falcons and owls.
After a night at the Palace Hotel in Inverness (where a little more shopping was done), the bus took everyone to a sheep farm where the shepherd shared not only a demonstration of his dogs working, but also a lesson on the steps involved in training a dog to follow his instructions.
As the tour continued on its way to Edinburgh, everyone enjoyed the views of the Scotland countryside with the green fields often housing sheep and a few cows. The fields were just as beautiful as one would imagine. The hillsides were often covered with heather which gave a pale pinkish hue this time of year.
This tour was scheduled during the month of August because the Military Tattoo is in Edinburgh each year during the month of August.
Since the Tattoo has 8-9,000 people attending each night, the streets were filled many hours of every day. Many of the travelers were still able to find plenty of good food to eat and a few shops that needed visiting.
The morning of the last full day in Edinburgh was spent with a local guide touring the Edinburgh Castle and the city itself. The tour of the castle was enhanced because it holds the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Edinburgh Castle has served in many capacities throughout its existence. It has been a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress.
A climb up Castle Hill will have you walking in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two. Parts of the castle remains in military use. It is, of course, also a world-famous visitor attraction.
The last night in Edinburgh was spent at the Military Tattoo. Attending this event was a wonderful experience.
Those participating in this tour were: Richard and Alicia Hall, Donna Mitchell of Groesbeck; Amy Kent of Oakwood; Karen Smith of The Woodlands; Donna Gipson of Rice; Ray and Sherry Kent of Tyler; Weems and Candace Turner of College Station; Rodney and Edye Gillen-Hall, Jerri McBay of Fairfield; Frank McClellan of Cunningham, Kansas; Wilma Lee of Thornton; Rhonda Kilpatrick of Ennis; Judy Wardle of Streetman; Peggy Sessions of Kirvin.
Upcoming tours scheduled for Let’s Travel Club include a 12-day National Parks tour, a 7-day Southern Charm tour in December which includes Charleston, Savannah, Jekyll Island. Those are in 2023. The two tours scheduled so far for 2024 include a 9-day tour to Israel in April and another tour to Scotland which will include attending the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh next summer. If you are interested in any of these tours, please contact Jerri McBay at 903-388-2243. If there is a place in the U.S. you would like to visit this calendar year, be sure to tell Jerri. She and Collette might can make it happen for you!
