Day 5: Puppies!
Day 5 meant that we were off to the Highlands!
Our first stop was to see a sheep herding demonstration with the Leault Working Sheepdogs. Here Neil Ross gave us an excellent demonstration of how his dogs are trained to herd the sheep and listen to the different commands. He also mentioned how he tends to sell the females of each litter since most trainers prefer training the females - they take to commands better. The males dogs take a lot longer to catch on. |
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The sheep herding demonstration was amazing. It was really awesome when all of the dogs were working together as a group. There was one part where Neil had the dogs slalom the sheep through the dogs. We did a similar demonstration on our Ireland tour in 2015, but this one was much better in showing off the skills of the dogs.
After the herding, Neil gave a short shearing demo. He hand sheered the sheep as it was too cold yet to shear with clippers, which would give a closer cut. We then got to meet the newest members of the farm - two little lambs born just hours earlier that morning.
Following the demonstration, we had a group lunch of some traditional Scottish stew (shhh...it was mutton) and homemade scones. We also got a scone making demo with the recipe to take home and try out. Despite my love of baking, I have yet to try to make them. I've make other scones in the past, including a recipe from Mary Berry, former judge on The Great British Bake Off.
After the herding, Neil gave a short shearing demo. He hand sheered the sheep as it was too cold yet to shear with clippers, which would give a closer cut. We then got to meet the newest members of the farm - two little lambs born just hours earlier that morning.
Following the demonstration, we had a group lunch of some traditional Scottish stew (shhh...it was mutton) and homemade scones. We also got a scone making demo with the recipe to take home and try out. Despite my love of baking, I have yet to try to make them. I've make other scones in the past, including a recipe from Mary Berry, former judge on The Great British Bake Off.
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Day 5: Culloden
The next stop was quite somber. It was the location of one of the greatest defeats in Scottish History - the battlefield at Culloden.
It is here that the Jacobite Army of Bonnie Prince Charlie suffered its fatal blow in 1746. This defeat meant the end to the clans of Highland Scotland and beginning of years of repression under British rule. |
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The Highland army was massacred on the field at Culloden - out manned and out gunned by the British army. As you walk the grounds, you can really see that they stood little chance. The field is now marked with mass graves of the clans.
The site also has a very nice exhibit that talks about the Stuart family and the rebellion that lead to the battle at Culloden. It is very well done. It is well worth the time to spend looking that all of the information and reading about the history, especially if you are not familiar with it.
The site also has a very nice exhibit that talks about the Stuart family and the rebellion that lead to the battle at Culloden. It is very well done. It is well worth the time to spend looking that all of the information and reading about the history, especially if you are not familiar with it.
Day 5: Staying in Inverness
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After leaving Culloden, we headed to our hotel in Inverness.
After arrival, we had an optional orientation walk along the river. Sean and I went along until we found a nice place for dinner. They had a early bird special that was about to end, so we left the walk in order to get the special. |
Day 6: Searching for Nessie and Urquhart Castle
Day 6 was one of my favorites of the tour. We were going hunting for Nessie!
We started with a nice cruise on Loch Ness followed by adventuring through the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Loch Ness is the largest Scottish loch by volume and second largest by surface area (behind Loch Lomond). Due to its extreme depth, of up to 230 meters, Loch Ness is quite dark. Often, the water looks black - which may lead to certain legends. Did we spot Nessie on our trip to Loch Ness? Well, let's just say there was a definite chance. |
Urquhart Castle was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Due to its strategic location on Loch Ness, it was very sought after and therefore was constantly under attack. The castle was frequently raided including by the Grants, the MacDonalds, and the Camerons. Eventually, Oliver Cromwell decided to build forts at opposite ends of the Great Glen, rendering Urquhart useless. Thus, it fell into ruin.
Day 6: Cawdor Castle
The next stop on our tour was a visit to the home of the Dowager Countess Cawdor - Cawdor Castle. The Cawdor family is part of the Campbell Clan.
The castle dates from the late 14th century and is still a private residence. There are lovely gardens and the house gives you a nice look at how the past intersects with today. There is a nice audioguide that leads you through the house and tells you about each room. We had high tea as a group in the cafe at Cawdor Castle. |
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Favorite of the DayIt may have been a cloudy day, but Loch Ness was beautiful. There was something magical about it that had nothing to do with mythical creatures or its long history. I probably could have sat at this spot all day and just watched the clouds reflect in the water - preferably with a nice warm cup of tea, or something a little stronger.
This picture became the wallpaper of my work computer when I returned from vacation. It may be hidden most days behind open windows, but just viewing it gives me a sense of peace - and that is worth every quid spent on this trip! |