Saturday, March 23, 2019

Day 5 - Into the Highlands and some wee roads

Left the coastal town of Aberdeen to Inverness. 

First stop, Castle Fraser, built in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser. Legend has it that a young princess was once staying at the castle when she was brutally murdered while asleep in the 'Green Room'. Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. As hard as they tried, the occupants of the castle could not scrub out the stains, and so were forced to cover the steps in wood panelling, which remains today. It is said she still stalks the halls of the castle during the night.

I would love to know the age of these these trees. 


We were leaving the little hamlet and came across a memorial and cemetery for members of the community lost in WW I and II. 



Sometimes Google Maps takes you on tiny “wee”  back roads.


Had a wonderful tour of Huntly Castle by an 80 year old volunteer, Patrick. Originally named Strathbogie, the castle was granted to Sir Adam Gordon of Huntley in 1307 by King Robert the Bruce. It is sad that so many of the castle stones were used to make other houses around the area. 



Scotch tasting came next at Glenfiddich. Yum. Bought a 18 years old scotch to bring back. 


Found a hairy cow next to the distillery. They make me smile. 



Stumbled on to Belvenie Castle ruins. Originally known as Mortlach, it was built in the 12th century by a branch of the powerful Comyn family known as the Black Comyns. 



We found this really cool bridge built in 1814 on our way to Elgin. 





My favorite stop of the day was the Elgin Cathedral. The cathedral was the hub of a walled religious city built in 1214. I would love to have this in my backyard to look at. 






Our daily selfie- just to prove we were there! 


We ended our journey to Inverness at the Bodie castle. The Bodie Clan built this Cinderella style castle in 1567. 


Daffodils and a blooming garden around the grounds. 




Dinner at the White House was supper yummy. 

Tomorrow, we explore Inverness. 



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