2005-05-02: Sheep Everywhere
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How strange it was to see this sign along the side of the road. But then, this is Scotland and there are sheep everywhere! Since this is spring, we not only got to see sheep but there were lots of lambs and are they ever cute.
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2005-05-02: Kilmartin
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In order to reach the Kilmartin stone circle we had to walk through the fields where the sheep were grazing! The circle, which was erected around 3000BC was buried for years and discovered by men removing peat in the area. It is felt that these stones had some religious significance or were used as a calendar.
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2005-05-03: Loch Linnhe - Isle of Skye
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The weather while we were in Scotland was typical for the season - cloudy, sunny, rainy, snowy and/or sleety. We loved it all! Here we are catching Loch (lake) Linnhe during a brighter spell that caused wonderful reflections.
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2005-05-03: Eilean Donan Castle
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A typical castle with limited access from the mainland. The modern bridge now provides access at high tide. Eilean Donan Castle was full of memorabilia, furniture and period articles. It was the most complete castle we visited.
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2005-05-04: Modern Shepherd
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We noticed a dog herding the sheep in a field alongside the road so stopped to watch. We were amazed to see the shepherd arrive on an ATV. Soon the dog jumped on and off they went to another group of sheep. We wondered how the dog stayed upon the ATV and soon saw that he tucked his head under the shepherd's arm. What next?
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2005-05-04: Kilt Rock
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We decided the face of this cliff got its name because it kind of looked like a pleated kilt. In this same area we were treated to some wonderful waterfalls as well as some ruins by the water's edge.
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2005-05-05: Plocton Village
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This quaint village is situated in the tradewinds and is therefore able to support palm trees. What a surprise to see these trees in this country!
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2005-05-06: Urquhart Castle
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This castle, situated on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. It was once one of Scotland's largest castles and witnessed considerable conflict throughtout its 500 years as a medieval fortress. If one stands here long enough they are sure to get a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster - we did!!
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2005-05-06: Elgin Cathedral
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One of Scotland's most beautiful medieval buildings, Elgin Cathedral is a magnificent ruin, much of which dates back to the 13th century. Its many outstanding architectural features include the country's finest octagonal chapter house.
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2005-05-07: Huntly Castle
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Huntly Castle served as a baronial residence for five centuries. One thing that impressed us were the fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes. The earliest stronghold on this site sheltered Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. It's incredible that these wonderful ruins still stand.
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2005-05-07: Kildrummy Castle
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This was the stronghold of the Earls of Mar. Although ruined, it remains a fine example of a 13th century castle with its curtain wall, four round towers, hall and chapel.
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2005-05-07: Glenbucket
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We found this little castle off the beaten track. There was no information written on it except its name. Although small, we enjoyed Glenbucket even though this was one of the places we got pelted with hail.
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2005-05-08: Arbroath Abbey
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Founded in 1178 for monks of the Tironensain order by King William the Lion, Arbroath Abbey is famous in Scottish history for its association with the Declaration or Arbroath. In this document of 1320, Scotland's nobles swore their independence from England.
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2005-05-08: Nobby's Nuts
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We couldn't resist taking a picture of this billboard. It never ceases to amaze us what they get away with in other countries. We'd never see something like this in the US.
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