10 August

10th August

 A very slow start to the day.  A little bit of a sleep-in even!

After breakfast 'we' did a little shopping in Fort William.  Then it was off to Stirling (Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, Battle of Bannockburn).  The drive to Stirling took us through some spectacular countryside.
 

We arrived in Stirling by mid-afternoon.  Enough time to visit the Castle and catch the last guided tour of the day.  Our guide, Andrew, was fully of information and told some great stories.  Andrew was a fun blend of stand-up comedian and historian.  The castle has an amazing history: similar to Edinburgh Castle, there is evidence of occupation some 3000 years ago; then the castle has been changed throughout Scottish history.  Today's castle has architecture from several differents periods in time.  The Scottish National Trust are doing  a sound job to preserve their history. Stirling Castle -tick.


 

View from Stirling Castle

After the Castle it was quick dash across town, and a slower walk up the hill, to the Wallace Monument (a sizable edifice).  Wallace is, no doubt, the leading figure (hero) in popular Scottish history (likely enhanced by the movie Braveheart - which of course used a fair bit of artistic license to tell the story!).  Wallace monument - tick.

Wallace Monument

Entrance to Wallace Monument

Then another dash back across town to the Battle of Bannockburn Historic site.  The 'centre' was closed but we were able to walk around and put the 'picture' together from the various story/information boards.  The Battle occurred over 23/24 June in 1314.  Robert the Bruce (Scot) gave Edward II (English) a flogging.  Edward (the wimpy young son of Edward 1 in Braveheart) allowed his heavy cavalry to be caught in boggy ground (losing their advantage of movement and shock).  The Scots dispatched a large number of English aristocracy.
Battle of Bannockburn - tick.

A very full afternoon.

Next we were off to Dunfermline for accommodation.  Everywhere we go the accommodation is 'tight' to non existent.  Hence, back near Edinburgh.

A Scottish Hot Toddy

Verses Day and Night

Peter was not feeling so great so he conducted a Scottish experiment. Which one worked ?