8 August

 

8th August

Loch ness

Awake at a sensible hour.

Our B&B host, Ken, had prepared a beautiful breakfast: bacon, sausage, eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes; freshly prepared fruit salad; toast; tea and coffee.  Ken shared a chat and we attempted to fix a few of the world's problems. With breakfast over, it was time to load the car... once more.
Our next destination, Culloden.  Yes! Culloden is an historic battlefield site.  The Jacobite Rebels (predominately Scots clans) came to fight the government troops (predominately English).  Jacobite come from Iacob (the latin for James - the preferred Scottish choice for King of the United Kingdoms.  Apparently there is no 'j' in latin) in 1745.  The Rebels copped a whipping!  The 'government' were not very happy about the support the Highland clans had given Bonnie Prince Charlie.  So they were ruthless in suppressing Highland culture: no kilts/tartan, no weapons, confiscation of livestock and the odd burning of houses.


The history centre does a pretty good job of telling the story.  They create a very clear picture of how the Rebels mismanaged the battle.  For those fans of Outlander, the Battle of Culloden is where Series 2 finishes.  There are stones on the ground which mark where the clans fought, including the Frasers.

Leanach cottage - likely built in the early 18th century.  Was the original vistors centre in 1961.

Belle McDonald outside.

The last occupant of Leanach Cottage was Belle McDonald who lived here until she died in 1912.




Next, on to Drumnadrochit, on the banks of Loch Ness.  We had made a booking in 'rooms' marketted as 'glamping' 'hobbit holes'.  On arrival we discovered that glamping in the UK is a long way from what Australians would think of glamping.  The 'hobbit holes' were located in a run down, overgrown, junk yard.  We didn't stay!  Very unimpressed by Mr Hobbit.

 

Loch Ness

The afternoon was consumed with trying to find a room in an inn!  The summer is the high season for Scottish tourism and everything was booked... we quickly learnt to dislike the phrase 'no vacancy'.  Eventually our search produced some overpriced rooms at Aviemore (the other side of Loch Ness).  And the answer is 'no', we did not see the Loch Ness Monster!