Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

 

This morning, we departed our lodgings at Ballifeary Guest House, Inverness after breakfast and drove south to our first stop at Aviemore. This small town is located in the Cairngorm mountain region and is popular with hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. We had coffee at a high elevation restaurant which offorded superb views over the snow-capped mountains. Our visit coincided with the scheduled  departure of the Strathspey Steam Train  from Aviemore which was an added bonus.

 

Next we drove down the A9 to our next stop of Dunkeld with a photo stop for Blair Castle en-route..At Dunkeld tour guest played his Scottish Small Pipes  in the Taybank Pub which itself is a popular music venue. We also had a light lunch here. After a short walk around the centre of Dunkeld we continued south to our next destination of Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions.

 

We visited all main aspects of Stirling Castle including Great Hall, Royal Chapel and Kitchens. The recently restored Royal Apartments were of particular interest with assistance from actors in period costume.

 

After departing Stirling Castle, we continued south to our final destination of Edinburgh but  first availing of a light meal at the Granary Pub on Leith’s popular waterfront.

 

Final drop-off was neraby where we exchanged fond farewells at conclusion of  a fascinating 10 day round Scotland tour with emphasis on the Outer Hebrides.

 

 

This evening, I am focusing on the town of Strathpeffer in the Highlands of Scotland which is situated N.W. of Inverness, near the Cromarty Firth.

 

Strathpeffer is a very impressive small town which derived its prosperity from a sulphurous spring which was discovered in the mid 1700s. Subsequently, Strathpeffer developed into a fashionable ‘Spa Town’ reaching its peak in the years prior to World War 1, aided by inclusion in the rail network during the 19th century. The Spa Pavilion still exists but the rail link does not.

 

Strathpeffer is well endowed with hotels dating from the past century and as such continues to attract tourists including hikers and walkers.

 

Overall, Strathpeffer impresses as being clean and prosperous in a stunning Highland setting with Ben Wyvis (3433 ft) in the background.

 

 

This evening, I am focusing on a stunning piece of 18th century miltray engineering as manifested in the 250 year old Fort George near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

 

The catalyst for the construction of the fort was the Jacobite Rising which was finally crsuhed at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.This was a failed attempt by the House of Stuart to overturn the Hanoverian dynasty. However, the Battle of Culloden proved conclusive and after that event the Highlands remained peaceful notwithstanding which the fort has continued as army barracks to this day.

 

The fort was designed by military engineer, Major-General William Skinner as an impregnable base for George 11′s army in the north of Britain. The complement was some 2000 men comprising two field battalions of infantry, gunners and officer cadre. The building included staff blocks, barrack blocks, powder magazines, ordnance and provision stores, a bakehouse, brewhouse and chapel.

 

A compelling visitor attraction, especially for persons interested in the military. The western tip offers good views over the Moray Firth  where, occasionally, dolphins can be seen feeding.

 

Here is the parade ground  near the front entrance.