We spent a great half a day at
Culloden Battlefield today. I was sceptical of visiting "another bloody battlefield/war museum/army thingy" but this was surprisingly enjoyable. I knew nothing of the Jacobite rising and this harrowing battle, but our guide brought history to life for us as we wandered around the battlefield. The interpretive exhibition was also very sensitively done, portraying stories from both the Government army and the Jacobite army without bias (a difficult thing to do when retelling history). The take away theme was certainly hammered home - this was not a war of country against country, but a civil war where family members fought against each other for what they felt compelled was right and just. The slaughter of these men was horrific.
(Kev: if you up this way, you must add Culloden to your list!)
After our visit we took the boys for hair cuts, then we headed out for a scenic drive and headed toward Loch Ness and Castle Urquhart. However, perhaps because we had a second beautiful sunny day in a row, everyone was out leaving nowhere to park. We took this as a sign, and continued on our scenic drive - it really is beautiful country side - heading back for home and a meal out. We chose to dine at
Ash. The food really was delicious and the service was "efficient". Our day finished with a walk along the River Ness.
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| Tour walk of Culloden Battlefield |
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| The hospital at the time of the battle. More recently (until 1930?) it was a home for a couple and their 13 children! |
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| This guide was _very_ good! She knew her stuff. Entertaining as well |
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| Looking for facts for his workbook |
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| Picked up some books along the way |
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| Northern end of Loch Ness |
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| Looking for Nessie! |
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| Can't find her! |
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| Backseat drivers |
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| Dinner at Ash, Inverness. |
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| Post dinner walk. Note the guys fishing! |
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| A fallen tree carved and painted to look serpentine, coming up out of the river |
