Scotland Day 4 - Culloden, Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle

 

Lots of gorgeous scenery today, as we move north along parts of the North Coast 500 route. 

First, some pictures of the River Ness around our Inverness hotel area:

34 years ago we stayed in a B&B to the left of that pedestrian bridge

The Ness is a gorgeous clear river

 

Our first stop along the way was Culloden, the site of a major battle that ended the Jacobite rising (Bonnie Prince Charlie). We had a tour of the battle site with an excellent guide, who really made us feel the site and the tragedy of this battle. There are hundreds of casualties buried here, and many people feel an aura around the grounds. 

<Wiki link here> 

Of course our pictures don't begin to capture the feel of what was a horrific battle site. The site today just looks like a pleasant field with walking trails and marshy sections.

Following the main battle, the victors patrolled the grounds for several days looking for Jacobite survivors, putting them to death under "no quarter" orders.

Leaving Culloden behind, we had a stop at Dornoch for a lunch break and some free time walking around:

A lovely small cathedral at Dornoch

After lunch we pressed on to a stop at the majestic Dunrobin Castle.  

<link to castle information> 

<picture Gallery of the castle>

We toured part of the interior of the castle, then slipped out to the magnificent gardens. <Dunrobin Gardens link>

Giant Rhubard plant, aka "dinosaur food". The stalks looked quite hairy.

In one corner of the garden there is a daily falconry exhibit. We were there in time for a demo from the resident falconer. He showed 2 birds, a Harris hawk and a Peregrine falcon. Both well-trained with food lures, we saw more of the hawk than the falcon:

A Harris hawk

A Perigrine falcon

Here is a very brief clip of the falcon in flight. It made several flights close to the heads of the spectators, and falcons sure are fast. You'll likely need to view it on as large a screen you can manage:

Next we stopped at a memorial site near the pretty town of Helmsdale. 

"The Emigrants commemorates the people of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland who, in the face of great adversity, sought freedom, hope and justice beyond these shores. They and their descendants went forth and explored continents, built great countries and cities and gave their enterprise and culture to the world." <link Here>

Helmsdale area

 

Next we stopped at the site of one of the many Commonwealth War Grave sites scattered around the UK. 

 

We thought these white deer were statues at first. Nope, real.

<Link to White deer info>
 

A pretty spot, but drives home that the world wars had a major direct effect on the UK and Commonwealth populations.

An altogether beautiful drive today, even with the reminders of past tragedies. We made our way to the Weigh Inn at Thurso, our home for the next 2 nights, a shortcut unfortunately skipping our expected visit to the John o'Groats area.

The view out our window. Not in the city now!