The Final Days

 Today marks one of my most favorite scenic days in Scotland, Glencoe with the iconic Three Sisters. But first we must leave the Isle of Skye to stop at yet another castle. This one is Eilean Donan which has starred in a wide range of movies, from James Bond's 'The World Is Not Enough' to Bollywood movies. 

Eilean Donan Castle sites on a small island at the junction of three lochs - Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. It was built in the thirteenth century. To get to the castle, you have to walk across a long bridge. It must have been a defensive dream back in the day. The castle is one of the major tourist attractions in the Highlands and although we could wander around at will through the castle, much time was spent shuffling along in a line. To be fair, some of that time was spent in very narrow, one-person wide passages where you had to wait for oncoming traffic to clear before you could proceed through yourself.

Eilean Donan

Glencoe is a large valley in the middle of beautiful mountain peaks. The Three Sisters are three of those peaks. I would have liked to spend much more time here, but this was basically a drive-thru with a ten-minute photo stop in front of the Three Sisters. There were footpaths leading off that called to you. It was a place of peace, stillness and reflection.

After a brief lunch stop overlooking Loch Lomond, we arrived in Glasgow. In the morning, we had a city tour.

Look!  A Tardis!

Doulton Fountain built 1888
Largest terra-cotta fountain in the world

Each side depicted one of the areas of the Great British Empire. 
This is Canada.  The other countries were India, Australian and Africa.

The afternoon was filled with Stirling Castle, one of the nation's most historically significant landmarks. The castle was first built around 1100AD and then added on during the following centuries. Hence, we have a mix of medieval, Renaissance and Gothic styles. It was a military stronghold and also a royal residence. What was really interesting was that many of the rooms had costumed enactors who brought you back in time.

Stirling Castle

At one time, this was the formal gardens of Stirling

After the castle tour, we had a farewell dinner. 

Last chance for Haggis - I give you Haggis Bonbons!

Most everybody was leaving the next day, but I wanted to stay an extra day. There is lots to see in Glasgow so I booked a ride on one of those Hop On/Hop Off buses that would take you around the city to the various sites. I must admit, it was sort of a waste of money for me because I ended up in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and spent much of the day here. It is located in this beautiful building that was built around 1901.

Kelvingrove

Return to Sender - 1966
Sean Read

Christ of St. John of the Cross 1951
Salvador Dali

The Grand Hall
Notice the organ on the far wall

There was a half hour concert that I listened to.  Love me a big pipe organ!

I only had time for one more stop and I chose the Bagpipe Museum because, well, when in Scotland.... Bagpipes are synonymous with Scotland, but bagpipes come from all over the world.  The main draw for me, though, was the chance to actually play a bagpipe.  It was rather disappointing.  I was sort of expecting a full-blown Scottish bagpipe, but all that was offered was a reed and a chanter.  It looked just like a recorder.  The museum itself was small and rather boring.

There was a woman on our tour that looked rather similar to me.  This confused out guide, Phil, many times as he often mixed us up.  Rita and I decided to help him out by buying matching hoodies.  Poor Phil!