From Castles To Crofts

We've seen some pretty grand castles on this trip. We've walked where the Scottish elite walked, where battles were fought, and exquisite gardens were planted. It is time we mixed things up a bit and saw how the peasant folk lived. 

Coast To Coast

 

Today we are traveling from Wick, which is one of the most northeastern points on mainland Scotland, all the way to the magical Isle of Skye, off the western coast. I guess you could call it a cross-country trip. Google tells me it is a five-hour journey but with a few photo stops and a lunch break in Ullapool, it turned into a full day trip.

The Orkneys

 

We are in far north Scotland about to go even further north to the Orkney Islands. The Islands of Scotland have always called to me. I must say, though, they are not quite as high on the fascination meter as the Scottish Highlands where my people come from. The Orkneys are a little different from mainland Scotland as they have astonishing prehistoric sites, Old Norse heritage, recent history as WWI/WWII naval bases and a POW Camp housing Italian prisoners. 

What Does A Person Need With 189 Rooms?

 

It's a castle day today! Fun Fact: Some of the castles we toured all started with the word Dun. Dun (pronounced doon) means fort. Dunrobin (translates to Robin's Fort) is on the schedule for today.