Travel to Scotland Part 3

I forgot to mention in my Travel to Scotland Part 1 post that when we were walking around Edinburgh May 2nd, we came across a large group of people line dancing by the National Gallery. As it turns out, May 2nd was International Line Dance Flash Mob day. Who knew? So of course I had to jump in and take part in that. I've always wanted to see a flash mob, and now I have not only seen one but also participated in one!

International Line Dance Flash Mob 2026

Anyway, back to Part 3 of the trip. On May 5th after our full Scottish breakfast we headed to the nearby Culloden Battlefield. The famous battle took place on April 16, 1746 and it marked the end of the Jacobite Rising. In less than an hour, the British government army crushed the rebellion of Bonnie Prince Charlie, permanently ending Stuart claims to the throne and devastating traditional Scottish Highland culture.

Culloden Battlefield

From there we drove to Urquhart Castle. Situated on the shores of Loch Ness (where we did not see the Loch Ness monster!), the castle ruins are more than 1,000 years old. Once one of Scotland's largest castles, ownership passed back and forth between England and Scotland. The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left.

Urquhart Castle

Our last destination of the day was Ardelve, where we had reservations for two nights at a lovely, small guest house with views of the Eilean Donan Castle. We chose to base here for our exploration of the Isle of Skye. The drive to Ardelve was beautiful, and our walk to a nearby town that evening for dinner took us by peaceful sheep and the castle.

Ardelve

May 6th we began our day with another wonderful Scottish breakfast, and our hostess suggested that we take the ferry to the Isle of Skye as opposed to driving across the bridge. Before driving to the ferry, we stopped for a closer look of the Eilean Donan Castle.

Eilean Donan Castle

The Glenelg Skye Ferry is unique in that it is the only remaining turntable ferry in the world. It was built in 1969 and can carry up to six cars and twelve people, though ours was the only car on board for our passage. It was a very unique experience, and I'm glad our hostess made the suggestion.

Glenelg Skye Ferry

The Isle of Skye is just as beautiful as you can imagine. Located off of Scotland's northwest coast, the island is fifty miles long, and the largest of the Inner Hebrides. It is rugged and picturesque with many ruins and coastal stops that beg to be photographed. 

Isle of Skye

We came across our first Highland cows, or hairy coos as they are affectionately called by the locals. They have shaggy, reddish-colored coats, curved horns, and a fringe of bangs over their foreheads.

hairy coos

Along the drive we visited the ruins of Duntulm Castle. During the 17th century it was the seat of the chiefs of Clan McDonald of Sleat. The McDonalds abandoned the castle around 1730 and moved to nearby Monkstadt House and later Armadale Castle in Sleat.

Duntulm Castle

After completing the loop on our agenda for the day we headed back to our inn. We took another walk into the nearby town for dinner, and enjoyed the view of Eilean Donan Castle at dusk.

Eilean A Cheo guest house and Eilean Donan Castle