Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond

It was the most gorgeous day we’ve had!  Not a cloud anywhere and chilly with no breeze.  Our driver was Brian, the same driver we had for Loch Ness.  Our first stop was at George’s Square in the city center of Glasgow for a photo op and short break before heading for Loch Lomond.  Loch Lomond is a prettier lake than Loch Ness and deserves the description “on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond” as the song we all learned as children goes…  We had an hour-long boat ride and then were off to the small village of Aberfoyle, gateway to the Trossachs, for lunch.

The drive through the Trossachs included a brief stop at a scenic overlook for photos before we headed for Stirling Castle.  The Trossachs area is known as the “Highlands in Miniature” and was used by Sir Walter Scott as the setting in some of his literature, such as Rob Roy and The Lady of the Lake.

Stirling Castle was my favorite castle, barely edging out Alnwick.  The furnishings were impressive.  Not only was it well maintained, there were guides dressed in period costume, who explained what we were viewing, gave excellent historical commentary, and responded to our questions.  We had plenty of time to tour the castle and grounds.

On the way back to Edinburgh, we passed the Kelpies.  I was lucky to be on the right side of the bus to take a photo while we were in motion.  The Kelpies are 30-meter-high horse-head stainless steel-clad sculptures near the Forth and Clyde Canal.  Kelpies are mythological beasts possessing the strength and endurance of 10 horses.  The monument honors the contribution of the horse to industry and agriculture in Scotland.