Inverness

Upon our arrival at Inverness we settled into the Kingsmill Hotel which was just what the name implies.  It originally was the King's Mill.  Farmers were required to bring their grain to the King's Mill for milling and thus the King was able levy a tax on the farmer's crop.

We were treated to a wine reception and dinner complete with bagpipes, highland dancers and of course, haggis (Go ahead. Look it up. I dare you.)

By this point we had seen several weddings.  The men dress in kilts for wedding ceremonies. Late that evening I caught some kids from one of the weddings playing soccer in the garden outside our room.

The following morning we headed to Culloden Battlefield.  This was where the Jacobites were massacred by the British in 1746.  Their loss was the beginning of the end of the Clan system.  After this battle, the wearing of tartans and bagpipes were outlawed along with other highland traditions.  The Culloden Battlefield Museum was very impressive and the battlefield made me think of our own Gettysburg. 

 The Battlefield

  This cottage has been standing since the battle and a cannon ball was removed from the 

sod side of the cottage.

From Culloden we headed to Clava Cairns, which is believed to be a pictish burial ground. Urns of human remains were buried in the cairns and the large standing stones were arranged around the outside of each cairn. 

 

Our next stop was Cawder Castle which dates from the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. It is currently the home of the Dowager Countess Angelica Cawder. It is a beautiful castle and gardens.   http://www.cawdorcastle.com/index.cfm 

After Cawdor Castle we headed to Culloden House for lunch.  This is a beautiful old Manor House that has been converted to a hotel.  We were served a wonderful lunch in a beautiful old home.

 

 Tomorrow, from Inverness to Edinburgh.