Scotland

As promised a review of our time in Scotland, which we arrived home from yesterday.
On Friday (March 2nd) we headed out early over the Tyne Bridge toward the border. First stop was Jedburgh, a lovely village where Mary Queen of Scots had a house. Then it was on to Rosslyn Chapel in search of the Holy Grail but all we found was 'Da Vinci' Manure from the local horse for a quid! An incredible and mysterious place with intriquing architecture. Then it was on towards Glasgow and over the Erskine Bridge to Cardross -
a big thank you to Hazel and Fid (friends of Anna and Kerry) who very kindly let us stay in their holiday apartment near Loch Lomond.
News was that the weather would be deteriorating near the end of the weekend so we decided to do our big trek on Saturday and Sunday. We drove up Loch Lomond towards Oban and caught the car ferry to the Isle of Mull. Needless to say the scenery for the whole journey was amazing - as was the weather (lots of sunshine mixed with heavy dark clouds). The attraction here was the fishing village of Tobermory, location for one of Maya's favourite programmes 'Balamory' - cue: "What's the story in Balamory, Wouldn't you like to know!" ad infinitum!
Another car ferry - much smaller this time with only 3 cars onboard - took us from Fishnish to Lochaline and further spectacular scenery towards the west coast and the village of Morar - across from the Isle of Skye. More singing!
We stopped for the night at the old town hotel and indulged in a 3 course meal - local seafood and haggis! - and the opportunity to harm Maya by placing her in the top bunk bed of the family room. Thankfully there was no free-falling during the night.
Sunday brought a very cold morning but with beautiful vistas of the snow on Skye. A 5 minute trip up the road took us to Mallaig where John was led to believe the Fletts had inhabited many generations ago - they all must live in New Zealand now because none were in the local phone book...or the cemetery! A beautful seaside village nonetheless and the end of the line for the Jacobite railway (or the start?). Back along the one lane road we ventured towards Fort William where majestic Ben Nevis rose up into the clouds - to quote Meg Ryan in 'French Kiss' "Beautiful!".
The beauty of the Highlands was everywhere as we headed north to Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Unfortunately Nessie was scared away by two Flett children unleashed upon the castle grounds. The place was looking good before we got there now it's all in ruins! Bada-bing! It is a magnificent place to visit and the introductory video ended in breathtaking fashion - won't spoil the surprise you'll have to go yourselves.
At this point we were looking to turn back for Cardross but a glance at our super informative map revealed we were only 20 miles from Inverness and the Culloden Battlefield and Standing Stones (Clava Cairns). Well, what were we to do, turn back? No we continued our literary travels (the battlefield and stones feature in Diana Gabaldon's novels that Denise is re-reading), and were rewarded with an amazing glimpse of these millenia old burial sites. Rain was falling as we walked around - Will was running, of course - and it was quite eerie to be the only people there in the middle of nowhere (save for the luxury lodge hidden in the trees about 400yards up the road!). Then it was the long drive south past Stirling Castle - magnificently illuminated!
Monday brought another fine day so it was off to Edinburgh's Zoo and Castle. The zoo is undergoing a renovation which will take 15-20 years(!) and is home to some amazing endangered animals and some Kune Kune Pigs! The Castle is splendid with terrific views over the region and some overeager parking attendants who ticket you because your wheels are one inch over the parking bay lines - DOH! The rain started falling as we headed toward Glasgow so a night in was in order - along with Denise's wonderful Lamb Shanks which she had pre-cooked (somebody marry that woman!)
Tuesday was heading back to South Shields day but not before journeying home past Hadrian's Wall. A stop for a pub lunch in Haltwhistle (The Milecastle Inn - thanks Anna!) was just what we had hoped it would be. Then a visit to some of the remains of Roman civilisation gave the kids a chance to run wild. Again the place was looking good before we got there etc.
The trip home was down the old Roman Military road with the best that Northumberland has to offer in terms of scenery before hitting Newcastle and the infamous A1. We all made it home with 45 mins to spare before Auntie Deborah came over to look after Maya and Will. Mum and dad were off to the Keane concert at the Newcastle Metro Arena - a fantastic way to finish a breathtaking 5 days. Cue: "Everybody's changing and I don't feel the same"
I'm off to bed now - work tomorrow!