From Fort Augustus to Inverness via Loch Ness – Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns
On this calm and beautiful morning, where better to be then on Loch Ness? It’s amazing to think that we are travelling across two cubic miles of water deeper than the North Sea! Is it therefore possible that Loch Ness is inhabited by a certain creature? Ian Bullock gives us an interesting talk on ‘Nessie’ whilst crossing the lake. We then reach Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. This ruin dates back to the 13th century, though a Pictish fort stood in its place long before this. It was finally blown up under order of the government in 1692 to prevent it falling into the hands of the Jacobites. We are getting a very close view from the water, a wonderful picture opportunity.
As we sail further across Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour through our last lock and along the canal, Iris tells us about independence in Scotland. This political issue is hotly debated all over Scotland and also on Lord of the Glens today!
During lunch we arrive into Inverness, where the ship berths at Muirtown, overlooking the city from this elevated vantage point.
After lunch our excursion takes us on a city tour of Inverness followed by a visit to Culloden Battlefield and its exhibition centre. The battle was the end of Bonnie Prince Charlies ’45 rising in April 1746, followed by terrible repercussions for many people in the highlands.
The visitor centre is a fascinating and very well a presented state of the art exhibition in great detail. Especially the battlefield experience brings the battle home — as you stand in a surround cinema the battle enfolds around you!
From Culloden it’s only a short journey to the Clava Cairns, or Cairns of Balnuaran. This Bronze Age cemetery complex comprises of passage graves, ring cairns, a kerb cairn and standing stones built about 4,000 years ago. Iris gives us a detailed and informative talk on the stones and their builders on site.
Back at the ship the strenuous task of packing our cases ensues, followed by the Captain’s farewell party and dinner. We are treated to Haggis, the national Scottish dish, presented by the chef, a piper and Brian, the hotel manager, reciting Robert Burns’ ‘Ode to the Haggis.’ After dinner we enjoy more top quality entertainment with some Scottish Highland dancers, some of them are that young that they still attend primary school!
So a fantastic trip, with lovely weather, great company and Scotland in all its glory comes to an end as tomorrow morning we will have to say goodbye.
Good night.
