The Scottish Highlands

I have been dreaming of the Scottish Highlands. I have traveled there only once, ten years ago. At the time, it was a personal pilgrimage for me because I am a bigbigbig fan (big) of Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander books. I’ve been reading (and re-reading) her books for years (25 years to be exact, which means, yes, the existing books have staying power and the struggle is real for those of us waiting on the ones still being written. Thanks Diana! If you’ve been living under a rock : ) and have not heard the chatter about these books (and about the Starz show with the cult following that currently is in Season 4 of production that has brought the characters to life) let me introduce you. Click here for more! http://www.dianagabaldon.com/ You’re welcome.

But I digress.

The books aside, I have also always been someone with an interest in Medieval history – I love castles, churches, crypts, and keeps, haunted historical walking tours, and history channel shows that explore the lives of kings and queens and their rise and fall. So, a decade ago (almost exactly) the moors and mountains of the Scottish Highlands revealed their quiet beauty to me in real life. And I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I felt a magnetic pull as I drove along the almost empty roadways from Edinburgh to Inverness. I was like a sponge – soaking up the culture, geeking out over fantasy fiction come to life, and standing in awe of a presence I couldn’t help but feel in a place as old, and with as many stories, as this one.

I have included below some favorite photos from this long ago trip, covering all of the highlights that follow, in the same order, as you scroll.

I said above that I have traveled only once to Scotland. I don’t always want to return to places I’ve been. Sometimes I know one visit is enough. But as soon as I laid eyes on this land, I knew I’d go back. And so, I will, in May of 2019. To see mostly new things, and perhaps shades of some of the same. And I cannot wait. For now, I walk down memory lane, and take you with me on the journey. To find out more about Scotland before you travel, head over to Lonely Planet and research their guide books! I still love buying or downloading guide books because I feel like they have sooooo many options in just one place!

Urquhart Castle

Along the road to Inverness, one must stop at some of the highlights. Urquhart Castle is one of those. A place with a past, situated on the Lake of Loch Ness, it’s a 800 year old castle in ruins now (on a site much older than that), and though it is a ticketed exploration (when I went, it was free to wander), it truly made for some amazing pictures, as well as giving me, a castle-lover, a chance to genuinely explore something really old. You can read up on some history here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle/

Loch Ness

There are two (or were only two) official Loch Ness tourist centers the day I drove through en route to Urquhart. I declined to explore those (the life-sized monsters guarding both entries were nothing short of tourist traps calling) but I thought a stop along the shores was worth it, in case Nessie decided to show herself. Alas, she was slumbering in the deep. But standing on the water’s edge, listening to nothing but the lap of gentle waves against rocks, there’s definitely a quiet eeriness to the whole affair. I didn’t linger long. Here’s a thorough resource guide on the Loch and Inverness. http://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/

Culloden

Culloden Moor is steeped in history and soaked in blood. Despite the sunny day, there was a heaviness and sadness to the place, dotted with stones bearing only Scottish Clan names that serve as the only grave-markers for where they (along with the English) fought and fell on April 16, 1746. This battle didn’t exactly make the US History Textbooks when I was in school but I learned of it through the Outlander books and it was part of the history-come-to-life portion of my trip. Definitely a beautifully quiet place for contemplation, though I am not sure I’d call it out as a top place to visit if you didn’t have a connection. Find out more here: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden

Glenkinchie Distillery

The proof is in the whiskey. Water of Life. Currency. Good for what ails ye. And of course, when in the Scottish Highlands…. Yes, I had a taste. A dram would have been overdoing it. But the Glenkinchie Distillery was open to the public, offering fascinating lore and tour on how whiskey is made, and of course, free tastes! One thing I did find incredible was that I could really appreciate the differences in aged whiskey compared to young ones (cough, cough, wheeeze, gasp, reaches for water). And I also learned that water, when added to whiskey, makes it muuuuccch better (more tasty, more flavorful, less throat-seizing). Did I leave converted? No. I’ll still take my gin and vodka. But I can appreciate a sip now and again, especially in Scotland. Find out more about Glenkinchie here: https://www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/glenkinchie/

Inverness, at last

Inverness might not be as popular a destination as Edinburgh, but it was everything I felt a Scottish town should be. Quaint, riverside, contained a castle on a hill (though historically this one was a bit disappointing as it was built in the 1800s, though erected on the site where previously a castle had stood since the 1100s). But still, Inverness was charming. Some of the highlights of the days spent there included 1) attending a Roman Catholic mass at the local Kirk 2) stumbling upon a live performance by a band called North Sea Gas. Look them up. And listen. One of my favorite songs is Torn Screen Door. And based on their website, they’re currently touring the US https://www.northseagas.co.uk/ 3) staying in a true B&B with a full-on Scottish breakfast to include Marmite. Which I tried. And I won’t again, thanks all the same. 4) getting to see some of the sites associated with the Outlander books (though not as many were set here so it wasn’t as monumental as book-moments go). 5) eating Sticky Toffee Pudding for the first time. OMG. Where have you been all my life??

Here’s a nice guide to the city: https://www.explore-inverness.com/

I do hope you have enjoyed this brief tour of the Scottish Highlands. Until next time, Sláinte!