Inverness, United Kingdom
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
We woke to a perfect day this morning. The weather was clear and crisp. We visited Culloden Moor, site of the battle in which Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the Highlanders in an attempt to retake the British Crown for the Stewarts. It was here the Highlanders were badly defeated, as a consequence of which they were prohibited from wearing the kilt. It was 100 years later when James VI of Scotland who became also James I of England restored their right to wear the kilt. The feelings in the area are still incredibly strong. George discovered that the Ross Clan, our mother's side of the family, apparently fought on the side of the loyalists. He was told they were on the wrong side in the battle. When he pointed out they were on the winning side, he was told "that depends on who you are and where you come from". As he later related this story to a Scots couple he was told "you have to be careful in that part of Scotland". He's lucky he didn't get hit, "but then, we're not violent people". We then went on to visit Cawdor Castle and got a close up look at some Highland Cows, called Heeland Coos by the locals. Following a very interesting visit to the Glen Ord Distillery, it was back to the hotel for dinner and the night.
