We had a very long day today on our Highland Tour (10 hours from start to finish).  We started with a very wet and rainy walk to where got picked up for the tour.  It was a little over a mile walk in the pouring down rain, but within an hour the rain had stopped and it turned out to be a very beautiful day.  Over all our weather has been exceptional!!!

We started with a stop at Stirling Castle with a great view of the Wallace Monument across the valley.  Unfortunately we didn't have the time to go visit the Wallace Monument.  The Stirling Castle was amazing and I can see why it was the focus of many battles and a key pivotal point for determining the success of many battles.  They have done a very good job of displaying the castle and allowing folks to see a glimpse of what it was like to live in a castle.

Over looking the pasture

On a Hill

Exterior Cafe

Grounds

Exterior Paths

Exterior Paths

Canons

Exterior Wall

Great Hall

Short Door

Beautiful Wood Window
The craftsmanship on these windows was incredible.

Great Hall Hallway

Inside the Great Hall there were several inner rooms and "bed chambers" for both he King and Queen

King's Outer Hall

King's Outer Hall Fireplace

Ceiling

King's Inner Hall

King's Inner Hall Fireplace

Ceiling

King's Bed Chamber

Queen's Outer Hall

Queen's Inner Hall

Queen's Inner Hall

Queen's Bed Chamber

Clothing Chest

One of the older buildings was known as the "King's Old Building", they now use it as a museum.

Old King's Building

Reopened in 2011

Beautiful English Oak Table
The craftsmanship on this table was incredible.

Formal Dining

Center Piece

The Stirling Castle Chapel was simple, but looked like it could hold Mass for about 75-100 people.

Sign

Chapel Building

Back Entrance

Alter

They presented the North Gate Kitchen very well. They had models of the kitchen staff preparing the food and model sample dishes.

As with most castles in the second century, they were built on a hill, overlooking the village below. Sterling Castle is a perfect example.

View of Stirling Town

View of Stirling Town

View of Stirling Town

Hary Koos

Hary Koo

View of Stirling Town Cemetery

One of the views from Stirling Castle was the David Bruce Monument. After our visit to Stirling Castle we took a short drive to see the David Bruce Monument up close.

After the leaving Stirling Castle we visited Loch Lomond (or Lake Lomond).  It was very beautiful, with rolling green hills and a large lake with several islands in the middle.  It looks like a perfect place for paddle boarding.

Lake View Movie

After our stop at Loch Lomond we stopped at a pasture to visit the Highland Cows, or pronounced Hary Koos.  I think I have found the next pet I want to buy.

Baby Hary Koo

My New Pet

Don't you just love that face?

Our last stop for this 10 hours tour was the Glengoyne Distillery. Of course we were treated to samples of their different Scotches, and given the option to purchase a few bottles.

Hedge leading to Glengoyne

Distilling Kettles

Distilling Kettles

Cask Wood Types

Aging process in American Oak

Aging process in European Oak

Aging process comparisons