Loch Ness/Culloden/Clava Cairns/Inverness
Early morning sunshine came streaming in through the windows and portholes of Lord of the Glens. We were tied up alongside at the entrance to the Caledonian Canal on the south end of Loch Ness. The view from our lounge window looking north along the length of Loch Ness was stunning. Our ship gracefully glided north over glassy smooth water to the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle. It has been quite noticeable that the seasons are changing the past couple of days. The quality of light is sharper and the temperature has become noticeably cooler in the mornings. Autumn is on its way.
David and Iris continued our lecture program with informative presentations on Religion in Scotland and the Highland Clearances. As we made our way towards the end of Loch Ness and into the reaches of the canal leading to Inverness, the warmth of the sun made it a delight to be out on deck. Being Sunday as we approached Inverness there were any number of people out on the canal in all forms of water craft. On the tow path beside the canal people were running, cycling and walking all apparently enjoying the lovely weather. Our ships journey came to an end at the top of the flight of locks at Muirtown, which is just on the outskirts of Inverness.
After lunch Graham Urquhart arrived in his luxury coach to take on a city tour and on out to Culloden battlefield. The warm afternoon sun encouraged most of us to walk out onto the historic battlefield where in April 16, 1746, the Jacobite Rebellion was so ruthlessly crushed by the British troops lead by the Duke of Cumberland. Beside the battlefield is an exceptionally fine interpretation centre that graphically depicts the build up to the battle and the fight itself. Not far from Culloden is the far older historic site of Clava Cairns, which we were also able to visit later in the afternoon. Here these 4000 year old burial cairns filled us with wonder as we wandered round this ancient site rich autumnal sunshine. Returning to Inverness via a different route, we sadly came to the end of our last excursion of our journey.
As is tradition on Lord of the Glens, our last night together was centred around the Captain’s farewell cocktail party and a splendid last meal. This was a kind of Burns Supper with a few unique differences fitting the occasion. After dinner, a group of young Scottish dancers performed for us in the lounge to the sound of live bagpipes. A fine conclusion to a most enjoyable day!
