Inverness - Strathspey August 2011

Bed and Breakfasts were our preferred accommodation and this one in Inverness had been recommended by our host in Thurso.  By chance she also had a mobile phone the same as ours so were able to charge it up as we had left the charger  in NZ.  Managed this way for most of the trip!!

The battle field of Culloden, not far to the east of Inverness was the first historic place to visit on Friday 12 August.  Even although it was a fine day it ws still a bleak place and must have been more so on the day of the last significant battle between Scots and English in 1745.

This gives and idea of the atrocious land over which fighting took place.

The cairn erected on the site whihc is a National Trust protected area.

It carries this inscription.

The various clans grave sites are marked in this manner.

A restored cottage dating for the time.

A further to the east another castle visit, this time Brodie Castle near Forres.  This had been restored by the National Trust.  As with most it started as a tower defensive castle which can be seen at the left with two more wings being added at a later date to the right.

A novel use of of sheep horns for some sort of fighting weapon.

But why would a childs skeleton be kept in a glass case.

A cheese press near the dairy door.

A long walk down to the lake from the castle.

Just to see a swan or two.  After this we retired to a B&B at Forres nearby.