REPORT FROM EDINBURGH

AUGUST 7, 2013

So today was our countryside trip – our day off of festival doings where we hop on the bus and explore the hilly area known as the Trossachs – including the celebrated Stirling Castle and a few other surprises.

After all the bustle of Edinburgh you will enjoy the relaxed nature of the day – the countryside is really beautiful and at the time in August when we should be traveling, the famous “Heather on the Hill” will be blooming.  Stirling is perhaps best remembered as the location of the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots – an important figure in Scottish history, and one you’ll learn a lot about during the trip.  Much of the castle dates from the 15^th and 16^th centuries.  You’ll enjoy the great hall, where you’ll be able to sit at the thrones for a great photo op.

Castles grow and change over time

From the castle walls, a great view

Costumed interpreters tell the story of the castle

After the castle we rode on for a while and stopped for a box lunch in the small town of Callendar – most of us went to the riverbank to feed ourselves and give a little to the ducks and swans.

Lunchtime - you will meet lots of
cool teachers and adult mentors from
other schools next year.

The tiny town of Callendar-
the dot the landscape

After lunch the bus headed up the narrow road to a lovely vista of the surrounding countryside  While traveling we were treated to tales of the Scottish royals and some of the bloody battles of history involving towering historical figures like William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy MacGregor.  (See the movie BRAVEHEART to get a flavor of medieval Scotland  (beware, it’s a pretty bloody epic!)

The hills are alive with-
wait, wrong country

Actual real heather on the hill

We had a few other stops along the way, to see the Highland Mountain Cattle, and had a stop at the Scottish Woolen Centre – enjoying a demonstration of sheep (and duck) herding and shopping in the large store (good prices on wool souvenirs).

My new buddy Davina introduces us to Hamish,
the Highland Mountain Cow

Hamish likes people, and carrots

Border Collie demonstrates herding with ducks

Tomorrow, a meeting with this year’s directors, and then some more free time to explore, see some shows and get ready to come home.  In tomorrow’s edition I’ll fill in a few more blanks.  Questions?  Email them and maybe I can answer from here!