Invergordon Scotland - August 30, 2010

We docked in a small town called Invergordon.  Inver means Nose or Mouth, so the Mouth of Gordon.  We were on a 12 person tour, but in a 50 seater bus.  Lots of room to spread out. 

We headed off to the Highland Country.  The mountains here (called Bens) are no more than 3000 feet, but they are beautiful.  Like our time in Greenock, the area going through the highlands is piney, green and beautiful.  Throughout are lakes that are so clear and look so refreshing.  Again, many sheep and cattle.  Sheep up here are for there wool though mainly so that made it a wee bit better. 

We headed To what is called the Million Dollar View.  A beautiful view over the northern part of Scotland and the North Sea.  Funny thing today is that we can't get anymore north in Scotland, however it's by far the warmest day we've had yet and no wind.  Only needed a light weight coat. 

After the View, we headed to a waterfall (Falls of Shin) where the salmon are trying to swim upstream to spawn.  Unfortunately, we seemed to have gotten there too early and we saw no salmon, but we did see a beautiful waterfall. 

We left the waterfall for Dunrobin Castle.  Dunrobin is not really a castle at all, but a residence for the Duke of Sutherland.  They still reside here but open parts of the house for tour.  The most amazing part of this house is the gardens and the falconry display.  On property they house many hurt falcons and other birds and train them to go back to the wild.  For some, they figure out quickly that they have an easy food source where they are so they never leave. 

There were falcons, eagles, and vultures.  He had them flying directly over our heads.  There was also an owl who was very personable.  It's interesting how they don't fly away, but as he told us, why would they?


This castle is what I would have dreamt one should be like.  A beautiful home with gardens and the North Sea on the other side of my fence. 

We left the castle and did a tour of the Clynelish Whiskey Distillery.  This was an actual tour with a tasting at the end of course!  I understand why people take a small drink in the winter.  It warms you all the way down to the tummy.

Lunch was then in the Royal Burgh of Dornoch, a town of 3,000 people.  There are only around 5 million people in all of Scotland with 41% of the population living in the capital of Glasgow. 

These little towns like Dornoch are just wonderful places of quiet peaceful living.  All farmers by trade.  Very little industry, however in Invergordon they do maintenance on oil rigs.  Pretty interesting  The church here is where Madonna and Guy Ritchie had their child baptized. 

After lunch we were heading back.  We went through a few more towns with lots of history given to us.  Then to the Nigg Old Church which holds a stone made by the Picts, a name given to the people of the area in Roman times.  The Picts didn't have a written language so they made stone tablets which have been found throughout Scotland.  One resides in this tiny church. 

All in all it was very nice day.  The scenary in Scotland is beautiful, although I have to say my favorite country visited (so far) is Ireland with the green green grass.  Tomorrow is our last day in Scotland in Edinburgh for the day. 



Thanks Lauren for the update!!!  We're trying to stay up with ESPN whenever we get it.  GO REDS!!!!  Tell Grandpa we love him!!!!!