We acknowledge National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada.
Throughout the night, we could hear the wind howling outside our window. As a result, we woke earlier than usual, so were up, showered and dressed before 6:30am.
The bus left at 8am. It has been very windy and rainy today. There was some question whether we would actually get off the island, and the bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles. Julian decided that we weren't in one of those, so ...very carefully.... we drove slower over the bridge. We could feel the wind buffeting the vehicle as we drove.
Once across the river, we headed along Loch Ness, and learned the many stories of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster.
Our first stop was at the remains of Urquart Castle. When we first arrived, we watched a film on the castle from the 6th century when Saint Columba arrived to convert the inhabitants, to the to 17th century when it then current inhabitants blew up the castle rather than turn it over. We then explored the ruins in the rain.
While we were in the obligatory shop at the Castle, we found a painting that we both fell in love with. If only we had wall space.
Continuing on, we headed to Culloden Moor. For those of you who are Outlander fans, you will remember the battle of Culloden. There is a wall there that has bricks sticking out to represent the lives lost... it was very dramatic the few loyalists lives lost compared to the 1500 Jakobeits lost. We stopped for lunch here and watched the rain and heavy wind.
Next on our agenda was a visit to Glen Ord Distillery. On our way there, we passed through Ord of Muir. This is the first time I have seen the name Muir, other than a brief reference to John Muir.
At the distillery, we had an excellent tour where we learned how scotch whisky is made. We then visited the warehouse where we saw the barrels aging. This distillery ages its whiskey about 8 - 12 years, while some are still aging after 38 years. We were then treated to a tasting. All in all a great visit.
The weather was starting to clear up by now, as we headed to our hotel for the night. We are now settled in our room, waiting for our dinner at 7pm.
On another note, the British Railway is staging a rotating strike on October 5th, the day we are scheduled to travel by train to London. From the information I have been looking it, it looks like we have lucked out and that our scheduled train is still scheduled to run. More to follow.
Hotel: Mecure Inverness Hotel
Weather: Windy and Rainy - high 11c
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