Scotland 2018: Day 4

DAY 4

ROSSACHS~CALLANDER~EDINBURGH:

This morning as we departed Glasgow for Edinburgh, our guide shared with us the popular saying, “Let Glasgow Flurish”.  With a picturesque drive through the Trossachs area. This National Park boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the world from the breathtaking mountains and glens of the Trossachs to the vast tranquil beauty of Loch Lomond, mainland UK’s largest body of water. En-route we stopped at Callander Town. Callander is a bustling town situated on the River Teith, near Stirling, and is often described as the gateway to the Highlands. This pretty town lies immediately south of the Highland Boundary Fault, which is historically a meeting point between the Highlands and the Lowlands. Set dramatically beneath high, wooded crags, there are a number of popular walks in the area for visitors to explore.

The rainy day kept the group from venturing much further than the Scotland Wool Super Store and
the lovely cafes where some of us enjoyed traditional Scottish pies for lunch.  From the summit of Callander Crags there are spectacular sweeping views over the town of Callander and beyond to Stirling and the Firth of Forth.

Along the way Professor Duncan read us a poem by Sir Walter Scott and discussed The Lady of the Lake as we passed by Loc Katrine that was the inspiration to the poem.  

Once we arrived in Edinburgh the travelers enjoyed an afternoon at their leisure, shopping and exploring on their own.  Getting our first glimpse of the vast Edinburgh Castle, which we will explore tomorrow.

Dining at King James Thistle

This evening the group enjoyed dinner at Jamie’s Scottish Evening. The King James Thistle Hotel hosts Scotland's longest running stage show - Jamie's Scottish Evening. Now, well into the 21st century, they believe that on a nightly basis, here at the Thistle, you will find the best Scottish show in Edinburgh.  More than just a show, the evening was a cultural lesson in Scottish history. From the panels and wall adornments there is a lot to be learned about the rich and diverse past of this country. Four-course Scottish banquet. What a treat!  We enjoyed the rousing Highland piper & dancers and the very best in Scottish music, song and dance.   

Many of us tried our first Haggis!  A traditional Scottish dish!  The evening came to an end with the audience joining in singing the famous Robert Burns song, “Auld Lang Syne”.  Most of us would agree with the Scottish saying,Am pure done in– I’m feeling very tired!