Scotland

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South Queensferry and Edinburgh

South Queensferry is the gateway to Edinburgh, . the political, commercial and cultural heart of Scotland. Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills.  Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is  noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. In the elegant New Town, (anything since 1700),the streets are lined with graceful Georgian buildings, many designed by the great architect Robert Adam. Edinburgh has also exerted a tremendous cultural force on Europe and the English-speaking world. The International Festival has been one of the premier European cultural events for over half a century. Among those who have called the city home are the writers Robert Burns, James Boswell, and Sir Walter Scott and the philosophers Adam Smith and David Hume.

Scotland is about the size of Maine with 30,405 square miles. The population is 5,078,800 with both Gaelic and English languages spoken. The Scots use the pound as their currency with 47 pounds being equal to $100 in today's exchange rate. The land area of Scotland is primarily agricultural with about 10 head of sheep for every person living in Scotland.

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*Edinburgh Disgrace was a monument to be built in the architecture design of the Parthenon in memory of those brave souls lost in the Napoleonic Wars,  but when the 12 columns were built the town ran ouf ot money and was never finished.

1500 years of History  Edinburgh Castle Holyroodhouse Shell of 11th Century Abby Holyroodhouse Scotsman and Bagpipes Laura on Calton Hill overlooking Edinburgh
           
Edinburgh Disgrace* Looking East from Calton HIll Looking North from Calton Hill Looking South from Calton Hill Newtown Architecture Newtown Architecture
           
Harry & Laura at Invergordon Sunset in Scotland 93.9 pence per liter or $7.54 per gal. Farmland in Scotland Ocean View Lochness
           

Invergordon and Lochness

Invergordon is a gateway to the heart of the Highlands, Scotland's northernmost district, including Loch Ness and the town of Inverness. This area of Scotland serves as the setting for many a tall tale and legend but its scenic beauty of high green hills and sparkling lochs will captivate you as well. Loch Ness is famous as the home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Visitors flock here to scour the dark waters for a sign of the elusive monster. The Urquhart Castle ruins stand on a rocky peninsula on the dark, moody banks of Loch Ness, and it was near here that "Nessie" was reportedly sighted in 1977. The castle was a stronghold for kings and clans chiefs for over 500 years.

The bustling city of Inverness is the traditional capital of the Scottish Highlands. Ringed by hills and anchored by the sea at the northern end of Loch Ness, the strategic location of the city is marked by Inverness Castle.

 

Scottish Highlands Scottish Highlands Scottish Highlands Scottish Highlands Urguhart Castle Ruins Urguhart Castle Ruins
           
Moat around Castle Cawdor Castle in Inverness 17th Century Architecture Backside of Cawdor Castle 17th Century Architecture Laura at Greenock
           

Glasgow

We explored Glasgow on our own. We were dropped off at King George Square and did a walking tour of downtown Glasgow. Glasgow has some beautiful architectural designs, Victorian red & honey sandstone, Italianate steeples and medieval spires.

Just beyond the city of Glasgow lies some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. The local area is rich in history and heritage and each of its delightful country towns and villages has its own fascinating tale to tell.
 

Pigeons in Glasgow Pigeon Typical Cars Old Architecture Central Station Central Station
           
City Govt. Building Sir Walter Scott Monument Beautiful Countryside Glasgow Modern Art Laura at James Watt Monument Enroute to Belfast