Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
It is a playground for old and young: the National Museum of Scotland or Royal Museum in Edinburgh, Scotland is a fantastic museum of natural history, technology and art. It is not the biggest one I’ve ever seen but it consistently includes elements to play and have fun. It was opened in 1888 and can be visited free of charge. Continue reading “Royal Museum”
The Palace of Holyroodhouse or Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. It is located at the east end of the Royal Mile – directly opposite to the Scottish parliament. It was once the guesthouse of the Abbey of Holyrood now lying in ruins. It was built from the year 1671 on and the Queen stays here at least one week each year. Continue reading “Palace of Holyroodhouse”
Our flight back from Edinburgh to London was scheduled for 7 am – not so easy if you want to be at the airport two hours before the flight. Therefore I decided to invest the money and stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel directly at the airport. I don’t know if it was worth the big amount of GBP but it made travelling much easier. Continue reading “Next to the airport”
The Isle of Skye is the biggest island of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland. Guide books label it as the most interesting sight of the country. The island contains many archaeological findings, rough mountains, medieval castles and nice landscapes. Capital of the island is the city of Portree.
Continue reading “Isle of Skye”
Close to Glenfinnan, Scotland you can find a famous viaduct used for the railway track between Mallaig and Fort William. It was built from 1897 on and is 380 meters long; the highest pillars are 30 meters in size. Formerly it was important to the fishing industry, today normal local transport trains and a special tourist train – “The Jacobite” – use the track. Continue reading “Waiting for the Hogwarts Express”
The Eilean Donan Castle is a castle protected by Loch Duich in the village Dornie belonging to Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland. It is located on a land tongue that is flooded during high water. To keep it accessible a stone bridge has been built from the shore to the castle. The castle was created since the year 1220 and it honors the Celtic Saint Donnán of Eigg from the 6th CE. Continue reading “Castle on an island”
When you get to Loch Ness and are disappointed that you didn’t find Nessie (the famous monster in the lake) there isn’t too much else to do. You might get to Inverness or Fort Augustus – but you definitely shouldn’t miss Urquhart Castle near Drumnadrochit. It is the ruin of a castle built in the year 1230 directly at the shore of Loch Ness. Continue reading “Urquhart Castle”
The Loch Ness is a famous lake in northern Scotland. It is the second largest lake after Loch Lomond and because of its depth it contains by far the most water of all sweetwater lakes in Scotland. At its northern end you can find the city of Inverness, in the south Fort Augustus is located. At the middle on the western shore you can find the well-known Urquhart Castle close to Drumnadrochit. Continue reading “Loch Ness”
If you’re at Fort Augustus, Scotland to explore the surroundings of Loch Ness and in need of a drink, The Bothy might be the right choice for you. It is a restaurant and classic pub located directly at the Caledonian canal. You can get traditional Scottish dishes here and a good selection of ales and malt whiskies. Drop by and watch the locals chat and enjoy life. Continue reading “The Bothy”
If you want to stay close to Loch Ness the Inch Hotel in Fort Augustus, Scotland might be the right choice. I found it to be a pearl of a hotel in its unique style. It is located outside the town on a small hill with good views on Loch Ness and some Highland Cattle (Kyloe) next to it. It looks a bit old-fashioned on the inside but I really liked this traditional style. Continue reading “Cute & remote”