Scotland,
the land of ancient mountain passes and meadows filled with Celtic beauty, is
one of the most fascinating British destinations. Part of its allure may come
from the haunting, familiar sounds of a bagpipe, or from the colorful dress
that characterizes the region. Whatever its reason for intriguing travelers, Scotland
should best be known for its wonderful castles and the mysterious history that
still draw them into our imaginations.
Possibly the most famous of Scotland's
fortresses is Glamis
Castle,
laden with tales of betrayal and fantasy. Perhaps you have heard of the
castle's role in the tragic story of MacBeth. Although Shakespeare's story is
far from historically accurate, another king, Malcolm II, did die at this spot
in 1034 from wounds suffered in battle. As centuries passed, another castle
replaced the old edifice but its history only became more complex. Lady Glamis,
Janet Douglas by name, incurred the king's wrath simply by being born into the
family she was. He accused her of witchcraft, and legend goes that her spirit
still haunts the castle.
If fairy tales and ghostly wanderings aren't your cup of tea, the mere
beauty of the restored "home" will astound you. Reconstructed living
chambers show what life was like when a young girl and her family spend their
days there in the early 20th century. This child grew up to become Queen
Elizabeth II. If you long for fresh air, Glamis' gardens are one of its coveted
features. The nature trail mixes a bit of Scottish countryside with the regal
air of this ancient home.
Glamis Castle
is currently open from the end of March to the end of December, with the last
tour of the day beginning at 4:30.
Those who purchase a Season Ticket can visit Glamis during the season whenever
they wish. The only unfortunate setup at the castle is its inability to serve
physically challenged visitors; the stairways are steep and hard to navigate.
If you have need of such facilities, a motorized wheelchair can be obtained,
and the areas to which the stairs lead should still be accessible by other
routes.
Stirling Castle
in Stirling Old
Town has such an old history that
it's not certain when it began. The volcanic rock on which it stands only adds
to the beauty of the scene, and makes for great photos on this wonderful stop.
The castle in its current state was constructed between the 14th and 18th
centuries, but even in Roman times, a fort was present on this great rock. Stirling
Castle has a history of triumph. In
the 12th century, Scottish King William the Lion was made to suffer humiliation
at the hands of England's
Henry II by giving up six of his mighty castles. Stirling
was one of these. In 1189 it was given back to Scottish forces, waiting out its
time in captivity. This entire scenario was played out all over again when England's
Edward I took Stirling, and William Wallace's army
sorely defeated the English garrison.
If you are interested in Scottish history, this is the place to study it.
For those who are fans of the movie "Braveheart," there is plenty for
you to see and do here. Battle
scenes and ancient parts of the castle are recreated, and during the summer,
the era of "Braveheart" is brought to life again.
Magnificently redone to recall the days long past, Stirling
Castle features many rooms and
halls to explore. Immerse yourself in medieval and Renaissance times by touring
the Great Hall, the outer grounds, the Chapel, and many other sites of
interest. For the modern shopper and the hungry traveler, tastes will also be
satisfied within castle walls. Open all year round, with many services
available to tourists from restaurants to shops, Stirling
Castle is a great find to all.