Castles and Unicorns
We were up and on the road around 8:30 and Bill was able to navigate us safely to Sterling.
We were able to join the first group tour at 10:00 with our guide Patrick. He shared some of the historical highlights of the Sterling Castle, relevant battles, and rulers such as the Stewarts / Stuarts (including Mary Queen of Scots), Bruces, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the Jacobites.
We were able to spot a lot of unicorns in the crests and on the tapestries in the restored palace residences. The castle is known to have the largest banquet hall in all of Scotland and the outside has been restored to its ordinal golden colour. Bill and Doug enjoyed seeing some of the military history and artifacts.
We drove back into town and found a great spot, The Brae, for lunch. We had a leisurely lunch and ordered lots of small dishes, whisky, beer, cider, wine, and desserts. The cheese platter, scallops, venison, fish in a fish dish, smoked parsley soup, sticky toffee pudding, Scottish Mist (strawberries and cream), and vegan chocolate ice cream from Cream and Honey (two thumbs up) were all fantastic. We walked in the rain to the Sterling Museum and Art Gallery.
We saw a the oldest curling rock, dating back to 1511, and the oldest football (soccer) ball. By the time we went through the gallery, the rain had cleared and it was a pleasant walk back to the car.
Along the way Bill and I bought a Santa in a kilt ornament for our Christmas tree, a unicorn with plaid for Lolo, and a present for Maisie’s first birthday!
Sheila was in the driver’s seat on the way to Fort William. For some reason the vehicle navigation took us on the scenic route through the National Park, then we encountered a major accident on the highway (that has zero alternative routes). Our 2 hour drive became a 4 hour drive. Poor Sheila! Doug is not allowed to navigate anymore…
We checked into Nevis Bank Inn and quickly freshened up so we can head downtown Fort William to get a bite to eat before kitchens close for the evening.
It took a bit of searching but we found a spot that had space and food that I could eat, Grog and Gruel. Bill enjoyed his steak and stout pie, Sheila had haggis nachos that looked delightful, I had a Grog hotdog that was a sausage with grilled onion and it was tasty. Doug’s burger was just OK.
Based on a recommendation from the waitress we went to Crofters for drinks. The music was loud, the patrons were drunk, and the drinks were plentiful.
After watching the rugby game, the main sport was people watching. Sheila and Doug made friends with Connor the rugby player and Bill and I decided to head back to the Inn early.