May 20, 2016 - Scotland 2016

Jae Wiens
Nov 22, 2020
4 min read

Updated: Mar 23, 2022

So this morning I reluctantly left Edinburgh to make the journey north. I had the most beautiful train ride crossing over Scotland from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Such diverse and lovely scenery - sailboats swaying to the ebb and flow of the tides, lush green meadows fenced by rock walls dotted with sheep, distant rocky outcrops covered in yellow flowers. There were trees in the most gorgeous blooms, moving through medieval moss covered, arched bridges as we climbed high enough to see barren, snow covered mountains.

HEADING NORTH BY TRAIN TO INVERNESS PASSED A QUAINT HIGHLAND TOWN

From seaside villages to Highland towns coming to rest at the mouth of the river Ness. The words “mystical” and “magical” seem to describe this land best!

Yesterday was a busy day touring Edinburgh - plenty of exploring. And yet I found it almost overwhelming. I want to see everything but there's so much to see and I have limited time. I am just enthralled by this city, this country and its rich history!

I did manage to go to the Real Mary King's Close which is intriguing, haunting and tragic all at the same time. This was the part of the city which was covered over by "progress" as the city expanded. Since by law no one was allowed to live below, all the citizens were evicted and yet some of the poor still remained there to live underground in their homes while the city built up around and on top of them. Lots of ghost stories came out of this place over the years while people lived here. Two separate plagues caused numerous deaths, murders took place, and various classes of people mingled in such close quarters.

A very cool tour! Check out this website for more information: www.realmarykingsclose.com.

I also met up with a friend, Cat (Catherine), her husband, Pete and their 5 week old son, Alexander. Cat and I lived in and taught English in South Korea so many years ago. Great to catch up over some awesome Korean food and see how our lives have transformed since we saw one another last! Lots of great laughs!

And yesterday evening I met some new friends for a Scotch. These wonderful Ladies will be joining me on the nature quest which starts tomorrow. I will be flying to Kirkwall in the morning from Inverness on a small plane with FlyBe Airlines. (As of 2019, this airline was sold to Connect Airways).

A bit of a whirlwind tour but so worth it!

Inverness is so incredible. Such a remarkable and dynamic history.

A big “thank you” to the Highland Council for their plaques at the Inverness Castle site. Great information! I learned so much more about this beautiful area!)

A VIEW OF THE DISTANT HIGHLANDS AND THE RIVER NESS FLOWING THROUGH INVERNESS

There is a Roman fort stronghold at Cawdor nearby which was established to fight the surrounding clans. This short lived Roman invasion lasted for about 40 years.

And the Battle of Culloden was fought nearby on the Culloden Moors on April 16, 1746.

The greater Inverness area is about 60,000 people. The natural aspect on its own, with the River Ness flowing through the city, and also the Caledonian Canal and marina just outside my bnb bedroom window, is incredibly awesome.

The boardwalk and river paths are lined with massive mossy ancient trees - cedars, pines, oaks, maples... They stand like sentinels on guard. I couldn't even get my arms partially around any of them to hug - they were so immense! The fresh smells of a thriving forest...sigh! Such a peaceful place!

Sealladh Sona B&B is where I am staying and it is truly beautiful. From their Bed ‘N Breakfast introduction, the name of Sealladh Sona means “Peaceful View”, and it does not disappoint!

I immediately felt at home in this cosy place which is run by a lovely couple - Jim and Christina. They were so helpful and were able to accommodate me as I arrived earlier than expected, allowing me to check in without any hassles. Their hospitality is truly outstanding!

Please check out their website: www.sealladhsona.co.uk.

And I finally tried haggis with a glass of 14 year old Oban whiskey. I was pleasantly surprised. The haggis was so delicious! My new comfort food perhaps!?! On a cool and blustery afternoon, the whiskey went down warm and smooth.

This quiet pub I ate at overlooked the River Ness and I could see Inverness Castle across the river. The castle site has held various castles over the course of history since 1057. The tales of this place were turbulent, often bloody and eventful. The various clans in the area (around 50 of these) held a prominent place in history as a result and most of these clans are still respected and remain influential today.

Today, the grounds and north tower are the only part of this castle which are open to the public. It also houses the Inverness Sheriff, and Justice of the Peace Court.