Day 12, 6/10/26, Into the Highlands. Inverness.

 Inverness is regarded as the capital of the highlands, and it will be our base for the next 2 nights. But of course there is sights to see along the way.

First stop was Fort George, still in use today with a military presence, saw different soldiers wandering around officially, all in uniform. So they say to be prepared for a bag check if someone thinks you are acting suspiciously. We didn't get that check, so  must look too boring. It was interesting, and again we scored a lovely day. Lots of big guns, embankments, green grass, and edges to fall off if you were not too careful. No fences, one is just meant to read the signs, and not walk backwards to take photos.

 Another gift shop, as is at every place, but this time I did buy something, special teas, heather, thistle, whiskey and Scottish Breakfast. All black teas with bits added, so far I've just not tried the thistle tea, but rest have been nice.

We then went to see the Nairn viaduct, now called the Culloden viaduct, which is still in use, proved by witnessing a train going across. Impressive piece of engineering considering how old it is. Some poor longsuffering farmer must get used to travelers like us briefly pulling up to take a photo before driving off, but his intrepid sons are making use of it, as they've opened a little store cupboard selling some packs of goodies with a honesty box for payment.

Unfortunately we didn't need any more biscuits or honey. As they're selling natural honey  we cannot take back it back into Australia without running foul of the authorities, and we don't want to do that, or chance destroying our already struggling bee industry at home. The varroa mites are enough to contend with.

Not a Castle for our next visit, but a battlefield, the Culloden battlefield, where the British (government) and the Highland warriors (Jacobite's) met, and the Highlanders were vanquished, with much loss of life, Very insignificant looking field now, but that belies the courage and determination of the Scots to be free from British rule, however with some poor decisions it seems, on the 16th April 1746 the Scottish forces, the Jacobite's came up against the Government forces, and in about 60 minutes 1500 Jacobite's lost their lives, and the force was defeated. There's lots more to it then that, but anyone can look it up to gain a deeper understanding.

The battlefield. 

One of the memorials to the Scottish warriors, there's one for each clan.

A bigger memorial. 

Enough of battles, time for some shopping and culture, so into the Centre of Inverness we went, goal the Museum and Art Gallery. Disappointed on what was on offer in the Gallery, the museum was more interesting. Then to check out some shops in the Victorian Market, lots of shops geared to tourists, but I'm still looking for what I want, something with tartan. Will probably get it in Glasgow, then I don't have to carry it around with me. Tiring of that, we decided to find our accommodation, google led us astray, but we are getting good, so worked out where to go, The Saddlery was a very nice 2 bedroom townhouse like accommodation, and we even had our own courtyard. Like good people we did some washing, so we don't scare everyone with the smelly shirts, though with all the wind, I don't think anyone would notice.

One part of the Victorian market.

Our little courtyard, first place we've stayed with one, and a clothes line.

Naarah's room.