Inverness is the largest city in the Highlands of Scotland. It lies at the mouth of the River Ness, which flows from Loch Ness, stomping grounds of the famous Loch Ness Monster. We arranged a private car service through InvergordonTours. https://www.invergordontours.com/ We were very pleased with the service!
After being picked up at the dock we headed through Inverness to Loch Ness where we boarded the Jacobite Cruise of Loch Ness. https://www.jacobite.co.uk/. Our two hour cruise took us through the man-made part of the Caledonian Canal onto the world-famous waters of Loch Ness. The live guide provided interesting commentary and a bit of fiction while we absorbed the waters and scenery. We arrived by boat to Urquhart Castle which sits a top of Loch Ness. Here we explore the ruins. The tourist building attached as a great short film of Urquhart - don't miss it. Gianna is sure she saw Nessie by the way.
It is quite charming how there are Nessies all over Inverness.
A bit peckish from all that exploring our Guide brought us to Dobbies Garden Centre for lunch. I was thinking the same thing, why would one go to a garden centre for lunch? Well it turns out that inside, beyond the plants and garden equipment, the gift shop items and knick knacks, is a very delicious cafeteria. We had scones and tasty soup. It was absolutely wonderful - and - not a tourist in sight. After picking up a few items we hit the road again.
More hairy cows:
We headed to Cawdor Castle next. Cawdor Castle is a private castle so the Explorer pass does not work here. The castle was originally owned by the Calder family. It was passed down to the Campbells in the 16th century and it continues to be owned by the Campbell family. The castle is the home to the Dowager Countess Cawdor, stepmother of Colin Campbell, the 7th Earl Cawdor. Interestingly, the castle is known for its literary connection to William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor. The connection seems tenuous given that the castle was never directly referred to in Macbeth and was built many years after the life King Macbeth.
It was very interesting to explore - and to think that someone actually lived there.
The kids were tired so they rested in the car while Tim and I explored the Inverness Cathedral which was very beautiful.
Going back to port, there is one last chance for picking up souvenirs at the terminal.
