We have added to our traveling party as from yesterday. We left Fort Augustus early and headed north up the loch to Inverness airport. The trip up was beautiful as a layer of mist had settled on the loch and surrounding hills giving us amazing photo opportunities on the way. We picked up Jac (who had said goodbye to her parents the day before) then headed south east toward our next destination close to Stirling. The drive was scenic although we had to contend with a lot of idiots on the road. Sick of the driving we saw a sign for the Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig and figured that it would be a lovely break. It was very relaxing and we got to see awesome animals like tigers, Scottish wildcats & a polar bear up close. With our animal appetite satisfied we were back in the car & off to our lodgings. It took about an hour to arrive at our b&b in The Bridge Of Alan near Stirling. A comfortable old manor house built in 1876 greeted us with welcoming hosts, then it was off to the pub for some good old fashioned food and quite a few ciders. We even tried haggis which was better then we had expected. Probably close to chicken stuffing I guess. May never try it again but being in Scotland it had to be done. Then back home to a peaceful snooze.
Today we were up to a great cooked brekky before a day out exploring. We tried haggis the night before so it was only fitting we sampled some black pudding. Not to our tastes I must admit but once again was something we had to try. Then it was off to Stirling Castle for some exploring and history of Scotland. We have seen quite a few castles on our trip but this one has prob been the most impressive with it's history. We took a guided tour and were pointed out the areas where Robert the Bruce defeated the English at the battle of Bannockburn. Also where William 'Mel Gibson' Wallace also defeated them at the battle of Stirling. Amazing!! We were there for 4 hours before heading into the town for a look around. It started to rain so back in the car and off to Bannockburn for a look at the battle site. We then made for home which took over an hour due to a fallen tree over a main road. We eventually made it home before wandering down the street for a crappy meal and yet again more cider. A great day of history to end our last day in Scotland.