Scotland Day 8

Day 25 - Scotland - Day 8 (September 23)

It was a beautiful morning. We were up around 6:30 AM as the sun rose above the hills across the River Tay. After a quick shower we went downstairs to breakfast to plan our day. Since we were all packed, I got the NetBook out one last time and checked our routes while Tina made some calls to confirm our “Rail/Sail” booking for tomorrow and to line up a place to stay in Stirling.

Leaving Dundee on the A90 we headed southeast towards Perth where we planned to go to the Scone Palace www.scone-palace.net .

Although its castellated mansion is only 200 years old, the present-day Scone Palace is built on the site of a medieval abbey and palace which is of pivotal importance in the history of Scotland. It saw the coronations of Scottish monarchs for hundreds of years until the Stone of Scone (the "Stone of Destiny") was moved to Westminster Abbey at the end of the 13th century, by King Edward I. There is a replica Stone of Destiny on view at Scone Palace, although the real stone is now much closer, as in 1996 it was transferred from Westminster Abbey to Edinburgh Castle.

The current palace was built in the early 19th century by David Murray, Earl of Mansfield, costing him £60,000, with William Atkinson's designs taking nine years to complete. A choice example of the Georgian Gothic style, the building contains great portraits and decorative arts collections, while the grounds once held Scottish Parliaments between 1210 and 1452, commemorated by a small chapel dedicated by the Third Earl of Mansfield.

We went into the Palace and toured the building, it is simply beautiful. As in most museums, no photos were allowed so you have to go to the web site to see all the art and antiques. After walking through the Palace we spent another half hour touring the castle grounds. The butterfly garden was a hit, lots of flowers with lots of butterflies. Also peacocks, pheasants and many farm animals. The grounds are well laid out and very well kept.

Leaving the Scone Palace we returned to A90 into the town of Stirling to visit the monument to William Wallace, one of Scotland’s principal heroes. We made it to http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/stirling/wallace/ Stirling and drove up to the parking lot below the monument. Since it was lunch time we decided to have a bite to eat at the café before ascending to the top of the monument.

Over 700 years ago, England’s King Edward I, oppressed the people of Scotland using a rule of tyranny and terror. Occupied and oppressed, the Scottish nation sought a hero to challenge the reign of cruelty. Sir William Wallace, a true patriot had a burning desire for peace and freedom. His passion and fervor for the cause of freedom united the country’s clans and gained the loyalty of its people. In 1297, a decisive battle was fought between the well armed and trained English army and a battle hardened band of Scots Highlanders led by William Wallace. Using their knowledge of the land, Wallace fashioned tactics that were well suited to his troops and at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, defeated the English. The monument was created to recognize his courageous efforts to free Scotland from England’s domination.

After our lunch we were going to take the shuttle up the hill to the base of the monument. Standing outside the cafe waiting for the bus, the admissions clerk came out and informed us that the shuttle driver was having his lunch, so we decided to walk…. Up a very steep trail… With eight or nine switchbacks… To take us up to the monument entrance… But we made it to the top of Abbey Craig and the base of the monument.. We took several photos of the outside trying not to be blown away in the high wind blowing around the top of the hill.

Going inside we learned that there are four levels reached by over 230 steps in a circular staircase. Tina was simply thrilled to have another challenge … Yeah, right!! But with perseverance we actually made it to each level, taking a rest break at each before making the final push to the summit!! Well, reaching the top of the monument anyway - heheheh! The view from the top, overlooking the Shire and town of Stirling was fantastic.

Eventually we had to get out of the wind, so we looked for an elevator… Nope, back the way we came. Down the winding staircase (with people coming up) and down the trail eventually reaching the car. From the monument we made it back into town and found our B&B, a nice place on the edge of town. We registered and took all our bags in to get organized for our trip to Ireland in the morning. After relaxing a few hours we walked to one of the local pubs for dinner, walked back and decided to call it a night since we’ll be up early.

To see all our photos click on the following link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/mjdolanski