29 April 2012 - Dunollie Castle

Next stop - and only a few miles down the road from Dunstaffnage Castle - was Dunollie Castle.  While Dunstaffnage isn't exactly in the best of condition, its a whole lot better than Dunollie.

This is the view from inside the castle - first floor.

Double glazing is missing.

Safety sign letting you know of "recent" stone falls.  Dated 1997.

Sign underneath asking for donations to help repair Dunollie.  Doesn't seem like they've been given too much in the last 15 years.

View from the castle looking back towards Oban - the ferry is on its way out to the islands.

29 April 2012 - Dunstaffnage Castle

Today, we headed towards Oban and our first stop was Dunstaffnage Castle.  This castle was apparently built before 1725 and has some pretty strong historical links as not only was it captured by Robert the Bruce, it was also a prison for Flora McDonald - that pesky Bonnie Prince Charlie has a lot to answer for.

11 September 2010 - Edinburgh

The morning after the night before. Same view in the day.



And looking the other way towards Princes St.



This was our bedroom.



Theres that castle again.



Amber is waaaaaaaaay down the corridor.



The bedroom ceiling.



While walking around Edinburgh we came across this archway to what was Stockbridge Market.

10 September 2010 - Edinburgh

This evening after work for me and school for Amber, we headed through to Edinburgh to meet Ange. Today had been her works conference at the Caledonian Hilton and as part of the package she'd been offered a suite for the night. It was HUGE. This was the view of Edinburgh Castle from our bedroom.

02 May 2010 - Craigievar Castle

Fresh from its makeover, this pink castle looked like a must to visit. They spent millions with the renovations including putting on new rough casting in a bright pink!!! Apparently it used to be pink so they were trying to recreate it.



They replaced and repaired much of the stonework including some of the gargoyles.



This was one of my favourites a stone piper!



If you ignored the ornate turrets, the base of the castle with its small windows has a hint of the deco to it?

01 May 2010 - Castle Fraser

We have had a couple of nice long weekends in Aberdeen and it is becoming a favourite bolt hole for us. With work and school over for the day we drove north to the granite city for a 3 day break.

We took the chance to look round a couple of National Trust places while we were there. First on our travels was Castle Fraser.



It also has a lovely garden so we took a stroll round it.



For some reason Andrew likes this roller. Did it deserve a picture on the blog though???



Gardens are fine when you have an army of gardeners looking after them.



The meadows leading from the gardens to the castle.



And a very ususual play area in the wooded area. How cool is this carving of the castle?



A full view of the castle and its courtyard area.

07 July 2009 - Balmoral Castle

Today we set off for Balmoral Castle, as the Queen isn't on her holidays at the moment we were going to be able to get in. En route we stopped off to stretch our legs and admire the countryside.

All buildings should have antlers on them.



Part of the gardens.





The castle from the gardens.



A "cottage" in the grounds.



Another view of the castle.



Water feature.



Thistle detail on the top of the turrets.



Another garden.



At Balmoral you're only allowed to see one room inside - the ballroom - and you aren't meant to take pictures so I had to sneak one on the way in......



On the way home we stopped to climb a hill.



Views from part way up.







And then a C130 flew over. (I only know its a C130 because Don told me).



Pamela, Abby and I gave up about half way up, Don, Alex & Amber carried on walking up to the top.



The cars waiting patiently on the road.



Don & Alex at the top.