2007- Scotland's Castles!!

Driving up from York, we explored Hadrian's Wall and the Jedburgh area of the Scottish Borders. Then, on to experience 2 contrasting Scottish castles.

Stirling Castle is a cozy, royal family focal point of Scottish history.....from its ramparts we can see Stirling Bridge and the Wallace (Braveheart) Monument with the nearby Highlands. You can almost hear the melancholy bagpipes playing as the Scots battle the English on the bridge in 1297.
Inside, we sat as King and Queen in the magnificent dining hall while the jesters entertained us!
The rose gardens were beautiful in the brisk Fall air and Robert played some pranks in the kitchen area!

In stark contrast to Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle was brooding and ominous.

We were greeted by Braveheart himself on the Royal Mile leading up to Edinburgh Castle....and then we were delighted to chat with an original bagpiper at the front gate.

Inside the castle, we viewed crown jewels, wonderful views back to St Giles Cathedral and gorgeous bed chambers with on-site woven tapestries.