Bonnie Scotland

In May 2010 my wife and I decided to get adventurous and do a week of driving through Scotland. It was probably the most adventurous and memorable trip we have ever taken. I still remember the sage advice my colleague in India Spencer gave me – “Remember try not to kill anybody with your driving.”



A 'Loch'. This drive is internatinally recognised as one of the most scenic drives in the world.



We started our journey in Leeds and via the Lake District region, drove up to Glasgow. Glasgow is the commercial capital of Scotland. The people of Glasgow are warm and very friendly. Love the way they speak in their lilting accent. The Kelvin Grove Art Gallery in Glasgow has been renovated recently and is brilliant. High tea at the historic Charles Rennie designed Willow tea rooms and a visit to the famous Horse Shoe pub is a must do.

Charles Rennie designed Willlow Tea room.

Kelvin Grove art agllery

Brilliant sky at Isle of Skye

Bright and early the next morning we left for the Isle of Skye. The 13 hours drive was long but very picturesque. We stopped at places like Fort William and other tourist spots. Every thing in Scotland is so historic and beautiful that it all looks like a tourist hot spot. The views are panoramic and the vistas change often from clear blue waters (Lochs) to majestic mountains. We even had to get on a boat with our car to cross over once. Perfectly lined cars waited patiently to get on the boat. A lil unnerving to think of something like this in India. All the cars would have been in the water trying to get on the boat first. The final drive to Skye was amazing as the road can accommodate only one car with little embankments to get on and give way to on coming traffic. Also along the way is the 3 Chimneys restaurant which is world renowned. The azure sky in the evening is something I will never forget. Well worth the long rode just to see the most amazing sky and views from atop the mountains.



Inverness - High Street


 Next stop was Inverness, Scotland’s newest city. Again a great drive with some spectacular views. Stayed in a lovely B&B called Bluebell with great hospitality and fantastic Scottish breakfast that Scotland is so well known for. Scottish breakfast traditionally is eggs, square sausages, black/white pudding, we also has cereals, juice, coffee, fruits, bread, butter, jams, cheese. A blissful, sinful way to start the day.





Such a pretty distillery

The whiskey making process

We drove to Edinburgh via Pitlochry and stopped at the smallest distillery in Scotland called Edradour. Took a tour to see how traditionally Scotch whiskey is made and had a wee dram of their finest whiskey. The process of making the whiskey is elaborate but the final product is smooth and delicious. Even the smell of the distillery was a mellow fine aroma and not the kind you would expect from an alcohol distillery.

The beautiful city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The architecture is beautiful and each building has it's own unique character. The Royal Mile runs between the Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Abbey. The now decommissioned Royal yatch Britannia is also permanently docked in Edinburgh. This magnificient ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world but is above all the home to the Queen and the Royal family.
 

Royal Yatch - Britannia

The shopping in Edinburgh is excellent and there are “Scotland” shops where they sell Scottish merchandise. The Scots are proud of their country and it shows. After all they have a beautiful country and a rich heritage.

We loved Scotland for it’s sheer beauty, excellent food and drink and warm lovely people. Can’t wait to get back there.