We’re on the second portion, the Scottish portion, of our 20-day adventure in Great Britain and Ireland, a trip we’ve always hoped and dreamed we could make one day. We hope you enjoy coming along with us vicariously!

After a delicious full-Scottish breakfast, we began our day with a drive into the hither lands to the Lindores Abbey Distillery. Acclaimed whisky writer Michael Jackson wrote, “For the whisky lover, it is a pilgrimage.” We’re certainly not in the class of “whiskey lovers,” but we found the history of the place fascinating:

Although now best known as the “Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky,” the history of Lindores Abbey itself dates back to 1191.

The wealthy Abbey entertained monarchs such as David II, Edward I of England, and Robert the Bruce; Scotland’s greatest national hero William Wallace rested here; three puissant knights swore their loyalty to The Bruce in this sacred space and many important Scottish historical figures sought solace and even eternal rest within the grounds.

The Whisky part of our history starts in 1494 and owes its origins to the Tironensian monks that lived at Lindores Abbey, or the ‘Church by the Water’, over half a millennium ago.

We not only quite enjoyed learning about the art of Scotch whisky making, we were able to savor tastings of the different varieties.

Then we were off to St. Andrews, the world’s “home of golf,” and where Prince William not only attended the University, but met and began dating his future wife, Kate.

After sharing a hot chocolate (it was rainy and cool), we headed out to visit the stately Scone Palace, the family home of the Earls of Mansfield, the ancient residence of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned.

The palace also houses an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings, and rare artifacts. We took time to stroll in the colorful gardens and even relived the legends of King Author, the coronation chair, and the Stone of Destiny. And, we couldn’t visit the Palace of Scone without enjoying one of their scones and their estate-made jam.

Afterward, travel through mountainous Cairngorms National Park to Aviemore, a resort surrounded by magnificent scenery. After a brief visit, we then found our way to our hotel in Inverness for a group dinner tonight.

Tomorrow we have a big day in the Scottish highlands, including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Should be fun. Hope you can join us for tomorrow’s post.

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