***“Be the Change You Want to See Around You…Be Kind & Share the Love”***

August 1, 2024-

Hi Everyone and welcome to the first day of August! Soon it will be one of our favorite seasons, Autumn, the season of reflection and gratitude!

This first day of August is one that is very unique to us this year. We have the privilege of spending it together in the Scottish Highlands This is our first time to visit Scotland for our little family, and it hasn’t disappointed..

We woke to another glorious day with the sun beams illuminating the interior of the Kennels Cottage. This morning for breakfast, we had the option of the Quiche we picked up yesterday from House of Bruar, porridge with raspberries, along with a selection of other goodies, including some delicious grapefruits from the small roadside store we stopped at yesterday. And yes another morning fire in the wood stove to warm the dining room was important too.

*Breakfast in the cool morning...one of the favorite times of a day...*

We had a slow easy morning until about 10 we began to prepare to go on the drive north towards Inverness. The destination being the Battle of Culloden.

*All settled in with the pillows used as props...*

*A view of the Battlefield of Culloden..picture taken from the lookout area of the visitor center..*

Reflection time about Culloden. Lets first learn about the Highlanders rebellion called Jacobite…The term "Jacobite" comes from the Latin "Jacobus," meaning James, and refers to those who supported James II of England and his family's claim to the throne. This group was active in the late 1600s and early 1700s, aiming to restore the Stuart dynasty after they were removed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Jacobites were mostly in Scotland and Ireland, united by loyalty to their heritage, fighting for a king and a sense of national pride. Their story is an important part of British history, marked by battles and the determination of those wanting to bring back a rightful ruler.

So what motivated a rebellion of the Scottish Highlanders Clans? The Jacobites were profoundly motivated by a deep and unwavering desire for freedom and the restoration of the Stuart monarchy, which they believed symbolized legitimate and rightful rule over both Scotland and England. Their struggle was deeply rooted in a strong sense of national identity, as they fervently sought to reclaim the lands and rights they felt had been unjustly taken from them in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This passionate movement was not solely about achieving political power; it embodied the hope for cultural preservation, as the Jacobites were driven by a heartfelt passion for their rich Scottish heritage and cherished traditions. The vivid dream of an independent Scotland, free from English domination, fueled their relentless pursuit of rebellion, uniting clans and communities together in a shared and noble vision of liberation and sovereignty for their homeland. The Jacobite uprisings, spanned several decades, primarily occurring between 1688 and 1746. The most notable of these uprisings took place between 1745 and 1746, led by Charles Edward Stuart, commonly called Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The Battle of Culloden marked the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising led by Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. This decisive battle took place on Culloden Moor, near Inverness, Scotland, and pitted the Jacobite forces against the British government army, commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. The aftermath of the battle was devastating for the Jacobites, who faced a decisive defeat, resulting in significant loss of life and the end of the Stuart claim to the British throne. The Battle of Culloden resulted in the loss of around 1,500 to 2,000 courageous Jacobite soldiers and approximately 300 government troops who valiantly fought on that fateful day. The battle not only altered the political landscape of Scotland but also led to a series of repressive measures against Highland culture and traditions in the years that followed.

*This depicts the English army position and the Highlander Jacobites position...these lines are mark with the flags...*

The Battle of Culloden, which was fought on the fateful day of April 16, 1746, had a profound and lasting impact on the vibrant culture of Scotland, marking not only the end of the Jacobite risings but also the beginning of a harsh and relentless crackdown on cherished Highland traditions. Following the devastating defeat, the British government swiftly implemented punitive policies aimed at suppressing the Gaelic culture that had thrived for centuries, including the outright banning of tartans and the traditional Highland dress. This brutal suppression led to a significant and heart-wrenching loss of identity for the proud Scottish people. Yet, the battle also fostered an indomitable sense of resilience among Scots, sparking a remarkable cultural revival in the 19th century as interest in Gaelic music, folklore, and age-old storytelling surged back to life. This period saw a romanticized and nostalgic view of the majestic Highlands emerge, ultimately contributing to a renewed sense of pride and admiration for Scottish heritage. Culloden’s enduring legacy continues to resonate strongly today, reminding Scots of their turbulent and complex history while inspiring a steadfast commitment to preserving their rich cultural tapestry for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

*Outlander Series has obviously brought a lot of people to see this battlefield area. Clan Fraser Stone was the only stone with a fence around in it..*

We spent a relaxing and interesting 1 or 2 hours at Culloden. Then we three hopped back in the Mini and headed towards the nearby city of Inverness. The goal was to find some petrol asap. And also to buy some much needed groceries. We settled for a Tesco market on the outskirts of Inverness which also had a fuel station nearby. Tesco is a nice store with a good selection of food options plus other products such as some much needed diapers for Téo. (Once again we were impressed with the quality of food options. Even the snacks for children were health conscious without the preservatives and loads of processed sugars. Instead simple straightforward plant based ingredients sweeten with natural sweets.) One thing high on the list was a good hot chocolate mix to enjoy in the cool evenings. And some of Clotted Cream for the scones we had picked up earlier. (Clotted cream and Raspberry Jam…yum!)

By this time leaving the Inverness area we were hungry and needed some grub. However the fish and chips food truck we talked about stopping at wasn't open this time in the mid afternoon. So on we went, the plan was now to stop at the Lake House restaurant near the town of Kincraig. Until we arrived and discovered it was very busy and closing down soon. Instead we backtracked a little way to the cute little Old Post Office Bakery Café that we had stopped for scones this morning on the way to Culloden. We were in luck…barely they were soon to close but still took our order and we enjoyed the sandwich on a red bench with a view in front of the Cafe. This was perfect!

*In front of the local Cafe, found a bench to relax on and eat our lunch..*

Jeff was still hungry for fish and chips and decided to drive to the next small village called Kingussie where a fish and chips restaurant was open. Cod was our preferred fish for Fish and Chips orders. It seemed to be more flaky and soft. Halibut was good as well.

*We stopped by a fish and chips shop in this town in the afternoon..*

Leaving Kingussie we took the scenic route to the Kennels Cottage passing by pastures with sheep grazing the lush grass surrounded by either wire fences or rock fences in the rolling hills.

*Something about seeing the many sheep in Scotland.. they are just a natural fit..*

*Trees in the Valleys and Scottish Heather on the hills..*

Once back at the cottage we were eager to take a walk down the road where we had not explored yet. Hoping we would find a path leading to the river below.

Along the way, we would stop, pick and eat the wild raspberries along the road. They were delicious and a real treat. The evening was gorgeous, perfect for a relaxing walk and light jacket.

A short distance from our cottage, we walk past some more houses. Some were being renovated and we assumed were soon to been places to rental in the Glenfeshie Portfolio. By the one set of houses we were greeted by two boisterous dogs running out to meet us. Which they didn’t seem very friendly and we had to quickly pick Teo up just in case they turned out to be aggressive. Luckily they gave us a good sniff and seemed satisfied especially once they’re master called for them to return and let us be. We asked the gentleman if the road we seen heading down hill through the grass led down to the river below and he confirmed that it would take a straight to the river. Yay, away we went down the gravel path.

At the bottom we found a rocky river bed with shallow water, perfect for skipping rocks on. We stayed by the water till the mingie came out and started bothering us. When this happens we have found it is best to start walking to help escape them.

*We a found a road leading towards the river below*

*One more of the many flowering plants here*

The sun was setting by the time we arrived back to the cottage. Mandy and Teo went inside I made my down the steep hill to the check out the river there. At the bottom I found a good that I wasn’t the only one that visited this area. There was a number of rock towers erected on the river bed with majestic views all around. I found a area that could be a great option if swimming is a priority. If it was noon instead of dusk I would’ve totally been game for a good swim…maybe next time.

*River bed a short walk from the cottage*

*One of the numerous rock towers on the riverbed..*

*Notice the white houses nestled in the green hills in the distance, beautiful. On our walk we had went by these houses.*

The evening had come and we settled in for our final night at the special in the Cairngorms. Tomorrow we leave this area and head to an Airbnb close by Fort Williams. But first we may ride the local steam departing from the train station in Aviemore…Bye for now!

P.S. The next blog post will be posted the evening of November 26, 2024, titled: Aviemore, On To Fort Williams

Slow Living - Visiting Culloden Battlefield

Aviemore, Onto to Fort Williams

Exploring Cairngorm & Blair Castle