Day 10-The Dowager's Castle

Woke up to heavy winds and rain, but that's Scotland, so almost non-stop rain today, we carried on.

First destination for today was Cawdor Castle, the current home of the Dowager Countess of the 6th Earl of Cawdor.  The Countess is now 75, spends the summer in another home nearby, but lives in the castle from fall through spring.  Her estate includes over 50,000 acres and includes lots of farmland and tenants that when combined with income from tourists paying to visit the castle, cover here yearly expenses to live in such luxury.  A staff of 40 is required to maintain the castle and the gardens.  A 21st century version of Downton Abbey without doubt.

The Dowager Countess, age 25!

Out next destination for the day was Clava Cairns, a Stonehenge-like burial ground that dates back to 2000 BC.  

From Clava Cairns we had a short drive down some very narrow lanes on the way to the Culloden Battlefield where in 1746 England finally defeated the Jacobites and ended Bonnie Prince Charlie's attempt to reclaim the throne for the Stuart family.  Culloden was the last hand to hand battle in Grat Britain...other than "The Troubles"...but those aren't acknowledge here.

As a result of this victory the English outlawed all cultural and social customs from the Highlands.  Tartans and kilts were banned, property was seized from anyone that was believed to have sympathized with the Jacobites, and women were raped.  DEPLORABLE

Queen Victoria was primarily responsible at the end of the 19th century for restoring Scottish customs and pride.  She loved Scotland, and spent much of her final years in the Highlands.

The Tweed Mill, our B&B for tonight.