A little bit of sunshine today but deteriorated later i’m afraid. Jennifer GPS successfully took us to the site of The Battle of Culloden (Scottish Gaelic: Blàr Chùil Lodair) Taking place on 16 April 1746, the battle pitted the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart (bonny prince Charley) against an army commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, loyal to the British government. The Jacobite cause to overthrow the reigning House of Hanover and restore the House of Stuart to the British throne was dealt a decisive defeat at Culloden. It was a bloody battle mainly because the runner from Charlie’s army was killed before he could give the signal to fight to the various leaders of the Scottish clansmen, so the English had a half hour start with cannons & muskets before the Scots realized what was happening & charged. We got to carry the broad swords, dirks & very heavy muskets the the Scots would carry as they ran across the boggy ground. Hard work in it’s self without having to then turn around & fight – they must have been supper fit. Adding to the atmosphere the rain & hail came down when we had decided to go out onto the field.
Next onto the Dallas Dhu historic whiskey distillery which was closed in 1986. They still have some whiskey from that time for £90 a bottle but the lady told us they are selling on e bay for £250. One man recently came & brought £5000 worth cos eventually the remaining stock is going to run out. We got to sample the blended sort not the expensive one – still it was very smooth, so brought a little miniature one to bring home. Having now wet the Whiskey appetite & another distillery only a short distance away we were off agin. This one named Benromach is a small working distillery and when it opened in 1996 prince Charles signed the first barrel which is on display in the cellars. Another wee dram was par taken which we liked even better than the first.
Next we just when on a wee tour around a seaside village – well within the drinking & driving limit of course. Back to the B & B for wee nap for Steve while I write this then off to find somewhere to have tea
We found a great bar called ‘The Room’ that had a very nice meal for a reasonable price and also a band which we listened to for a while. Interesting to note that it didn’t start to get dark until 10 pm and that the city was humming with the party goers at this earlier time than they would have been at home.
Another great day.