Scotland - Day 12 - The Final Touring Day

Today began at Linlithgo Palace.  The building of this magnificent palace, begun by James I in 1425, continued for over a century and it became a favorite royal residence.  James V was born here in 1512 as was his daughter, Mary Queen of Scots in 1542.  Also Bonnie Prince Charlie attempted to rally troops from this location in 1745.

This site also served as Wentworth Prison for Outlander, where Jamie is raped by Black Jack Randall.  The high walls certainly lend the location a suitable air of menace, but the views are beautiful.

The elaboratedly carved King's Fountain, the centerpiece of the palace courtyard, flowed with wine during Charlie's stay; commissioned by James V in 1537 it is the oldest fountain in Britain.

And, this palace too is undergoing renovation to help save it.

(A side note:  Today we learned that if a site is called a Palace, it means the structure was used as a home.  If it is called a Castle, the site was a home and a military fortification.  Didn't know that.)

From Linlithgow Palace we headed to Stirling Castle.  One of my favorite visits of the entire trip.  Just a really magnificant destination.  Hold Stirling and you control Scotland.  This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times.  Edinburgh Castle and Stirling are similiar; the location, architecture, historical significance and commanding views combine to make it a grand sight.

The current castle dates from the 14th - 16th centuries when it was a residence for the Stuart monarchs. 

Queen Anne's gardens

Its cemetary

Inside courtyard

Chapel

Throne Room

Entrance

A reminder of its military role

The castle is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position.  Its strategic locatoin, guarding what was, until the 1890's, the farthest downstream crossing of River Forth, has made it an important fortification in the region from earlier times.

Our final stop of the entire 2 weeks was at Glasgow Cathedral.  Due to the turn in English/Scottish religious history from Catholic to Protestant worship,  it is surprising that the cathedral suvived the Reformation mobs.  However, most of the current building dates from the 15th century.

As it turned out, on our drive back to our hotel for the evening we had a drive by that left us with a little giggle.  In the middle of the town center is a statute (I forget who now) that is continuously decorated with parking cones.  Typically on the riders head, but today we had a special treat with a cone on his head and the horese's head.  

City Council required that scoffolding be erected at a cost of 800 pounds to remove the cones, and immediately the next day the cones were back in place.  Since that time the cones are left in place.  If by some chance they disappear overnight, the next day they are back in place again.  Ah, they have a sense of humor over here.

Our arrival back at the hotel this afternoon marks the official end of the trip.  I will stay in touch tomorrow for my return travel home and then finally, a wrap up of the 2 weeks.  

See you soon!!!