The Scottish Highlands…filled with Castles and Lochs! I learned an interesting fact about Scotland during our journey: ninety percent of Scotland’s population lives within ten percent of its territory (Edinburgh and surroundings) and the remaining ten percent of the population lives on the remaining ninety percent of the land (the Highlands). After four days of driving around the Highlands, I believe it! If you need some empty space and don’t feel like seeing your neighbors, move to the Scottish Highlands!

Glencoe- Although not a castle or loch, “glens” are also an important part of the Highlands. “Glen” (Gaelic gleann) means valley and the highland’s most famous glen holds a tragic tale.

Glencoe is the site of the horrific MacDonald Massacre. In 1691, King William III offered a pardon to any Highland clans who had fought against him previously. The pardon had to be signed in the town on Inverary before Jan 1, 1692. The leader of the MacDonald clan was reluctant to sign his, but knew it was best for the safety of his clan. He set out, but mistakenly traveled to Inverlochy. He arrived in Inverary 6 days late, signed the pardon, and thought that his clan was excused.

Unfortunately, plans were already in place to punish the clan. The Campbell clan was instructed to travel to Glencoe and wait for orders there. There used to be a hospitality tradition amongst the clans in the Highlands, promising any traveler safe accommodations upon request. This is because it was far too dangerous to spend the night in the Highland wilderness. So, the MacDonald clan opened their homes to the traveling Campbells and hosted them for 10 days. On the eve of the 11^th day, orders were given to kill any MacDonald under the age of 70. Early the next morning, the Campell soldiers awoke and massacred their hosts. 38 MacDonalds died, and many who fled died in the hills from hunger and exposure.

Valley where the MacDonald clan was proposed to have lived.

Urquhart Castle – Urquhart Castle lies on Loch Ness and was built around 1296. It passed through several hands, as well as through times of peace and turmoil until 1690. Colonel Grant’s soldiers were the last to see Urquhart Castle as a royal stronghold. After defeating the Jacobite siege, the soldiers blew up the castle, so no one else could benefit from its strategic location. It was left in ruins until it passed into state care in 1913.

Eilean Donan Castle – Eilean Donan Castle sits on the meeting point of Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh. It was built around 1260 and ownership was also passed between the clans as a battle prize until the 1710s, when it was destroyed. The castle lay in ruin for about 200 years before it was bought by the MacRae family. The castle was rebuilt and opened to the public in 1934. It is still owned, and visited, by members of the MacRae family.

Loch Ness – Ahhhh…..Scotland’s most famous loch! Actually, it is also Scotland’s largest loch, by volume, and contains more fresh water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. I heard that Scotland could survive for 60 years on the fresh water in Loch Ness alone, if necessary. I also heard that the loch is home to a huge monster, but you can’t believe everything you hear!

Regardless of the rumor mill, we gave it a wee look anyways.

Joe says he spotted Nessie, but he was also wearing his “drinking hat” when he made this statement, so we can’t believe everything he says either.

I fancy myself more of a marine biologist than a cryptozoologist, so this is the best I could find. Better luck next time.