At The Oaks: Scotland Part 2

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Scotland Part 2

Joni was free from work today and Fiona swapped her work day. After breakfast they drove us down to Loch Leven. This is half way between Edinburgh and Perth; just off the M90.

Following the road we came to a RSPB centre where we parked in the hope of woodland walk. We found the cost of walking to a hide a little exorbitant, but found our way to the upstairs cafe. Positioned alongside a large window, overlooking the loch, were three powerful telescopes and these were free to use. So, aided by an enthusiastic volunteer the party spent a good few minutes, for free, helping us in our study of the bird life.

They also had remote control cameras on the island. These could be swivelled around until you found something of interest to zoom in on. Our guide was very excited by a bird which was very much out of place. I can't remember much about it. The on screen picture was much clearer than this photograph.

Lost bird of Leven

From here we drove on to 'The Pier'. Here there was a restaurant, shops and a place to book boat trips to the main island. On the island is Loch Leven Castle.

The official guide gives this account:

"Originally the site of a 6th century Pictish fort, the 14th century tower which forms the nucleus of Lochleven Castle is one of the earliest and best preserved tower-houses in Scotland. A royal stronghold that was granted to the Douglas family in 1390, the castle is first known to have been used as a state prison in 1316 when King Robert the Bruce imprisoned John of Lorne there. The castle’s most famous prisoner was Mary Queen of Scots, imprisoned there from 1567 until her escape in 1568. While held in Lochleven Castle, she was forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son James (later King James Ist, uniting England and Scotland)."

Tickets were purchased for our trip out to Lochleven Castle, but the weather began to look threatening. So we went for a short walk to take up some time before lunch. The first thing we encountered were carvings of animals. We think this is an otter.

At the end of the walk we had our first view of Lochleven Castle across the water. We were next to Kirkgate Graveyard which is best viewed from the water.

Loch Leven Castle from Kirkgate Graveyard

We made it back to the Pier for lunch just before the rain came. After rain we were ready to board the ferry and enjoy the 10 minute ride to the castle.

There were few people on the island. It is well kept and even as we disembarked a lawn mower was at work.

Irene had fun on the spiral stairs.

I enjoyed experimenting with ground level photography

Someone was not cooperative

We all posed together

We admired the skill of a determined grouse photographer

In the damp woodland at one side of the island we were introduced to the delights of the infamous Scottish midges.

Having explored the castle and the island we boarded the boat and returned to the mainland just as the rain started again.

Our drive to our next destination led us back through Cupar and the sun began to shine again and so we continued through to Leuchars.

Cupar

When we arrived in Leuchars it was the home of RAF Leuchars and we saw signs asking that the RAF stay. We have recently found out that the army is to take over the base. Will the people of Leuchars like this?

Out of Leuchars is the Tentsmuir Forest, surrounded on three sides by a wonderful beach. The beach is accessed through a pay barrier which opens the way to a forest drive were vehicles are parked at the edge of the dunes.

Someone was very excited by all the shells lying around; particularly the razor shells.

Razor shells and collector

The beach is very wide and clean, with wonderful patterns made by the wind and the flowing water.

As we left the beach I spied a what seemed to a lone bright yellow clump of flowers, but when I looked closer, I found that it was a miniature eco-system supporting bright caterpillars and red insects. There is even a lone ant in the centre of the picture.