A Baby Highland Cow in Heather

How cute is this???

This is a baby Highland cow. Here's what he'll look like when he's all grown up. Not someone I want to anger.

It was definitely one of my husband's goals on our trip to see one of these cows, so I was happy that we saw several of them on a couple of occasions. These specimens were on the Applecross peninsula.

Also on the same peninsula, we saw our only stag. We felt lucky to encounter this animal, which is not as plentiful as the sheep!

Of course, sheep are everywhere in Scotland. They are cute. And they graze by the most gorgeous scenery anywhere. Ocean view, no less. I don't think they appreciate it, however. Eating is a full-time job for sheep!

Of course, the wildlife has the right of way on every road. Believe me, there is no way to pass until they decide to get off the road.The roads are very narrow!

Last but not least, the birds of prey. Here is a falcon we saw at Dunrobin Castle as part of a fascinating display done by the keeper there.

 

At first, I was not happy to see the birds chained to their roosts. But he explained that he is sent injured birds from all over the UK to rehabilitate them. Before he can do anything, he has to calm them down and keep them secure so they can be healed. After that, they are re-released into the wild. He clearly loved his birds so I hope they're treated well. You can read more about Dunrobin Castle here.

The one category of wildlife which is plentiful in Scotland, but which we did not see, is marine life. We simply ran out of time. Oh well, sounds like a great excuse for another trip!

Which of these animals is your favorite?

Dunrobin Castle, Scotland

Who wants to live here? Dunrobin Castle is a fairly well-known castle in Scotland. A fort was recorded here in 1401, and the castle is still in the same family (a family with a not-so-positive history, I'm sorry to say).

If the picture of the castle isn't enticing enough, check out these gardens. They form the back yard and slope down to the sea. It's utterly idyllic.

Here are a couple closeups of the garden.

The estate has only 3 gardeners to take care of all these gardens.

We also attended a demonstration on the castle grounds about birds of prey. I only did it because I thought my husband would enjoy it, but it turned out to be fascinating. This is a falcon, which can fly up to 200 miles per hour.

You really can't see it coming. They can only pluck their prey out of the air (not from the ground) so the keeper did a demonstration. My husband and another man both got hit by the bird. They said it hurt! The trainer did a wonderful show and his love for his birds was obvious. He is sent injured birds to help them recuperate.

Last, but not least, I can show you the entryway to the castle. This is the only place where they allow pictures to be taken of the inside of the castle. :(

However, we really enjoyed our time living for a moment like the nobility!

More pictures from our trip to Scotland are here.

Scotland Day 6: Dunrobin Castle

One June 21 we left Nairn and drove up the east coast to Dunrobin Castle. On the way, our guide taught us about the history of Dunrobin, seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland and the largest mansion in northern Scotland with 189 rooms. It has a sordid past because the owners, Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland and her husband George Levenson-Gower who became 1st Duke of Sutherland in 1832, were responsible for Highland Clearances. They forcibly evicted thousands of people who lived on and farmed the land (The estate was 1 1/2 million acres.) They set the croft homes' thatch roofs on fire, even killing people who were not able to get out of the burning houses in time. These families, Gaelic speaking for the most part and descendants of the clans who had lived here for hundreds of years, knew no other home. The reason for the clearances was money. Though the owners were already wealthy and earning millions a year, they wanted more. (Even the queen thought their mansion more impressive than her own.) The advice they received for "improvements" was to kick the people out and bring in sheep. We saw abandoned stone croft homes all over the Highlands which are the sad leftover skeletons of Scotland's past. I can only hope the people who lived in them found happier and more prosperous lives whatever they eventually settled, either near the shore or on a different continent. Here are a few links if you'd like to learn more.

http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/clearances_sutherlandclearances.htm

http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/clearances_sutherlandclearances_dutchess.htm

http://www.theclearances.org/clearances/articles.php?articleid=5

Knowing how cruel the past owners and builders of the castle had been did put a damper on the visit. It is beautiful, fairy tale like setting. The castle reminded me a great deal of the Biltmore House in Asheville, which I've visited several times. The styles of both are mostly French. But Dunrobin has an interior section which is medieval, and some parts date back to the 13th century. The interiors of the rooms are incredibly rich with artwork and priceless furniture. No photos were allowed inside. You can see some interior photos here:
http://www.clansutherland.org/FrDunrobin.htm

Cedar, the European Eagle Owl

The gardens and falconry demonstration were my favorite parts. I had never seen falconry before and have always had an interest in it. These trained birds of prey are so impressive. I was amazed to learn wars had been fought in the middle ages over Gyr Falcons and that now they can cost as much as a BMW car.
Here is the official site for falconry at Dunrobin. http://www.castle-falconry.co.uk/index.htm

Quince, the Golden Eagle

The gardens were incredibly beautiful. As a gardener, I was keen to look at as many of the plants as possible. I noticed everything grows really well in much of Scotland. Due, I'm sure, to the large amount of rain and the peaty soil. The gardens lie between the castle and the ocean. Almost anywhere you stand here and take a photo, it looks like a postcard.

For lunch here I had a delicious Highland pie. This is not a dessert but a main course filled with venison and vegetables with potatoes on the side.