We are moving on to Glasgow, making two stops along the way. The first is the National Trust for Scotland Glencoe Visitor Centre. The second was a visit to Lake Lomond.
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Glencoe is famous for history, wildlife, adventure and myth. This mountainous region was formed from volcanic eruptions and then sculpted by massive glaciers. On February 13,1692 a tragic historic event happened here with the massacre of Clan MacDonald. In a country with many myths, Glencoe has a legendary hero Fingal. He had a poet son Ossian who wrote about landscapes.
Glencoe has iconic natural landscapes. There are 37 miles of footpaths. To maintain this beauty the trust is the guardian of its biodiversity and wildlife. The center provides information about all these things through the use of a 3D map and a movie. To demonstrate how life was in the 17th century they erected a model turf house. We had incredible views and it was a lovely exit from the highlands.
Lake Lomond
The lake’s history goes back 5,000 years. It is a large freshwater lake. We were treated to a boat ride. The water supplies a hydroelectric plant, which is used at peak times. Today one can do all the water activities such as boating, water skiing, fishing, and jet skiing. There are also land activities such as golf at courses where the Scottish Open have been played. This area is where the lowlands meet the highlands. The famous song The Banks of Lake Lomond, 1841, is believed to come from a letter a soldier going to his death wrote to his love.
The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
Oh ye’ll take the high road and I’ll tak the low road,
And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye;
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
After the boat ride we boarded the bus to our final destination Glasgow. Tomorrow will be our last day, and looks to be a busy one. Scotland has won my heart and it will be sad when we leave.
