Stirling is Stellar

What a beautiful, amazing last day in Scotland. We woke up early to get to Stirling by 10, per our host's recommendation. Boy, was he right, what a lovely city.  But before we reached Stirling we drove through Glencoe and Loch Lomond Park. Stunning views, check out this loch, it looks like glass.

When we arrived in Stirling, our host, Malcolm, gave us a map of the town and also suggested we visit Doane Castle. This is the castle used to film most of Monty Python and The Holy Grail, castle Leoch scenes on the show Outlander and some scenes of Game of Thrones. The castle was basically untouched since the Duke of Albany lived in it, which made it very rustic. We were also allowed cameras, so take a look at the pics and see if you can picture the scenes in the shows mentioned.

The kitchen oven

Afterward, we went back to Stirling and walked from Malcolm's house to town and the Stirling Castle. Have I  mentioned the insanely warm weather we're having? All the locals are shocked and so is my limited wardrobe. We had to make a pit stop so I could get a cooler shirt to wear.
After a lunch of fish and chips, yes I'm gaining weight, but can't be bothered by it, we trudged up High street to Stirling Castle and happened into a free tour. We learned the interesting history of the castle, including that Robert the Bruce tore it down when he claimed custody of it. Pretty interesting history, Google it if this kind of thing excites you.
The views from the castle were panoramic and we even saw a bride and groom taking their photos on site.

After the hot castle tour, we stopped for another Scottish icecream :) I see a trend forming, I only hope Ireland's is just as good.

On our way back down high street we popped into Nicky Tams for a wee pint. It is one of the oldest Stirling pubs, dating to 1718!! Neat building and dog-friendly. I met a nice pup named Telula mixed with half deerhound and half "lurcher", the British name for a greyhound mix.  Her dad was mixed with something called a corky (never heard of it). Anyway, I think that's right... sometimes the accents are a bit too broad.

Eric at Nicky Tams enjoying a pint

Telula at Nicky Tams

After Nicky Tams, we saw Brew Dog pub a few doors down. We actually know, through a friend, their new marketing guy. He used to live in Vancouver, and last year they moved all the way to Scotland for the new job. Amazing! Beer and food!! And, of course, we purchased shirts. :)

By the time we got back home, my feet were killing me. Walking on all those cobbles with thin flats is not fun. But we sat on the outside patio and chatted with Malcolm until midnight. Very nice gent. Have to be up at 4AM to catch our flight to Dublin! G'Night.