Journey to Scotland: A Long-Awaited Adventure — Chapter 5

“Journey through Scotland: From Culloden to the Village of Thurso.”

Today we continue our journey through Scotland, starting with a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, where the Battle of Culloden took place on April 16, 1746. This battle was the last pitched battle on British soil and marked the decisive defeat of the Jacobites led by Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) by the government army commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. The battle had a profound impact on Scottish history, dismantling the clan system and leading to bans on traditional Scottish attire and practices. Standing on that hallowed ground, I felt a deep sense of reverence and sorrow for the lives lost and the cultural upheaval that followed.

After a bite of lunch at the Culloden Museum we traveled through the highlands, with a stop in the village of Helmsdale for fish and chips at La Mirage, and then onto Wick. As we traveled, we marveled at the beautiful countryside of fields of sheep grazing, stone farmhouses and rolling hills and rock filled rivers. In Wick, we visited the Old Pulteney Whisky distillery, where we enjoyed a tour and stories from our young guide whose family has a history with the distillery. The warmth and pride in her voice as she recounted her family’s connection to the distillery made the experience even more special. We then visited The Old Smiddy Inn, where we experienced a ceilidh (celebration) with music, stories, and local beverages. The lively atmosphere and the sense of community made me feel like I was part of something timeless and joyous.

We spent the night in the seaside village of Thurso, where we had a group dinner and enjoy the unique experience of it not getting dark, with only twilight after midnight. The surreal beauty of the never-ending twilight filled me with a sense of wonder and tranquility. I was awakened by sunshine between 3-4 am, too early to be ready for the day’s adventures. As we gathered with our group for a hearty breakfast, we were filled with excitement to begin the day.

Today’s adventure will be a ferry ride to the Orkney Islands!

Leanach Cottage on the grounds of Culloden Battlefield – one of the last remaining buildings from the time of the battle
Originally built in the 18th century, it has since been restored with a thatched roof crafted using heather from the battlefield itself!
Culloden Battlefield Memorial
Culloden Battlefield Memorial
Culloden Moor
Fish and Chips in the village of Helmsdale.
Helmsdale
Old Pulteney Distillery
Whiskey Kegs
The ceilidh, at Old Smiddy Inn in Wick. Our host and storyteller, Ray Bremmer of Thrumster is an award winning entertainer who sang , and told stories in Gaelic, the old language from Scotland and Ireland.