wanderlust
fall edition
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
INTERVIEW WITH
MICHAEL PALIN
BOOKING YOUR
DREAM VACATION
NOVEMBER 2014
$4.50
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH Visit the land of bagpipes and kilts
BOOKING YOUR TRIP
A guide the best travel agencies
WHAT’S INSIDE... FEATURE STORIES AND MORE
HIDDEN GEMS
The world’s most underrated destinations
HOW TO PACK
Tips and tricks on how to get the most room out of your luggage
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
With Christmas just around the corner, visit some of the world’s most famous Christmas markets
AUTUMN TRAVEL
The ten best destinations for autumn travel
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
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unnottar castle is probably one of the most popular Scottish castles. And for good reason. Set high on steep cliffs overlooking the North Sea, this castle was nominated to become the eighth Wonder of the World. Dunnottar castle dates back to the early Medieval Ages and has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland because of its defensive strength and strategic location. The castle was a main setting in the war of Scottish independence in the thirteenth century. At Dunnottar, a small garrison of
soldiers were able to hold out against Cromwell’s army for eight months as well as save the Scottish Crown Jewels. Many important historical figures graced Dunnottar with their presence in earlier years. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and King Charles II all stayed at Dunnottar castle at some point. Dunnottar’s life as a fortress ended during the Jacobite rising of 1715. At this time, Dunnottar was home to the Earls Marischal, one of the most pwerful families in the land. When he was
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convicted of treason, the castle was seized by the government and the buildings were neglected. Today, the castle is almost entirely in ruins, yet it still remains an absolutely breathtaking sight. Enjoy unforgettable views as you hike along the cliffside to reach the castle. Because of it’s striking appearance, the castle and surroundings provide an ideal film location. Dunnottar has appeared on the silver screen many times, most notably in the 1990 film version of Hamlet, starring Mel Gib-
son. As you explore the extensive buildingsfrom the barracks and storehouses, to the chapel and drawing room- you will realize the important role Dunnottar played in Scottish history.
FYVIE CASTLE
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f you’re looking for classic fairytale-esque castle, Fyvie is just the place for you. The castle dates back to the thirteenth century and in the village of Fyvie within Aberdeenshire. Tradition says that the castles families-Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon, and Forbes-Leith-each added a tower to the castle. The castles had a few prominent guests over the years including Robert the Bruce, Edward I, and Charles I. The interior of the castle is beautifully decorated in the Edwardian style and contains a large collection of armour, weapons, and paintings. The grounds of the castle are just as beautiful as the interior. Walk along the lochside path between the huge trees and keep an eye out for ducks and other wildlife.
“It looks like something from a fairytale.” But what good is a fairytale castle without a ghost story to go with it? Fyvie certainly has it’s fair share of hauntings. The most popular of these stories is that of the Green Lady. Dane Lilias Drummond, wife of Sir Alexander Seton was betrayed by her husband after she failed to produce any sons. She became ill and died, and on the night her husband remarried, it is said that she carved D LILIAS DRUMMOND into the stone outside Alexander’s window. These words can still be seen to this day. Another story is that of the Grey Lady. The Grey Lady was thought to be the ghost of Lady Meldrum who died in the thirteenth century. It is believed that she was buried in a secret wall in Fyvie Castle. Her remains were discovered in 1929 and placed in a cemetary. Since that day, the castle has experienced strange and unexplainable circumstances. It is also said that Lady Meldrum’s ghost can be seen roaming the castle halls. Not only is Fyvie’s beautiful scenery a popular place for weddings, but also for ghost hunters.
URQUHART CASTLE
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ituated on the banks of the famous Loch Ness are the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle. Urquhart is one of Scotland’s largest castles and has quite a bloody history.
The castle dates back to the thirteenth century and its first conflict happened when it fell into English hands after Edward I’s invasion. It was subsequently reclaimed and then lost again. The fourteenth century didn’t fare much better. Urquhart Castle played a prominent role in the Scots’ struggle for independence. Eventually it came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the castle was frequently raided by MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles from the west. The ownership moved back and forth between the two sides for 150 years. During this time, Urquhart started to fall into decline and it saw its last conflict in the 1640s. A small garrison of soldiers who supported the Protestant monarchy of William and Mary held of a large Jacobite force. When the garrison left, they blew up much of the castle and signs of this explosion can still be seen around the gatehouse. Urquhart Castle is an extraordinary castle to visit as it has such a turbulent history. It also provides amazing views of Loch Ness as well as the possible sighting of Scotland’s greatest legendy: The Loch Ness Monster.
STIRLING CASTLE
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ituated atop Castle Hill above the city of Stirling, Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s largest and most important castles. It is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides and can be seen for miles in every direction. Its strong defensive position and strategic location made it an important fortress it its earlier days.
Not quite as old as many of Scotland’s castles, Stirling’s oldest parts date back to the fifteenth century. Throughout history, there have been at least sixteen seiges of the castle. Many of these seiges took place during the war for independence and the last occured when Bonnie Prince Charlie tried and failed to take the castle.
Many Scottish Kings and Queens have been baptised and crowned at Stirling Castle including Mary Queen of Scots.
“I wish I could stay here forever!”
Today, Stirling Castle has been greatly restored and renovated and is the location of many performances and celebrations.
the Scots call the last day of the year.
The castle’s parade ground has been used as a concert venue for many musicians.
The castle boasts multiple museums: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, and the Stirling Heads Gallery.
It also hosts the city’s Hogmanay celebrations. Hogmanay is what
In the Highlanders Regimental Museum, guests can trace
the history of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders. In the Stirling Heads Gallery, visitors can see the Stirling Heads that were carved in the sixteenth century.
INVERNESS CASTLE
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succession of castles has on this site since 1057. The first Inverness Castle was destroyed by King Robert I of Scotland and the second by Clan Donald during the Siege of Inverness. During the Jacobite Rising of 1746, the castle was blown up by Jacobite forces to prevent it of being any use. The castle we see today was built in 1836 and is a popular tourist destination. The castle is right in the heart of Inverness city and is situated on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. Today, the castle houses the Sheriff Court and the interior is not open to the public. The grounds of the castle are open to the public, however, and are something you don’t want to miss. Enjoy stunning views of the city of Inverness and the river from the top of the hill.
CRATHES CASTLE
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rathes Castle is located in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside and dates back to the fourteenth century. The castle itself was completed in 1596 with another wing added in the eighteenth century. Crathes has a much less bloody background than most Scottish castles, and instead follows the story of the Burnett family. The Burnetts were never a particularly famous family and were known for staying out of the many bitter conflicts that arose throughout Scotland in the mid 1700s. Today the interior of the castle is beautifully decorated with portraits and decor, and the exterior is just as, if not more, beautiful. The gardens of Crathes are quite remarkable. They extend to the southeast of the castle, covering almost four acres. Garden lovers will be glad to find a large variety of plants, shrubs, and trees at Crathes.