Saturday 20th August

We were travelling to Scotland; everyone was nervous but excited to join the holiday. Introductions were made and we set off on the first leg of our journey. It is a long way, and we will stop at Lancaster on our first night. Lucy and Chelsea are pleased to be sharing a room. We all ate our meal before going to bed ready for the second leg of our journey.

Sunday 21st August

After breakfast we headed towards Gretna Green to see the famous Blacksmiths shop where people get married. Lucy loved listening to the man playing the bag pipes and tasting the lovely ice cream on sale. Chelsea loved seeing the tradition of knocking on the anvil when couples get married. We then travelled to Dunoon and David enjoyed the ferry ride from Gourock to Dunoon.

Monday 22nd August

Today we went to Loch Lomond and took a boat cruise to explore the northern end of the Loch. Andrew loved the talk about Rob Roy. Lucy danced to the song Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond and Chelsea loved the explanation of the lyrics. It had been a lovely day. After our evening meal Andrew loved listening to the music and Lucy loved dancing to the music.

Tuesday 23rd August

Today we went to Inverary, where we loved looking in the shops. Lucy loved the bagpipes she purchased! After lunch, we went to the historical Inverary Jail where we experienced what life was like for prisoners in the 1840s and met the costumed characters who explained what life was like. After dinner everyone enjoyed a game of bingo and Lucy, Chelsea and Gwen finished the evening dancing together. Andrew put his request in for songs to be played.

Wednesday 24th August

Today we went to Dunoon Castle Museum where we enjoyed looking at the displays and the Victorian costumes, we got to dress up and sit at behind a school desk. There were also medals on display. David loved the videos of the old and new Dunoon. We then went into Dunoon town to do some shopping. Chelsea purchased a beautiful necklace. Andrew bought himself a t shirt and book. Andrew also wore his kilt to dance the night away.

Thursday 25th August

Today we went to the Cowal Highland Games. It was great watching the Highland Dancing. The group loved the whole day but especially the children dancing dressed in their traditional Scottish outfits. David and Andrew also liked the bagpipe players. Chris loved listening to the music. Everyone joined in the game of bingo especially Lucy who won and danced to the music.

Friday 26th August

We visited Sea Life today where there was an aquarium, and we watched a film all about it. Andrew, Gwen, Lucy, and Chelsea loved looking at all the colourful fish and especially liked stroking the starfish, anemones, and urchins. Chelsea made friends with the rare giant lobster. We also did some shopping. David loved shopping for souvenirs and mementos of the holiday.

Saturday 27th August

We visited the Cowal Highland Games again today. Lucy got to try throwing the axe. Chelsea loved browsing all the stalls showing traditional Scottish fare. Gwen loved looking at the bagpipe bands and the various games that were part of the display at The Cowal Gathering. Andrew, Chris, and David loved the spider man daredevil riders. Chelsea, Gwen, and Andrew all loved the Haggis we had for dinner, a traditional Scottish food that we had to try while in Scotland. Gwen put her tartan kilt on in celebration of the holiday.

Sunday 28th August

It was time to leave Dunoon, we made our way to Robbie Burns Museum Birthplace Museum which was a particular favourite of Chelsea ad Gwen. We are making our way to a new hotel in Preston, to break up our journey back home. We stopped on the way for dinner, and everyone loved the food.

Monday 29th August

Our last day today and after everyone had eaten breakfast and completed their final pack it was time to travel to our respective destinations. We had experienced some great memories while in Scotland.