After a fantastic day in Lerwick yesterday, today’s port was the small community of Invergordon, our gateway to the Scottish Highlands, a breathing region that provides a fascinating glimpse into the days of warring clans, and into the legend of “Nessie,” the fabled monster said to lurk in Loch Ness in the shadow of Urquhart Castle. For those of you who are Outlander fans, this area includes of inspiration for the books and TV series.

I ended up booking a private tour for the four of us through Viator named “Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness and Inverness.” Our tour guide Lawrence picked us up right outside the dock and we were on our way.

Our first stop was Beauly Priory which was a holy place for monks founded in 1230. This is clan McKenzie land as noted on all the tombstones. A Merca Cross from 1420 stands in the town center. This was used as a punishment for individuals. They would tie you to the cross and then whipped you. Unfortunately a huge storm came through the area a few months ago and caused some damage so we weren’t able to go in to fully see everything.

Our first castle visit was Urquhart Castle, the largest medieval castle in the Highlands. The castle’s beginnings date back to AD 580. It saw its demise in 1692 when it was deliberately blown up so that the castle could never again be a military stronghold. The ingenuity the people possessed during that was admirable. They adapted to the area and built modifications to their homesteads so they could survive the climate and terrain. This castle sets on a hillside overlooking Loch Ness. We looked high and low but did not spot “Nessie.”

As we made our way to Inverness we saw Tomnahurich (fairy hill) which was inspiration for Outlander author Diana Gabaldon. We stopped at The Old High Church which served as an execution site for captured Jacobites. There are still musket ball indentions on the church walls.

Our next stop was Culloden Battlefield. On April 16, 1746 the battle on the moor proved to end clan life in the Highlands. All that remains are stones marking the names of the clans that perished there.

Next stop was to the Balnauran of Clava. This is one of the most evocative prehistoric sites in Scotland. The cairns are from the Bronze Age and have carvings in the stones displaying beliefs from the time. This site also provided inspiration for Diana (touching the stones to time travel).

Our final stop of the day was to Cawdor Castle. This castle was built in the 15th century and was constructed around a legendary holly tree.

Today was truly amazing learning and seeing all the Highland history.

Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whiskey.