Friday May 23rd

I arrived at Dublin airport very early for my 10.00am flight as it made more sense to go to the airport at the same time as one of the others in the group. It was not really a problem as I was able to sit and read a book – never a bad thing. 

Dublin airport was busy. When we lined up with the other planes to take off there was one plane in front of us and seven behind us.  There was very little cloud for most of the flight and we were only flying at 15000 feet so visibility was good.

My driver was there to collect me – I have always wanted to be one of those important people with someone waiting with a sign with their name on it so now I have done it.  We drove to Pitlochry where I met up with the rest of the group that I am joining for the remainder of my trip.  After exploring Pitlochry we drove to Queen’s View ( a lookout point overlooking Loch Tummel) with a breath taking view to the snow capped mountains of Glencoe. 

 There is some debate about which queen is referred to in the name, but that is irrelevant really.  Cathie, our tour leader, had arranged for us to be welcomed here by a piper.

From here we headed back towards Edinburgh stopping at Scone (pronounced Skoon) Palace, the site of coronations of Scottish Kings. 

 Finally I managed to get some photos of Highland cows!

  When we arrived at our accommodation in Linlithgow outside Edinburgh we were welcomed with tea and scones, and, for a moment, I thought I was back in Ireland!  Our hotel consists of converted farm buildings that date back to the 16 th century and Mary Queen of Scots.  Thank God the plumbing has been updated since then!