How are your Summer holidays going?
Ours? Well, I’m pleased and surprised to say that we’ve done four weeks already – without any major sibling fall-outs, with my sanity still intact and with a fair amount still remaining in our bank account.
The good weather has meant we’ve got outside as often as possible to enjoy some fun in the sunshine.
In fact, looking through our snaps from the past month is like going through an ABC of outdoor pursuits…
A is for Animals
B is for boats
C is for Castles
We’re lucky enough to live within a few miles of rolling countryside – including a country park which has a farm where the boys love going to see the animals.
And we’ve taken full advantage of our Historic Scotland family membership, costing just £7 a month, which gives unlimited visits to castles and historic sites. So far we’ve taken the boys to Stirling Castle, Blackness Castle and Lochleven Castle, to run around and soak up a bit of history.
Climbing to the top of the tallest tower and taking in the view is fabulous. They’ve also attended a holiday club (on the odd days when Mr G and I have both had to work) where they went on a trip to Edinburgh Castle.
Lochleven castle is on an island reached by boat – an added excitement for the boys and a welcome way to cool off on a very hot day.
Living in the town where Mary Queen of Scots was born, I found Lochleven a fascinating place to visit – since it’s the place where she spent her last months in Scotland.
Mary first visited the caste in 1561 as a guest of the owner, Sir William Douglas. But her last stay, in 1567–8, was as his prisoner. It was here she was compelled to abdicate her throne in favour of her infant son, James VI.
In May 1568 she escaped across the loch and before that month was out she was in exile in England. She never saw her native land again.
Enjoying all that Scotland has to offer, I can imagine what a great loss that must have been for her.
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