Kilwinning Abbey

May 22, 1999.Reading time 1 minute.

This is a child abbey from Kelso abbey, also a Tironensian foundation from the 12th century. It is possible that the abbey was never finished, and it was left to ruin in the 16th century.

Portencross Castle

May 22, 1999.Reading time 2 minutes.

A very small, mostly-restored tower house on the western cost, along the rocky beach

Dundonald

May 22, 1999.Reading time 4 minutes.

A massive fortified towerhouse built for Robert II in the 14th century

Rowallan

May 22, 1999.Reading time 1 minute.

We only saw the gatehouse, but there is a private (and large) restored castle somewhere behind them

Bothwell

May 22, 1999.Reading time 9 minutes.

A very large castle ruin along a bend on the River Clyde.

Wallace Monument

May 23, 1999.Reading time 3 minutes.

One of the first things that I realized about our trip to Scotland was that everything worth seeing in Scotland is UP. I spent more time climbing hills, climbing steps, climbing…and this one is 246 steps up in a tiny circular staircase on the outer wall.

Doune

May 23, 1999.Reading time 5 minutes.

Best known as the castle in Monty Python’s Holy Grail, this is one of the tallest towers in Scotland

Loch Ness

May 23, 1999.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Famous for the shy Loch Ness monster, Nessie, Loch Ness is a the second largest loch (by size), but it is the deepest loch in Scotland.

Blackness

May 23, 1999.Reading time 7 minutes.

This 15th century fortress looks like an enormous battleship, heading out to sea.

St Marykirk

May 23, 1999.Reading time less than 1 minute.

The longest church in Scotland at 206 feet, and the second largest parish church in Scotland