Doune Castle, Stirling Castle and hairy coos!

Doune Castle

Actually we weren’t supposed to visit the Monty Python castle, which is really called Doune Castle, but our very dedicated driver just thought we could squeeze in another castle, into our already castle-packet sightseeing schedule. It was a quick visit, we only got about 5 minutes to get out, take pictures and get into the bus again – which didn’t give us the biggest impression of the castle. But the interesting thing about Doune Castle is, that it was one of the major locations in the cult-movie ’Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ The guide Billy told us, that in the summer, fans could be seen running around the castle, clacking coconuts together, so it would sound like they were riding a horse just like they do in the movie. It was a wee castle, nothing like Edinburgh castle, but we think it is nice that it was in a movie!

Hairy Coos / "hiilænd coos"

The highland cows, pronounced  “hiilænd coous” by Billy the driver, are long-haired cows, living up in the Scottish highlands. Amongst other things, highland cows are being associated as the national pride of Scotland. And with good reason if you’re into cute, hairy cows, who are not afraid of a little pat on the cheek – Or at least some of them weren’t! We made a stop in the great Scottish highlands, breathing in the fresh air, and saw the hairy animals. We patted a cow named Kyle, who was fairly calm and didnae mind being patted. But the cutest cow, was a teenage cow – if it was human, it would probably be 12-13 years old, but it kept in the distance – darn it! 

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is located at Castle Hill, Stirling. It is one of the most important castles in Scotland both historically and architecturally.

                      As we arrived our bus driver told us that it was build in the period from the 12^th century up till somewhere in the 1600^th century. He also told us that the Wallace monument, which was close to the castle, was a very important monument, since it was here William Wallace fought for independence in Scotland. He told us that William Wallace was such a big national hero, that a lot of people, including himself, have been named after him (only the first name though).

When we had entered the gate and payed for the ticket we were told that we had about two hours to explore the castle on our own. The castle was in fine condition and the view was amazing! It was a shame that until summer this year the Royal Palace was closed due to renovation – it is part of The Palace Project which will turn into an exhibition this summer with costume players etc.

The only bad thing about the castle was the exhibition dolls. In the jail-section it worked very well, also with the sound from different speakers – it created a very good mood. But all the other places were far too scary to enter since it was dark places filled with creepy, life-size dolls. Scary!

Funny facts:

-          - The oldest surviving football has been found at Stirling Castle

-         -  In 1993 Mel Gibson and the rest of the crew from “Brave Heart”  held a celebration party

If you follow this link to youtube, you'll be able to see a video filmed in Stirling Castle as well as the castle itself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0f5GoF6oG8&feature=related

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_Castle

http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/home.htm

Written by Helene, Eli, Dilan & Sarah