Caledonian escapades are the two best words to sum up our last day in Scotland. We learned archery, played traditional Highland games, went on a Hairy “Coo” Safari and fed the Red Deer. Our adventure concluded with dinner, Highland dancers and the classic “Address to a Haggis”. Slan, Scotland. You were superb!
Adventures by Disney Scotland
Day 1: Edinburgh – Failte!
Day 2: Edinburgh – Wrapped Up in Edinburgh
Day 3: Kelso – The Royal Treatment
Day 4: Inverness & The Highlands – History of the Highlands
Day 5: Inverness – Monsters & Dark Waters
Day 6: Inverness – Alba gu brath
Day 7: Inverness – Caledonian Escapades
Day 8: Inverness – Turas Math Dhut!
A Day at Rothiemurchus Estate
We started the day with a journey to Rothiemurchus Estate—a magnificent, privately owned 25,000 acre Highland estate situated at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and one of the greatest tracts of natural forest in Britain. This ancient, wild woodland forest is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife and is the site of pretty Loch an Eilein, with its 13th-century castle sitting on the lake’s little island. The glorious scenery had nearly stolen my heart…. that is until the mop-headed Highland cattle got it first!
Archery Lesson
I’ve taken one archery lesson before with my boys, but NOT in the splendor of the Scottish Highlands! What an experience!
Highland Games
We might be a group of all adults, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to have FUN! Next, we were divided into two clans and we celebrated Scottish culture with traditional Highland games. A wee bit o’ friendly competition is always good for giant grins and deep belly laughs.
Hammer Throw
Wellie Wanging
Caber Toss
Chuck the Chicken
Our final event was tug o war!
Lunch at Rothiemurchus Estate
Ravenous from our escapades, we took a lunch break at the Rothiemurchus Estate. Our divine meal featured locally sourced Scottish foods served in the vintage marquee on the Inverdruie House lawn. The Elderflower sparkling beverage is bottled right on the estate and was absolutely divine!
After lunch the winning clan from our Highland Games was announced. It wasn’t mine. I can tell you that what I didn’t contribute to my clan in points I made up for in entertainment value.
Hairy “Coo” Safari and Red Deer Feeding Experience
Our final experience of the day took us on a motor coach tour around the property led by two senior Rothiemurchus Rangers. We made a stop to feed the traditional Highland cattle, also known as “hairy coo,” with their huge horns and hairy coats. They were so friendly and just darling to boot!
Then, we got to feed the extraordinary Scottish red deer. All the while we were surrounded by magical views up the River Spey to Badenoch and across the glen to the Monadhliath Mountains.
Loch an Eilein Hike
We worked off the lunch with a hike. We might have been moving forward, but it felt like a step back in time as we learned about the culture, history and natural environment of the Rothiemurchus Forest. The local ranger regaled us with entertaining stories about the area, we were treated to great views of the dramatic and mysterious Highland 13th-century castle, and we even got to spot some wildlife.
Farewell to the Highlands Dinner at the Hotel
Come evening, it was time to bid Soraidh to the Highlands. The farewell dinner is always bitter sweet. Back at the Kingsmills Hotel, we broke bread one last time with our fellow adventurers. Then, we were given the most wonderful sendoff including the classic “Address to a Haggis”—a famous poem performed by a local bagpiper, and a few Highland dances performed by his daughter.
This certainly isn’t a goodbye to the beautiful land of Scotland. I hope it is simply a see ya real soon. Until then, I carry the experiences, activities, stories, songs, dance, customs, food, culture and people of Scotland with me.
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What a wonderful adventure! I have been to Scotland but would return for your adventure in a minute.