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Dear friends,
 Last month, Landmark Events journeyed to Scotland on a remarkable tour with one of the sweetest groups of travelers ever assembled. We asked Landmark historian Bill Potter to compose an overview so we can share just a glimpse of what we experienced — a tall order given the great scope of all we experienced. Enjoy Mr. Potter’s full essay on our blog.
—Kevin Turley, President of Landmark Events
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  n the early autumn, we joined together an intrepid band of travelers whose imaginations had been fired by history and its Lord, and by myths, music and stone to time travel in Scotland. We began where all travelers begin, in Edinburgh, the city whose tales have no end but where many famous lives finished their course…To top off the day, our band passed through the portcullis of Edinburgh Castle, not the last one to so enter, gawked at the giant cannon Mons Meg, enjoyed the martial splendor of the Museums of the Royal Scots and the Royal Scots Dragoons Guards Regiments, and joined the reverential viewing of the National War Memorial. The Stone of Scone and Royal jewels reminded us that we were not from around there.
Edinburgh Castle*
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Bill Potter and Colin Gunn*
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The marker to the Covenanter martyrs drew us to the Grass Market Square where so many saints laid down their lives for the Kingship of Jesus Christ.
Covenanter Memorial in the Grassmarket
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From the rampart of the incomparable William Wallace Memorial tower (one wonders what he would think of that), we looked over the Abbey Craig to the ancient town of Stirling and the river bend where King Edward’s knights came to grief.
Wallace Monument*
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View of Stirling from Wallace Monument*
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A visit to the castle and the Argyll and Southerland Regimental Museum there, along with the Robert the Bruce statue outside the walls remind the visitor of the martial ardor of the Scots through the ages.
Stirling Castle
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It seems like the story of Scotland could be told by castles alone. A favorite of many of our band proved to be the most difficult to get to — Threave Castle on an island in the midst of the Dee River.
Crossing the Dee River to Threave Castle
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Beautiful Caerlaverock Castle
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Another beautiful drive brought us to two more lovely spots of war and mayhem, Urquhart Castle and Glencoe.
Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness*
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Atop the Tower at St. Andrews Cathedral*
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We had the special privilege of spending our final two days on the Island of Iona, site of the monastery/mission station established by the Irish missionary Colm Cille (“Columba”) in the sixth century.
The Enchanting Isle of Iona*
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Feasting on Iona
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Plans are underway for next year’s Scotland tour with details coming soon. Hope to see you there!
* Images supplied courtesy of tour attendee Liam Lieberman.
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