This lovely scenery is along the A81, on our drive from Aberfoyle to Loch Katrine, through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

 

Continuing along the A81, hereabouts in the middle of essentially nowhere, we came upon a piper in full Highland regalia standing along the side of the road. A great photo op that I didn't take advantage of because others were occupying his time. What a wonderful thing it would have been, though,  had we heard the pipes being played in such beautiful surroundings.

 

This is the hundred-year-old steamship SS Sir Walter Scott, which takes you on a relaxing hour-long cruise on Loch Katrine. For a brief period there is a recorded narrative giving passengers a bit of history about the Loch, such as being the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's poem, "The Lady of the Lake." It was also Rob Roy's home, as well as being an area rife with illicit stills and an active whisky trade. Loch Katrine now serves as Glasgow's water supply.

The rest of the cruise is accompanied by the sounds of soft Celtic music and the rhythmic chugging of the steam engines.

 

The following are all photos taken during the cruise.

 

 

 


At the pier, much to my delight, I discovered blooming heather, which seemed to be growing out of solid rock. It gives me hope that the heather that I have recently planted in my back yard, under much gentler conditions, will thrive.