The Kelpies

One of our days in Scotland was spent driving around and sightseeing. We started the day with a drive down to Falkirk to see the Kelpies which stand at the start of the Forth and Clyde Canal. Modelled on the mythical Scottish shape-changing water spirits, the Kelpies stand 30 meters high and weigh 300 tonnes. They tower over the surrounding area. 

Here you can see Vicky standing in front of one of the huge horses just to give you a better idea of how big they really are. 

In myth, Kelpies are said to haunt rivers and streams, often in the shape of a horse but sometimes in the shape of a beautiful woman or other another form where they lure unsuspecting people to their death in the water. It's said that the sound of their tails hitting the water is like a thunderclap.

We managed not to get lured into the water by any sprites so made our way a little further along the road to see the Falkirk Wheel - a huge, rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

The wheel which was opened in 2002 lifts boats 35 meters into the air. Up until 1933 boats had to travel through a staircase of 11 locks - taking a whole day to do so. 

Unfortunately, we didn't have time to wait for the next boat trip so didn't get to go on the boat lift - we will leave that until our next visit. After leaving the Falkirk Wheel we spent the rest of the day driving around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park... Keeping our eyes open for Highland Cows (Coos) and taking in the beautiful scenery...

Creative Writing Festival

Here's a BIG HELLO to everyone that's coming along to the University of Northampton for the Creative Writing Festival... I'm looking forward to meeting all the keen readers and writers from Lumbertubs Primary School, St James CE Primary School, Bridgewater Primary School, Thorplands Primary School and everyone else that's coming along... big apologies if I've missed your school out but these are all the names I have at the moment. Leave me a message and I will add you to the list...

A while ago I said that we had been on a little tour of the Scottish Highlands over half term. Getting away for a few days is relaxing but it's also a very useful way of filling you head with little ideas that can be used in stories. There was a lot of driving involved in our little trip but were saw some really interesting and beautiful sights.

We set off from our home here in Wales early in the morning and headed toward the Scottish city of Stirling - overlooked by Stirling castle. On arrival we were greeted by this statue of Robert the Bruce who was king of the Scots from 1306 to until his death in 1329. You can find out more about this great Scottish King, and all about William Wallace HERE.


Before heading off to our hotel we took a look at the William Wallace monument which we could see from Stirling Castle. The monument is a very impressive building that towers over the landscape giving William an excellent view of the countryside around.
Wallace is a great Scottish hero and defeated the English at the battle of Stirling bridge in 1297. This statue of him stands high up on the tower... unfortunately we didn't have time to climb the tower ourselves so we will have to save that until our next visit.

The next morning our trip took us up into the Scottish highlands, down into Gelcoe, Fort William and finally all the way up to Inverness and its famous Loch.

On the way we took lots of photographs - like this one of a highland cow... and this statue in memory of the commandos who trained in the highlands about Fort William.

That's all I've got time for right now but I will write more soon...