Antiquity - 17 Apr 2010

Last week we made two voyages into antiquity, the first within walking distance of our flat. The second we made after missionary flat inspections in Dunfermline, Alloa and Stirling.

This is the "Water Tower" on the Cammo Estate (in Edinburgh). The original house on the estate was built in 1693. The water tower was likely built around 1871 when a fancy stable was added to the estate. We saw the old stable, in very serious disrepair, but haven't seen the remains of the old estate house yet - didn't even know it was there until we saw a map at the end of our walk. We must go back for another peaceful, pleasant excursion where the only noise is the birds singing.

Doune Castle is a remarkable castle, remarkable in that it is still standing. Most have been destroyed in one battle or another. It is located a few miles northwest of Stirling - about a hour from us.

Every castle has a "Great Hall." It was the entertainment center for the castle. Doune Castle had the roof restored in the 1800s. It was the home for the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It has an interesting audio tour. Fun!

The Castle was protected on two sides by rivers. This one is the River Tieth. The other is really but a small stream, but both carved the land so that an advancing army would have to attack up hill, should they try from the south or the west. Not impossible, but definitely harder.