St. Andrew's Day Finale - Glenfinnan Monument to Urquhart Caslte

For the finale - I offer you breathtaking views.  The Glenfinnan Monument is cared by the National Trust for Scotland (at this link). :

Framed amid typically spectacular Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel with sweeping glens as a backdrop, stands this poignant monument to the final Jacobite Rising. The lone kilted highlander atop the 18m high column surveys the land, where the Highland way of life was soon to be cruelly extinguished.

Huntly Castle is cared by Historic Scotland (at this link):

The earls of Fife built the original stronghold, the Peel of Strathbogie, around 1190, to guard the crossing-point where the rivers Bogie and Deveron meet. But it was the mighty Gordons who made the stronghold their own from the 14th century and renamed it Huntly Castle.

The afternoon sun shines through St. Michael's Parish Church.  From Wikipedia (at this link):

Built immediately to the south of Linlithgow Palace, the church was much favoured as a place of worship by Scottish Kings and Queens. Mary, Queen of Scots, was born in Linlithgow Palace on 8 December 1542 and was baptised in St Michael’s Church.

School children acting as palace guides meet us outside Linlithgow Palace.  Cared by Scottish Heritage at this link,

The majestic royal palace of the Stewarts at Linlithgow today lies roofless and ruined. Yet the visitor still feels a sense of awe on entering its gates. It was begun by James I in 1424, rising like a phoenix from the flames following a fire that devastated its predecessor. It became a truly elegant ‘pleasure palace’, and a welcome stopping-place for the royal family along the busy road linking Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.  The Stewart queens especially liked its tranquillity and fresh air. The ancient palace served as the royal nursery for James V (born 1512), Mary Queen of Scots (born 1542) and Princess Elizabeth (born 1596), better known as ‘the Winter Queen’.

Built in 1537, the King's Fountain at Linlithgow Palace is considered the oldest surviving fountain in Britain.

Do you have a favorite from today? One randomly selected commenter wins a print copy from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 8, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 9.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Urquhart Castle is cared by Historic Scotland (at this link)

The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state.   Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen.