This morning we commenced our tour with a visit to Dunkeld Cathedral on the banks of the River Tay. This site and building share a fascinating history dating back to 570 AD when Celtic missionaries buit a monastery. This was rebuilt in 848 and again in 1260-1501 with the current building being a mix of Gothic and Norman. During the Reformation in 1560 significant destruction occurred with the Nave left roofless to this day. During our visit a local stonemason pointed out the Atholl family burials in the crypt below the Chapter House Museum, a feature of which I was hitherto unaware. We availed of outside photo opps in the glorious sunshine. Next we headed south for a drive through Forteviot, the first capital of a united Scotland and then to nearby Dunning to visit the famous Dupplin Cross which is situated in St. Serf's church (now a museum) which dates from about AD1200.The Dupplin Cross (see image below) is a symbol of power and prestige of the Pictish royal family. The carvings commemorate King Constantine, Mac Fergusa (c 789-820) in whose reign the kingdoms of the Picts and the Scots began to merge. The hidden meanings and symbolism in the carvings was explained to us. The curator at St. Serf's mentioned that just a few days previously archaeologists had discovered at Forteviot a spectacular high status tomb containing the remains of a bronze age ruler (together with artifacts) dating back some 4000 years; a find of national significance.Next we moved on south to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's top visitor attractions set high above the plain on the remains of an ancient volcano. During the frequent Anglo-Scottish wars of 13th and 14th centuries this castle was the key to Scotland and changed hands many times. The castle evolved into a Royal Palace in the 16th century with considerable building work undertaken taken by James IV and V.At Stirling Castle we had the benefit of a small group tour by an expert local guide which proved of great interest.Moving on towards Glasgow we drove into the Trossachs region (National Park) where we made a brief to stop to view Lake of Menteith-Scotland's only lake as distinct from loch.Finally we visited the popular and quaint village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. This was originally built to house the families of workers in a nearby slate quarry but is now used for social housing. We briefly visited the churchyard to see the ancient, Viking era grave marker and ventured out along the short pier to view Loch Lomond and the mountain after which it is named, Ben Lomond (Ben is a Gaelic word meaning mountain). Following photo opps we drove down to our base for the night in Glasgow passing over the Erskine Bridge which afforded good views of the river Clyde.
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