What Lies Beneath

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, has captured the imaginations of many.  According to some accounts of the monster, it originated with the Picts, those distinctly painted peoples of the Highlands.  Standing stones depicted (no pun intended) a large beast with flippers, and thus the legend of a monster was born.  In 1933, the myth soared after a new road was opened by the Loch and a 'sighting' was reported.

If you look closely, you can see the monster...

Several interesting legends exist regarding water beasties.  One involves St Columba, the holy figure responsible for introducing Christianity to Scotland in AD 565.  It is written that upon seeing a large aquatic animal about to devour a poor man, he commanded the beast to return to the watery depths of Loch Ness.  Another story tells of a monstrous horse that lives in lakes and streams.  By promising small children rides on its back, the children gladly accept, only to find that their hands stick to the horse.  The beast then drags them to their death, and the next morning the children's livers wash ashore.  (Tell this story to prevent children from ever wanting a pony or a swimming pool).

View of Urquhart Castle from Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the largest body of water in Britain.  It is over 22 miles long and one mile wide, and it extends to a murky depth of 754 feet.  And Loch Ness never freezes, although some say this is because of Nessie's hot breath.  If you are wanting more information on Nessie sightings and current updates about her, please click here.

'You're a real tough cookie with the long history...'

While visiting the ruins of Urquhart Castle, I snapped a photo of a trebuchet: a  Medieval siege engine.  Oddly, it seems as if numerous pumpkin patches in the states employ this destructive machine for usage in 'Punkin' Chunkin' contests.  However, it had a much more sinister purpose than simply hurling large orange melons into abandoned fields.  The trebuchet could destroy castles, fortresses, and cities by launching large stones and boulders, among other things.  Well, that's ok.  Let's see how you do it.  Put up your dukes, let's get down to it.  Hit me with your best shot!


Well, even if you're knocked down, it's all in vain.  Because I'll get right back on my feet again (my sister, Kay Adams, will be impressed with my knowledge of this Pat Benatar song.  Kay actually performed with Pat...) and visit Cawdor Castle.  If you happen through Inverness, do stop by this castle, as it is still lived in a retains a certain charm. 


The sun shines today in Edinburgh.  Cheers for a great Thursday!

Cawdor Castle gardens