London - Scotland Trip Day 6

Friday September 7, 2012 – Stirling, Scotland
Woke at 7 AM and got coffee and rolls at the local Costa coffee shop. Can’t get “brewed” coffee in Scotland so we usually get Americano, cappuccino or lattes. Left hotel at about 8:45 AM and headed for Doune Castle where several movies were made including a favorite of mine, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Doune Castle looked just like the movies and had a self-guided audio tour by Terry Jones from Monte Python. Audio tour was quite fun and highlighted places in the castle from the movie. Weather started out drizzly but ended up partly sunny by the time we left. Next, headed towards Tayport via Perth, Dundee and Tay Bridge. Stopped and took photos at the Welcome to Tayport sign. Checked out the Tayport Cemetery by the sign hoping to see some names I might recognize. Saw some gravestones with the name Wilkie which was a name I recognized from my grandparents travel stories. Took photos of the Tay River. Next, went to 14 Nelson Street, Tayport where my grandfather, Charles Manclark was born. Then stopped at the War Memorial where my great grandfather, Charles Manclark’s name is engraved. Charles died during the WWI Battle of Passhchendaele. Took photos of the memorial and talked with a local resident who told some stories about the memorial including how people recently stole the brass doors and have been trying to steal the brass plaques off the monument too! Stopped at the local post office and bought some post cards and a book on the history of Tayport. Bought some cheese and rolls and had a mini picnic at the Tayport Harbor. The harbor is fairly small and only had small sail boats (no fishing boats). Headed to Dundee (~3 pm) to look for lodging. Unfortunately, everything was filled up due to “students returning”. Drove on to Aberdeen and found a room at Premier Inn (£67). Went to a local pub called The Archibald Simpson and had dinner of Abbot’s Shepherd’s pie and Carlsberg beer. Carol had 5 bean chili (£13.89 total). Pub was a fun place full of loud locals. Menu had lots of Scottish fare like black pudding and haggis. Planning to have breakfast here tomorrow.