Loch Leven Castle

After visiting Scotland's Secret Bunker in the morning we slipped back a few centuries for the afternoon's fun....Loch Leven Castle.

 

Located on an island in the middle of lowland Scotland's largest loch, the only way to reach the castle is by ferry.  Fabulous!  An extra bonus for your visit.  In the picture the castle is above and to the right of the boat's windscreen.

 

This is a small but fascinating castle.  If you want somewhere for children to spend hours exploring, go to Stirling.  For history go to Edinburgh.  For an air of romance, peace and quiet, Loch Leven's the place to go.

 

In the distance of this picture is the Glassin Tower, a round-built later addition to the original structure, added for extra defence and as a fashionable feature.  It was where Mary, Queen of Scots was first taken on her arrival as a prisoner - she didn't like it and was moved to the main tower building.

 

This is Sam in the window of the kitchens, on the first floor of the tower house.

 

Two floors up is where Mary spent most of her year in captivity.  Sir William Douglas modified one window for use as an oratory for the queen to pray at.

 

Sam liked Loch Leven castle, but found it too small, with not enough nookage and crannyage.  However, I loved it and it would make a perfect destination to woo a young lady!

The entrance is guarded by two small cannons.  They are not originally from the castle's history though, being made in around 1800, and the castle was not occupied after the 1500s.  The gate was only secured with a wooden door with a slide-bar, hinting that there may have been a further enclosure on this side with stouter defences.

 

The cannons were probably brought here to enhance the military appearance of the castle.

 

What's that tiny room in the corner of Mary's chamber?  It's the toilet of course!  There's a stone shaft leading straight out the side of the tower.  Sam just had to have a go, and never has "sitting on the throne" been more relevant.

 

Mary complained of boredom during her time in Loch Leven castle.  I'd be happy to wake up with a view like this every day.

 

His Highness chilled out on the grass near the jetty while we waited for our return journey.

Loch Leven castle's great for adults, maybe just good for children.  Recommended!