4/19/17 Part Two: Cousins & Culloden, then Inverness

We arrived at Culloden a little before 1PM and of course did not know what our cousins looked like :)  They had suggested we leave our names at the visitor's desk which we did.  We purchased our tickets to tour the museum and grounds and then went to the cafe to get something for lunch.  They found us there and we had a delightful time sharing family stories and learning about Ness, the area on the Isle of Lewis where they live.  They gave us the name and phone number of a person to call from the Ness Historical Society who might be able to help us with the geneaology of the Nicholsons and MacIvers on the Island.  They also had done some research and were able to tell us that my great-great-great grandfather, John Nicholson, had lived on Croft #26 in Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis!

Margaret had sent me some information prior to our trip so we told them that we had read some of the books that were in the blog she had sent us.  She also told us about her niece who lives and works as an artist in textiles in South Dell so we promised to look for her when we were on that side of the island.  The Gillies were staying in Inverness to watch their daughter's cats while her family was in Europe so they told us how to find their croft and gave us more information on the area.  We really enjoyed our time with them---just sorry that we live so far apart!

After lunch they left for Inverness and we took our tour of Culloden.  The anniversary of Culloden had just been that weekend on the 16th so there were lots of flowers on the clan grave markers.  Again, referencing  Outlander, we had a realistic image of what had happened but it was very moving to see the area and the exhibits.  It really is obvious in hindsight, how many mistakes were made and how much really bad advice Prince Charles was given.  There are so many "if only" events such as losing the ship from France with gold to support them, not pulling back to Inverness for food and rest before the attack, losing the advantage on the stealthy night time march when they had to turn back and then not taking time to let the troops recover from that, etc.














 In Inverness we stayed at the Crown Hotel Guest House.  Unfortunatley we were on the 3rd floor with no lift--poor Bill.  We walked down the steps to find ourselves in downtown and had an excellent dinner at The White House (no connection :) )
Electric Shower

Dining Room






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