Tuesday, June 11.

Took Phil to see the amazing Falkirk Wheel which raises and lowers canal boats from one canal to another. Technology behind this is truely incredible.

Canal boat, having been lowered from the upper canal into the holding pond, enters the lock to lower it even further to the bottom canal.

Suitably impressed we headed off to look at the Wallace monument, dedicated to William Wallace who was instrumental in turning the English back from the north. Many will know the story through the movie Braveheart.

The start of 276 steps to the top.

Wallace’s sword. Blade is over a metre long and weighs over 4 kilograms.

Going up.

Are we there yet?

We all made our own shields. Computer generated.

Finally arrived at the top.

Site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Stirling Castle in the distance.

Great views of the surrounding countryside.

Take a photo in case we don’t survive the descent.

There’s Bess down there.

Oxygen, more oxygen!

Very passionate about their heritage.

Both over 60 and still fighting.

Back on terra firma, we headed for Stonehaven on the east coast for the night.

Think the Romans may have beat us.