Birnam Woods and so much more…

I began my day with the ancient Scottish tradition of a birthday croissant, always served on the day after one’s birthday. ( As everyone knows, Scotland and France were great allies so this tradition honors that allegiance, wink, wink.)  Then it was off to the walk through Birnam Wood, the site of the 650 year old oak featured in Macbeth.  The ancient Sycamore tree nearby is slightly younger.  My friend photographed Henry who was well camouflaged.  We met Cooper, the dachshund, who reminded me of my dachshund Nepco.  

Next, we visited Dunkeld Cathedral that is associated with King Duncan of Macbeth.  The grounds were gorgeous on the banks of the river Tay.  The effigy is of the “Wolf of Badenoch”, Alexander Stewart, who died in 1405. (Extra)

On to Castle Menzie (pronounced Ming-is) to pick up the key to the Menzie Mausoleum at the Old Kirk at Weem which dates to the 15th century.  Henry posed with a beautiful white marble effigy.  The Kirk is associated with St. Cuthbert. (Second extra)

Finally, we stopped to see the ancient Yew of Fortingall said to be one of the oldest living things in Scotland.  It dates to between 5,000 and 9,000 years old.  Over the centuries people have cut away parts of what was once a tree of multiple trunks and 52 feet in circumference. (Extra #3).  You can see small posts that indicate the huge dimensions of the tree. I left out incredible landscapes and several stone circles along the way.  What a day!