Mighty Fortresses

   Al and I spent the last days of our tour of the rural landscapes of Ireland and Great Britain traveling northward from the Lake District in England to the highlands of Scotland. The bus ride took us through very pretty country, especially with the onset of fall—hillsides were covered with purple heather and trees were beginning to take on red and golden hues.

   As true in the other countries, there were also many signs of past conflicts, invasions and battles. Just before crossing into Scotland, the tour group stopped at Hadrian’s Wall, which was built by the Roman army in 150 AD to stop raiding parties from coming down from the north. It was eighty miles long from east to west, twenty feet wide and eight feet high, with earthen banks on either side, and was protected by castles or forts interspersed every few miles. Only a fraction of the original wall remains today, with much of it having been taken apart and used for other purposes.

    An early morning excursion to Loch Ness on the following day was something we had all looked forward to with great anticipation. Just as we reached the lake, the sun came up over the mountains on the east side, filtering through a blanket of fog covering the water. The first sighting of Loch Ness was beautiful and mysterious, meeting all expectations!

   After spending time in the Loch Ness visitor’s center watching documentaries and learning about  the many scientific investigations which have been conducted, there was still the thought that the elusive ‘monster’ might be out there somewhere. Unfortunately, Nessie didn’t show up when we took a boat ride later that day. But a decal of the sea serpent glued onto one of the windows below deck gave people the chance to get a good picture to take back home!

   Urquhart Castle, perched on one side of the long lake, still looked imposing even though most of it had been demolished centuries ago. There was a huge wooden machine on display which was used to fling heavy round granite boulders probably ten times bigger than cannon balls into the side of the castle. It was ineffective when compared to modern weapons of warfare; but it would have been frightening to hear the noise of granite boulders crashing into the castle walls if you were hunkered down inside.

   On our last day in Scotland, we toured the mighty castle/fortress that sits high above Edinburg on the plateau of an extinct volcano.  In one of the royal apartments were displayed a beautiful gold and red velvet crown, a bejeweled scepter and sword belonging to past members of the Scottish royalty. The “Banner of the King of Scots” was prominently flown above the castle, a yellow flag with a ferocious red lion standing on its hind legs ready to fight, symbolic of the fighting and courageous spirit of the Scottish people.

   That night we attended a Ceilidh, a celebration of the Scottish culture in dance, music, song, and a traditional feast. A bagpiper dressed in full regalia played “Amazing Grace” at the close of the show, which was very powerful. The evening was a fine tribute to a proud people and a fitting way to end our fantastic trip.

   When we face trials or danger, battles with a seen or unseen enemy, God is our defender, deliverer and our mighty stronghold. He will never let us down. Praise God for His amazing grace and mercy!

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in the times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10 NIV

Hadrian's Wall!

Loch Ness Monster?

Trebuchet at Urquahart Castle

Edinburgh Castle--a mighty fortress!