Dragons & castles

Now don't get me wrong, but I was fed up with documentaries arguing about the dubious existence of “Nessie'' — Loch Ness's very own water-drenched dragon.

Would I get lucky and see this prehistoric marvel of nature with my own eyes? I didn't know for sure, but I was going to help myself to a sliver of the dashing dragon.

Feeling an urgent need to get to the bottom of this mystery, I set off for Scotland — the land of Robert the Bruce and Sir William Wallace, the land of timeless castles, romantic fortresses, bagpipes and tartan kilts.

The world-famous Loch Ness (or Lake Ness) is situated about 37km southwest of the city of Inverness in the Scottish highlands.

Containing more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined; the Loch's deepest point is at 754 feet.

Her steel-grey waters have long since been the alleged hiding place of “Nessie'', as the long-necked beast is fondly referred to in this part of the world.

Imagination going wild

Sleepy and blurry-eyed, I hopped on to the early-morning boat tour and put on my most eager “monster-spotting'' face.

Swirling images in my head were of a primeval beast ripping apart our ferry as it glided down the murky Loch (not a pretty mental picture).

A screen with sonar readings was conveniently placed a few feet away, revealing the lake's shadowy depths. Goaded along by the enthusiastic guide, I kept my eyes peeled for some underwater action.

The guide, no doubt, enjoyed every minute of monster-hungry visitors hanging on his every word. He commented that just two weeks earlier, a visitor caught sight of a blip on the sonar screen (which may or may not have been Nessie.)

Sightings of this creature apparently date back to the 6th century.

Modern interest in the creature was rekindled by a sighting in 1933, when George Spicer and his wife saw “a most extraordinary form of animal'' cross the road in front of their car near Loch Ness.

However, after half an hour of staring into a blank screen (no blip to report), not even my vivid imagination came to my rescue.

Enveloped in the hazy morning mist, visibility was low and made this experience more memorable.

The green embankments on either side appeared like aged actors through thick curtains of fogginess on this watery stage.

Urquhart Castle emerged on the banks as if in a dream, revealing its stone-walled ruins as they lay bare, soaking up feeble sunrays.

With such a strategic location on Loch Ness, this castle was once a fortress in a chain of strongholds guarding the Great Glen.

This was turning into an incredibly fascinating excursion down the Loch and made up for the disappointment of not sighting our water-loving native.

Moving south

Sadly, it was soon time to leave behind the Scottish highlands (and Nessie) and move south, towards a majestic castle set high on a hill.

Encased within the heart of bustling Edinburgh city is a legendary castle.

With original structures built as far back as the 6th century, this castle sits high upon an extinct volcanic rock. Like a proud mistress looking down upon her minions from her lofty seat, this fortress has overlooked the vibrantly dynamic city for centuries.

Clambering up the back path to the castle took the better part of an hour but the panoramic view at the crest was magnificent.

The city of Edinburgh was spread out like a magic carpet of stone buildings and spires till as far as the eye could see.

I observed a small wedding party (kilts and all) make its way out of St Margaret's Chapel adding romance to the crisp morning air.

This is the oldest building in the castle and was built as a medieval fortress dedicated to Queen Margaret.

Set in a little craggy alcove on the summit of the castle rock, it offered a stunning view and, as I was later informed, was extremely popular with bridal parties.

Not surprising then that it is also one of the most expensive wedding venues in Edinburgh.

In 1093, Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm III, was lying seriously ill in this castle when she received news that her husband had been killed in Northumberland.

Broken-hearted, she too died and was laid to rest beside her beloved husband in the Dunfermline Church.

A spooky sensation

As I toured the innards of this castle, I had a bone-chilling sensation of being watched by the supernatural.

Legends of tortured prisoners and horrifying accounts of brutal deaths within the castle's confines made my knees quiver and my palms sweat.

One such notorious (albeit harmless) resident is the Headless Drummer whose rhythms echo within castle walls, though no one can accurately trace how the drummer got to be there.

The Lone Piper on the other hand has a well- known history. He haunts secret passageways and tunnels hidden beneath the castle complex.

It is said that when these tunnels were first discovered, a young soldier was dispatched to investigate the depths with his musical flute as his sole companion.

His underground movements were tracked by the sound of his instrument which ceased abruptly when he disappeared.

To this day, if you stand still long enough, you may hear the creepy melody in the breeze. By this time, I was very queasy indeed, especially at the prospect of hearing a flute-playing ghost.

Craving the company of living beings, I beat a hasty retreat to the sunlit courtyards.

Far above these dark and gloomy recesses and out on the vividly bright main street called the Royal Mile, I made my way down into the crowds.

B&Bs crammed the nooks of the streets alongside taverns and alfresco restaurants.

The castle's One O'clock Gun was fired just then and as I turned around the street corner, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

A grimacing William Wallace lookalike brandished his sword inches from my face.

Garnished in blue and white war (face) paint, this particularly handsome William graciously posed for my camera for a nominal donation.

Delightful adventures

Initially embarking on a quest of the water beast, my Scottish journey had taken me along a path of delightful adventures. ]

A passage down a legendary lake with a deep, dark secret in her belly and the enduring chronicles of an incredible castle formed the essence of my Scottish escapade.

Naturally endowed with astonishing greenery, this country of fairytale fortresses proved alluring and enchanting.

As for the vital quest of locating the highland beast, that would have to wait for the moment.

For now, I was content to gaze fondly at my miniature imitation of Nessie as she sat prettily on my mantelpiece.

— Andrea Bailey is a UAE-based freelance writer

Go there ... Loch Ness

From the UAE ... From Dubai

Edinburgh is the nearest airport to Loch Ness.

Air France flies daily via Paris.
Fare from Dh4,640

British Airways flies daily via London.
Fare from Dh4,410

Lufthansa flies daily via Frankfurt.
Fare from Dh4,370

— Information courtesy:

The Holiday Lounge by Dnata.
Ph: 04 4298576