Scotland Tour 2019: The Kelpies

Their names are Duke and Baron, and they represent the horses that pulled wagons, ploughs, and barge ships in times gone by.

They are a tribute to the horses that were once critical to Scotland's economy when barges filled with iron ore, coal, and goods plied the canals through Falkirk, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and more.

These horses, created by artist Andy Scott, stand 100 feet tall and were inspired by not only two Clydesdales named Duke and Baron, but by the mythical kelpie horses that had the strength of 100 horses and had to be tamed for them to offer safe passage over water. Rather fitting, actually.

Construction of the horses began in 2013, and the 30,000 pieces of the giant metallic puzzle took only 90 days to complete.

They have become one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions.

This would be our final stop before arriving at the Dalmahoy Country House Hotel where we would spend our evening enjoying good food, great company, a final concert, and time saying farewell to the new friends who had become our family.

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We gathered after dinner to drink a final dram, and have one last chat. We packed and repacked, and weighed our luggage then packed again. The next morning, we said farewell to Scotland.

My trip was special in so many ways. I was able to visit places I've written about. I made a lot of new friends. I got to visit again with Jim and Susie Malcolm whose company I always enjoy. And, I was able to spend almost two weeks with my mom, and two cousins I have not seen in years. (We should not let that happen again.) If I had to sum it up, the trip to Scotland was like coming home.

Thank you for coming with me on my photo journey of Scotland. And, to those of you who are reading this who were on the trip with me, Slàinte mhath! I hope to see you again soon.

Barbara, Mary, Mom, and me. Photo courtesy of Cynthia.