Menootandaboot; Bus-y Bus-y Part Four

Friday, September 20th dawned as bright and warm as the day before. Warmer, even. I rose, enjoyed my breakfast, packed and left the bags with Sandy until I went and enjoyed a morning at the museum.

Tucked between the Baile and the castle, I needed to make my way down Raining's Stairs again. Very familiar now!

I was the first in the door at 10 am. Inverness Museum is not large by the standards of the southern cities, but my word does it pack a punch! Straight away I was impressed with the excellent layout. The info boards had just enough and didn't try to cram it all. The salient points were clear and easily absorbed and the items on display were top notch. Many of the geological exhibits were from a collection donated by Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts. (A very interesting lady in her own right. You can read a 'thumbnail' history HERE. Read about her philanthropy HERE. For those who like a more full read and deeper picture, read HERE.)

The collection of Devonian period fossil fish had me lingering quite a while! This one, in particular, I fell in love with and could just imagine it in a frame on my wall... it was not much bigger than my hand.

The flow of the museum was such that it took me from the very earliest form of the land to the first inhabitants, the ongoing population and continuing effects of nature. The formation of society and the concept of "Scotland" as a nation. Well, I don't really need to tell you how museums work, do I? However, am merely trying to convey how well this one met its purpose using a quite minimal presentation of the highest quality. In short, I was impressed! Some of the info boards were as interesting as the artefacts.

There was a fascinating image on one wall. There had been a recent reconstruction of all information on the face of Prince Charles Edward Stewart, done forensically and using all modern 'modelling' techniques. The result was this:

Bonnie, indeed!

There was a natural history section too, with some of the finest taxidermies I have ever seen. What is more, one could stroke the otter and the badger - the otter fur was GORGEOUS and I may have stood a tad longer than was decorous, running my hands upon its back!

After a restorative cuppa in the wee cafe, I left a donation and complimented the ladies on the truly world-class quality of their museum - small but perfectly formed. I can attest to the 'world-class', as I've been around a bit.

Onward and upward - literally - as I had to get back to the B&B to collect my bags and connect with Bertie and his Gail. We arrived within minutes of each other. Perfect. Off into the sunshine. I proposed we picnic in Narnia at the Ness Islands before taking to the road for Torridon. This suggestion was readily taken and, I believe, gave a different view to Inverness than had been previously held.

...to be continued!...