Hermitage Castle

Started this very productive day with a quick drive down to Hermitage Castle, which has been aptly described as embodying the phrase "sod off" in stone. The castle lies in what has also been described as the bloodiest valley in the country, and the area has seen its fair share of murder, robberies, adultery and general, allround mayhem. It was central in the numerous border conflicts between Scotland and England, and the subconflict of cattlestealing that was the Riever wars. Iffin you can't make it here in person, check out the Wikipedia article for a good, murderous read.

The castle, in an uncharacteristic setting of pretty flowers.


I must have posted this picture before; it is the only doorway of the current castle. The whole structure screams "whatever you're selling, we're not buying".


This looks like a shitter, but I can't be sure.


The single lane road in from the A7 is very pretty. This is how I'll always think of the Borders.


Also known as the southern uplands, they're generally softer around the edges than the more famous "Highlands", but I think they're just as purdy in their way.


The sheep here are very jumpy. These four ran like the Devil was on their heels (and well spotted to them!).