I have to push the pram a lot

One of the particular reasons we chose Scotland for our trip this summer was Carrie's fascination with the Outlander tv series.  I regret to admit that we haven't read the books (no judging), but really enjoy the show.  So, for today, Carrie had found a private tour of Outlander filming locations.  It was from the same company that had Sam take us on the walking tour of the royal mile.  She didn't tell us that her husband would be the one taking us today (or that it was her son that had tricked her into taking our tour Sunday night).Reflecting on the many tours we've taken in lots of locations, this company has been one of the best we've used.  They are knowledgable, friendly, and love their land and history. You can find a very wide range of quality in guides, and if you are ever in the area, you should totally check them out.  They are Edinburgh Tour Guides.  They are a family-run company, and wonderful people.  I can't recommend them heartily enough.  And, that's even without remuneration (I still get paid for the plug, right Steve? 😉).Steve, the handsome man in the photo above, met us in front of the guesthouse, and definitely looked the highlander part - kilt, pony tail, and warm smile.  We loaded up and left Edinburgh for the location of Lallybroch, the Fraser home.  Having watched many behind-the-scenes documentaries, I was prepared for the "magic of Hollywood", but it was still cool to see how camera angles and creative set dressing can make something look like it is in the middle of nowhere, when it is actually a part of a working farm.  It was at this stop that we met another guide, who became part of the rest of our day.  He was in a full kilt, and had brought some fighting props, and was demonstrating fighting with his clients.  Apparently, he was an extra on the show, and left his electrician job to become a guide.  He was full of personality, and super nice, but ever present.From there, we went to Linlithgow Palace.  It had some interior locations, as well as the front door from another.  This palace had volunteer guides from a high school.  They were dressed in period garb, and were very adept guides. It was impressive and we got some great pictures.We left there, and had lunch at a really cool butcher shop/local producerie/restaurant.  When deciding on beverages, Carrie noticed an odd name - Irn-Bru, also called "Scotlands OTHER national drink."  She decided she had to try it.  I guess, due to a new sugar tax, they are adding in artificial sweeteners to the normal sugar mix.  She said that was the only negative - the aftertaste.  It was orange, and had some cream soda flavor in it as well.  It was nice to sit by the open window and enjoy the beautiful weather.We left there and went to Doune castle.  There were several locations for Outlander here, but as we drove up, I came to a stunning revelation.  This was the setting for several castles in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  I could see John Cleese as a French soldier taunting from the top of the tower.  I could see him "rescuing" the maiden at the wedding massacre.  The audio guide for the castle was split between Terry Jones narrating, and Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser - yes I KNOW he's dreamy).  There were even coconut halves in the gift shop if you've forgotten your horse.May I take a moment for a brief confession?  I have a problem.  I quote Monty Python.  A. Lot.  I have been in recovery for several years.  Today I relapsed.  In the gift shop, our ever-present shadow (the other guide) inserted himself into my picture of coconuts.  While doing that, he let a quote fly.  From then, the entire way out of the castle to meet up with our guide, I finished the scene.  Carrie kept saying "yes, go on please", and "please continue."  I can not adequately express the level of sarcasm in her voice.  I got my problem under control, and then our guide made a reference, and it started me up again.  I regained my composure again, and in the car, he sang a bit from a Python song, and of course I had to continue it.  I guess I can get my day 1 chip tomorrow - starting over is hard.From there we went to our final location, Culross.  This is an entire town under the protection of the National Trust, so it is kept very historic.  While looking out of one of the buildings, we again saw our smiling highlander, and tried to ensure he didn't sneak into our pictures.  We saw some amazing historic rooms, and enjoyed a walk around the town.  We also went into this cool photographer's gallery (with American flags outside, to celebrate the 4th - the photog's wife is American - Happy Treason Day!), and I got an amazing picture of Eilean Donan - the Highlander castle.  Outlander, Python, and Highlander in one day - pretty cool!Back in Edinburgh, we walked over to this cool bakery for some awesome cookies, and then found a great pub for an early dinner.  Now we are making sure to be back on track with photos and blogging, and I'm hoping for an early night.  Today was the last day of not having to drive, so I need to be on my game to not be Clark W. Griswold in European Vacation - poor Eric Idle.