Episode 1/22

@ Edinburgh at Dawn
Toccata begins his tour of "Scotland" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Map of Scotland
Fàilte gu Alba! Welcome to Scotland! The pets will enjoy a varied tour, taking in the capital, Edinburgh, lochs and lighthouses, castles and keeps, waterfalls and winged wildlife, some rugged Highland scenes and they will see marvels of engineering. They will sample Scottish cuisine, perhaps cullen skink or cranachan. But will they be able to resist the lure of deep fried Mars Bars?
Edinburgh at Dawn
Ceud mìle fàilte... 100,000 welcomes to bonnie Scotland! The beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh awakens and many wonderful treasures await for you to discover them.

Episode 2/22

@ Edinburgh Castle
"The Scots' national animal is the unicorn, first used on a Scottish coat of arms in the 12th century," read out Mia from the brochure.
"That's a really cool national animal, Mia!" responded Toccata.

Edinburgh Castle
A visit to Edinburgh has to include Scotland's most-visited paid attraction, historic Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile, at the west end of Edinburgh's Old Town. The castle sits atop volcanic Castle Rock and provided castle inhabitants with a nearly impenetrable defense. That didn't stop potential invaders from trying though. According to recent research, Edinburgh Castle was the most besieged place in Great Britain.

Episode 3/22

@ Blackness Castle
“It says in our tour guide that there are over 800 islands in Scotland!” said Paws.
"Gosh!" replied Toccata. "It's a good thing we're not on an island-hopping trip, then! We'd be here forever!
"I think it would be lovely to be here forever, Toccata," responded Paws.
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle is sometimes referred to as "the ship that never sailed" because the castle's aerial view resembles the outline of a ship. The "bow" of the "ship" is facing the Firth of Forth and is ready to "set sail" and defend the surrounding area from all threats.

Episode 4/22

@ Forth Bridge
"What's a 'pizza supper', Inga?" queried Toccata, studying the takeaway menu.
"It's a slice of deep-fried pizza with fried potato chips, Toccata," replied Inga. "The 'supper' on a menu means 'with chips', like in the chippie you ask for 'a fish supper', which means 'fish and chips'."
"Deep-fried pizza? Gosh!" responded Toccata.
Forth Bridge
The Forth Bridge is sometimes called the Forth Rail Bridge to distinguish it from the nearby Forth Road Bridge. It carries railway traffic across the Firth of Forth and is located just nine miles from Edinburgh. Voted Scotland's greatest man-made wonder, it is a must-see for many tourists.

Episode 5/22

@ Dunfermline Abbey
"The Scots' national animal is the unicorn, first used on a Scottish coat of arms in the 12th century," read out moo moo from the brochure.
"That's a really cool national animal, moo moo!" responded Toccata.

Dunfermline Abbey
Dunfermline Abbey is one of Scotland's most important cultural sites. Many people of nobility are buried here, more than any other location in Scotland.

Episode 6/22

@ Tay Forest Park
“It would be great fun to camp overnight, wouldn't it, MooCow?” said Toccata.
MooCow shivered. “Brrrrrrrr! I think it would still be a little too cold, Toccata! I like my creature comforts!"
Tay Forest Park
Away from the busyness of popular tourist destinations, is Tay Forest Park, a pristine forest where pets can enjoy the peace and solitude found in walking the many nature trails throughout Scotland.

Episode 7/22

@ Cullen Vista
"I love these shortbread biscuits, Chubb!" remarked Toccata.
"Me too—they're perfect with a cup of tea! I like the triangular shape they come in sometimes," replied Chubb.
Cullen Vista
The beautiful village of Cullen, located on the North Sea coast is famous for the traditional Scottish soup called Cullen Skink, made with smoked haddock, milk, potatoes, and onions. Sounds like a perfect meal to end the day's journey.

Episode 8/22

@ Red Rock Trail
“It would be great fun to camp overnight, wouldn't it, Summer!?” said Toccata.
Summer! shivered. “Brrrrrrrr! I think it would still be a little too cold, Toccata! I like my creature comforts!"
Red Rock Trail
Another fun activity for the more athletic pets is a brief bicycle trip along the Learnie Red Rock Trail in Inchindown. For those pets unable to ride a bicycle, there are plenty of baskets so you can ride and enjoy the fun. This area is famous for the Inchindown oil tanks, a secret site for Royal Navy fuel tanks, used during World War II.

Episode 9/22

@ Bonar Bridge War Memorial
"When we get back I'm going to go to the library and see if Mrs Eucalyptus can recommend a book about the British Isles," said nellie. "I've realised how little I know about them all."
Toccata thought about this. "Good scheme!" he said.
Bonar Bridge War Memorial
The Bonar Bridge or Creich War Memorial is a reflective monument commemorating all Scots who fought in the first and second world wars. Featuring a kilted soldier, it stands near the Kyle of Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, keeping an eternal sentry.

Episode 10/22

@ Neist Point Lighthouse
"This Edinburgh rock is quite different from Brighton rock, isn't it, Mystique?" commented Toccata a little indistinctly as he sampled the capital city's famous confectionery.
"It is! I think I much prefer the crumbly texture of this one, Toccata. It's totally yummy! I'm going to buy some boxes of it to take home."
Neist Point Lighthouse
Neist Point Lighthouse is on the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye and is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland. The trail to the lighthouse is a bit challenging but the views are spectacular!

Episode 11/22

@ The Old Man of Storr
"I think I'll take the opportunity to practise with my new bagpipe chanter here," said chendler.
"Haud yer wheesht!" said Toccata. "That's Scots for 'belt up', or 'put a sock in it', you know."
The Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye is a rocky hill on the Trotternish Peninsula, The rock formations are referred to as the longest landslips in Great Britain. And, yes, you can climb Storr if you wish, but you must use proper climbing equipment and wait for good weather conditions.

Episode 12/22

@ Eilean Donan Castle
"So in England you ask for fish and chips at the chippie, but in Scotland you'd ask for a fish supper, is that it, Zubi?" queried Toccata.
"That's it, Toccata! And of course, only in Scotland can you ask for a deep-fried chocolate bar. So, you know, the chocolate bar is coated in batter and deep fried."
"Good grief!" commented Toccata.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Highlands. It is located on its own island, overlooking the Isle of Skye. It has been beautifully restored after being in ruins for nearly 200 years. Tourists will enjoy the walk across the bridge, taking in the spectacular scenery that is the Scottish Highlands, then enter the magnificently appointed castle interior and view the numerous artifacts and historic displays that tell the stories of Jacobite uprisings and castle sieges.

Episode 13/22

@ Converging Lochs
“I'm enjoying the tour very much but it's getting quite cold, isn't it, Toccata?” shivered Shamika.
“Here, wrap my scarf around yourself," replied Toccata. "And you can look forward to a lovely mug of hot chocolate when we get back to our accommodation!"
Converging Lochs
Eilean Donan Castle is strategically located at the convergence of three lochs; Loch Alsh to the west, Loch Long to the north, and Loch Duich to the south.

Episode 14/22

@ Glen Shiel
“Whit dae ye cry thon yin?” said Heidi in greeting Toccata.
"Huh?" replied Toccata in bafflement.
"It means: 'What do you call that one?'" said Heidi proudly. "In Scots, I mean."
Glen Shiel
The tour guide has arranged for all pets to explore the quiet locale of Invershiel via kayak or canoe. Pick your buddy, choose your watercraft and paddle around Glen Shiel and just take in the peaceful solitude.

Episode 15/22

@ Fort Augustus
"What's a 'pizza supper', Silky?" queried Toccata, studying the takeaway menu.
"It's a slice of deep-fried pizza with fried potato chips, Toccata," replied Silky. "The 'supper' on a menu means 'with chips', like in the chippie you ask for 'a fish supper', which means 'fish and chips'."
"Deep-fried pizza? Gosh!" responded Toccata.
Fort Augustus
Wait, where did that snow come from? Hey, you never can tell about the weather in Scotland so you prepare for anything! A not-so-rare spring snowfall blankets historic Fort Augustus. No worries, though, because the weather forecast predicts the temperature will rise and melt the white stuff.

Episode 16/22

@ Picturesque Glencoe
“Oh wow, Toccata, there's a butterfly!” Summer! cried out.
“It must be a Brimstone, then, because I don't know of any others that are around this early in the year," replied Toccata knowledgeably.
Picturesque Glencoe
One of the jewels of the Scottish Highlands is the picturesque village of Glencoe. The area is known for its breathtakingly beautiful mountain vistas, waterfalls and hiking trails. Photographs fall short in capturing the awe-inspiring scenes. It's something you must experience in person to fully appreciate its magnificence. You can even find 18th-century thatched cottages in the village.

Episode 17/22

@ Highland Cow
“Whit dae ye cry thon yin?” said Winter in greeting Toccata.
"Huh?" replied Toccata in bafflement.
"It means: 'What do you call that one?'" said Winter proudly. "In Scots, I mean."
Highland Cow
The Highland cow is a cow of many names. In Scottish Gaelic, it's Bò Ghàidhealach, in Scots, Heilan Coo, or you may simply refer to them as hairy cows or fluffy cows. Whichever name you call them by doesn't matter because they possess a docile temperament, and are often used as "house cows" rather than for commercial purposes. Its distinctive long shaggy coat is not just for good looks either; it provides protection from extremely cold temperatures common in northernmost countries.

Episode 18/22

@ European Buzzard
“Pass me the binoculars, Toccata!” said Brownie. "I think that's a golden eagle just taking off over there!"
European Buzzard
The European buzzard is a bird of prey that ranges throughout most of Europe and Asia Minor. The plumage can range from almost uniform black-brown to mostly white, and can often be mistaken for other similar-sized birds of prey such as eagles.

Episode 19/22

@ Flower of Scotland
“Whit dae ye cry thon yin?” said Emily in greeting Toccata.
"Huh?" replied Toccata in bafflement.
"It means: 'What do you call that one?'" said Emily proudly. "In Scots, I mean."
Flower of Scotland
What many people see as a troublesome weed is actually the beloved national flower of Scotland. It is abundant and resilient, found throughout the stunning landscapes across the country. Legend has it that it proved to be an enemy's undoing as Norse soldiers attempted a stealthy invasion by going barefoot, intending to creep up on the Scots and overcome them while they slept. One Viking soldier stepped on a thistle plant and his cries of pain woke up the sleeping clansmen and they charged into battle. And yes, the fierce Scots were victorious!

Episode 20/22

@ Glasgow Suspension Bridge
"Did you know Orkney is home to the world’s shortest commercial passenger flight? Catch a plane between Westray and Papa Westray and you’ll be in the air for just two minutes," remarked Toccata.
"That sounds like an ideal time," responded glowy. "Although there wouldn't be time for them to serve an in-flight snack, let alone for you to eat it, would there?"
Glasgow Suspension Bridge
The Glasgow Suspension Bridge is a footbridge spanning the River Clyde, linking the City Centre on the north side to the Laurieston and Gorbals districts on the south side.

Episode 21/22

@ Chaffinch
“Oh wow, Toccata, there's a butterfly!” Oksana cried out.
“It must be a Brimstone, then, because I don't know of any others that are around this early in the year," replied Toccata knowledgeably.
Chaffinch
The chaffinch is one of the most widespread and abundant birds in Britain and Ireland. It does not feed openly on bird feeders; it prefers to hop about under the feeder or hedge. You'll usually hear chaffinches before you see them, with their loud song and varied calls.

Episode 22/22

@ Killantringan Lighthouse
As Toccata's tour of "Scotland" comes to an end, he rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day.
Pretty in Pink Beech Tree
Pretty in Pink Beach Trees can often be found dotting the seashore. Standing out among the blue waves beyond, this tree creates a perfect photo opportunity and some much needed shade.
Killantringan Lighthouse
Killantringan Lighthouse is located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The light came into operation in 1900 and served as a waypoint in the North Channel of the Irish Sea. It gave a flashing signal of two flashes in quick succession every ?1?2 minute. When used, the fog signal was 3 blasts: low, low, high in quick succession every ?1 1?2 minutes. The light was automated in 1988, with the fog signal having been discontinued the previous year. The Lighthouse was fully decommissioned in 2005, and along with the Lightkeepers House, is in private ownership
Toccata has completed their tour of "Scotland"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!