Episode 1/22

@ Edinburgh at Dawn
Ruby begins her 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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Finley said, offering Ruby a toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Finley!" said Ruby.
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
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Ruby!” said ✯ƒaεяy∂aε✯☽☆☾✯. “Can you hold my torch and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Ruby good-naturedly took charge of ✯ƒaεяy∂aε✯☽☆☾✯'s possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This she donned and then Ruby helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
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
"I think I'll take the opportunity to practise with my new bagpipe chanter here," said Gray.
"Haud yer wheesht!" said Ruby. "That's Scots for 'belt up', or 'put a sock in it', you know."
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
“Pass me the binoculars, Ruby!” said WillDroid. "I think that's a golden eagle just taking off over there!"
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
“Oh wow, Ruby, there's a butterfly!” Noel 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 Ruby knowledgeably.
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
“Seeing these places makes me want to go to there and spend a week or two, Ruby,” remarked Hester.
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Ruby. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
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
“We get to the sea at the end, Ruby,” said Suzie said. “My neighbour goes wild swimming, you know. That means going for a dip in the sea in the early morning when the water's very cold. Apparently it's very invigorating."
"Well, you won't catch me doing that, Suzie!" said Ruby. "Certainly not in Scotland!"
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
“Pass me the binoculars, Ruby!” said glowy. "I think that's a golden eagle just taking off over there!"
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
“Pass me the binoculars, Ruby!” said Symphony. "I think that's a golden eagle just taking off over there!"
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'm enjoying the tour very much but it's getting quite cold, isn't it, Ruby?” shivered Fox.
“Here, wrap my scarf around yourself," replied Ruby. "And you can look forward to a lovely mug of hot chocolate when we get back to our accommodation!"
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
“Whit dae ye cry thon yin?” said Fluffy in greeting Ruby.
"Huh?" replied Ruby in bafflement.
"It means: 'What do you call that one?'" said Fluffy proudly. "In Scots, I mean."
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
Midnight glanced at the map. “Oh, Ruby, perhaps we could do some beach yoga at the end!"
“I don't think so, Midnight! Not with everyone watching!" replied Ruby.
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
“It would be great fun to camp overnight, wouldn't it, Dave?” said Ruby.
Dave shivered. “Brrrrrrrr! I think it would be a little too cold, Ruby! I like my creature comforts!"
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
“I'm enjoying the tour very much but it's getting quite cold, isn't it, Ruby?” shivered Zen.
“Here, wrap my scarf around yourself," replied Ruby. "And you can look forward to a lovely mug of hot chocolate when we get back to our accommodation!"
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
“I'm enjoying the tour very much but it's getting quite cold, isn't it, Ruby?” shivered Hadee Nidmorth.
“Here, wrap my scarf around yourself," replied Ruby. "And you can look forward to a lovely mug of hot chocolate when we get back to our accommodation!"
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
"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 Isabella. "I've realised how little I know about them all."
Ruby thought about this. "Good scheme!" she said.
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
"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 Ruby.
"That sounds like an ideal time," responded Ruby. "Although there wouldn't be time for them to serve an in-flight snack, let alone for you to eat it, would 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
“I was in the supermarket earlier and was texting on my mobile while the cashier ran my items through the scanner,” said Hubert to Ruby. "Then when she'd finished, she asked if I'd like any help with my messages! I thought that was a bit strange, but I just said, 'No, thank you.'"
"She meant, 'Do you want any help packing your shopping?' " translated Ruby.
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 the Scots invented the pneumatic tyre, television, penicillin, colour photography, disposable contact lenses, the MRI scanner, the refrigerator, ATM machines, the toaster, fingerprinting, the steam engine and the vacuum flask, Ruby?" asked Star Dust.
"Wow! Is there anything they didn't invent, Star Dust?" responded Ruby.

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
"Did you know the Scots invented the pneumatic tyre, television, penicillin, colour photography, disposable contact lenses, the MRI scanner, the refrigerator, ATM machines, the toaster, fingerprinting, the steam engine and the vacuum flask, Ruby?" asked Fanny.
"Wow! Is there anything they didn't invent, Fanny?" responded Ruby.

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 Ruby's tour of "Scotland" comes to an end, she 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
Ruby has completed their tour of "Scotland"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!