Angus Day Trip - 01.10.11

Day trip organised by the uni for international students.

First up we saw the Monument of Abbroath, which commemorates the independence of Scotland.

Next we visited Abbroath Abbey whose chapel was in the shape of a cross. This was a large abbey for monks that lived very strict lives. They had to attend 9 services each day with the first one at midnight and ending at 8 in the evening. They wore gray robes and was living in relative poverty while the head of the abbey, the abbot lived in luxury in the abbot house, and  ran the town.

Large circle at top was where a large bright light was placed to help guide boats which brought business. First form of lighthouse in Europe.

Small door in the wall - ladder would be placed to reach that room (one exit) which held all the gold and silver and important jewellery and documents of the abbey.

Abbot House. Used continuously since 1200s. Back then the wall and ceiling use to be hand painted with bright colours as the brighter the colour meant the wealthier you are! 

Back of the abbey which use to be dinning rooms, sleeping rooms and soon.
It was said that no one could talk in dinning room, thus the monks had an extensive form of sign language.

Next we went to Glamis Castle! My favourite part of the trip, I just loved the castle!
It was the castle Queen Elizabeth grew up in!

There was a guided tour inside, but no photos taking allowed =[ The rooms were beautiful with lots of protraits, some were massive! lots of animal stuffing with whole rooms of those animal horns. The chapel room was stunning - ceiling and walls were lined with 90 different paintings from bible scenes, which apparently the painter was paid 90 pounds for all!

The Italian Garden. Trees formed together to make tree canopy!

Hairy Cows!! I don't know their proper name, but unique to Scotland are these hairy cows and hairy horses.

To finish the day we visited a local family's home where the local community prepared such a large high tea feast! Traditional scottish food for tea are made mostly from scones, shortbread, jam, and cakes. Some were very sweet!