Tuli and her sisters, somewhere around Aberdenn, Scotland

Our next adventure awaited, and the prospect of exploring Scotland had us buzzing with excitement. Despite having lived in Dublin and London for a few years, we’d never made it to Scotland. Now, the opportunity to visit Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside had finally presented itself, and we weren’t about to let it slip away.

We began our Scottish escapade in Edinburgh, the capital city. It’s a breathtaking place where you half-expect Harry Potter to appear around every corner. Despite the pricey accommodation, we found the food surprisingly affordable and of high quality. You could choose from a plethora of cuisines, whether it was an amazing brunch or a casual dinner, without breaking the bank – a stark contrast to Switzerland, where a dinner for two could start at 150 euros, and that didn’t even include drinks!

The next day, we went to pick up our rental car – a necessity for the journey. Finding an affordable car rental took me quite some time, but we succeeded, and you can find the link here.

With our car secured, we set off on the trail of Queen Elizabeth, our accommodation conveniently close to her beloved Balmoral Castle. The journey was picturesque, the landscapes breathtaking, and the locals greeted us with smiles.

Finally arriving at our destination felt like stepping into Downton Abbey. A magnificent castle with extensive grounds, including a part of a river where you could catch your own salmon – utterly unbelievable. Katy warmly welcomed us, and we had a slight moment of concern about our attire and the possibility of a dress code. Fortunately, everything turned out splendid, and Katy gave us a grand tour of her residence. The castle even had historical rooms, and Ivana felt like she was in seventh heaven, especially knowing that the owner was an acquaintance of Queen Elizabeth.

The grounds were unbelievably vast, hosting not only three beautiful dogs but also 12 chickens and 10 squirrels we lovingly cared for. The estate even had gardeners and a florist – truly like something out of a movie.

Tuli – The Dignified Matriarch

As the oldest of Katy’s three dogs, Tuli exuded regality. Despite her skepticism, she was breathtakingly beautiful, with a coat that shimmered for her age. Tuli was cautious and kept a watchful eye on her sisters. Initially, she didn’t trust us, casting doubt with her gaze, resisting our attempts to pet her, and doing as she pleased. It took quite a while for us to find our way to her, and when we did, it wasn’t the same as with Pirate or Alta. Our interactions were on a level of respect and distance. Nevertheless, our mornings with Tuli were calm, dignified, and respectful. Tuli took her vitamins religiously and loved basking in the sun.

Scapa – The Playful Spirit

Considerably younger than Tuli, Trampas was much more sociable. With a stunning physique, she was obedient and incredibly swift. She often frolicked and entertained herself with the youngest sister, sometimes to the point where we thought they might squabble – a sight that brought moments of humor. Trampas had no issues with us and even enjoyed spending time with us.

Cheva- Puppy the Bundle of Joy

An incredibly lovely, affectionate, and obedient puppy, Puppy endeared itself to us from the start. Showering us with love, this furball had an abundance of energy and loved chasing around the vast garden.

Our stay, albeit short, was thoroughly enjoyed. The days seemed endless, with the sun setting sometimes just before midnight. Evenings were spent playing tennis on their private court. Our room was cozy, offering a beautiful view of the garden.

We explored the Queen’s favorite residence, indulged in local brews, and witnessed the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. Katy had some fantastic kitchen and dog-care tips; here are a few of them.