Jess, Queen of Loch Leven

(This is a back-blip uploaded in October, 2011)

Last week we went to the Lyceum in Edinburgh, to see Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off. It seemed appropriate, therefore, to show this picture of Jess at a window in Loch Leven Castle.

Mary was imprisoned in various Scottish castles, of which this was the last one. From here, she escaped in 1568, only for her supporters to lose the subsequent Battle of Langside. After that, she fled to England, hoping for hospitality from her cousin Elizabeth. It was not to be ...

The castle is on an island in the middle of Loch Leven. To get to it, you have to take a boat. Its only a short journey, but Jess was terrified, and spent the whole time on both crossings cowering beneath our legs. Molly, as usual, took it all in her stride.

Although Jess obviously enjoyed her time on the island, we have tried to avoid taking her on boats ever since.