Rough Guides'readers even officiallynamed Scotland the mostbeautifulcountry in the world. If you're in Inverness and short on time, take anInverness day tripto discover the wonderful wildness of Torridon, Bealach na B, Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle. From the rugged Highlands to the bustling cities, he's dedicated years to touring the country and uncovering its many attractions. Check out these similar places:Loch Coruiskon the Isle of Skye,Loch Lomondin the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park,Loch Nessnear Inverness. If this article has whetted your appetite for a spooky read with lots of Scottish folklore, take a look at this book Famuli Cani: A Supernatural Horror by author Alan Golbourn. You would think the master mason would have been pleased with his protegs work, but instead, when he returned from his overseas trip he became so enraged with jealousy at the quality of the apprentices craftsmanship that he beat his junior to a bloody pulp. Dominating the valleys skyline, the Three Sisters with many ridges and subsidiary peaks are a true mecca for keen walkers. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney, with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns. Links courses are the classic experience here bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass) and the main enemy is the wind, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant. In fact,one of you pointed out that itsbanks are called bonnie for a reason., Designated Scotlands first national park back in 2002, theLoch Lomond and the Trossachs National Parkstretches from the lochs of the Clyde Estuary to Loch Tay inPerthshire, with Loch Lomond at its heart., While the western edge of the loch can become packed with day-tripping coach tours fromGlasgow, the eastern side has an altogether more pastoral feel think wooden ferryboats, and tree-shrouded islands, with excellent opportunities to walk or take a serene boat trip., That said, since you happen to be in the general neighbourhoon, a visit to Loch Lomond is a good excuse to discover Scotland's city of cool: why Glasgow should be your next weekend break with more travel tips from ourinsiders guide to Glasgow.. Theyre a good three generations into marrying first and second cousins now at least. One of the most magical ways to explore Loch Lomond is to take a cruise with views set sail on an island discovery tour around Scotland's most famous loch. WebUrquhart Castle, which can be seen along the Great Glen Way on the shores of Loch Ness, inspired the creators of this film when they visited Scotland for ideas in 2006 and 2007. There's a feeling of the bounty of nature that no other place in Scotland can replicate. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen. And of course, the fact that its so old means that it has its own resident ghost. This is a list of towns and cities in Scotland with a population of more than 15,000, ordered by population, as defined and compiled by the National Records of Scotland organisation. Theres nothing interesting about stalks of corn you might think. Its not known who the ghost is or why he stalks the castle, but it is believed he is associated with the Argyll and Sutherland Highland regiment who began using Stirling Castle as a barracks after 1800. From mountain biking in the Galloway Forest Except that corn was an unknown crop in Scotland at the time the chapel was built, and in fact, it wasnt known to Europeans at all until Christopher Columbus discovered America some 50 years after the chapel had been completed. Winter and autumn in Scotland show the nations attractions in a completely different tone, especially the ones that have a darker side. Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Moor, Inveraray Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle, Spynie Palace. Navigate: Home Scotland Tourist Information Things to Do & Places to Visit. The Celtic festival (which is organized by the Beltane Fire Society) takes you back to the traditions of Samhuinn the pagan celebration of the end of the harvest season and arrival of winter, and is usually held in April. Scotland invented the game of golf and the city ofSt Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by hackers and champions alike. Similar places:The Southern Uplandsin thesouth of Scotland,Knoydart Peninsulain North Highlands, Dava Heather Moorland in Moray. Disclosure: Out About Scotland is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Travel to the park in the south west of Scotland, where Take Glasgows Necropolis for example (which you can read about in my Guide to the Glasgow Necropolis). 398. Find more places to stay on the Isle of Harris. In turn, many Templars fled to Scotland where they set up homes close to Rosslyn. #3. While exploring Stirling Castle, several tourists have reported seeing a man dressed in full Highland dress walking around in the shadows. Its cobbled wynds wind from the Royal Mile in theOld Towninto an old New Town that served as the grid blueprint for Manhattan. That and the runic graffiti left by the Vikings back in the 12th-century., Alongside loving Orkneys spectacular scenery and historic attractions, you also mentioned its excellent opportunities for outdoor adventuring, with one respondent declaring Orkney to have some of Scotland's best walking routes. Wikipedias list of haunted places in Scotland, Edinburgh underground vaults tour from Get Your Guide, Thermacell Halo Mini Mosquito & Midge Protector; Includes 3x4hr Mats & 1x12hr Cartridge; DEET-Free; Scent-Free; No Smoke; 20 sqm Protection Zone, Insect Repelling - The Wee Midgie LAVENDER & BOG MYRTLE Candle Tin for Midges & Mozzies - Midge & Mosquito Repellent Candle, The Complete Visitor Guide to Stirling Castle. Out About Scotland is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Read our guide to Edinburgh accommodation and find more places to stay in Edinburgh. Craig Neil is a travel writer from Edinburgh with a passion for exploring the hidden gems of Scotland. It'll also arm you with tips on where to find the best accommodation, whether you're looking to discover7 must-visit places in Scotland you've probably never heard of or are in the market for 7 uniquely Scottish experiences. Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands, but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. WebGlasgow is the largest city in Scotland by both area and population, whilst the capital city, Edinburgh, is the second largest by population and area. Book a full-dayBest of Skye tourfrom Portree toexplore the Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Glen., The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye - your vote for the most beautiful place in Scotland - orxy/Shutterstock. Looming 227 ft (69 m) tall over the ocean, this visually astounding geometric sea cave has been formed completely from hexagonal columns of basalt, shaped in neat six-sided pillars, that make up its interior walls. The Old Manwas originally an arch with two legs, hence its name. With a world-class modern art gallery, top museums, spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle, there's plenty to keep you entertained whatever the season. We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences. Pitlochry in the heart of Scotland, 8. Skaill House is an attraction in Scotland that I bet most tourists havent heard of. Scotland has 282 Munros - mountains over 3000ft (914m) in height and all are ripe for climbing. Many notable Edinburgh residents were buried in Greyfriars over the course of its history including the Lord Advocate Sir George Mackenzie, the poet Duncan Ban MacIntyre, Admiral Sir Charles Douglas and the artist Sir John Medina. Alternatively, if adventure is on your mind, Scotland happens to feature in our overview ofwhere to go for a serious adventurein some of the worlds wildest places.. It's also a big reason Harris was one of your most beautful places in Scotland. The loch is renowned for its hand-caught oysters and it offers picturesque views from many of the restaurants that border its shores. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are several to choose from but this tour from Get Your Guide includes a visit to Loch Lomond and the surrounding area. Scottish food will forever be associated with the deep-fried Mars bar, but this massively undersells a rich and varied national cuisine that can match. Similar, quieter destination:Sanna Bayin Ardnamurchan,Sound of Iona onIona,St Ninians Isleon Shetland. Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone whos ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. The story behind the pillar goes that while the master mason was in Rome looking for inspiration for the design of the unfinished chapel, his apprentice was busy at work creating his own designs on the pillar. Join. Doors have been seen to open and close by themselves at all times of the day. This article was first published May 2021 and updated July 2022. The slopes of Ben Luskentyre dropping down into the water and the backdrop of the North Harris hills across the sound only add to its remarkableness. It's one of our30 best places to go with kids as well, andone of the best UK city break destinations. This stunning chapel has its origins dating back to 1446, and it is famous for the ornate stone carvings that seem to cover every square inch of its walls. There's a reason Scotland was included in our round-up of amazing traditional dress around the world. Whether Mackenzie felt tortured by guilt over the treatment of the Covenanter prisoners well never know, but mysterious events have surrounded the kirkyard ever since. During the preparation of Skaill House for its first public viewing, fifteen skeletons were discovered near the south wing and under the gravel of the east porch, and all were later proven to be of Norse origin. Famous for its miles of white sands and the gorgeous green-blue waters,Luskentyre Sandsis a little slice of heaven on earth. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',693,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Eventually, after nearly three decades of rampant squalor and crime, Edinburghs city council decided the vaults were a blight on the city and had them sealed up with little warning for the occupants living inside them. Filmmaker Mark Laita spoke about the unique experience, which he likened to something out of a scene from Deliverance. Can't decide where to go in Europe for NYE 2023? The tour guide will explain the symbology of each carving and also retell the stories surrounding this stunning building which you would otherwise miss if you visited the site on your own. Here's a guide to the best Munros and how to climb them. Go tailor-made! If you want to get down there and explore the vaults for yourself I thoroughly recommend booking the Edinburgh underground vaults tour from Get Your Guide. All rights reserved. Located in the spectacular Highlands ofPerthshire, its clear to see why the peaceful, picturesque town of Pitlochry made it into your top tenmost beautiful places in Scotland. 1. We think staying somewhere with a beautiful view is important, so weve done our research and gathered a list of places with stunning surroundings. Edinburgh is a place of many moods: visit in spring to see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or on a chill winters day for fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones, and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. Top of the wish list for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William, a weeklong walk through some of the country's finest scenery, finishing in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis. The 44 settlements with a population over 15,000 are listed below.[1]. As legend has it, the enchanting An Lochan Uaine (The Green Lochan) inGlenmore Forest Parkgot its unique emerald hue when Dmhnall Mr, the king of the pixies (the local fairies), washed his clothes in its waters. Rising out of the Atlantic Ocean to a remarkable height of 449 ft (137 m), the Old Man of Hoy is the UKs tallest sea stack. If youd like to visit Greyfriars Kirk theres no better way to do it than on a guided tour. To help you on your way, we've put together a list of Scotland's top natural wonders, based on their uniqueness and world-class natural beauty. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment. There have been reports by staff members of sightings of a tall man with dark hair in the shop who disappears when they go to investigate, and even the current Laird has heard loud footsteps in the corridor when it was empty. Dunrobin Castle can be found in the village of Golspie in Sutherland, usually surrounded by busloads of tour coaches as its famous for being one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Over the years more than 450 tourists have reported walking out of the gravesite with bruises, burns and scratches mysteriously appearing all over their bodies, while another 140 have suddenly collapsed while exploring the ghostly tomb of Sir George. VisitScotland. "NRS Background Information Settlements and Localities", "Perth wins Diamond Jubilee contest to be named seventh Scottish city", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_towns_and_cities_in_Scotland_by_population&oldid=1139479191, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 10:17. Scotland's national drink is whisky from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning water of life and this fiery spirit has been distilled here for more than 500 years. Originally built as the home of Bishop George Graham, it has been extensively altered over the years and has served as the family home to several Orkney Lairds, although today its open for public viewing as a tourist attraction. When visiting ancient sites, it can sometimes be difficult to bridge the gulf of years or build a connection with the people that built them, but Scotlands superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. [a][2] The 52 localities with a population over 15,000 are listed below. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go. Located in the Ryvoan Pass nearAviemoreand surrounded by lush forest and steep scree slopes, the lochan makes an accessible and enjoyable walk from Glenmore, and has long been a popular stopping point for walkers in theCairngorms National Park. Shortly after it was built, businessmen opened trading booths along the top of the bridge to make the most of passing trade and the arches beneath the bridge were converted into a series of workshops and storage rooms for the shops above. This is a stone pillar that stands at the centre of the chapel which has ornate carvings that are more intricate than those in other parts of the building. It was created some 60 million years ago by the very same ancient lava flow that created the Giants Causeway in Ireland, which is directly across the sea. Scotland is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its mountains, lochs, and historic cities. The four sites that make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney near Stromness were awarded World Heritage status in 1999. This event is supported by the Year of Young People fund, managed by Event Scotland. Now Ill admit that this is one site in Scotland thats more beautiful than scary, but the fact that there are so many outlandish theories as to what the stone carvings actually represent and the fact that no one can disprove them makes Rosslyn Chapel one of the strangest places in Scotland in my opinion. Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history. If you want to learn about the story of Edinburgh you might like: Edinburgh A Thousand Year Story. While its a recorded fact that Mary recovered with barely an injury, the poor servant girl was so badly burned that she died shortly after in agony. Stunningly-sited by the sweeping curve of the Bay of Skaill, the remains of this 5000 year-old fishing and farming village are astoundingly well-preserved, and especially beautiful on bright days. 2. But its also one of the most haunted. At the heart of Scotland's first national park, the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods, before narrowing in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains. Why not? Stay in a Remote Rural Cottage in Dumfries & Galloway. The 1345m (4413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who's reasonably fit: treat the peak with respect and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland. Jun 3, 2016. Come prepared for changeable weather though when its fine, its very fine indeed, but all too often it isnt. Kay Gillespie offers a sublime seven-day itinerary to follow. The ports mountainous backdrop is breath-taking, with the town itself attractively laid out on steep terraces.North Harris is especially spectacular, with bulging, pyramidal mountains of gneiss looming over fjord-like Loch Seaforth. Either way, the colour of the water is uncanny and makes this a mysterious, magical spot. But perhaps the most striking thing about the moor is its remoteness. The lands of Dumfries & Galloway offer a rural wellness escape like no other. Another explanation for the lochs green tint could be from algae generated by decomposing wood lying along the loch floor, but we think the fairy story is much more fun! Inveraray Castle. Just take a look at any Google search of haunted places in Scotland and youll see a list of articles that run into the thousands. Here is our pick of the best destinations in Scotland to get you started. Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotlands best castle and a great family attraction. The Covenanters were a zealous religious movement in the 17th century who were repeatedly defeated in several battles with government forces, and after a failed anti-government revolution in 1679, 1,200 Covenanters were locked inside a freezing-cold mausoleum inside Greyfriars kirkyard as punishment. Stromness also happens to be one of the30 best seaside towns UK.. So few people live within the forest park that light pollution is minimal and the nights really are inky black. You start out by following a cloaked guide through the creepy back streets while listening to stories of murder, torture and hangings from yesteryear, and finish with a visit to the eerie Blair Street underground vaults widely acknowledged as one of the most haunted places in Scotland. Planning to travel here? Dogs, especially, seem to sense his spirit and there has been more than one visitor who has complained that their dogs get restless and upset when they enter Skail House, and some get so upset that they end up cowering under the furniture. Loch Tummel and Tay Forest Park as seen from Queen's View grafxart/Shutterstock, Bealach na B("Pass of the Cattle") is a bona fide bucket-list beauty spot. WebWhere is the most inbred place? Meanwhile, mountain biking, canyoning, quad-biking and white-water rafting adventures await in the countryside around nearbyAberfeldy., Considering a holiday in theHighlandswith kids? While some people hide skeletons in their closets, this building prefers to hide them under its floorboards, and Im talking actual skeletons here, not the metaphoric kind. So who carved the stalks of this unknown crop into the stonework around the window? In this article, youll find a collection of the most haunted places in Scotland along with one or two places that are famous for having ghost sightings and others that are less so. This is the perfect destination for ramblers and hikers of all abilities, with the half-day hike over the Devils Staircase especially recommended. Ask at the town's Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. However, due to the overpowering smell of the deceased in Edinburghs Old Town in the 16th century, it was agreed that a new location was needed to bury the dead. Then theres theRing of Brodgar, themonumental Stones of Stenness, and the nearbyMaes Howe burial site. The girl woke up several hours later to find the bed chamber a raging inferno, likely caused by the naked flames of the candles she had lit. While Applecross may sound like apretty Cotswold village, its name is a corruption of the Gaelic for estuaryApor Crosan. While the Scottish landscape is full of cheery meadows blooming with wildflowers in summer, the same cant be said for the colder months when the plants are dying back and the light takes on a sombre hue. WebBrazil, Japan, India, and Israel are the most inbred country in the world These countries have the highest rate of inbreeding practices corresponding to more than 2% of their Beautiful beaches abound on the Isle of Harris, bagging it a spot in your most beautiful places in Scotland Shutterstock, Robert Burns describedEdinburghas Scotias darling seat, Walter Scott called it mine own romantic town, and you hailed it "an absolute stunner.. What is the most famous ghost in Scotland? WebThey report that they found 125 cases of individuals who they believed were the product of inbreedinga rate of one in 3,652. Sir Ranulph Fiennes tells Lonely Planet about his most recent trips, his must-pack items and two countries still on his bucket list. But as these sites are very popular, we've also included some sustainable alternatives that you can visit instead. Scotland's most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. Mary Kings Close, Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh Castle and The Vaults. Curated by a local expert, it can be fully customised., For more information, see our comprehensive guidebook to theScottish highlands and islands. With hundreds of awe-inspiringnatural landmarks, you won't have to travel too far to find nice places in Scotland. While no one knows what the grail actually is, we do know that shortly after this event supposedly occurred the Knights Templar suddenly became incredibly powerful, so powerful that the king of France outlawed them. Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at the Barrowland, a legendary former ballroom, or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy, a classic indie dive. The most famous fortress in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle has played a dominant role in the citys skyline since the reign of King David I during the 12th Century. Discover the most haunted places in Scotland with this guide which covers supernatural sites from the capital city to the Highlands and the islands. Data on inbreeding in several contemporary human populations are compared, showing the highest local rates of inbreeding to be in Brazil, Japan, India, and Israel. Isle of Harris the southern part of a Scottish Hebridean island, 2. 16,651. Spend some dedicated time exploring the best of Scotlands West Highlands with local guides on afour-day tour of Mull and Iona., The Isle of Iona is a calm and colourful charmer yvonnestewarthenderson/Shutterstock, At 23 miles long and up to five miles wide,Loch Lomondis Britains largest stretch of water. That's their loss. It was believed that young Margaret had fallen deeply in love with one of her stablehands, Jamie Gunn, in an illicit affair that would have been devastating to the Sutherland family if it ever became public knowledge. The hotel restaurant is excellent and several rooms enjoy mountain views. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'outaboutscotland_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',687,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-banner-1-0');This is a place where moss-covered gravestones sweep away into the distance in every direction, and it really does have an eerie feeling if you walk around it on a damp winters afternoon. Its certainly strange to think that such a beautiful building could have been the setting for such a tragic event. WebSome of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone whos ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Remarkably, this fortified house has been home to the same family (the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland) for over 800 years. Amy Mulvaney, a journalist from Dublin, shares her favorite spots from a recent trip to the Scottish city of Glasgow. This former drovers route has a 20 percent gradient and countless hair-raising hairpins that make for a thrilling ride while offering jaw-dropping views over to Skye (more on that later)., If thats sparked your interest in finding the freedom of the open road, discover morefantastic Scottish road-trips, and read theRough Guide to the North Coast 500.Bealach na B is part of this516-mile route that takes in everything from stunning coastal scenery and expansive sandy beaches, to rugged mountains and remote villages., Talking of which, if its seclusion youre after, check out our guide to themost spectacular remote places in Scotland. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland by both area and population, whilst the capital city, Edinburgh, is the second largest by population and area. You can read more about this historic attraction in: The Complete Visitor Guide to Stirling Castle. Follow him on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. In fact, when it was originally built it was more of a fortified square keep with walls six feet thick sitting perched on top of a cliff-top look-out position. Taste local varieties of whisky, walk the West Highland Way and explore the Edinburgh Castle. While most visitors come for a day-trip, to truly experience the tranquillity of the Isle of Iona, consider overnighting. Its a fact that there are a lot of Viking influences in Orkney, and even the word Skaill is an old Norse word for great hall, so could deceased Viking warriors be to blame for the strange events that have been reported since the skeletons were disturbed? Edinburgh Castle. Want to blend a city break with exploring the best of the Western Isles? All thats creepy enough, but theres also the story of Ubby. Ubby obviously loved this little mound of stones in the middle of Skaill loch because in his later years, when he knew his end was near, he decided to lay down and die on it. Take a look at these similar places:Ben Nevisin Fort William,Schiehallionnear Pitlochry,The Cobblerin Arrochar Alps. Alternatively, check out Wikipedias list of haunted places in Scotlandto be amazed by the number of ghost sightings that have been reported by locals and tourists. Best for atmospheric indulgence: The Witchery by the Castle. The peace and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by soldiers of the Campbell clan. Everyone knows the story of wee Bobby, the loyal Scots Terrier who lay by his owners grave for 14 years after he died (read my Greyfriars Bobby guide for more information), but perhaps not so many people know the story of the kirkyard (Scots for graveyard) where Bobbys owner was laid to rest. The Campbell family arrived in the Argyll region in the early 13th century at Innischonnell Castle. As a result of the inbreeding, upwards of 90% of babies were male. Where are the best places to go ghost hunting in Edinburgh? The vaults were subsequently used as the foundations for new buildings and were entirely forgotten about until a chance excavation unearthed them in the 1980s. With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag the plug of an extinct volcano Stirlings beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle. Highlights of a ghost-hunting tour include the Edinburgh vaults, Stirling Castle and Skaill House. Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano with panoramic views over the city. The hiking route begins opposite the Three Sisters massif and leads walkers into the Lost Valley. The worduaine(pronounced oo-in-ya) is a Gaelic word used to refer to a bright, vivid green colour. Part of theWestern Isles, you adored theIsle of Harris(Na Hearadh, from the old Norse for high land)for being tranquil, beautiful, and full of fond memories, and for its beyond spectacular beaches. Try some of these remote stays in Scotland and youll be rewarded with the most serene and undiscovered places. Mackenzie was known as a ruthless persecutor of the Covenanters during his time in office.