Lord of the Isles

Lord of the Isles.

Lord of the Isles is/was the hereditary of the Chief of the clan of MacDonald on Skye. As Sandra's mother's maiden name was MacDonald, it seems appropriate.

So with more sun shining down, is Skye weather always like this?, we breakfast heartily, except Marcus who was feeling a bit ill, reload the car and head to the opposite end of the island to Armadale castle.

Though now a ruin it was once the seat of the chiefs of the MacDonald clan and site of the Isles museum. The gardens are extensive and though formally laid out, have the feel of constructed wildness. Beth had great fun trying to photograph some of the birds and bumble bees that ranged widely in the gardens.

Then we bade the isle adieu and re-traced our steps back to Loch Ness before heading North again. Once driving along the loch the Entourage stopped at Urquhart Castle that is built onto a point in the loch and near where there have been several sightings of the famed monster. My Entourage singularly of failed to see anything in the loch that wasn't man made.

In keeping with the Entourages junior members the next port of call was the Loch Ness Exhibition, a whole museum devoted to the monster and explanations for its appearance. The Senior members diverted the others into the gift shop where Marcus was disappointed in the small selection of kilts.

Nearing Inverness the party headed to the Culloden battlefied. Sandra was surprised to find that since her last visit a museum and visitors centre had sprung up there. The museum does a very good job of linking the site to the history and the archeaology of the battle. Very well presented. Needless to say Tony could have spent a lot longer there.

Nearby was Clava Cairns so this was our next stop. This Stone-Bronze age burial mounds, standing stone circles and ceremonial sites did not have the powerful and foreboding feeling surrounding them as they did when Sandra first visited. Mind you they were being invaded by teenage boys and lttle girls in pink gumboots.

From there Charlotte navigated us to our accommodation. She had been on her best behaviour sending us down only wide roads with plenty of visability. Perhaps it was only because of the lack of any other options to this point because she immediately, after leaving Clava Cairns, had us on narrow winding roads without hedgerows but plenty of sheds and buildings to create blind corners and block any view of the oncoming traffic at a number of intersections.

Having arrived safely we headed off for a simple dinner of Mac and Cheese, Chicken burger, Pie and peas as well as bangers and mash (served in a Yorkshire pudding). Desert was Highland Mess, Malteser cheesecake and Apple and Pear crumble with custard. We all went to bed very satisfied.

Quote of the Day:
"A perfect person would know when they are not perfect", Sandra, enough said.

Drinks of Note:
Bellhaven Best Ale - served chilled, this creamy is very easy to drink without any bitter aftertaste. Very nice.




Armadale Castle.
The Grand Stairs.




Urquhart Castle.

The Entourage ... really.

Culloden Moor.

One of the Clava Cairns.

More of the Clava Cairns.


At our eatery ... hmmm.

Bangers,mash and Yorkshire pudding Inverness style.

The Beer.
For Marg's interest.








Comments

  1. jenjen14 April 2018 at 15:41

    Bee: "Does my bum look big in this?"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tony Wilkinson15 April 2018 at 13:21

      Only angle Beth managed to catch. Should have seen her chasing after birds trying for photos. Beth couldn't seem to understand why they just wouldn't stay still.

      Delete
  2. The Old Gnome15 April 2018 at 05:46

    Why are the staff not in kilts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tony Wilkinson15 April 2018 at 13:22

      Had not found any, Still have not found any suitable.

      Delete

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