A taste of Glasgow

Central Station, George Square and the Museum of Modern Art.

Loch Lomond

The first 5 photos were taken at Hill House at Helenburgh which was designed by Architect-Artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) who took his inspiration from Scottish traditions and blended them with the flourish of Art Nouveau and the simplicity of Japanese forms. The next photo reminds us of our visit to a nearby Aquarium to see the marine life of the Loch. The last photo is the view from our room.

Isle of Mull and Island of Iona

It was a glorious sunny today on the Isle of Mull when we visited Duart Castle which in addition to being an ancient fort, is the historic home of the Chiefs of Clan  Maclean. The Macleans acquired Duart in the 1350's in recognition of their support for the Lord of the Isles. The Castle has been the location for many movies inclusive of the 1969 movie "WHEN EIGHT BELLS TOLL" starring Anthony Hopkins.

Sir Lachlan Maclean and his wife currently occupy part of the castle and the trust created by the Clan have contributed significantly over the years to its restoration. Later we took the short ferry trip to the Island of Iona where we visited the ruins of Iona nunnery and the Abby which was the destination of large scale pilgrimages for 1200 years. The monastery was founded by St Columba in 563.

Pictured below in order are the Castle and on Iona the ruins of the Nunnery, the Abby and the beautiful colours of the bay.

Isle of Skye

From about 800 AD the Island was under the rule of the Norsemen whose names remain in the many villages. Prior to Scandinavian occupation the island was in the hands of the celts which is still evident today and about half of the population of 10,000 speak the Gaelic language. The Island is principally agricultural involving sheep, cattle, and fishing. Tourism is increasingly important as people discover its unrivalled peace and beauty. The agricultural system is crofting and there are currrently 2000 crofts on the island. A croft is just a small holding of between 1 to 50 acres or more but there are only about 100 large enough to support the livelihood of a crofter.

Achiltibuie

Wester Ross sheep need a drink at the BAA

Inverness to the Wester Ross area of the Scottish Highlands.

We are currently staying at Archiltibuie which is a long linear crofting hamlet overlooking Badentarbet Bay and the Summer isles. 

Inverness-our digs, Anne at the Castle entrance and Lock Ness.

Lock Ness

Aberdeen to Inverness

Currently we are at a B@B at Inverness which is practically on the banks of Lock Ness. Hopefully tomorrow, all being well, whilst enjoying a cruise we will catch a glmpse of the Lock Ness monster.   Notwithstanding should Nessie fail to raise her head we plan to step ashore and explore the ruins of the Urquhart Castle. Pictured is a view of our digs at Aberdeen, Lock Ness, Lindsay willing to save a life, the beach at Aberdeen and Anne standing amongst the heather on  the hill.