The remnants of Hurricane Bertha that had been chasing us yesterday were all but gone as we left Inverie and made the short crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Our purpose for mooring at Armadale was to visit the Clan Donald Centre, a short walk from the ship.

This was the seat of the largest branch of the Clan MacDonald and the ruins of the old castle are an attraction in the extensive, well-planned gardens. Our focus though was on the small but excellent Clan Donald Museum. Despite its name, the museum covers a lot of general Scottish history and the story of the influential medieval Lords of the Isles.

Part of the history of this part of Scotland is known as the Viking Age when Vikings were frequent visitors in their powerful longships. Well, when we left Armadale for Kyle of Lochalsh what should we see looming ahead of us but a full size Viking longship under sail and with a generous crew of present day Norwegian Viking enthusiasts. Captain Reading was able to bring Lord of the Glens close enough for us to get great pictures of this aquatic anachronism.

By lunchtime we were alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh and soon heading off in torrential rain for the shelter of famous Eilean Donan Castle. This castle had been in ruins since the Jacobite period but was restored in the early 20th century and is now the family home of the MacRaes. It is one of the most visited—and certainly the most photographed—of all Scottish castles. It was very busy (with other travelers seeking shelter) but we arrived early enough for a guided tour of this impressive building.

From there we made another short drive across wild moorland, dripping in the rain, to the quaint and colourful village of Plockton. Here there is no castle, museum, church, or other focal point but nonetheless it is a beautiful place to photograph, stroll or simply take-in what life must be like for people in these small and remote seaside communities.

The day and, indeed, the itinerary was rounded off back on Lord of the Glens with the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party. Then we had a very entertaining dinner! One of the great mysteries of Scottish cuisine is the (in)famous haggis. Carrie, the hotel manager, did this rare delicacy proud by having it ceremoniously piped into the dining room by a bagpiper in full Highland regalia, she then recited Robert Burns’ poem “The Address to the Haggis” with much gusto and flair before we all tucked into a full and delicious Scottish farewell dinner.

Tomorrow we all part company, some for Edinburgh, some for home, but we all take with us warm memories of this small, ancient, and stunningly scenic country. Thank you staff, officers, captain, and crew of Lord of the Glens for a wonderful trip! And, as they say in Scotland, “Haste ye back!”