The city of Inverness in the northeast of Scotland is locally known as the “Capital of the Highlands.” It is a quaint, ancient city with twisting, winding streets and alleys spread across both banks of the wide and impressive River Ness. We had time to explore this lovely place in bright sunshine and warms breezes – very unusual for this part of the world – before our scheduled transfer to the ship berthed not very far away at all in Muirtown Locks on the Caledonian Canal.
On arrival we were greeted by Brian the Hotel Manager and shown to our staterooms. Our luggage was very efficiently taken from the transfer coach and delivered to our rooms allowing us to settle in, unpack and explore the trim and elegant vessel before the mandatory safety drill.
This was carried out by Brian along with Captain Raitt and his officers after which Steve Blamires, our Lindblad/National Geographic expedition leader, introduced himself and gave us an overview of the exciting seven days that lie ahead. Steve is being helped by two other Lindblad/National Geographic staff, David Cothran and Konia Tack, and as each was introduced we could see just how enthusiastic and knowledgeable all of the staff is about Scotland. We were also pleased to meet Jim Richardson, full time National Geographic photographer, who just happens to have the cover story on this month’s edition of the prestigious magazine.
Dinner was most welcome after a couple of days of airplane and airport food and we finally had a sense that we had, indeed, arrived! But the night was not over. After dinner we were entertained delightfully by some very young dancers from the Elizabeth Fraser Highland Dance School, an award-winning school that produced dancers of a very high standard. The young performers were dressed in various tartans and accompanied by Audrey, a young lady playing the powerful Highland bagpipe. Yes, we really are in Scotland!
Tomorrow we start our expedition proper with a visit to Culloden Battlefield and the ancient monuments of Clava Cairns. Then at lunchtime Lord of the Glens will fire up her engines, slip her moorings and head west into the Caledonian Canal and on to Loch Ness. Is it possible, just maybe, we may catch a glimpse of the Loch’s most famous resident...?
