After a short crossing from Inverie to Armadale on the Isle of Skye we explored the Clan Donald Centre. Some of us went the extra mile and walked there, some of us took the available shuttle bus. The Clan Donald Centre is run by a trust that restored the 18th/19th century gardens and also created a fascinating museum. All the different aspects of history touched upon and talked about on our journey come together in this fantastic exhibition.
During our visit we also had the option of joining Konia on a garden tour. The stunning gardens are home to many ancient trees as well as colourful herbaceous borders. The general voluptuousness of the foliage is quite stunning.
On our return to the ship we sailed during another yummy lunch via the Kylerhea Narrows to Kyle of Lochalsh. In the afternoon we then had a choice. Either we could hike or visit a castle and village. The hikers had lovely views of the red and the black Cuillin, rounded off by a visit to the bar of the Sligachan Inn. Here the choice was yours. It was either tea or home-brewed beer or one of over 200 whiskies!
Those in search of a more leisurely afternoon chose to visit Eilean Donan Castle and Plockton. The castle was ruined in 1719 during the Jacobite Rising but was restored in the 20th century. It is very well known due to being used in films like “The Master of Balintrae,” “Loch Ness,” and especially “Highlander.” After our visit and a spot of shopping, it was time to chill out in the pretty village of Plockton. This village was founded in 1801 and is a popular tourist destination, especially since the television series “Hamish MacBeth,” featuring Robert Carlisle and also a very cute Westie (West Highland Terrier).
Again, the North Atlantic drift, as at the Clan Donald Centre, also makes for relatively mild temperatures in winter and plants like palm trees (actually cabbage trees) thrive. We also had the chance of taking a photo of an original thatched cottage in this bonnie place.
On our return journey to the ship we encountered some Highlanders of the hairy, four-legged variety. Not bothered by all the cameras pointed at them, these cattle almost posed for the pictures.
In the evening we had our farewell party in the lounge, followed by our last dinner. And this is how this lovely trip is coming to an end, though some of us are going on to the extension to Edinburgh. But I am sure that the very special light and mood and the wide-open spaces of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands will stay with us for a long time. And so we have a last evening of sipping a glass with new friends and enjoying the ambience of Lord of the Glens until our travels take us to other shores.
