For many of us it was a long flight from home in the USA all the way to Inverness, Scotland—but it was worth it. Arriving in Inverness, known locally as “the Capital of the Highlands,” brought us closer to finally joining the Lord of the Glens and our fellow travellers, and gave us a chance to see this ancient city nestled along the banks of the broad River Ness.
We made our respective ways to the ship sitting proudly at the top of a flight of several locks on the Caledonian Canal giving a great view over the city below. And here we had our first full Scottish experience—a bagpiper in full Highland dress piped us aboard and really brought home that we are no longer in Kansas.
Brian Copland, our hotel manager, and his staff greeted us at reception and showed us to our cabins where our luggage was already waiting. The ship was not scheduled to sail until tomorrow so we had the chance to explore this small but very elegant vessel and acquaint ourselves with its various decks, public areas and facilities.
Then in the late afternoon we listened to Brian’s instructions concerning safety on the ship and what to do in the event of an emergency. Immediately following this Steve Blamires, expedition leader, welcomed us all on board and gave an overview of the planned events for the next seven days. Steve handed over to Iris Barry who is the National Geographic representative on board, and she told us of her archaeological career and interest in Scotland’s history and let us know that she would be giving some formal talks over the length of the trip as well as guiding us when ashore.
Next, Stewart Aitchison explained that he is the photo instructor on the trip and would be helping us with any technical questions or problems we may have with our cameras and equipment. Finally, Konia Tack introduced herself as a long-time tour guide in Scotland and a frequent staff member on Lord of the Glens who, like the others, would be ashore with us daily and give some formal presentations throughout the voyage when time allows.
After dinner we had a very nice surprise and another full Scottish experience when we were treated to demonstrations of Scottish Highland dancing by some very young pupils of the award-winning Scottish dance instructor Elizabeth Stewart. It was great to see such young girls so eager to show off their steps in an age when such old customs and traditions are rapidly dying out. Thanks to Elizabeth and her dedicated students, this will not happen so rapidly in this part of the world.
Then, to bed and a good rest before we set off tomorrow on our first excursion of the trip. Our adventure is about to begin!
