It’s summer! We’ve had a rather cool and drich (Scots for damp!) summer in Scotland, but today is making up for it.
In the morning we had two options. Some of us went to Eilean Donan Castle, which was lovingly restored in the early 20th century and is these days better known for featuring in various films, most importantly in Highlander. This excursion also took us to the pretty seaside town of Plockton for a stroll. The other brief bus ride took us into the Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye for a hike, immersing ourselves in this spot of natural beauty.
During lunch we sailed with Lord of the Glens to Armadale for another visit to the Isle of Skye. The Clan Donald Trust created the Museum of the Highlands and Islands a few years ago, which deals with many aspects of Highland history like the Clearances, Jacobites and most of all the Lord of the Isles (under the leadership of the MacDonalds). The museum and the ruins of Armadale Castle are situated in beautiful gardens with a nice herbaceous border and many stunning old trees.
After this already fascinating day we were in for a treat: As the sea was unusually calm we sailed to the island of Canna and spent the night there. This with neighbouring Sanday (connected by a bridge) is the most westerly of the Small Isles with a population of only 26. It is owned by the National Trust for Scotland since it was given to the Trust by the former owner John Lorne Campbell and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw in 1981. We probably met half of the population as we descended on the only Café on the island that doubles up as a restaurant and pub.
So this wonderful day came to a finish sitting outside Café Canna, looking at the bay and the lights of Lord of the Glens, enjoying the peace and quiet on this very special island.
