It’s our first full day here in Scotland and we start with visit to a Scottish icon, Eilean Donan Castle. Eilean Donan is one of Scotland’s most recognizable landmarks given to the many movies that have been filmed here. It is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, which is understandable since it is as we all remember the castles of our dreams as youngsters, imagining being a knight in the days of old. It is perfectly situated at the end of a long stone bridge and sits out on its own island, a most ideal setting for any nobleman or noblewoman. The castle has been renovated and much of it dates back to the 20th century, when Lieutenant Colonel MacRae devoted his life to rebuilding the site and reclaiming it for Clan MacRae.
After our visit to Eilean Donan, we drive a short distance to Plocton a tiny village overlooking Loch Carron and the Creag nan Darach Mountain. Small is the perfect definition of this place, however, its charm and quaintness more than makes up for its size. It has only one main road that meanders through the center of town between the houses and front gardens along the coast. Many of our guests are surprised when they notice the palm trees that line the street. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, palm trees and many species of beautiful flowers make the town a colorful tapestry of floral landscape. Add to this beauty the many wooded sailboats and fishing boats found moored just offshore, and it is easy to think you have been transported to a much simpler time in history. Then it was back to our ship for a hearty lunch, but not before stopping to photograph some highland cows, known for their long hair and mild disposition.
During lunch we set sail for Armadale on the Isle of Skye and a visit to the Clan Donald Centre and Gardens. We leave the ship and walk a short path along the coastline of the island famous for its picture-perfect scenery and beauty. Here we visit the museum and gardens that were the home of the MacDonalds of Sleat. The castle was unfortunately burned down in the 1850s but the remains of the castle, the world-class museum, and the beautiful gardens are a delight to wander through. Konia, our cultural specialist gave an excellent tour of the gardens before we once again headed back to our vessel to sail to our next destination.
Our itinerary said we would be heading to Inverie and have the chance to visit Great Briton’s most remote pub, however, as with any Lindblad-National Geographic expedition, change and opportunity to take advantage of a situation is nothing out of the ordinary. The captain gave word that conditions were right for a chance to visit Canna, the Garden of the Hebrides. We sail for three hours and as darkness falls we watch out the dinning room windows as the island unfolds before us. There, jutting out from the sea, is one of the most beautiful green islands any of us have seen. Everyone is oohing and ahhing, as we make fast to the dock. If that were not enough, a group of gray seals, are frolicking next to the boat. There is now an excitement in the room, and all of us are anxious for morning, when we will get the chance to explore this emerald for ourselves.
