Inverewe Gardens, Plockton & Eilean Donan

We left Inverie after the light began to strengthen, and sailed north through the narrows in the Sound of Sleat. “Kyle” meaning narrows, many of us were out on deck because the weather was holding beautifully. A puffin, common (harbour) seals, (Manx) shearwaters, (many)gulls accompanied us until the Lord of the Glens had cleared her passage under the Skye bridge and moored off the village of Kyle.

We had already chosen our destinations for the day, and the first off were those heading even further north to Inverewe. This location lies on the same latitude as Glacier Bay National Park and St. Petersburg, Russia, yet an amazing variety of plants thrive in the soil built up by dedication and hard work over the decades since the 1860’s.

The rest chose to spend their afternoon in visits close to Kyle. On our way over to Plockton, a seaside village of colorful façades and blooming gardens (including Cabbage palms for goodness’ sake!), the coach passed through the village of Duiriensh where some wonderful local had decided to leave his/her herd of highland cows grazing next to the stream alongside the road. They were perfectly happy, in a hippie-looking way, to have their photos taken from every conceivable angle. On occasion I caught a glimpse of them rolling their eyes, and we can read into the movement what we like, but I am sure they were somewhat relieved when we decided to move on.

Eilean Donan Castle was magnificent in the afternoon light. We learned the history of its demolishment and rebuilding, its status in the movie industry, its place in the MacRae family. We even had to pass under a portcullis to enter!

The weather held for us, friendships have developed, and memories have been formed that will stay with us for a long time. Scotland will have a deeper meaning for all of us, next time someone mentions this part of the world.