Shortly after breakfast, two blue coaches pulled up to the boat to take us on our morning outings. One group ventured off with Robin and Eric into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye. The Cuillin Mountains are volcanic and they were formed over 60 million years ago. The Black Cuillins are made of dark volcanic gabbro and the Red Cuillins are made of rusty-red granite. Our path went between the Black and the Red peaks, traveling up the Sligachan Valley. Bright yellow bog asphodel, lavender bell heather, and white cottongrass splashed color across the valley. A few sundews grew along the trail, an insectivorous plant that can make a hearty meal of the midges that accompanied us for part of the walk.
The second group set off with David for the small village of Plockton and the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Plockton is a small fishing village created during the 19th century Highland Clearances as a place for those forcibly removed from their inland homes. After enjoying a tour of the village, the group continued on to Eilean Donan Castle. The castle stands across a walkway and is an imposing building. It’s probably one of the most photographed structures in all of Scotland. Colonel MacRae renovated the structure during the 20th century for Clan MacRae, and much of what is seen today comes from that time.
As we ate lunch, the ship sailed to Armadale and the Clan MacDonald Center. The center is home to an informative museum that covers the history of the Lords of the Isles, a nearly independent lordship of the western seaboard and the Hebrides that lasted from mid-12th century until their downfall in 1493. The center grounds hold lush gardens and the ruined Armadale Castle, which dates back to the 18th century.
Evening found us sailing towards Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula. Knoydart is community-owned land that was bought by locals in 1997. During our journey, Robin provided information on the Manx shearwaters, seabirds that have a large colony on the Isle of Rum, which we will pass tomorrow. For many, the day ended with a visit to The Old Forge in the village of Inverie, considered to be the most remote pub in all of mainland Britain.
