After a lively night at Inverie, we set sail for Armadale on the Sleat Peninsula at the south-western tip of Skye. Here we visited the Clan Donald Centre, set in the beautiful gardens of Armadale Castle. Because of the influence of the Gulf Stream, many exotic trees and plants (such as monkey puzzle trees and gunnera) grow vigorously in the mild conditions. The MacDonalds had claimed this part of the island in the 15th century, and the picturesque ruins of their 19th-century mansion made a spectacular focal point for the gardens. Nearby, the Museum of the Isles told the story of the Gaels from their first emergence more than 1500 years ago, to the Highland Clearances and diaspora of Gaelic-speaking peoples around the world in more recent times.
Leaving Armadale, we sailed onwards through the Sound of Sleat to our final destination of Kyle of Lochalsh. Most of us chose to immerse ourselves in history and local life, starting with the famous castle of Eilean Donan, standing strategically on its tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Lock Long. A stronghold has stood here for at least 2000 years, but the present walls date from the early 1200s, some of which are still peppered with cannon balls. Held successively by the Mathieson's, the Mackenzies and the MacRaes, the castle was blown up in 1719 after one of the Jacobite rebellions, only to be restored in the 20th century by a descendant of the MacRaes. Afterwards we called in at the delightful village of Plockton, established in 1794 on the shores of Lochcarron, with its rows of cottages and miniature front gardens looking out over a tranquil coastal scene where otters and harbor seals are known to reside.
A smaller group opted to experience a hike in the Cuillin Mountains, crossing over the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye and continuing up to Sligachan for the start of a beautiful trail through dramatic, open scenery surrounded by mist-covered peaks. Many wildflowers were in bloom: lousewort, tormentil, heather, and even the insectivorous sundew and butterwort. Even more dramatic, however, was the rain that provided a reminder of typical Scottish weather.
Our last evening was a grand celebration, with much laughter and a little nostalgia that our week was drawing to a close. Our hotel manager Andy gave a rousing rendition of Robert Burn’s “Ode to a Haggis” as he took his cleaver to a great steaming haggis, to everyone’s delight. The evening was topped off by some fine traditional Scottish music from Ronan and Frances, and sharing memories of our wonderful journey through Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
