tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30222986260682068432024-03-13T02:38:57.309-07:00Donn to DuskDonn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-69418258694877097532023-11-27T10:25:00.000-08:002023-11-28T06:41:25.587-08:00<p>A New Era - Blog #1</p><p class="MsoNormal">Hello, old friends, new friends and soon to be friends.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s been some time since I wrote in my blog, ‘Donn to Dusk’.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, I have too much pent-up passion, anger, and other
forms of messaging in my brain wanting to get out. Therefore, to release the
pressure, the blog needs to <b><i>ride again</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Initially, I thought I would rant on all matters political,
but, upon reflection, my brain advised I may drive away some readers. So, let’s
start with the rationale for my move from a ‘Century Home’ in Calgary to a
‘Modern Farmhouse’ in the Haliburton Highlands of North Central Ontario.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Where we moved from in Calgary</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OwbQaZJ2ul7phZP1lyzmVTwk94Qcb9PCtVWtaaoXuk6kkvfsmf1wX9WuF8JmWHxn0p6WmY4K2u8sfPSk7NrkZhE7HBszbOMF2ClAXjoDW9h4uyPp865e4BYn0FJk0X4ItYRk_Hcms1n1qpMf7JbM9bI0lEHA-8oZW8zdjUB0Vd0-WTF2sRzbHNVCm2Q/s1600/Century%20Home%201912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OwbQaZJ2ul7phZP1lyzmVTwk94Qcb9PCtVWtaaoXuk6kkvfsmf1wX9WuF8JmWHxn0p6WmY4K2u8sfPSk7NrkZhE7HBszbOMF2ClAXjoDW9h4uyPp865e4BYn0FJk0X4ItYRk_Hcms1n1qpMf7JbM9bI0lEHA-8oZW8zdjUB0Vd0-WTF2sRzbHNVCm2Q/w173-h231/Century%20Home%201912.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">It all started with an ad in the local newspaper, the
Highlander, looking for a ‘Last Responder’.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our youngest daughter Kate after finishing a 5-year
bachelor’s degree in environmental science at Mount Royal University (MRU) and
working for 2 years in that field decided to go back to MRU to complete a course
in, wait for it, Funeral Director, yes, a ‘Last Responder’.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Having achieved a very high GPA and not being able to find
suitable employment in Alberta, Kate was encouraged, in the Summer of 2019,
while vacationing at our summer home on Lake Kashagawigamog (yes that’s the
correct name), to respond to an ad for employment in Haliburton. The response
was successful. Seems the owner of the funeral home had been looking for more
than two years and offered Kate a position.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now came the decision, whether she move to Haliburton or
continue to look for work in Alberta. After several days of reviewing the pros
and cons, she took the position to start almost immediately.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We found her a home in the Village of Haliburton and her
move from Calgary to her new home happened quite rapidly. All said and done she
moved in late 2019 and began her new career January 2020. She not only was
excellent at the new job, but she also loved it as well.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we know, early 2020 brought us the scourge of the Covid
epidemic changing most lives forever.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the sleepy Village of Haliburton, hoards of folks from
Toronto, wanting to escape the big city, started buying up houses and lots
putting development pressures on the municipality.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nora, we all know Nora, the other partner in what is now a
more than 40-year relationship, decided it was time to get on the train and we
bought Lot 6 on Lakeview Street in the Village.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Finding Lot 6</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSmp4UmtPo6GR3lr4SI-CizMMZ-HYPRpe-x3qapHF39qBZeCDSiRJFAHCrz6Kd811_lY87XVISOMRWZRxMZxrGmCRidXV6OEEmMA2nqVsORxybM47_zTh2Riifj0XxIcyjNweOTSRDrSZG7M9kSMj23aE-v5q9IQnZqa9_sxsmS8A0KrzAyQedyfrSGk/s591/Lot%206%20%231.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="483" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSmp4UmtPo6GR3lr4SI-CizMMZ-HYPRpe-x3qapHF39qBZeCDSiRJFAHCrz6Kd811_lY87XVISOMRWZRxMZxrGmCRidXV6OEEmMA2nqVsORxybM47_zTh2Riifj0XxIcyjNweOTSRDrSZG7M9kSMj23aE-v5q9IQnZqa9_sxsmS8A0KrzAyQedyfrSGk/w139-h170/Lot%206%20%231.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lakeview Street was named for some reason completely lost on
me, there is no lake and no view. Lot 6, other than power to curb and what
turned out to be a false promise of high-speed internet, was an uncleared
wooded lot. Let the speculation begin!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My speculation of flipping a hot property was short-lived.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In early Fall 2020 Nora was drawing lines on paper and
starting the process of designing a house to be built on said Lot 6 in
Haliburton. Of course, I was quietly convinced this would pass by the time Xmas
and the necessary preparations distracted her. Not the case, she was hell bent
on designing a house for that lot.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Posting the Permit - Ready to Go</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLhQGvZi8Wl1EwLh9L7Obo2BI5PHHBJ_4HtBhx1ZkMk7p47Jby7fw4bjCC4a4C6xbMIs4t4VDZUvlUAU_EHcC0VzN7PbJRLXxJBGwrN7XjXXPkVhSVKsUb1GDB_VBELnm3ysWOsDWmh1xYR1TpAKcQACMb-flTLj3nTGcnqfP08pjQurMEGt6Bhsou7k/s1298/Posting%20the%20Permit.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="606" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLhQGvZi8Wl1EwLh9L7Obo2BI5PHHBJ_4HtBhx1ZkMk7p47Jby7fw4bjCC4a4C6xbMIs4t4VDZUvlUAU_EHcC0VzN7PbJRLXxJBGwrN7XjXXPkVhSVKsUb1GDB_VBELnm3ysWOsDWmh1xYR1TpAKcQACMb-flTLj3nTGcnqfP08pjQurMEGt6Bhsou7k/w88-h189/Posting%20the%20Permit.jpg" width="88" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>What Nora Saw Was Narnia</b></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmI_KxaTuBy6Hg86Y3jBFNBLtxrZw8G_hyphenhyphensElNGwS36mG8ZRtxAbWOX07hAN8Ro2hydt2Dw88EnRrPn4O9E-qbFRQro5LMss0v9qfJV6p990Y4D7B1EQXd3Z-RHckZuO0Y1abDuLU29u4Whh15RPy13PuIWeV9ece3-xZlidndNUzx6isSAiOdHX5zBY/s2040/Narnia.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1536" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmI_KxaTuBy6Hg86Y3jBFNBLtxrZw8G_hyphenhyphensElNGwS36mG8ZRtxAbWOX07hAN8Ro2hydt2Dw88EnRrPn4O9E-qbFRQro5LMss0v9qfJV6p990Y4D7B1EQXd3Z-RHckZuO0Y1abDuLU29u4Whh15RPy13PuIWeV9ece3-xZlidndNUzx6isSAiOdHX5zBY/w139-h184/Narnia.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I soon discovered designing and building a house had become
an obsession for Nora and no low life person such as a husband was going to get
in her way. Let the design begin!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The Bungalow Option</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSItC_6Gcam0WSbXxCnnep4gGITiWQPUbKIqVFO7cH51CIM5qBUHl4s_s5w589D0vfgWsGWLwq8290lmu-cEcOOthCVn3e946Z1_VitiJC0c7p0CJudEZXR-IK0mKziS9NPPAgYHPVQd08sqeVrLJDOwhZv939oLBgwYU6ctl2M0-YRfUmfhSTivr1_rE/s1429/Bungalow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1429" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSItC_6Gcam0WSbXxCnnep4gGITiWQPUbKIqVFO7cH51CIM5qBUHl4s_s5w589D0vfgWsGWLwq8290lmu-cEcOOthCVn3e946Z1_VitiJC0c7p0CJudEZXR-IK0mKziS9NPPAgYHPVQd08sqeVrLJDOwhZv939oLBgwYU6ctl2M0-YRfUmfhSTivr1_rE/w167-h63/Bungalow.jpg" width="167" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The 2 Story Option</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_g7Z35ZUjuOhVBLq_gQC9JU80DDeS7stATYpS93yw4OSfH7HOKhYAgYqKm1kEXd-_JrDrnnTaCzWZ8JfDZlaHE7aKecJqCm4eOfU2sUf7ubo-RzFjCXIZ9Zueh2MuMQ5MfKy5Z49jVKCl7P1PHsJKPcE87Jx81MqSieYp6ddApnV3F9KASVIeKseEi8/s920/2%20Story.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="920" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_g7Z35ZUjuOhVBLq_gQC9JU80DDeS7stATYpS93yw4OSfH7HOKhYAgYqKm1kEXd-_JrDrnnTaCzWZ8JfDZlaHE7aKecJqCm4eOfU2sUf7ubo-RzFjCXIZ9Zueh2MuMQ5MfKy5Z49jVKCl7P1PHsJKPcE87Jx81MqSieYp6ddApnV3F9KASVIeKseEi8/w152-h118/2%20Story.jpg" width="152" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The Final Sketch</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHpGx0iktEHyRrFSVDO77YAT_DmqO1wxKKSqgLCO3ffa4isszNudHD-TqvMtyC-PvixrWOecam98iK4HpGVcqpXbPgpRZXTC0_3Mw6iqLoulJHKQ1WTKxMEyRY97F59IWv5c27kDyYbpj-z2Uc4SGSa55BuESpLU5pe59tHfMShxRnHqOwR8xT97jdr8/s1823/The%20final%20sketch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1823" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHpGx0iktEHyRrFSVDO77YAT_DmqO1wxKKSqgLCO3ffa4isszNudHD-TqvMtyC-PvixrWOecam98iK4HpGVcqpXbPgpRZXTC0_3Mw6iqLoulJHKQ1WTKxMEyRY97F59IWv5c27kDyYbpj-z2Uc4SGSa55BuESpLU5pe59tHfMShxRnHqOwR8xT97jdr8/w190-h124/The%20final%20sketch.jpg" width="190" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Following several iterations; including building on slab,
building with a lower level, building a bungalow, building a two-story, etc.
the house took on its life, and Nora soon began to refer to the house in
revered tones as ‘our new home’.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The new home was going to be a two-story, walk-out lower
level, energy efficient, wood frame structure with the lower level
incorporating an insulated concrete foundation (ICF) in the design with a total
of 3.600 hundred square feet of living space. after all, there are two of us!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once the design was well advanced it was time to find an
appropriate contractor to manage the construction, in concert with Nora. The
process took some time as we interviewed 6 contractors, short-listed to 3 and
ultimately chose Jeff Sharpless from Wood. Jeff checked all the boxes including
the big one, working with Nora. We chose Jeff because Nora and he saw the
building of the structure in very similar terms. This included bouncing ideas
off one another.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We put a down-payment in place and scheduled the start based
on our timing and Jeff’s availability. Let the construction begin!</p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>After Blasting</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVv2v141ILOrMEzMAa1XSXiGWc1uPj5RdDJt7GUpccBa9uMpBFuGxXCDU9v2vqckokn9Wafir-nn9srsygQJBeYr3RG2kKmHrOQznkkM98PGv-sxdvhQpZ-5OJ1PRt7rIhyphenhyphenndJf13CqdiRmYD6229KB8REMByLiXuR0nAay6xnfIJ2Xs2FcUup4R2i14/s2048/Blasting%20complete%20ready%20to%20build.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1546" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVv2v141ILOrMEzMAa1XSXiGWc1uPj5RdDJt7GUpccBa9uMpBFuGxXCDU9v2vqckokn9Wafir-nn9srsygQJBeYr3RG2kKmHrOQznkkM98PGv-sxdvhQpZ-5OJ1PRt7rIhyphenhyphenndJf13CqdiRmYD6229KB8REMByLiXuR0nAay6xnfIJ2Xs2FcUup4R2i14/w139-h184/Blasting%20complete%20ready%20to%20build.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Beginnings</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdlMKMFa0yZptKA3dAvY-dPy3GGPptvGKv0mxGPlZIggEHjw9WQSFSQd8iBMOzGL7-Ym9AfTlXktTrXbanhKAtjwYLoi0N0YLR3Ak35g5kPcc25_TYMY0HcuVq52YHnyullAiAZlKa5ofTD1iie_NFG9b_WsEqxR2RDoelKDlUVQ2AFiZ_FlyQQkuJkg/s2040/Beginnings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1536" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdlMKMFa0yZptKA3dAvY-dPy3GGPptvGKv0mxGPlZIggEHjw9WQSFSQd8iBMOzGL7-Ym9AfTlXktTrXbanhKAtjwYLoi0N0YLR3Ak35g5kPcc25_TYMY0HcuVq52YHnyullAiAZlKa5ofTD1iie_NFG9b_WsEqxR2RDoelKDlUVQ2AFiZ_FlyQQkuJkg/w133-h176/Beginnings.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Taking Shape</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkQApMueJOIq6HYB3hDr_EfjV4x-IxHFLmpyY05-5QMfU0GpyaIcY7pk-6sqAJXv0xJhky8xOtbhRVGnWT7wcPOUbCT1p6TVs-8tRn2N2shpxGqAMvLrRWYAMBAq85MqFo0vcwKI0rACdPrMvu6Vht4Dlo7WTjNYMu1z642eSrRDAdogCZfO0f_xxX38/s1723/Taking%20Form.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1723" data-original-width="1536" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkQApMueJOIq6HYB3hDr_EfjV4x-IxHFLmpyY05-5QMfU0GpyaIcY7pk-6sqAJXv0xJhky8xOtbhRVGnWT7wcPOUbCT1p6TVs-8tRn2N2shpxGqAMvLrRWYAMBAq85MqFo0vcwKI0rACdPrMvu6Vht4Dlo7WTjNYMu1z642eSrRDAdogCZfO0f_xxX38/w151-h170/Taking%20Form.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Clad for Winter 2022/2023</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PCOu5qr6tzG1lwY0BClxZZurRbjezk94MQz5l2ezgY24ERVWXQ9x5AbHMs4TlODTR6w-tK56qVDRteGjrb48n2jwk3sOhvBS2QW8S7a6eryusuoJH_02FdQp12EXI1SlLtIF95h2Yd6bKOTveKVX1SE2NzrMk1klkfHMGctHmK3PKPXYLpSQSbpt2wA/s1600/Enclosed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1600" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PCOu5qr6tzG1lwY0BClxZZurRbjezk94MQz5l2ezgY24ERVWXQ9x5AbHMs4TlODTR6w-tK56qVDRteGjrb48n2jwk3sOhvBS2QW8S7a6eryusuoJH_02FdQp12EXI1SlLtIF95h2Yd6bKOTveKVX1SE2NzrMk1klkfHMGctHmK3PKPXYLpSQSbpt2wA/w138-h136/Enclosed.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Almost there</b></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH2d7KgBmTD0EzYTPco4mRGIUc9YrsaVjdLg0B5LUyNIIcLWl8ulaG4R9wtsMtGniCzNE4Po1wxm2ixP1CmEhkcgAkbwaskplltNqktFr03R-UA7uJo_uxHEsy0-PilCNjJg2EP3RpIQQcphKSogQq4AQoHZmCS6HblvunwzSIgefMMA1By_9Kok0x1Q/s1600/Almost%20completed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH2d7KgBmTD0EzYTPco4mRGIUc9YrsaVjdLg0B5LUyNIIcLWl8ulaG4R9wtsMtGniCzNE4Po1wxm2ixP1CmEhkcgAkbwaskplltNqktFr03R-UA7uJo_uxHEsy0-PilCNjJg2EP3RpIQQcphKSogQq4AQoHZmCS6HblvunwzSIgefMMA1By_9Kok0x1Q/w157-h118/Almost%20completed.jpg" width="157" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal">After 20 months of construction, with Nora onsite in
Haliburton overseeing the project we moved into our new home November 1<sup>st</sup>,
2023.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The completed kitchen</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc1jH6UYiTYRCAaepD8yEUsGTPUJhhZUStvABiVVIlXEq7tBKB4qPdLyFOilU1uz2ijR4XQUOL_tZ01hYakUmXBgIK9uJnH1WWqYBfWmHdc5RoCjkp2PLOmVdmTtNEV5Uc0vIQ-bubPqoHpMk1Ke2qSajzn1R-ixNCF6x5XxUNnZgM6Dq6sexK9hKacw/s2040/Completed%20Kitchen%20%232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2040" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc1jH6UYiTYRCAaepD8yEUsGTPUJhhZUStvABiVVIlXEq7tBKB4qPdLyFOilU1uz2ijR4XQUOL_tZ01hYakUmXBgIK9uJnH1WWqYBfWmHdc5RoCjkp2PLOmVdmTtNEV5Uc0vIQ-bubPqoHpMk1Ke2qSajzn1R-ixNCF6x5XxUNnZgM6Dq6sexK9hKacw/w183-h138/Completed%20Kitchen%20%232.jpg" width="183" /></a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UDSV14pmtDYkUYLmsRw6KFRWjk4QXt8INH28-_EnsiZtGn4WepONdB4u6p58YTylS3_h8LxT111r5HFfK1iq4Cc1eZVKYCzB8tCjDkb1KEhbemsngC2W9XaYp4wQk3K2Ghtx1uLnpf5Pdx1j9Yd2LmR14ySz5dJQUNshL6MJJraar9TEug4iTczrSPY/s2040/Completed%20Kitchen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2040" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UDSV14pmtDYkUYLmsRw6KFRWjk4QXt8INH28-_EnsiZtGn4WepONdB4u6p58YTylS3_h8LxT111r5HFfK1iq4Cc1eZVKYCzB8tCjDkb1KEhbemsngC2W9XaYp4wQk3K2Ghtx1uLnpf5Pdx1j9Yd2LmR14ySz5dJQUNshL6MJJraar9TEug4iTczrSPY/w182-h137/Completed%20Kitchen.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">I fell in love with the house in August of this year and am
now onboard, which turns out is a good thing as I now have my own place to
live. By the way, did I mention we moved to Haliburton in Spring 2022 and lived
with our daughter and her husband until the house was complete.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, I love my daughter, but living under my children’s roof
was not in my near-term or long-term plans.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We all survived with no deaths and/or serious injuries
reported. Albeit, had there been a death, we had a ‘First Responder’ at our
ready.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Joni the Granddog, now guards 2 properties, one of them was formerly Lot 6, now it's officially 200 Lakeview Street, Haliburton, Ontario.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_Fie6MRKfIH27YQ24qqL5lTOmmKrOA-VCfFJhjFiIOcaGFBjM5E3kNAyAFHdrL-jMyDTSwmrHfolOha4oZD83CCS1pTK1is-xJsZ4z2jE0k4GcLmiN9EgACWZL0l4JrC6O2YSLSpFI13xsHlGjwj83qpeCFFKzbTjsW7DOIr8tWZlJveNXT7cqcIdH4/s2040/Joni%20the%20guard%20dog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2040" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_Fie6MRKfIH27YQ24qqL5lTOmmKrOA-VCfFJhjFiIOcaGFBjM5E3kNAyAFHdrL-jMyDTSwmrHfolOha4oZD83CCS1pTK1is-xJsZ4z2jE0k4GcLmiN9EgACWZL0l4JrC6O2YSLSpFI13xsHlGjwj83qpeCFFKzbTjsW7DOIr8tWZlJveNXT7cqcIdH4/s320/Joni%20the%20guard%20dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">A big shout out to Jeff Sharpless our fantastic contractor from Woodland Custom Structures in Haliburton and all of the sub contractors, no deadwood in the lot, or on the lot.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Mitch Stephen - TMS Services - Blasting</p><p class="MsoNormal">Kieran Gillooly - Northern HVAC Company</p><p class="MsoNormal">Ed Muenzel - Designed and built our stairways</p><p class="MsoNormal">Nick Coty - Coty Electrical</p><p class="MsoNormal">Greg Oitment - The plumber</p><p class="MsoNormal">Sherri Kaplow - Interior Design </p><p class="MsoNormal">Riley Sisson - Highlands Fine Finishes</p><p class="MsoNormal">Jesse Johnson - Haliburton Lakefront & Landscapes Inc.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Lacey - Haliburton Glass</p>Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-22115618458741934792018-08-05T12:15:00.003-07:002018-08-05T12:23:33.737-07:00The Strange Case of the Liverpool Stone – Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By Donn Lovett & ‘wee John’ Habeeb - June 3rd, 2018<br />
<br />
The day started harmlessly with John and I dawdling along the streets of Liverpool, destination Moose Coffee (<a href="https://www.moosecoffee.co/">https://www.moosecoffee.co</a>) on Dale Street. John’s mother Shanda and his Gramma Nora had gone on ahead.<br />
<br />
We discovered one of the famous UK Red Telephone Boxes, in use since 1924 and a great jail for wee John (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_telephone_box">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_telephone_box</a>).
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ra7i_4OsZ_g/W2dKhVF4hFI/AAAAAAAAXJI/87NspkNK2iM7w5hgoeHHUZ04EJ5HdRqmQCLcBGAs/s1600/2%2B-%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Bin%2Bphonr%2Bbooth%2Bprison%252C%2BLiverpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="993" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ra7i_4OsZ_g/W2dKhVF4hFI/AAAAAAAAXJI/87NspkNK2iM7w5hgoeHHUZ04EJ5HdRqmQCLcBGAs/s200/2%2B-%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Bin%2Bphonr%2Bbooth%2Bprison%252C%2BLiverpool.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrjoZo8GPLs/W2dKhXhE8wI/AAAAAAAAXJE/FngETmMfxewrYI_KYqdFRzs0swvnhy-gQCLcBGAs/s1600/1%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%252C%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bphone%2Bbooth%2Bbeside%2BCity%2BHall%252C%2BLiverpool%2Bjust%2Bbefore%2Bwe%2Bdiscovered%2Bit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="753" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrjoZo8GPLs/W2dKhXhE8wI/AAAAAAAAXJE/FngETmMfxewrYI_KYqdFRzs0swvnhy-gQCLcBGAs/s200/1%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%252C%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bphone%2Bbooth%2Bbeside%2BCity%2BHall%252C%2BLiverpool%2Bjust%2Bbefore%2Bwe%2Bdiscovered%2Bit.jpg" width="94" /></a></div>
<br />
After that bit of fun, we got back on the trail of Moose Coffee as we walked alongside Liverpool City Hall.
Liverpool City Hall is "one of the finest surviving 18th-century town halls", originally constructed in the mid 1700s (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Town_Hall">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Town_Hall</a>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRMAUohhh1M/W2dLnXm_MZI/AAAAAAAAXJ4/jKWa2Pq6HKEWQi0ByfgO3Ok5MjGLRmCiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/9%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bfound%2Bat%2BLiverpool%2BCity%2BHall%2BJune%2B3%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="145" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRMAUohhh1M/W2dLnXm_MZI/AAAAAAAAXJ4/jKWa2Pq6HKEWQi0ByfgO3Ok5MjGLRmCiwCEwYBhgL/s200/9%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bfound%2Bat%2BLiverpool%2BCity%2BHall%2BJune%2B3%2B2018.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We walked along the side of the building turning the corner to come along the front of this beautiful building when we caught sight of an object sitting peacefully between the bricks. We picked out the painted stone turned it over and discovered a notation of a Facebook page related to this very stone titled ‘Kernow Rocks!’ (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=kernow%20rocks">https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=kernow%20rocks</a>).
It occurred to us that we would take the stone on a journey through the UK and release it once we arrived back in Edinburgh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIa_oFXBnZo/W2dLDpvfs0I/AAAAAAAAXJU/-zZzO8lsBioiN4vBO5cKeW-SIeU2Vxd3wCLcBGAs/s1600/8%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%252C%2Bfound%2Bby%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Band%2BI%2Boutside%2BLiverpool%2BCity%2BHall%252C%2BJune%2B3%2B208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIa_oFXBnZo/W2dLDpvfs0I/AAAAAAAAXJU/-zZzO8lsBioiN4vBO5cKeW-SIeU2Vxd3wCLcBGAs/s320/8%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%252C%2Bfound%2Bby%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Band%2BI%2Boutside%2BLiverpool%2BCity%2BHall%252C%2BJune%2B3%2B208.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
First stop Moose Coffee where the stone joined us for a fabulous breakfast with fantastic service and wonderful ambiance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVKazTU2rVE/W2dLPQk2SII/AAAAAAAAXJc/7U01j1oZdbg-G1tYx6OKg3DI2-31jtUCACLcBGAs/s1600/11%2B-%2BThe%2BMoosetranaut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1118" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVKazTU2rVE/W2dLPQk2SII/AAAAAAAAXJc/7U01j1oZdbg-G1tYx6OKg3DI2-31jtUCACLcBGAs/s200/11%2B-%2BThe%2BMoosetranaut.jpg" width="139" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UASP92tEVTU/W2dLOXrv5bI/AAAAAAAAXJY/gUSXcVlsSh4o2QijDeD6ovqO1HxDs6UOwCLcBGAs/s1600/10%2B-%2BThe%2BMoose%2Bin%2BLiverpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1600" height="101" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UASP92tEVTU/W2dLOXrv5bI/AAAAAAAAXJY/gUSXcVlsSh4o2QijDeD6ovqO1HxDs6UOwCLcBGAs/s200/10%2B-%2BThe%2BMoose%2Bin%2BLiverpool.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ly2iegCLlqc/W2dLQgrm-uI/AAAAAAAAXJg/M6U1U_rJ0joKgw_02gceBHr55PxZsUDhQCLcBGAs/s1600/3%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bhaving%2Bbreakfast%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMoose%2Bon%2BDale%2BStreet%252C%2BLiverpool%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1258" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ly2iegCLlqc/W2dLQgrm-uI/AAAAAAAAXJg/M6U1U_rJ0joKgw_02gceBHr55PxZsUDhQCLcBGAs/s200/3%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bhaving%2Bbreakfast%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMoose%2Bon%2BDale%2BStreet%252C%2BLiverpool%2B2.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Following breakfast it was off to ride on the Mersey Ferry, something I’d wanted to do since I first heard Gerry & the Pacemakers sing this song in 1965 (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08083BNaYcA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08083BNaYcA</a>).On the way to the Ferry, a quick pic of Canada House.
Then on to the Ferry and a lifelong wish came true for me and I trust wee John enjoyed it as much as I did, ahhhhh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BWYY9CN5z8/W2dLlgL1OHI/AAAAAAAAXKE/tysOEQjyevca-t6uPrh1zEYTsr15UCOxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/14%2B-%2BCanada%2BPlace%2Bwith%2Bwee%2BJohn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1459" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BWYY9CN5z8/W2dLlgL1OHI/AAAAAAAAXKE/tysOEQjyevca-t6uPrh1zEYTsr15UCOxwCEwYBhgL/s200/14%2B-%2BCanada%2BPlace%2Bwith%2Bwee%2BJohn.jpg" width="181" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQwniF8tXYI/W2dLsTkCmJI/AAAAAAAAXKI/itSrNTbgccczxtUG4IOiD3R_hNlscagzgCEwYBhgL/s1600/6%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bon%2Bthe%2BMersey%2BFerry%252C%2BLiverpool%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1111" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQwniF8tXYI/W2dLsTkCmJI/AAAAAAAAXKI/itSrNTbgccczxtUG4IOiD3R_hNlscagzgCEwYBhgL/s200/6%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bon%2Bthe%2BMersey%2BFerry%252C%2BLiverpool%2B2.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEkLOKwgj9U/W2dLsTssxjI/AAAAAAAAXKM/rPFptHYqcdQkY1Z5EpZKtIFOYzD-I-XSACEwYBhgL/s1600/5%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bwith%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Bon%2Bthe%2BMersey%2BFerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1372" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEkLOKwgj9U/W2dLsTssxjI/AAAAAAAAXKM/rPFptHYqcdQkY1Z5EpZKtIFOYzD-I-XSACEwYBhgL/s200/5%2B-%2BThe%2BRock%2Bwith%2Bwee%2BJohn%2Bon%2Bthe%2BMersey%2BFerry.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<br />
To be continued;
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-74191001312919904392014-12-14T12:54:00.000-08:002014-12-14T12:54:32.351-08:00Late Night Train from Fort William to Edinburgh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One thing is for certain in Scotland, the trains run on time. We caught the 5:00pm from Fort William to Edinburgh, changing trains in Glasgow's Queen Street Station.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzfZMfqbsT8/VI34jgpXhmI/AAAAAAAAFfM/8_0Kt4IPjUA/s1600/loud%2Bmacleod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzfZMfqbsT8/VI34jgpXhmI/AAAAAAAAFfM/8_0Kt4IPjUA/s1600/loud%2Bmacleod.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
We pass through Town, Villages and Cities on the way, but since it was dark, the lights all looked the same.<br />
<br />
The Loud MacLeod took the opportunity to get some beauty rest.<br />
<br />
The first stop out of Fort William;<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Spean Bridge</span></b><br />
Spean Bridge (Scottish Gaelic: Drochaid Aonachain) is a village in the parish of Kilmonivaig, in the Highland region of Scotland.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfFS0-2koNs/VGijmt5j2mI/AAAAAAAADHA/mL0YR-Ixtlk/s1600/High_bridge%2C_Spean_Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfFS0-2koNs/VGijmt5j2mI/AAAAAAAADHA/mL0YR-Ixtlk/s1600/High_bridge%2C_Spean_Bridge.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
The village takes its name from the Highbridge over the River Spean on General Wade's military road between Fort William and Fort Augustus, and not from Telford's bridge of 1819 which carries the A82 over the river at the heart of the village.<br />
<br />
Lying in the Great Glen, Spean Bridge has transport links north towards Inverness and south to Fort William, provided by the A82, and the A86 heads east to join the A9 at Kingussie. The village is served by the Spean Bridge railway station providing links to Glasgow, London, and Mallaig and between 1903 and 1933 it offered a branch line service to Fort Augustus.<br />
<br />
The Highbridge Skirmish on 16 August 1745 was the first engagement of the Jacobite Rising of 1745.<br />
<br />
The Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during Second World War, is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) north-west of Spean Bridge, at the junction of the A82 and the B8004. It overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot established in 1942 at Achnacarry Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnrWqFhlGj4/VGij5oRy93I/AAAAAAAADHI/SJ8yUZ6p3OY/s1600/Commando.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnrWqFhlGj4/VGij5oRy93I/AAAAAAAADHI/SJ8yUZ6p3OY/s1600/Commando.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lochaber Camanachd is the shinty club based in the village of Spean Bridge.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Roy Bridge</span></b><br />
Roybridge (Scottish Gaelic: Drochaid Ruaidh, "the bridge over the Roy") is a small village, that lies at the confluence of the rivers River Roy and River Spean, located 3 miles east of Spean Bridge, in Kilmonivaig Parish,Inverness-shire, Scottish Highlands and is in the Highland administrative area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqu-NQTX4YI/VGijRzAY_oI/AAAAAAAADGw/lxsW1FhEIt0/s1600/Roy%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqu-NQTX4YI/VGijRzAY_oI/AAAAAAAADGw/lxsW1FhEIt0/s1600/Roy%2BBridge.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Roybridge is on the A86 between Spean Bridge and Newtonmore and on the (former West Highland Railway) line served by trains passing between Crianlarich and Fort William.<br />
<br />
Both of the parents of Australia's only recognised saint Mary MacKillop, lived in Roybridge, prior to emigrating to Australia. MacKillop visited Roybridge in the 1870s where the local Catholic church, St Margaret's, now has a shrine to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmiMxctvOE/VGijb3JZOeI/AAAAAAAADG4/OzM9XZfWHo0/s1600/Mary%2BMacKillop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmiMxctvOE/VGijb3JZOeI/AAAAAAAADG4/OzM9XZfWHo0/s1600/Mary%2BMacKillop.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tulloch</span></b><br />
Tulloch railway station is a rural railway station in the remote Tulloch area of the Highland region of Scotland. This station is on the West Highland Line, 105 miles (169 km) north of Glasgow Queen Street.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqusjOOpGRE/VGijIwzHwNI/AAAAAAAADGo/wMn8p7fLCRw/s1600/Tulloch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqusjOOpGRE/VGijIwzHwNI/AAAAAAAADGo/wMn8p7fLCRw/s1600/Tulloch.jpg" height="122" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The station was laid out with two platforms, one on either side of a crossing loop. There are sidings on the north side of the station. When the railway opened in 1894 the station was named Inverlair, after the nearby Inverlair Lodge. The station buildings are now used as a hostel.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Corrour</b></span><br />
Corrour railway station is on the West Highland Line, Scotland. It is situated near Loch Ossian and Loch Treig, on the Corrour Estate. It is the highest mainline railway station in the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_Dm9eWFGU/VGii_p-pFqI/AAAAAAAADGg/jdjVpj8oPGI/s1600/Corrour%2BStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_Dm9eWFGU/VGii_p-pFqI/AAAAAAAADGg/jdjVpj8oPGI/s1600/Corrour%2BStation.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The railway station is one of the most remote stations in the United Kingdom, at an isolated location on Rannoch Moor. The station is not accessible by any public roads – the nearest road is 10 miles (16 km) away. After the failure of previous ventures in this location, the Station House was opened as a restaurant in August 2012. The restaurant is one of the UK's most remote. There are also three en suite letting bedrooms.<br />
<br />
At 408 m (1,339 ft) above sea level the station provides a convenient starting point for hill-walkers and Munro-baggers. The station was the starting point for the "Man with no Name" whose body was found in 1996 on Ben Alder and only identified some years later.<br />
<br />
Ossian Hostel, one of the most remote youth hostels in Britain, is about one mile from the railway station.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rannoch</span></b><br />
Rannoch Moor (Scottish Gaelic: Mòinteach Raineach/Raithneach) is a large expanse of around 50 square miles (130 km²) of boggy moorland to the west of Loch Rannoch in Scotland, where it extends into Perth and Kinross, Lochaber in Highland, and northern Argyll and Bute. Rannoch Moor is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho8mIM4c94Q/VGiiyVZCrOI/AAAAAAAADGY/x55X6N5aa5I/s1600/Rannoch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho8mIM4c94Q/VGiiyVZCrOI/AAAAAAAADGY/x55X6N5aa5I/s1600/Rannoch.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It is notable for its wildlife, particularly famous for the sole British location for the Rannoch-rush, named after the moor. It was frequently visited by Horace Donisthorpe, who collected many unusual species of ants on the moor and surrounding hilly ground. Today it is still one of the few remaining habitats for Formica exsecta, the "narrow-headed ant", although recent surveys have failed to produce any sign of Formica pratensis, which Donisthorpe recorded in the area in the early part of the 20th century.<br />
<br />
Peat deposits pose major difficulties to builders of roads and railways. When the West Highland Line was built across Rannoch Moor, its builders had to float the tracks on a mattress of tree roots, brushwood and thousands of tons of earth and ashes.<br />
<br />
The A82 road crosses through Rannoch Moor on its way to Glen Coe and Fort William. Additionally, the West Highland Railway line crosses the moor. The railway rises to over 1300 feet and travels over 23 miles of moorland.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bridge of Orchy</span></b><br />
Bridge of Orchy (Drochaid Urchaidhin Gaelic) is a village in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Often referred to as a hamlet, the settlement meets a definition of village because it has a church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTdS-Bq0y7E/VGiip02o1JI/AAAAAAAADGQ/bdx9N1YdOQs/s1600/Bridge%2Bof%2BOrchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTdS-Bq0y7E/VGiip02o1JI/AAAAAAAADGQ/bdx9N1YdOQs/s1600/Bridge%2Bof%2BOrchy.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Dating back to 1751, it includes a notable tourist hotel. Located at the head of Glen Orchy, it is on the A82 road, has a railway station and is on the West Highland Way long distance path. Nearby prominent peaks include the munros Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dòthaidh. The village itself is in the central highlands.<br />
<br />
The eponymous bridge was constructed by Government forces as part of a programme of pacification of the Highland Clans which involved the construction of military roads from the Lowlands into the much wilder upland areas of Scotland. It crosses the River Orchy, one of the finest white-water rivers in the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Upper Tyndrum</span></b><br />
Upper Tyndrum railway station is one of two railway stations serving the small village of Tyndrum in Scotland. It is on the Fort William route of the highly scenic West Highland Line. In 2005/06 it was the least used station on the West Highland Line, probably because of its position up a hill above the village, as opposed to Tyndrum Lower on the Oban branch, which also offers services to and from Crianlarich and destinations to the south (usually at about the same time, as the trains tend to connect at Crianlarich).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDtVItUiG2I/VGiidyxfpRI/AAAAAAAADGI/CrEwOxW3yc4/s1600/Upper%2BTyndrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDtVItUiG2I/VGiidyxfpRI/AAAAAAAADGI/CrEwOxW3yc4/s1600/Upper%2BTyndrum.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Crianlarich</span></b><br />
Crianlarich has been a major crossroads for north and westbound journeys in Scotland since mediaeval times. In the 1750s, two military roads met in the village; in the 19th century, it became a railway junction on what is now the West Highland Line; in the 20th century it became the meeting point of the major A82 and A85 roads. As such, it is designated a primary destination in Scotland, signposted from as far as Glasgow in the south, Perth in the east, Oban in the west and Fort William in the north.<br />
<br />
The village bills itself "the gateway to the Highlands", a not uncommon claim - for example, Callander, Dunoon and Pitlochry also do so.<br />
<br />
The village lies in the glen of Strath Fillan at the north western extent of the Trossachs, lying in the shadow of several Munro peaks, notably Ben More, but also Stob Binnein and Cruach Ardrain. Thus Crianlarich is very popular with hillwalkers. Also the village lies halfway along the long distance footpath, the West Highland Way.<br />
<br />
Its location makes Crianlarich a popular stop for tourists and there are a variety of types of overnight accommodation including guesthouses, B&Bs a SYHA Youth Hostel and a Best Western hotel.<br />
<br />
In 2001, the village had a population of 185.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ardlui</span></b><br />
Ardlui (Àird Laoigh in Gaelic) is a hamlet in Argyll and Bute, Scotland.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypdAayYKCas/VI3yNP1vC7I/AAAAAAAAFek/L18zC5ZItG8/s1600/Ardlui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypdAayYKCas/VI3yNP1vC7I/AAAAAAAAFek/L18zC5ZItG8/s1600/Ardlui.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
It is located at the head of Loch Lomond between Crianlarich and Glasgow. Ardlui railway station is on the West Highland Line between Glasgow Queen Street and Fort William.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Arrochar & Tarbet</span></b><br />
Arrochar and Tarbet railway station is a railway station on the West Highland Line in Scotland. It stands between the villages of Arrochar and Tarbet.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Garelochhead</span></b><br />
Garelochhead (Scots: Garelochheid, Scottish Gaelic: Ceann a' Gheàrr-loch) is a small village on the Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is the nearest village to the HMNB Clyde naval base.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvyRZYU0zkQ/VI30NUaqg4I/AAAAAAAAFew/K-PqmOcQweY/s1600/Clyde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvyRZYU0zkQ/VI30NUaqg4I/AAAAAAAAFew/K-PqmOcQweY/s1600/Clyde.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
<br />
Garelochhead lies at the head of the Gare Loch, 7 miles (11 km) northwest ofHelensburgh. Loch Lomond is a few miles to the east, and Loch Long to the west.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YcuQhPt4Dw/VI30Yyti8kI/AAAAAAAAFe4/xzd2pM5VrvM/s1600/Map%2BClyde%2BNaval%2BBase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YcuQhPt4Dw/VI30Yyti8kI/AAAAAAAAFe4/xzd2pM5VrvM/s1600/Map%2BClyde%2BNaval%2BBase.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a></div>
To some the scenic beauty of the loch is only slightly marred by the presence of the HMNB Clyde submarine base and the associated semi-permanent 'peace camp'. In addition to the few local shops, pubs and churches, it has a bowling club and a Community building at the Gibson Hall.<br />
<br />
Garelochhead's 1,265 residents are served by Garelochhead railway station on the West Highland Line and a local bus service running between Coulport and Helensburgh.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Helensburgh Upper</span></b><br />
Helensburgh Upper railway station serves the town of Helensburgh, Scotland, on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde to the west of Glasgow. It is located in a residential area uphill from the town centre and is by far the smaller of the town's two stations.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dumbarton Central</span></b><br />
Dumbarton Central railway station serves the town of Dumbarton in the West Dunbartonshire region of Scotland. This station is on the West Highland Line and the North Clyde Line, 15¾ miles (25 km) north west of Glasgow Queen Street.<br />
<br />
The station was opened on 15 July 1850 by the Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway on their route from Balloch Pier to Bowling, where travellers could join steamships on the River Clyde to get to Glasgow.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dalmuir</span></b><br />
Dalmuir railway station is a railway station serving the Dalmuir area of Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It is a large, five platform interchange between the Argyle Line, North Clyde Line and West Highland Line.<br />
<br />
The station is very close to the Dalmuir drop lock on the Forth and Clyde Canal.<br />
<br />
The station here (once known as "Dalmuir Park" to distinguish it from the nearby Caledonian Railway station at Dalmuir Riverside) is located on the Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway and opened with the line in May 1858.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Glasgow Queen Street</span></b><br />
Glasgow Queen Street (Scottish Gaelic: Glaschu Sràid na Banrighinn) is a railway station in Glasgow, Scotland<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuxQ1-ofGjg/VI34B74GZCI/AAAAAAAAFfE/FWmfTZQHNao/s1600/Glasgow%2BQueen%2BStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuxQ1-ofGjg/VI34B74GZCI/AAAAAAAAFfE/FWmfTZQHNao/s1600/Glasgow%2BQueen%2BStreet.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></div>
, the smaller of the city's two main line railway termini and the third-busiest station in Scotland. It is between George Street to the south and Cathedral Street Bridge to the north, at the northern end of Queen Street adjacent to George Square. Queen Street station serves the Greater Glasgow conurbation's northern towns and suburbs, the Edinburgh shuttle, and is the terminus for all inter-city services to destinations in the North of Scotland.<br />
<br />
With over 16 million passenger entries and exits between April 2013 and February 2014, Queen Street is the third busiest station in Scotland.<br />
<br />
The station was built by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, and opened on 18 February 1842.<br />
<br />
The climb through the tunnel to Cowlairs is at 1 in 42 and until 1909 trains were hauled up on a rope operated by a stationary engine, although experiments were carried out using banking engines in 1844-48. In 1928 there was a railway accident causing 3 fatalities when a train leaving the station slipped to a standstill and rolled back into another train. Modern diesel trains have no difficulty with the climb.<br />
<br />
We arrive in Edinburgh at Waverly Station near midnight, taxi to Shanda's, a wee dram and off to bed.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-81341254897512881072014-12-14T10:33:00.000-08:002014-12-14T10:33:39.480-08:00Day 17 - Fort William, the Highland Museum and the Train to Edinburgh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We start the day at the Alexandra Hotel and another wonderful Scottish Breakfast,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NC--aWuYsu8/VI3OJvB_k2I/AAAAAAAAFdU/_NBoYBwGkKY/s1600/Alexandrea%2BHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NC--aWuYsu8/VI3OJvB_k2I/AAAAAAAAFdU/_NBoYBwGkKY/s1600/Alexandrea%2BHotel.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
just in case we hadn't gained enough weight already.<br />
<br />
"Resistance is Futile".<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We wander down High Street, made for walking and discover the West Highland Museum (<a href="http://www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk/">http://www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk</a>).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TUh--YJ37s/VI2qLhdrMLI/AAAAAAAAFbM/GaxXj5IJUUI/s1600/West%2BHighland%2BMuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TUh--YJ37s/VI2qLhdrMLI/AAAAAAAAFbM/GaxXj5IJUUI/s1600/West%2BHighland%2BMuseum.jpg" height="156" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The West Highland Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Highlands. It was founded in 1922 by a group of local enthusiasts led by Victor Hodgson, who had neither a collection nor a building to display it in. In 1925, after several temporary exhibitions and the acquisition of significant collections, the Museum launched a fundraising appeal, and in 1926 purchased the present building, a former branch of the British Linen Bank.<br />
<br />
The Museum exists solely to collect, conserve and present items of significance and historical and cultural interest related to the West Highland area.<br />
<br />
The collections span a wide range of subjects, from archeology to odern industry, with a special emphasis on the Jacobite risings of the 18th century. They are an independent charity, financed almost entirely by donations.<br />
<br />
The first rooms of the Museum are dedicated to the Commandos.<br />
<br />
The Commandos were established on the instructions of Prime Minister Winston Churchill immediately after the Dunkirk evacuation in June 1940, as a means of striking back against the German armies occupying Europe. They formed an elite force capable of conducting irregular warfare in a range of different environments and went on to serve with distinction across the globe.<br />
<br />
During the war 1,700 Commandos lost their lives, while many others were seriously wounded: and eight men serving with the Commandos were awarded the Victoria Cross.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxxHxBneCpA/VI2r_QaPdTI/AAAAAAAAFbY/J8Er_-bKhrs/s1600/Commando.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxxHxBneCpA/VI2r_QaPdTI/AAAAAAAAFbY/J8Er_-bKhrs/s1600/Commando.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1942 the Commando Basic Training Centre was established at Achnacarry Castle, some six miles north west of the site of the monument. Volunteers would arrive at Spean Bridge railway station, and would then march the seven miles to Achnacarry Castle, past the site on which the monument now stands. Any not completing the march in under an hour immediately failed the course and caught the next train south, back to their units. Training was carried out over large parts of Lochaber and was highly intensive, often using live ammunition.<br />
<br />
Achnacarry Castle is the ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan Cameron, located at Achnacarry, about 24 km NE of Fort William, Scotland. The original castle was built around 1655 and destroyed after the Battle of Culloden in 1746; a new house in Scottish baronial style was built nearby in 1802.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHeMBwkflYk/VI2ubyOZEgI/AAAAAAAAFbk/cw35vheDKPo/s1600/Achnacarry_Castle%E2%80%94Scotland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHeMBwkflYk/VI2ubyOZEgI/AAAAAAAAFbk/cw35vheDKPo/s1600/Achnacarry_Castle%E2%80%94Scotland.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Ewen "Eoghainn MacAilein" Cameron, XIII Chief of Clan Cameron, built the highly disputed Tor Castle (said to have been on Clan Mackintosh lands) in the early 16th century. Tor Castle would remain the seat of the Camerons of Lochiel until demolished by his great-great-great grandson, Sir Ewen "Dubh" Cameron, XVII Chief.<br />
<br />
Sir Ewen Cameron wanted a "more convenient" house, which was further removed from the Clan Mackintosh, Clan Campbell and Oliver Cromwell's garrison at Inverlochy Castle. He built Achnacarry Castle in around 1655 in a strategic position on the isthmus between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig. One of the few remaining descriptions relate that Lochiel's seat was "a large house, all built of fir-planks, the handsomest of that kind in Britain." Sir Ewen's Bard described the home somewhere around 1663 in song as "The generous house of feasting...Pillared hall of princes...Where wine goes round freely in gleaming glasses...Music resounding under its rafters." Others portrayed "old" Achnacarry as a "man's home," with the feel and look of a grand hunting lodge amidst the West Highlands.<br />
<br />
With Sir Ewen's death in the early 18th century his son John became chief of the clan, soon after which his son, Donald would obtain Achnacarry when John went into exile in France after the first Jacobite Uprising.<br />
<br />
From Donald Cameron ("The Gentle Lochiel") XIX Chief we find the best description of the grounds of Achnacarry. In his marriage contract a requirement was placed in which Lochiel had to build his wife "a house...to the value of 100 pounds sterling at least, with gardens, office houses [privies], lands, other conveniencys." Donald was planting a long line of beech trees near the banks of the River Arkaig when word of "Bonnie Prince Charlie's" landing arrived in 1745...it would be the last landscaping done at Achnacarry Castle for years to come.<br />
<br />
With the Jacobite army's defeat at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746 the clans retreated into the Scottish Highlands, with Donald taking the lead in re-grouping them. After this last attempt at resistance failed, he and his men took to the mountains. On May 28, 1746, Donald watched as men from Bligh's regiment under the command of Lt. Colonel Edward Cornwallis, burnt Achnacarry to the ground. Many valued relics and personal possessions were relocated prior, but the great fir-planked "old" Achnacarry was left in ashes.<br />
<br />
In 1802 Achnacarry, which had spent the last fifty or so years in ruin, was rebuilt under Donald Cameron, XXII Chief of Clan Cameron as a Scottish baronial style home, although this "New Achnacarry" is still referred to as a castle.<br />
<br />
The current building and the surrounding estate gained fame as the Commando Training Depot<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdVhaYz9dI4/VI2vTMTzXzI/AAAAAAAAFbs/XUFa0eNxiss/s1600/Achnacarry_Castle%E2%80%94Commandos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdVhaYz9dI4/VI2vTMTzXzI/AAAAAAAAFbs/XUFa0eNxiss/s1600/Achnacarry_Castle%E2%80%94Commandos.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
for the Allied Forces from 1942 to 1945. British Commandos, United States Army Rangers and commandos from France, the Netherlands, Norway, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Belgium trained there. Each training course culminated in an "opposed landing" exercise around the area of nearby Bunarkaig on Loch Lochy As live ammunition was used, there were some casualties whilst training at Achnacarry. The castle also suffered some damage due to fire.<br />
<br />
Several military associations still sponsor a Commando March either annually or from time to time. Generally it is a timed seven mile march, in full battle gear, backpack and combat boots, from Spean Bridge (site of the striking Commando memorial) to Achnacarry.<br />
<br />
We move on through the Museum and soon discover the Massacre at Glencoe.<br />
<br />
Early in the morning of 13 February 1692, in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite uprising of 1689 led by John Graham of Claverhouse, a massacre took place in Glen Coe, in the Highlands of Scotland.<br />
<br />
This incident is referred to as the Massacre of Glencoe, or in Scottish Gaelic Mort Ghlinne Comhann (murder of Glen Coe).<br />
<br />
We encourage you to watch the documentary (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcB0IFBwk-k">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcB0IFBwk-k</a>) and listen to the beautiful song by John McDermott (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UFMx3xE9Ko">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UFMx3xE9Ko</a>).<br />
<br />
The order to kill the MacDonald's was signed by,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lLG9bnXbIs/VI3Gg7f6VvI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/zftPwilaEhU/s1600/Massacre%2BOrder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lLG9bnXbIs/VI3Gg7f6VvI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/zftPwilaEhU/s1600/Massacre%2BOrder.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDP_cKpz6gk/VI3GZAu5DFI/AAAAAAAAFcI/Veq57Mv3fHk/s1600/Glencoe%2BMassacre%2BDoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDP_cKpz6gk/VI3GZAu5DFI/AAAAAAAAFcI/Veq57Mv3fHk/s1600/Glencoe%2BMassacre%2BDoc.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
The massacre began simultaneously in three settlements along the glen, Invercoe, Inverrigan, and Achnacon, although the killing took place all over the glen as fleeing MacDonalds were pursued.<br />
<br />
Thirty-eight MacDonalds from the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by the guests who had accepted their hospitality, on the grounds that the MacDonalds had not been prompt in pledging allegiance to the new monarchs, William and Mary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UzL6aBXpHU/VI3Hv5RxBKI/AAAAAAAAFcc/Gxy9S-zcVy0/s1600/Oath%2Bof%2BLoyalty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UzL6aBXpHU/VI3Hv5RxBKI/AAAAAAAAFcc/Gxy9S-zcVy0/s1600/Oath%2Bof%2BLoyalty.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another forty women and children died of exposure after their homes were burned.<br />
<br />
<br />
Leaving the horror of Glencoe, we discover Donn's relative: Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat.<br />
<br />
Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat (1667–1747), was a Scottish Jacobite and Chief of Clan Fraser of<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmUiptGMEH4/VI3MidiiPqI/AAAAAAAAFcs/pHxUVQ3ivVM/s1600/11th%2BLord%2BLovat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmUiptGMEH4/VI3MidiiPqI/AAAAAAAAFcs/pHxUVQ3ivVM/s1600/11th%2BLord%2BLovat.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></div>
Lovat,who was famous for his violent feuding and his changes of allegiance.<br />
<br />
In 1715, he had been a supporter of the House of Hanover, but in 1745 he changed sides and supported the Stuart claim on the crown of the United Kingdom. Lovat was among the Highlanders defeated at the Battle of Culloden and convicted of treason against the Crown. He was the last man in Britain to be publicly beheaded, on Tower Hill, London.<br />
<br />
The barony of Lovat dates from about 1460, in the person of Hugh Fraser, a descendant of Simon Fraser (killed at Halidon Hill in 1333) who acquired the tower and fort of Lovat near Beauly, Inverness-shire, and from whom the clan Fraser was called Macshimi (sons of Simon).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdZF2NSmljk/VI3NydRI48I/AAAAAAAAFdM/NxGLZmyrGPw/s1600/Lovat%2BStick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdZF2NSmljk/VI3NydRI48I/AAAAAAAAFdM/NxGLZmyrGPw/s1600/Lovat%2BStick.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Simon was educated at King's College, Aberdeen, and his correspondence afterwards gives proof, not only of a command of good English and idiomatic French, but of such an acquaintance with the Latin classics as to leave him never at a loss for an apt quotation from Virgil or Horace.<br />
<br />
Whether Lovat ever felt any real loyalty to the Stuarts or was actuated by self-interest is difficult to determine, but that he was a born traitor and deceiver there can be no doubt.<br />
<br />
One of his first acts on leaving college was to recruit three hundred men from his clan to form part of a regiment in the service of William and Mary, in which he himself was to hold a command, his object being to have a body of well-trained soldiers under his influence, whom at a moment's notice he might carry over to the interest of King James.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFQOO0SPi7s/VI3NBLEGntI/AAAAAAAAFc0/2gdWEOPdSJg/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2BDoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFQOO0SPi7s/VI3NBLEGntI/AAAAAAAAFc0/2gdWEOPdSJg/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2BDoc.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
His older brother, Alexander Fraser, was heir apparent to the barony and served in the army of Viscount Dundee (Claverhouse) at the Battle of Killiecrankie (1689). Soon thereafter, at a feast at Beauly, the piper was playing "Bittack" or "MacThomas", a song which includes the lines "There is a dirk upon Thomas' son rattling and glancing above the band of the breeches, when a knife might very well satisfy him; he has a sword and a shoulder belt, when a straw rope might answer him." Alexander Fraser took this as a personal affront and drew his dirk. While he afterward maintained that he meant only to puncture the piper's bag and stop the music, he fatally stabbed the piper. A Jacobite who had killed a man could expect no leniency from the government of William and Mary, so he fled to Wales and disappeared. With his older brother out of the way, Simon became heir apparent.<br />
<br />
Among other outrages in which Simon Fraser was engaged about this time was a rape and forced marriage committed on the widow of the 10th Lord Lovat, with the view apparently of securing his own succession to the estates; and it is a curious instance of influence that, after being subjected by him to horrible ill-usage, she is said to have become seriously attached to him.<br />
<br />
A prosecution, however, having been instituted against him by Lady Lovat's family, Simon retired first to his native strongholds in the Highlands, and afterwards to France, where he found his way in July 1702 to the court of St Germain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59IYxfAB1_I/VI3NND8jpRI/AAAAAAAAFc8/jOZaPE9dgHA/s1600/Lovat%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59IYxfAB1_I/VI3NND8jpRI/AAAAAAAAFc8/jOZaPE9dgHA/s1600/Lovat%2B2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1699, on his father's death, he inherited the title of Lord Lovat. One of his first steps towards gaining influence in France seems to have been to announce his conversion to Catholicism. He then proceeded to put the project of restoring the exiled family into a practical shape. Hitherto nothing seems to have been known among the Jacobite exiles of the efficiency of the Highlanders as a military force. But Lovat saw that, as they were the only part of the British population accustomed to the independent use of arms, they could be at once put in action against the reigning power. His plan therefore was to land five thousand French troops at Dundee, where they might reach the north-eastern passes of the Highlands in a days march, and be in a position to divert the British troops till the Highlands should have time to rise.<br />
<br />
Immediately afterwards five hundred men were to land on the west coast, seize Fort William or Inverlochy, and thus prevent the access of any military force from the south to the central Highlands. The whole scheme indicates Lovat's sagacity as a military strategist, and his plan was continuously kept in view in all future attempts of the Jacobites, and finally acted on in the outbreak of 1745.<br />
<br />
The advisers of the Old Pretender seem to have been either slow to trust their coadjutor or to comprehend his project.<br />
<br />
At last, however, he was dispatched (1703) on a secret mission to the Highlands to sound out those clan chiefs who were likely to rise, and to ascertain what forces they could bring into the field. He found, however, that there was little disposition to join the rebellion, and he then apparently made up his mind to secure his own safety by revealing all that he knew to the government of Queen Anne. He persuaded the duke of Queensberry that his rival, the duke of Atholl, was in the Jacobite plot, and that if Queensberry supported him he could obtain evidence of this at St Germain. Queensberry foolishly entered into the intrigue with him against Atholl, but when Lovat had gone to France with a pass from Queensberry the affair was betrayed to Atholl by Robert Ferguson, and resulted in Queensberry's discomfiture. The story is obscure, and is complicated by partisanship on either side; but Lovat was certainly playing a double game.<br />
<br />
On returning to Paris suspicions got afloat as to Lovat's proceedings, and he was imprisoned in the castle of Angoulême. He remained nearly ten years under supervision, till in November 1714 he made his escape to England.<br />
<br />
For some twenty-five years after this he was chiefly occupied in lawsuits for the recovery of his estates and the re-establishment of his fortune, in both of which objects he was successful. The intervals of his leisure were filled with Jacobite and Anti-Jacobite intrigues, in which he seems to have alternately, as suited his interests, acted the traitor to both parties. But he so far obtained the confidence of the government as to secure the appointments of sheriff of Inverness and of colonel of an independent company. His disloyal practices, however, soon led to his being suspected; and he was deprived of both his appointments.<br />
<br />
When the rebellion broke out, Lovat acted with characteristic duplicity.<br />
<br />
He represented to the Jacobites, what was probably in the main true, that though eager for their success his weak health and advanced years prevented him from joining the standard of the prince in person, while to the Lord President Forbes he professed his cordial attachment to the existing state of things, but lamented that his son, in spite of all his remonstrances, had joined Bonnie Prince Charlie, and succeeded in taking with him a strong force from the clan of the Frasers.<br />
<br />
The truth was that the lad was unwilling to go, but was compelled by his father.<br />
<br />
Lovat's false professions of fidelity did not long deceive the government, and after the Battle of Culloden he was obliged to retreat to the Highlands, after seeing from a distant height his castle of Dounie burnt by the royal army. Even then, broken down by disease and old age, carried on a litter and unable to move without assistance, his mental resources did not fail; and in a conference with several of the Jacobite leaders he proposed that they should raise a body of three thousand men, which would be enough to make their mountains impregnable, and at length force the government to give them advantageous terms, but the project was not carried out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ak-ELcqqI/VI3NgHDb6DI/AAAAAAAAFdE/AhKrtffc-A0/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2B-%2BRandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ak-ELcqqI/VI3NgHDb6DI/AAAAAAAAFdE/AhKrtffc-A0/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2B-%2BRandy.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Lovat was arrested on an island in Loch Morar. He was conveyed in a litter to London, and after a trial of five days (with evidence given against him by the fellow Jacobite John Murray of Broughton) sentence of death was pronounced on 19 March 1747. He was executed by John Thrift on 9 April 1747, the last man to be beheaded in England.<br />
<br />
Shortly before the execution, a scaffold for spectators viewing the beheading had collapsed and left 20 dead, much to his amusement. This became the origin of the saying "laughing your head off".<br />
<br />
Just before submitting his head to the block<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQGVsvPVmBw/VI3XJYlHa_I/AAAAAAAAFeM/VCYE7LRyDhM/s1600/Execution_of_Lord_Lovat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQGVsvPVmBw/VI3XJYlHa_I/AAAAAAAAFeM/VCYE7LRyDhM/s1600/Execution_of_Lord_Lovat.JPG" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
he repeated the line from Horace: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, "It is sweet and right to die for your country."<br />
<br />
The famous etching by William Hogarth shows Lovat awaiting execution in The Tower, counting with his fingers the various Clans that he had brought to his cause and battle to support the Stuart claim to the throne.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f23H-ZmhBec/VI3XOGsGxDI/AAAAAAAAFeU/ieHZQEUTAkw/s1600/Jacobite_broadside_-_Funeral_Ticket_for_Lord_Lovat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f23H-ZmhBec/VI3XOGsGxDI/AAAAAAAAFeU/ieHZQEUTAkw/s1600/Jacobite_broadside_-_Funeral_Ticket_for_Lord_Lovat.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtiC989P5eY/VI3Qr1PdPlI/AAAAAAAAFdg/X9CgduouEqo/s1600/Fairie%2BPipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtiC989P5eY/VI3Qr1PdPlI/AAAAAAAAFdg/X9CgduouEqo/s1600/Fairie%2BPipes.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
As we leave Lord Lovat, we discover the Fairie Pipes, originally played for Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3gschdHv1U/VI3Qu_EyfQI/AAAAAAAAFdo/eDObtYQ1q2k/s1600/Fairie%2BPipes%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3gschdHv1U/VI3Qu_EyfQI/AAAAAAAAFdo/eDObtYQ1q2k/s1600/Fairie%2BPipes%2B2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We leave the Museum and head down High Street for a wee dram and see if we can raise the Clans once more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAWxnyWx4Iw/VI3Tn31oUWI/AAAAAAAAFd0/RlOiW6MG7RU/s1600/Depart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAWxnyWx4Iw/VI3Tn31oUWI/AAAAAAAAFd0/RlOiW6MG7RU/s1600/Depart.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrzlZ85r2uY/VI3U3srwjcI/AAAAAAAAFeA/a1c5gblck1g/s1600/Jacobites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrzlZ85r2uY/VI3U3srwjcI/AAAAAAAAFeA/a1c5gblck1g/s1600/Jacobites.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Walking upright we're off to the catch the train for Edinburgh.</div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-5834495265712412192014-12-14T07:02:00.004-08:002014-12-14T07:02:56.093-08:00Sorry for the Delay on the Scottish Blog.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Sorry for the delay in completing the trip blog and to those who posted comments; I just published all comments.<br />
<br />
Life is what happens when you're making plans.<br />
<br />
Let the Journey continue, on to Day 17.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-37353484079368523202014-11-30T10:03:00.001-08:002014-11-30T10:04:05.866-08:00Day 16 - Leave the Isle of Skye to Fort William<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We leave the Dunollie Hotel,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQjW9x9Rsf4/VHtWRlhvq0I/AAAAAAAAFO4/PZLVaQqE9RY/s1600/Leaving%2BDunollie%2BHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQjW9x9Rsf4/VHtWRlhvq0I/AAAAAAAAFO4/PZLVaQqE9RY/s1600/Leaving%2BDunollie%2BHotel.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
with mixed emotions, we are heading off for a new adventure<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jn2uKaQbNxY/VHtWWI7omXI/AAAAAAAAFPA/17pzUsOvHv8/s1600/Leaving%2BDunollie%2BHotel%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jn2uKaQbNxY/VHtWWI7omXI/AAAAAAAAFPA/17pzUsOvHv8/s1600/Leaving%2BDunollie%2BHotel%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
, yet leaving our beloved Isle of Skye.<br />
<br />
One stop required prior to driving over the bridge that separates Skye for the Mainland.<br />
<br />
We drive a short 20 minutes on the Strathaird Peninsula, guarded by the infamous sheep, ready to attack at any moment,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpSHiRP42fw/VHtXfoZmWhI/AAAAAAAAFP4/Fi2qF5Xwjbg/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpSHiRP42fw/VHtXfoZmWhI/AAAAAAAAFP4/Fi2qF5Xwjbg/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="155" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
to find Garth Duncan<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4HHiwEp4KQ/VHtXhlqN9GI/AAAAAAAAFQA/u4hU9dciaJY/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4HHiwEp4KQ/VHtXhlqN9GI/AAAAAAAAFQA/u4hU9dciaJY/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1r7lW1jpTg/VHtWwiNcyvI/AAAAAAAAFPI/Fbl5fITeJfY/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2BPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1r7lW1jpTg/VHtWwiNcyvI/AAAAAAAAFPI/Fbl5fITeJfY/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2BPic.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
and see his knives, swords and jewel creations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3ktwep91o0/VHtW-3Tx0gI/AAAAAAAAFPY/eNqYp9D_xLg/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3ktwep91o0/VHtW-3Tx0gI/AAAAAAAAFPY/eNqYp9D_xLg/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan.jpg" height="200" width="113" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aP3ImpOrUk/VHtXrwDNfGI/AAAAAAAAFQY/X5dLiOFDt-o/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aP3ImpOrUk/VHtXrwDNfGI/AAAAAAAAFQY/X5dLiOFDt-o/s1600/Garth%2BDuncan%2B5.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Strathaird is a peninsula on the island of Skye, Scotland, situated between Loch Slapin and Loch Scavaig on the south coast.<br />
<br />
It is the smallest and least populous of Skye's main peninsulas, containing only the hamlets of Elgol, Kirkibost (where we find Duncan), Kilmarie, Drinan and Glasnakille. The ruins of the Iron Age hill fort Dun Ringill are east of Kirkibost on the shores of Loch Slapin.<br />
<br />
The Strathaird peninsula was historically a heartland of Clan Mackinnon and tradition holds that Dun Ringill was once the seat of the clan. The Strathaird Estate was bought by Ian Anderson - a musician in Jethro Tull - in 1978. Anderson started a salmon farming business at Strathaird, which expanded throughout Scotland. The business was reportedly worth over £10 million by the mid 1990s, though much of it has now been sold off.<br />
<br />
Garth Duncan is a Master Jeweler and Owner of Duncan House: a Gallery and Workshop (http://www.duncan-house.com). He once said, <i><span style="color: blue;">”The objects that our ancestors created and left behind become an inspiration for me. With no written history, the artefacts must speak for them. It’s a direct physical connection to our past, better than words, it’s human hands that created, struggled, lived, and Loved. . I do my very best to honour their memory in every piece I make.“</span></i><br />
<br />
Back on the highway we leave Skye via the Bridge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy-cy7g6Kqk/VHtaOsu44OI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/GStABZiNglA/s1600/Bridge%2BIsle%2Bof%2BSkye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy-cy7g6Kqk/VHtaOsu44OI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/GStABZiNglA/s1600/Bridge%2BIsle%2Bof%2BSkye.jpg" height="108" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The Skye Bridge (Scottish Gaelic: Drochaid an Eilein Sgitheanaich) is a road bridge over Loch Alsh, Scotland, connecting the Isle of Skye to the island of Eilean Bàn. The name is also used for the whole Skye Crossing, which further connects Eilean Bàn to the mainland across the Carrich Viaduct.<br />
<br />
Leaving Skye, we soon reach Eilean Donan Castle and a coffee, etc...break.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RswnlvZImCk/VHtaZExfCfI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/iL_UI5jdL6E/s1600/Eilean%2BDonan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RswnlvZImCk/VHtaZExfCfI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/iL_UI5jdL6E/s1600/Eilean%2BDonan.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island where three lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh; since the castle's restoration in the early 20th Century, a footbridge has connected the island to the mainland. A picturesque castle that lies about 1 kilometre from the village of Dornie.<br />
<br />
Eilean Donan, which means simply "island of Donnán", is named after Donnán of Eigg. It is possible that an early Christian monastic cell was founded on the island in the 6th or 7th century, dedicated to Donnán of Eigg, an Irish saint who was martyred on Eigg in April 617. No remains of any Christian buildings survive, though fragments of vitrified stone, subjected to very high temperatures, have been discovered indicating the presence of an Iron Age or early medieval fortification.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VP1Ik_9KXDU/VHtbD6lyJGI/AAAAAAAAFRM/A_Hf9Gto3ZI/s1600/Eilean%2BDonan%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VP1Ik_9KXDU/VHtbD6lyJGI/AAAAAAAAFRM/A_Hf9Gto3ZI/s1600/Eilean%2BDonan%2B2.jpg" height="117" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The castle was founded in the thirteenth century, and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan Macrae. In the early eighteenth century the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions led in 1719 to the castle's destruction by government ships. Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap's twentieth-century reconstruction of the ruins produced the present buildings.<br />
<br />
Now it's down the highway to Fort William and overnight at the Alexandra Hotel. On the 2 hour drive from Eilean Donan Castle we drive along side the following Lochs; Loch Duich, Loch Cluanie, Loch Loyne, Loch Garry and finally Loch Lochy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DgqTiHhL1w8/VHtbmufJKuI/AAAAAAAAFRU/gEJUTHh5buQ/s1600/Loch%2BLocky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DgqTiHhL1w8/VHtbmufJKuI/AAAAAAAAFRU/gEJUTHh5buQ/s1600/Loch%2BLocky.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
(translation Lake Lakey), I think they were bored when they came to naming this lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We enjoy a wonderful meal in the Hotel, try a dram or two and off to bed.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-49639936108197189712014-11-27T16:38:00.001-08:002014-11-27T16:38:40.462-08:00Day 15 - Depart Dunvegan and Look for an Amazon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We pack up and prepare to depart the Laundry Cottage and Dunvegan Castle. We are headed to find the amazon who taught men how to fight.<br />
<br />
We stop in for a final breakfast at the Dunvegan Bakery and a visit with the owner, John MacLellan. This was one of our favourite spots on the entire trip.<br />
<br />
We stop in again at Drynoch to see if we can get any more information on the home of James F. MacLeod, no luck. We head down the road a wee bit to Carbost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVBe3Bn7FMI/VHe9iXzq3JI/AAAAAAAAFIA/b4BQvCeGjaw/s1600/Carbost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVBe3Bn7FMI/VHe9iXzq3JI/AAAAAAAAFIA/b4BQvCeGjaw/s1600/Carbost.jpg" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Carbost (Scottish Gaelic: Carabost) is a village on the south shore of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye in the Highlands of Scotland and is in the council area of Highland. Carbost becomes a tourist hub in summer months due to the presence of the Talisker Distillery which is also one of the main employers in village along with the local pub, The Old Inn and the award winning local emporium.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5X7F1vi_7Sw/VHe_h4dI3qI/AAAAAAAAFIM/F8oqcEx6KRM/s1600/The%2BOld%2BInn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5X7F1vi_7Sw/VHe_h4dI3qI/AAAAAAAAFIM/F8oqcEx6KRM/s1600/The%2BOld%2BInn.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqoZdg7cgb4/VHe_rzb94bI/AAAAAAAAFIU/5gkmac-n5Zo/s1600/Talisker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqoZdg7cgb4/VHe_rzb94bI/AAAAAAAAFIU/5gkmac-n5Zo/s1600/Talisker.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
Talisker distillery is an Island single malt Scotch whisky distillery based in Carbost, Scotland—the only distillery on the Isle of Skye. The distillery is operated by United Distillers and Vintners for Diageo, and is marketed as part of their Classic Malts series. The brand is sold as a premium whisky.<br />
<br />
The distillery was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, and built in 1831 at Carbost <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qje7X5JiE2c/VHfABIWld7I/AAAAAAAAFIc/xnIHbLBPYdQ/s1600/Talisker%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qje7X5JiE2c/VHfABIWld7I/AAAAAAAAFIc/xnIHbLBPYdQ/s1600/Talisker%2B2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
after a number of false starts on other sites when they acquired the lease of Talisker House from the MacLeod of MacLeod. The distillery was rebuilt 1880 - 87 and extended in 1900. When a new lease for the distillery was negotiated with the chief of Clan MacLeod in 1892 the annual payment was to be £23.12s and a ten-gallon cask of best-quality Talisker. It was rebuilt in 1960 after a stillhouse fire completely destroyed the distillery. The distillery operates five stills; two wash stills and three spirit stills. All the stills use worm tubs (condensing coils) rather than a modern condenser, which are believed to give the whisky a "fuller" flavour (itself an indication of higher sugar content).<br />
<br />
During this early period, the whisky was produced using a triple distilling method, but changed to the more conventional double distilling in 1928. Talisker was acquired by Distillers Company in 1925 and is now part of Diageo. After the 1960 fire, five exact replicas of the original stills were constructed to preserve the original Talisker flavour. In 1972 the stills were converted to steam heating and the maltings floor was demolished. Talisker’s water comes from springs directly above the distillery via a network of pipes and wells.<br />
<br />
The malted barley used in production comes from Muir of Ord. Talisker has an unusual feature—swan neck lye pipes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R6hYwDnNGd8/VHfAPrK5luI/AAAAAAAAFIk/5ufJDKSK-Wk/s1600/Swan%2Bneck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R6hYwDnNGd8/VHfAPrK5luI/AAAAAAAAFIk/5ufJDKSK-Wk/s1600/Swan%2Bneck.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
A loop in the pipes takes the vapour from the stills to the worm tubs so some of the alcohol already condenses before it reaches the cooler. It then runs back in to the stills and is distilled again. Talisker now has an annual output of three and a half million litres of spirit.<br />
<br />
Talisker was the favourite whisky of writers Robert Louis Stevenson and HV Morton. In his poem "The Scotsman's Return From Abroad", Stevenson mentioned "The king o' drinks, as I conceive it, Talisker, Islay, or Glenlivet."<br />
<br />
We leave Carbost and head off to Broadford and some stops along the way. The next road we drive through the village of Ord, heading for Dunscaith Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAuYV28pZnU/VHfAaRzct3I/AAAAAAAAFIs/iNL0DEVluy4/s1600/Ord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAuYV28pZnU/VHfAaRzct3I/AAAAAAAAFIs/iNL0DEVluy4/s1600/Ord.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dunscaith Castle also known as Dun Sgathaich Castle, Dun Scaith, and Tokavaig, is a ruined castle on the coast of the Isle of Skye, in the north-west of Scotland. It is located in the Parish of Sleat, in the Highland council area, and in the former county of Inverness-shire. Also called Fortress of Shadows, it is named after and was the home of the warrior maiden Sgathaich, or (more properly) Scáthach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClrXHKIbBkc/VHfAqRj8etI/AAAAAAAAFI0/bSTa6RMdZ44/s1600/Dunscaith%2BCastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClrXHKIbBkc/VHfAqRj8etI/AAAAAAAAFI0/bSTa6RMdZ44/s1600/Dunscaith%2BCastle.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The castle is featured in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology as the place where Scáthach the Shadow, legendary Scottish warrior woman and martial arts teacher, trained the hero Cú Chulainn in the arts of combat. The Irish name for the fort, Dun Scathiag, was named after her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joleMZdb-NQ/VHfAzWPFiwI/AAAAAAAAFI8/sTxdT5oM_9Y/s1600/Dunscaith%2BCastle%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joleMZdb-NQ/VHfAzWPFiwI/AAAAAAAAFI8/sTxdT5oM_9Y/s1600/Dunscaith%2BCastle%2B2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
Scáthach, or Sgathaich,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9CeuhxAHps/VHfB-f03EVI/AAAAAAAAFJI/D5T3IKmnfuQ/s1600/Sc%C3%A1thach%2Bthe%2BShadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9CeuhxAHps/VHfB-f03EVI/AAAAAAAAFJI/D5T3IKmnfuQ/s1600/Sc%C3%A1thach%2Bthe%2BShadow.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
is a figure in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. She is a legendary Scottish warrior woman andmartial arts teacher who trains the legendary Ulster hero Cú Chulainn in the arts of combat. Texts describe her homeland as Scotland (Alpae); she is especially associated with the Isle of Skye, where her residence Dún Scáith, or "Dun Sgathaich" (Fortress of Shadows), stands. She is called "the Shadow" and "Warrior Maid" and is the rival and sister of Aífe, both daughters of Árd-Greimne of Lethra.<br />
<br />
Scáthach's instruction of the young hero Cú Chulainn notably appears in Tochmarc Emire (The Wooing of Emer), an early Irish foretale to the great epic Táin Bó Cúailnge. Here, Cú Chulainn is honour-bound to perform a number of tasks before he is found worthy to marry his beloved Emer, daughter of the chieftain Forgall Monach. The tale survives in two recensions: a short version written mainly in Old Irish and a later, expanded version of the Middle Irish period. In both recensions, Cú Chulainn is sent to Alpae, a term literally meaning "the Alps", but apparently used here to refer to Scotland (otherwise Albu in Irish). Cú Chulainn is sent there with Lóegaire and Conchobor, and in the later version also with Conall Cernach, to receive training from the warrior Domnall (whose hideous daughter falls in love with the hero and when refused, promises revenge). After some time, Domnall assigns them to the care of Scáthach for further training.<br />
<br />
Cú Chulainn and his companion Ferdiad travel to Dún Scáith, where Scáthach teaches them feats of arms, and gives Cú Chulainn her deadly spear, the Gáe Bulg. Cú Chulainn begins an affair with Scáthach's daughter Uathach, but accidentally breaks her fingers. She screams, calling her lover Cochar Croibhe to the room. Despite Uathach's protests, he challenges Cú Chulainn to a duel, and Cú Chulainn dispatches him easily. To make it up to Uathach and Scáthach, Cú Chulainn assumes Cochar's duties, and becomes Uathach's lover. Scáthach eventually promises her daughter to him, without requiring the traditional bride price. Scáthach also grants Cú Chulainn the "friendship of her thighs" when his training is almost complete. When her rival, the warrior woman Aífe (Aoife is the modern Irish spelling), threatens her territory, Cú Chulainn defeats her in battle and forces her to make peace. Aífe also sleeps with Cú Chulainn, producing his son Connla, whom Cú Chulainn kills years later - realizing their relation too late.<br />
<br />
The castle itself sits on an off-shore rock. The rock rises 40 feet above sea level and there is a gap of 20 feet between the rock and the mainland. The gap was once spanned by a walled bridge with arches 6 feet apart. This stone walled bridge then led onto a drawbridge, the pivot holes for which are still visible on the far side. Once on the other side of the drawbridge a door opened to a flight of stairs which was also sided by two walls. The flight of stairs led up to the castle.<br />
<br />
Parts of the castle curtain wall still survive on the cliff edge but most of the inner buildings have gone. The curtain wall was about 5 ft thick. In the courtyard is a well and the remains of a stairway which once led up a tower.<br />
<br />
Originally the castle belonged to the Clan MacDonald of Sleat, a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald. At some time in the 14th century it was taken from them by the Clan MacLeod and held briefly by the MacAskills, allies of the MacLeods but it was recaptured by the MacDonalds sometime in the 15th century.<br />
<br />
In the 15th century the castle was again captured by King James I of Scotland when the Chief of the Clan Donald, Lord of the Isles was broken by King James I. The MacDonalds were allowed to keep possession of the castle. The MacDonalds abandoned the castle in the early 17th century.<br />
<br />
Leaving the castle we toast <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELrGqlJrct4/VHfCdqoHFII/AAAAAAAAFJY/ejUnYYgatpw/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BScotch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELrGqlJrct4/VHfCdqoHFII/AAAAAAAAFJY/ejUnYYgatpw/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BScotch.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Scáthach the Shadow<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmXQDzL_7fI/VHfCLKWEq_I/AAAAAAAAFJQ/j-_c1C7SxkM/s1600/Sc%C3%A1thach%2Bthe%2BShadow%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmXQDzL_7fI/VHfCLKWEq_I/AAAAAAAAFJQ/j-_c1C7SxkM/s1600/Sc%C3%A1thach%2Bthe%2BShadow%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="103" /></a></div>
before heading down the road to Broadford where we will stay the night.<br />
<br />
Broadford (An t-Àth Leathann in Scottish Gaelic), together with nearby Harrapool, is the second-largest settlement on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, lying on the SW corner of Broadford Bay, on the A87 between Portree and the Skye Bridge. Overlooked by the eastern Cuillins, Broadford is in a beautiful tranquil area as well as having many services available.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4d2CdBDkw/VHfCur80cRI/AAAAAAAAFJg/ZFmcN5NjRuM/s1600/Broadford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4d2CdBDkw/VHfCur80cRI/AAAAAAAAFJg/ZFmcN5NjRuM/s1600/Broadford.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
Like many places in Skye, Broadford derives its name from Old Norse. To the Vikings this was Breiðafjorðr - the wide bay. The Gaelic name is of modern derivation and assumes that the "ford" element meant a river crossing.<br />
<br />
West of Broadford in Glen Suardal, on the lower slopes of Beinn na Caillich, is Goir a' Bhlàir, 'the field of battle' (grid reference NG624234). The battle concerned was apparently a decisive action by the Gaelic Clan Mackinnon against the Vikings.<br />
<br />
Broadford was a cattle market until 1812, when Telford built the road from Portree to Kyleakin. Veterans of the Napoleonic Wars settled during the first half of the 19th century. Writing in the middle of the 19th century, Alexander Smith said, "If Portree is the London of Skye, Broadford is its Manchester."<br />
<br />
Legend holds that the recipe for the liqueur Drambuie was given by Bonnie Prince Charlie to Clan MacKinnon who then passed it onto James Ross late 19th century. Ross ran the Broadford Inn (now the Broadford Hotel), where he developed and improved the recipe, initially for his friends and then later to patrons. Ross then began to sell it further afield and the name was registered as a trademark in 1893.<br />
<br />
In Broadford we stayed at the Dunollie Hotel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7IHw_wxXv4/VHfC153_DDI/AAAAAAAAFJo/LKG6mzqqpzc/s1600/Dunollie%2BHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7IHw_wxXv4/VHfC153_DDI/AAAAAAAAFJo/LKG6mzqqpzc/s1600/Dunollie%2BHotel.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We are told stories of ghosts that live in the hotel and the sightings of these same ghosts by the husband of the reception.<br />
<br />
We hear a story about a skirmish that happened on the Totternish Penninsula on the Isle of Skye. A skirmish between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds which led to the MacLeods defeat - the victors decapitated all the bodies and rolled the heads down a hill to the loch below. As the heads rolled, they could be heard chanting 'We almost won today!'<br />
<br />
A mantra later adopted by Stephen Carter and the Alberta Party.<br />
<br />
After supper we are entertained by a local Scottish accordion player and the bus tour, singing and dancing, a lovely end to the evening.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-85958629494300858062014-11-27T14:59:00.001-08:002014-11-27T15:00:34.736-08:00Day 14 - A Private Tour Of Dunvegan Castle - Ancestral Home of Clan MacLeod<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The MacLeod Estate Office arranged a private tour of Dunvegan Castle (see Day 12 - <a href="http://donntodusk.blogspot.fr/2014/11/day-12-dunvegan-castle-st-marys-church.html">http://donntodusk.blogspot.fr/2014/11/day-12-dunvegan-castle-st-marys-church.html</a>) for 10:00 am.<br />
<br />
The tour is directed by Janet Clarke, Executive Director of the Castle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khspb47JSvQ/VHereOAnvcI/AAAAAAAAFHk/TW5YxLaN6Hs/s1600/IMG_20141114_095521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khspb47JSvQ/VHereOAnvcI/AAAAAAAAFHk/TW5YxLaN6Hs/s1600/IMG_20141114_095521.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MA5QKV7KVfs/VHerVhVaBlI/AAAAAAAAFHc/k1wTwl-pEVc/s1600/IMG_20141114_095510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MA5QKV7KVfs/VHerVhVaBlI/AAAAAAAAFHc/k1wTwl-pEVc/s1600/IMG_20141114_095510.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The current Laird of the Castle is Hugh MacLeod of MacLeod (born 1973). He is Chief of Clan MacLeod and is currently representing the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies in the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. He is also recognized Chief of the Name and Arms of MacLeod, in Scotland and the United Kingdom, by the Court of the Lord Lyon.<br />
<br />
On the death of his father, John MacLeod of MacLeod, Hugh inherited Dunvegan Castle, the ancient seat of the chiefs of Macleod, and the associated ancestral clan territories, which still extend to over 42,000 acres (17,000 ha) on the Isle of Skye.<br />
<br />
Hugh MacLeod graduated with a BA (Hons) in Film and Modern History from the University of London and the Sorbonne in 1995.<br />
<br />
After a brief period at Sotheby's and Freud Communications, Hugh began working in television as a researcher and was commissioned to direct/produce Champagne and Canvas, a documentary that was nominated for best video at the 1998 BBC British Short Film Festival. Since then, Hugh has worked as a freelance director, producer and writer in film and TV and now combines his media career with the management of the MacLeod Estate which he took on in 2008.<br />
<br />
He divides his time between Dunvegan and London, where he lives with his wife Frederique and their son Vincent.<br />
<br />
After the tour we drove to Drynoch to try and find the home where James F. MacLeod was born.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pzZKvEj3tc/VHW4Z3XXtQI/AAAAAAAAFGU/Lnx0Teb9Q4c/s1600/James%2BMacLeod%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pzZKvEj3tc/VHW4Z3XXtQI/AAAAAAAAFGU/Lnx0Teb9Q4c/s1600/James%2BMacLeod%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="138" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gC3t4Dv7gLo/VHW4btNddoI/AAAAAAAAFGc/uchZOSZ0zJ4/s1600/James%2BMacLeod%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gC3t4Dv7gLo/VHW4btNddoI/AAAAAAAAFGc/uchZOSZ0zJ4/s1600/James%2BMacLeod%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lieutenant Colonel James Farquharson Macleod (1836 – 1894), was born in Drynoch, Isle of Skye, Scotland, was a militia officer, lawyer and a NWMP officer. He served as the second Commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police, from 1876, to 1880. Fort Macleod and Macleod Trail, a major Calgary, Alberta, thoroughfare, are named after him.<br />
<br />
In 1887, Macleod was appointed to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, which then included what is now known as Alberta and Saskatchewan. He held this position until his death in 1894. He is buried in Union Cemetery in Calgary.<br />
<br />
Drynoch (Scottish Gaelic: An Droighneach) is a settlement on the south east tip of Loch Harport on the west coast of Skye in the Highlands of Scotland. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJbF3Kc5ijM/VHesmqrxjzI/AAAAAAAAFHw/0b2xBwp_9i0/s1600/Drynock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJbF3Kc5ijM/VHesmqrxjzI/AAAAAAAAFHw/0b2xBwp_9i0/s1600/Drynock.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a></div>
It is in the Scottish council area of Highland. The River Drynoch runs through the village, flowing down from Glen Drynochinto the loch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDF_f18WaaI/VHW7hLIsXQI/AAAAAAAAFGo/tYlRwE8uVLc/s1600/Football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDF_f18WaaI/VHW7hLIsXQI/AAAAAAAAFGo/tYlRwE8uVLc/s1600/Football.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
We are not able to find the home so head back for supper and an invite to watch Scotland vs. Ireland at the Cellar Bar in Dunvegan.<br />
<br />
<br />
Scotland wins 1 - 0 on a goal by Mahoney (74).<br />
<br />
Wild cheering erupted, but not all viewers responded.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDF_f18WaaI/VHW7hLIsXQI/AAAAAAAAFGo/tYlRwE8uVLc/s1600/Football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
A very long night.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-8001807323708504112014-11-20T11:42:00.001-08:002014-11-20T11:42:53.009-08:00Day 13 - We put on the Kilts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We wake at the Laundry Cottage, <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wdt19Fox1aU/VG47xD0Q4oI/AAAAAAAADSY/4zWsgHtd4UA/s1600/Laundry%2BCottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wdt19Fox1aU/VG47xD0Q4oI/AAAAAAAADSY/4zWsgHtd4UA/s1600/Laundry%2BCottage.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a> have our breakfast and put on the kilts. After donning the kilts we attempt to once again Raise the Clans <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uICJoIuPQQw/VG48HDcQ6WI/AAAAAAAADSg/6mEIYrAqFw8/s1600/Raising%2Bthe%2BClans%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uICJoIuPQQw/VG48HDcQ6WI/AAAAAAAADSg/6mEIYrAqFw8/s1600/Raising%2Bthe%2BClans%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSwbI-68UNg/VG48Svcd_FI/AAAAAAAADSw/107pDuYDMKk/s1600/Raising%2Bthe%2BClans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSwbI-68UNg/VG48Svcd_FI/AAAAAAAADSw/107pDuYDMKk/s1600/Raising%2Bthe%2BClans.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and break into the Castle,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11Xa6aK-UJA/VG48TXf6pWI/AAAAAAAADS0/CDoqLnCObck/s1600/Randy%2Bat%2Bthe%2BCastle%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11Xa6aK-UJA/VG48TXf6pWI/AAAAAAAADS0/CDoqLnCObck/s1600/Randy%2Bat%2Bthe%2BCastle%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5QTOlbhFNA/VG48eRdtcII/AAAAAAAADTI/a5IcQdQ1f88/s1600/Randy%2Bat%2Bthe%2BCastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5QTOlbhFNA/VG48eRdtcII/AAAAAAAADTI/a5IcQdQ1f88/s1600/Randy%2Bat%2Bthe%2BCastle.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
just kidding about breaking into the Castle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGGK0Unr5I8/VG48ZD3y7hI/AAAAAAAADTA/aa_UPA8NINY/s1600/Randy%2Bat%2Bthe%2BCastle%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGGK0Unr5I8/VG48ZD3y7hI/AAAAAAAADTA/aa_UPA8NINY/s1600/Randy%2Bat%2Bthe%2BCastle%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Then it's off to Orbost and the Orbost Estate Farm to visit Rachel Jackson to deliver the stones<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFTPYTU8cDo/VG4-b8pLQJI/AAAAAAAADTk/a49pb_AqW9Y/s1600/Rachel%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFTPYTU8cDo/VG4-b8pLQJI/AAAAAAAADTk/a49pb_AqW9Y/s1600/Rachel%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
from Fort MacLeod and get an update on the Woodlands/Memorial Wall Project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COVOkxdnzFs/VG4-bxao8CI/AAAAAAAADTo/5dyd0zP2gUw/s1600/Rachel%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COVOkxdnzFs/VG4-bxao8CI/AAAAAAAADTo/5dyd0zP2gUw/s1600/Rachel%2B3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
Together with her husband, Keith, they have organized the Clan MacLeod Woodlands Project, including the Memorial Wall, see the first blog on this trip (<a href="http://donntodusk.blogspot.fr/2014/11/ancestral-rock-roam-depart-calgary-for.html">http://donntodusk.blogspot.fr/2014/11/ancestral-rock-roam-depart-calgary-for.html</a>).<br />
<br />
Orbost is situated off the Dunvegan to Glendale road, Orbost is famous for its iconic house – Orbost House, a 14-bedroom mansion originally owned by the MacLeods. Nestling in the shadow of Healabhal Bheag (MacLeod’s Tables South) Orbost lies in the north-west of the Isle of Skye, approximately 4 miles from Dunvegan, seat of the Clan MacLeod.<br />
<br />
'That's Orbost, sir, the house under the hill', said Malcolm, pointing with his whip...<br />
('A Summer in Skye', Alexander Smith, 1865).<br />
<br />
Orbost House, located in the North West of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, is one of the Island´s finest houses. and unlike some of Skye´s other big houses it has been able to withstand the harsh weather conditions as well as several changes in ownership.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIql-CVjlP4/VG4_UbJapNI/AAAAAAAADT8/NvyyJ_bTOjY/s1600/Orbost%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIql-CVjlP4/VG4_UbJapNI/AAAAAAAADT8/NvyyJ_bTOjY/s1600/Orbost%2BHouse.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
<br />
The oldest parts of Orbost House were built in the mid 18th century and more parts were added in later times. It has a long and intriguing history and is mentioned in several books, most famously in Alexander Smith´s 'A Summer in Skye' and W. W. Tarn´s 'The Treasure of the Isle of Mist'. It was home to Otta Swire, famous author of the book 'Skye - The Island and its Legends'.<br />
<br />
Orbost House and its magnificent surroundings are unique and have their very own magic. It holds a special place in many people´s hearts and is, as W. W. Tarn put it, 'A True House of Faery'.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G7P0Bb0vsY/VG4_S7DLAII/AAAAAAAADT0/2OxtANnASjI/s1600/Orbost%2BHouse%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G7P0Bb0vsY/VG4_S7DLAII/AAAAAAAADT0/2OxtANnASjI/s1600/Orbost%2BHouse%2B2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The story of Orbost House is a rich tapestry, tightly interwoven with the history of the Isle of Skye and its people. Orbost House has been continuously inhabited since it was built around 1760, second only to Dunvegan Castle, built about 800 years ago.<br />
<br />
Orbost used to belong to the estates of the Clan of Skye. However, unlike other tacks (a leased piece of land) on the Island, Orbost was never connected with any single MacLeod family.<br />
<br />
The first available records of the Orbost Estate show that in 1683, one Ean Mc Wannane (John McLennan) was paying rent to the MacLeod Chief for the tack of 'Hirbost'. The amount paid for the tack was the third highest rent on the MacLeod estates at that time, indicating its relative status in economic terms.<br />
<br />
It is important to note that Orbost, in early days, used to be supplied from the sea and not, as it is now, by the road from the town of Dunvegan. The old road led from the nearby Bharcasaig Bay to the house and no further. People living at Orbost were dependent on boats and lived in a state of relative isolation and self-sufficient economy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6Humm6FUcA/VG5AJuGwevI/AAAAAAAADUc/IsPfORFkdPA/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6Humm6FUcA/VG5AJuGwevI/AAAAAAAADUc/IsPfORFkdPA/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
After a wonderful visit with Rachel who baked fresh scones and provided homemade jam, we head off to the old Town of Dunvegan.<br />
<br />
On the way we stop into the Castle Dunvegan Estate Offices and discover we are being given a private tour of the Castle tomorrow morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynWzghFXGeU/VG5AFPm6V2I/AAAAAAAADUM/09jhJTRz1zg/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynWzghFXGeU/VG5AFPm6V2I/AAAAAAAADUM/09jhJTRz1zg/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7IhLgLpzvA/VG4_8AVo_3I/AAAAAAAADUE/e8ZgLKPn0SU/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7IhLgLpzvA/VG4_8AVo_3I/AAAAAAAADUE/e8ZgLKPn0SU/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mG9tTDZGcRA/VG5AGdJ3VJI/AAAAAAAADUU/TNbEKWDAqIA/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mG9tTDZGcRA/VG5AGdJ3VJI/AAAAAAAADUU/TNbEKWDAqIA/s1600/Old%2BDunvegan%2B4.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
It's back to the Laundry Cottage for a rest and then to the Cellar Bar to swap stories with the locals, all around Tennants and scotch.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-64855232453168470222014-11-19T06:26:00.000-08:002014-11-19T06:26:14.243-08:00Day 12 - Dunvegan Castle, St. Mary's Church, Fairies, etc...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We wake up in the Laundry Cottage, built in 1734 and the former home of the Estate Factor. We look out the front door and see this;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hELqzfMUGxA/VGyggYoQyVI/AAAAAAAADMk/tdjf3VZcDEs/s1600/Castle%2Bmorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hELqzfMUGxA/VGyggYoQyVI/AAAAAAAADMk/tdjf3VZcDEs/s1600/Castle%2Bmorning.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
We stroll down to the left of the Cottage to the water's edge to see the famous Dunvegan Castle Seals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKB7ArTh43I/VGyhQfM6w1I/AAAAAAAADMs/UFKjCg8gd58/s1600/Dunvegan%2BSeals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKB7ArTh43I/VGyhQfM6w1I/AAAAAAAADMs/UFKjCg8gd58/s1600/Dunvegan%2BSeals.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then we walk over the Castle. Dunvegan Castle is a castle a mile and a half to the north of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, situated off the West coast of Scotland. Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without savouring the wealth of history at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Built on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Loch Dunvegan once entirely encircled by the sea, Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.<br />
<br />
On display are many fine oil paintings and clan treasures, the most famous of which is the Fairy Flag. Legend has it that this sacred Banner has miraculous powers and when unfurled in battle, the clan MacLeod will defeat their enemies. Another of the castle's great treasures is the Dunvegan Cup, a unique ‘mazer’ dating back to the Middle Ages. It was gifted by the O'Neils of Ulster as a token of thanks to one of the clan's most celebrated Chiefs, Sir Rory Mor, for his support of their cause against the marauding forces of Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1596.<br />
<br />
Dunvegan Castle’s five acres of formal gardens began life in the 18th century. In stark contrast to the barren moorland and mountains that dominate Skye’s landscape, the gardens are a hidden oa¬sis featuring an eclectic mix of plants.<br />
<br />
The Walled Garden is well worth a visit. In what was formerly the castle’s vegetable garden, is now a diverse range of plants and flowers that complement the attractive landscaped features including a water lily pond, a neoclassical urn and a Larch Pergola.<br />
<br />
The new memorial gazebo was installed in the Walled Garden July of this year in time for HRH the Princess Royal's visit. Various Clan MacLeod Societies from around the world funded the project, including the Associated Clan Society of Alberta.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ3FZWCs0RI/VGyhk6ibwNI/AAAAAAAADM0/AjgjxxscciA/s1600/Gazebo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ3FZWCs0RI/VGyhk6ibwNI/AAAAAAAADM0/AjgjxxscciA/s1600/Gazebo.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ2ute2ORG4/VGyhrN7rpfI/AAAAAAAADM8/BIaev137VVQ/s1600/Gazebo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ2ute2ORG4/VGyhrN7rpfI/AAAAAAAADM8/BIaev137VVQ/s1600/Gazebo%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUUm9ewtaoU/VGyhshuFG9I/AAAAAAAADNE/9lzGXfb4PJs/s1600/Gazebo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUUm9ewtaoU/VGyhshuFG9I/AAAAAAAADNE/9lzGXfb4PJs/s1600/Gazebo%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Over time, the Castle has welcomed many visitors including Sir Walter Scott, Dr Johnson, Flora MacDonald and Queen Elizabeth II.<br />
<br />
We leave the Castle and drive to old St. Mary's Church and graveyard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpb-mXX3kRw/VGyictwA-WI/AAAAAAAADNc/vlxGD7ukOzI/s1600/St.%2BMary's%2BGraveyard%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpb-mXX3kRw/VGyictwA-WI/AAAAAAAADNc/vlxGD7ukOzI/s1600/St.%2BMary's%2BGraveyard%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8S1y6JStOAY/VGyif1tBRuI/AAAAAAAADNk/oivzDyKVNnE/s1600/St.%2BMary's%2BGraveyard%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8S1y6JStOAY/VGyif1tBRuI/AAAAAAAADNk/oivzDyKVNnE/s1600/St.%2BMary's%2BGraveyard%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5clbKLtMkas/VGyii8w-h4I/AAAAAAAADNs/FXtRzuyD150/s1600/St.%2BMary's%2BGraveyard%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5clbKLtMkas/VGyii8w-h4I/AAAAAAAADNs/FXtRzuyD150/s1600/St.%2BMary's%2BGraveyard%2B4.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Since 1835, the burial place of the Chiefs of the MacLeods has been within the ruins of St Mary's Chapel at Kilmuir, Skye. Prior to the 24th Chief John Norman MacLeod's burial, the MacLeod Clan Chiefs were buried at Rodel, Isle of Harris. Norman MacLeod, his wife Anne, and daughter, Emily, a noted Gaelic historian, were all very involved with life in Dunvegan and oversaw major changes to the Castle so it seemed fitting that their resting place should be near Dunvegan. After them, the 25th Chief Norman, and his son Roderick, 26th Chief Norman Magnus, 27th Chief Reginald, 28th Chief Dame Flora, and in February 2007, 29th Chief John MacLeod have all been buried there.<br />
<br />
This roofless ruined church, now consolidated, has a date of 1694 over the north entrance and the dedication to St. Mary is still reflected in the name of both the township and the graveyard. Once the parish church for Duirinish, not only are some of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod buried in the north aisle and chancel, but generations of the Clan hereditary pipers, the MacCrimmons, are at rest in the graveyard. An early 18th century ashlar obelisk commemorates the 6th Lord Lovat, Thomas Frazer, and some late medieval carved gravestones and 18th century tablestones are located within the walled enclosure surrounding the church.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tKBC1bKKtk/VGyjZKHV9SI/AAAAAAAADN4/rDIFLvhJwbc/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2BGrave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tKBC1bKKtk/VGyjZKHV9SI/AAAAAAAADN4/rDIFLvhJwbc/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2BGrave.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3O8sPVYLLk/VGyjbzZAjzI/AAAAAAAADOA/wEb6J9K-ogk/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2BGrave%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnnnIAsGgaw/VGyjhMva90I/AAAAAAAADOQ/LLdP9ebpN0I/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2BGrave%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnnnIAsGgaw/VGyjhMva90I/AAAAAAAADOQ/LLdP9ebpN0I/s1600/Lord%2BLovat%2BGrave%2B4.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2aWbzgd8Ds/VGykYcAeiZI/AAAAAAAADOo/MloQB2FibbM/s1600/Skye%2BBakery%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2aWbzgd8Ds/VGykYcAeiZI/AAAAAAAADOo/MloQB2FibbM/s1600/Skye%2BBakery%2B2.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyBsjYZhylw/VGykN-eJYuI/AAAAAAAADOg/Kb9pbCNHw-o/s1600/Bakery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyBsjYZhylw/VGykN-eJYuI/AAAAAAAADOg/Kb9pbCNHw-o/s1600/Bakery.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then off to get breakfast and we find one of the greatest bakeries we've ever had the pleasure to visit, Dunvegan Bakery (Skye's Oldest Bakery).<br />
<br />
Dunvegan Bakery has been baking since 1870. This incarnation has been owned by John MacLellan for over 23 years, a big Glaswegian, friendly, humble and a superb baker.<br />
<br />
The food is fresh, delicious and we defy you to find better baked goods, anywhere. The bakery is opened all year round.<br />
<br />
With full stomachs we head for the Fairy Bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mky9Qvau_sI/VGylO76tQFI/AAAAAAAADO0/bcb__zWc630/s1600/Fairy%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mky9Qvau_sI/VGylO76tQFI/AAAAAAAADO0/bcb__zWc630/s1600/Fairy%2BBridge.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xvJLC4rDXY/VGylRMn6ILI/AAAAAAAADO8/ezjfU6-_DSg/s1600/Fairy%2BBridge%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xvJLC4rDXY/VGylRMn6ILI/AAAAAAAADO8/ezjfU6-_DSg/s1600/Fairy%2BBridge%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHRzpN08mT4/VGylWwsWeZI/AAAAAAAADPE/YbZngfnfAWw/s1600/Fairy%2BBridge%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHRzpN08mT4/VGylWwsWeZI/AAAAAAAADPE/YbZngfnfAWw/s1600/Fairy%2BBridge%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The somewhat modest Fairy Bridge, located three miles from Dunvegan Castle, is the site where some tales place the final moments between a MacLeod Chief and his fairy wife before she left him to return to Fairyland. As the story goes, she gave him the Fairy Flag before her departure, promising that it had the power to relieve him of danger and distress when he waved it.<br />
<br />
From the Fairy Bridge it's off to Trumpan.<br />
<br />
Trumpan (Scottish Gaelic: Trumpan) is a hamlet located on the Vaternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye, in the Scottish council area of the Highland. Trumpan church, which is now a ruin, was the focus of a particularly brutal incident in 1578, when the Clan MacDonald of Uist travelled to Trumpan in eight boats and under cover of a thick mist, burnt alive all the worshipping church-goers, with only one member managing to escape. This led to instant retribution by Clan MacLeod who killed all the invaders, before they had time to flee the island. This skirmish is known as the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke.<br />
<br />
The Battle of the Spoiling Dyke (also known as the Battle of the Spoiled Dyke, Blar Milleadh a’ Ghàraidh, Millegearaidh) was a Scottish clan battle that took place in 1578, fought between the MacDonalds of Uist and the Clan MacLeod.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHw1ZdqNNbU/VGyltAAjRkI/AAAAAAAADPM/lgdbyZyeJf8/s1600/Trumpan%2BChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHw1ZdqNNbU/VGyltAAjRkI/AAAAAAAADPM/lgdbyZyeJf8/s1600/Trumpan%2BChurch.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxEeZakAd5Q/VGylw9GjReI/AAAAAAAADPU/vOlZSTlb_Jo/s1600/Trumpan%2BChurch%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxEeZakAd5Q/VGylw9GjReI/AAAAAAAADPU/vOlZSTlb_Jo/s1600/Trumpan%2BChurch%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZf792X1Cc8/VGylyCcjOKI/AAAAAAAADPc/0go31GXFLKo/s1600/Trumpan%2BChurch%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZf792X1Cc8/VGylyCcjOKI/AAAAAAAADPc/0go31GXFLKo/s1600/Trumpan%2BChurch%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The MacDonalds of Uist barred the doors of Trumpan Church, or Kilconan Church as it was once known, east of the shores of Ardmore Bay. They then set fire to the church full of worshipers. No one escaped alive except one girl who, although mortally wounded, managed to give the alarm. On hearing the news, the chief of Clan MacLeod and his men set off for Ardmore bay where a battle ensued. The MacDonalds were killed almost to a man. The corpses of the MacDonalds were dragged and then buried in a turf dyke, and the incident remembered as the "Battle of the Spoiling Dyke". The atrocity by the MacDonalds was to exact vengeance on the MacLeods for their atrocity of the massacre of MacDonalds in the Cave of Frances on the Isle of Eigg a couple of years earlier. This again was a tit-for-tat revenge between the two feuding clans.<br />
<br />
Trumpan churchyard is the burial ground of Rachel Chiesley, Lady Grange whose husband had her kidnapped and incarcerated on various Hebridean islands.<br />
<br />
Rachel Chiesley, usually known as Lady Grange (1679–1745), was the wife of Lord Grange, a Scottish lawyer with Jacobite sympathies. After 25 years of marriage and nine children, the Granges separated acrimoniously. When Lady Grange produced letters that she claimed were evidence of his treasonable plotting against the Hanoverian government in London, her husband had her kidnapped in 1732. She was incarcerated in various remote locations on the western seaboard of Scotland, including the Monach Isles, Skye and the distant islands of St Kilda.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yc-dz7P0ck4/VGymTSGFgsI/AAAAAAAADPk/nc1fYx4A_YQ/s1600/Lady%2BGrange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yc-dz7P0ck4/VGymTSGFgsI/AAAAAAAADPk/nc1fYx4A_YQ/s1600/Lady%2BGrange.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
<br />
Lady Grange's father was convicted of murder and she is known to have had a violent temper; initially her absence seems to have caused little comment. News of her plight eventually reached her home town of Edinburgh however, and an unsuccessful rescue attempt was undertaken by her lawyer, Thomas Hope of Rankeillor. She died in captivity, after being in effect imprisoned for 13 years. Her life has been remembered in poetry, prose and plays.<br />
<br />
The date of Chiesley's marriage to James Erskine is uncertain: based on the text of a letter she wrote much later in life, it may have been in 1707 when she was about 28. The young Lady Grange has been described as a "wild beauty", and it is likely the marriage only took place after she became pregnant.<br />
<br />
As the Erskines' marriage trouble increased, Lady Grange's behaviour became increasingly unpredictable. Her discovery of an affair her husband was conducting with coffeehouse owner Fanny Lindsay can only have made matters worse. In April of that year, she threatened suicide and to run naked through the streets of Edinburgh.<br />
<br />
Lady Grange was abducted from her home on the night of 22 January 1732 by two Highland noblemen, Roderick MacLeod of Berneray and Macdonald of Morar. After a bloody struggle, she was taken out of the city in a sedan chair and then on horseback to Wester Polmaise near Falkirk, where she was held until 15 August on the ground floor of an uninhabited tower. From there she was taken west by Peter Fraser (a page of Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat).<br />
<br />
We leave Trumpan and head back to the Cottage for a wee rest before going to the Local pub, the Cellar Bar, <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IK31PPXhUnY/VGynUiDV_1I/AAAAAAAADPw/5UH2UZVHgtA/s1600/Cellar%2Bbar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IK31PPXhUnY/VGynUiDV_1I/AAAAAAAADPw/5UH2UZVHgtA/s1600/Cellar%2Bbar.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
where we try to get the bartender to run as a Member of Parliament in next May's election for the Scottish National Party. Yes this involved Tennants and scotch.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-59225232322698996132014-11-18T04:35:00.000-08:002014-11-18T04:39:53.205-08:00Day 11 - The drive to Skye takes us through the Glennfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite Standard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We wake for a Scottish breakfast at our hotel, the Alexandra Hotel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSYg88pyIAk/VGjwXb0GhTI/AAAAAAAADHs/Dy3nHQbPuJg/s1600/Alexandra%2BHotel%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSYg88pyIAk/VGjwXb0GhTI/AAAAAAAADHs/Dy3nHQbPuJg/s1600/Alexandra%2BHotel%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhRnpiDYWpQ/VGjwQyXJNdI/AAAAAAAADHk/L2XiR4ybnWY/s1600/Alexandra%2BHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhRnpiDYWpQ/VGjwQyXJNdI/AAAAAAAADHk/L2XiR4ybnWY/s1600/Alexandra%2BHotel.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Part of the very fabric of Fort William, since 1876, The Alexandra Hotel provides traditional Scottish Hospitality at its best, located in the centre of Fort William, an ideal base to explore the Highlands and Islands.<br />
<br />
After breakfast we attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony held out the back of the Alexandra.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8CKeSR9rO8/VGs5AFb7T_I/AAAAAAAADKY/6ReTfm7AnjU/s1600/Remembrance%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8CKeSR9rO8/VGs5AFb7T_I/AAAAAAAADKY/6ReTfm7AnjU/s1600/Remembrance%2BDay.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLWgImxZRsQ/VGs5DcQHW8I/AAAAAAAADKg/_2_FQAQ8XV8/s1600/Remembrance%2BDay%2B5%2B-%2BNight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLWgImxZRsQ/VGs5DcQHW8I/AAAAAAAADKg/_2_FQAQ8XV8/s1600/Remembrance%2BDay%2B5%2B-%2BNight.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIrGn-auo4s/VGs5HBHqgFI/AAAAAAAADKo/6aM3pkYRgJQ/s1600/Remembrance%2BDay%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIrGn-auo4s/VGs5HBHqgFI/AAAAAAAADKo/6aM3pkYRgJQ/s1600/Remembrance%2BDay%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Following the ceremony we drive to the Isle of Skye.<br />
<br />
The drive takes us through Glennfinnan, a chilling moment as we understand where we are standing. Every Scot needs to visit this site.<br />
<br />
Glnfinnan (Scottish Gaelic: Gleann Fhionghain) is a village in Lochaber area of the Highlands of Scotland. In 1745 the Jacobite Rising began here when Prince Charles Edward Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie") raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shiel. Seventy years later the 18-metre-high (60 ft) Glenfinnan Monument - at the head of the loch - was erected to commemorate the historic event.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDBX1sdOVSc/VGjxvBxXPBI/AAAAAAAADIM/LfznJNHGFXE/s1600/Unknown%2BHighlander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDBX1sdOVSc/VGjxvBxXPBI/AAAAAAAADIM/LfznJNHGFXE/s1600/Unknown%2BHighlander.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDBX1sdOVSc/VGjxvBxXPBI/AAAAAAAADIM/LfznJNHGFXE/s1600/Unknown%2BHighlander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDBX1sdOVSc/VGjxvBxXPBI/AAAAAAAADIM/LfznJNHGFXE/s1600/Unknown%2BHighlander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a><br />
<br />
Prince Charles initially landed from France on Eriskay in the Western Isles. He then travelled to the mainland in a small rowing boat, coming ashore at Loch nan Uamh just west of Glenfinnan. On arrival on the Scottish mainland, he was met by a small number of MacDonalds. Stuart waited at Glenfinnan for a number of days as more MacDonalds, Camerons, Macfies and MacDonnells arrived.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJiHmEZhN6s/VGs5oZJKbsI/AAAAAAAADLA/A8NEpqoXCKU/s1600/Glennfinnan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJiHmEZhN6s/VGs5oZJKbsI/AAAAAAAADLA/A8NEpqoXCKU/s1600/Glennfinnan.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlk5DUAF4ZA/VGs5flrciHI/AAAAAAAADKw/q5_5ETA7R7E/s1600/Donn%2BFuck%2Bthe%2BBritish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlk5DUAF4ZA/VGs5flrciHI/AAAAAAAADKw/q5_5ETA7R7E/s1600/Donn%2BFuck%2Bthe%2BBritish.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
On Monday 19 August 1745, after Prince Charles judged he had enough military support, including Donn Lovett, he climbed the hill near Glenfinnan as MacMaster of Glenaladale raised his royal standard. The Young Pretender then announced to all the mustered clans he claimed the Scottish and the English thrones in the name of his father James Stuart ('the Old Pretender'). A MacPhee (Macfie) was one of two pipers with Bonnie Prince Charlie when he raised his banner above Glenfinnan. Afterwards brandy was distributed to the assembled highlanders to celebrate the occasion.<br />
<br />
Eight months later Charles Stuart's claim to the thrones of Scotland and England ended in failure at Culloden on the 16 April 1746. Many Macfies, who came from Glenfinnan, followed Donald Cameron of Lochiel on the right flank of the Jacobite Army at the battle.<br />
<br />
Charles Stuart returned to the area after Culloden during his flight to evade the government troops of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland. After being hidden by loyal supporters, he boarded a French frigate on the shores of Loch nan Uamh close to where he had landed and raised his standard the previous year. The Young Pretender died in Rome in 1788 after never setting foot on Scottish soil again. The Prince's Cairn now marks the spot from where he departed into exile.<br />
<br />
In 1815, the Jacobite cause was no longer a political threat. Alexander Macdonald of Glenaladale, a minor branch of the Clan Donald, built a memorial tower at Glenfinnan to commemorate the raising of the standard of the Young Pretender. The tower, which is surmounted by a statue of an anonymous Highlander, was designed by the Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham. The monument's location at Glenfinnan was made possible because in 1812 a new road - built by Thomas Telford - opened between Fort William to Arisaig.<br />
<br />
Since 1938, the Glenfinnan Monument has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. The tower has also become a monument to Alexander Macdonald, who died before its completion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbhcSS-CJuc/VGs7eXXnvQI/AAAAAAAADLM/0k7KXqsza10/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BMonument%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbhcSS-CJuc/VGs7eXXnvQI/AAAAAAAADLM/0k7KXqsza10/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BMonument%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w_GLAcMJDg/VGs7hONkwNI/AAAAAAAADLU/u-CiBWMKbFY/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BMonument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w_GLAcMJDg/VGs7hONkwNI/AAAAAAAADLU/u-CiBWMKbFY/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BMonument.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hundreds of Jacobite enthusiasts gather at the tower each year on 19 August to remember the Rising of '45.<br />
<br />
Directly across the road from the Glennfinnan Monument is the place where scenes from the Harry Potter fils were shot. Notably the Hogwarts train crossing the bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq7h271owo0/VGjy9KGe45I/AAAAAAAADIg/VmudlKKB_rY/s1600/Potter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq7h271owo0/VGjy9KGe45I/AAAAAAAADIg/VmudlKKB_rY/s1600/Potter.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay2G4rRhbnc/VGjy6RKKjwI/AAAAAAAADIY/IkWBYnjJquU/s1600/Potter%2BTrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay2G4rRhbnc/VGjy6RKKjwI/AAAAAAAADIY/IkWBYnjJquU/s1600/Potter%2BTrain.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving the monument, a very short drive up the hill on the left we discover a marvelous church, St. Mary and St. Finnan, Glenfinnan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isTYlfa9cZ4/VGjzsb5dvUI/AAAAAAAADIw/IRHUGlSI87E/s1600/Donn%2Bnear%2BGlennfinnan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isTYlfa9cZ4/VGjzsb5dvUI/AAAAAAAADIw/IRHUGlSI87E/s1600/Donn%2Bnear%2BGlennfinnan.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwOQqLl7oeU/VGjzcGCG0AI/AAAAAAAADIo/avqf5uqHrNA/s1600/St.%2BMary%2BChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwOQqLl7oeU/VGjzcGCG0AI/AAAAAAAADIo/avqf5uqHrNA/s1600/St.%2BMary%2BChurch.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The church was consecrated in 1873. Designed by E Welby Pugin in the Gothic style, the church enjoys an elevated and commanding position overlooking Loch Shiel with a spectacular view of the loch and surrounding hills. The church is a memorial chapel to the MacDonalds of Glenaladale, the family with whom Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed prior to the raising of the Jacobite standard at Glenfinnan in August 1745. The church contains a memorial to the Prince and headstones of members of the MacDonald family. Near the altar is the burial place of Father Donald MacDonald, the first parish priest, also one of the family who built the church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpnHRCzMH6o/VGs7upwSLeI/AAAAAAAADLc/Q8Mnbvnafis/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIAIegQWE7o/VGs75sB0JwI/AAAAAAAADLk/2Pz9X0-D4fo/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BChurch%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIAIegQWE7o/VGs75sB0JwI/AAAAAAAADLk/2Pz9X0-D4fo/s1600/Glennfinnan%2BChurch%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We depart the church and drive the rest of the way to Mallaig, where we will catch the ferry to Skye.<br />
<br />
Mallaig i/ˈmælɪɡ/; (Scottish Gaelic: Malaig [ˈmal̪ˠɛkʲ]) is a port in Lochaber, on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland. The local railway station,Mallaig, is the terminus of the West Highland railway line (Fort William & Mallaig branch), completed in 1901, and the town is linked to Fort William by the A830 road – the "Road to the Isles".<br />
<br />
The village of Mallaig was founded in the 1840s, when Lord Lovat, owner of North Morar Estate, divided up the farm of Mallaigvaig into seventeen parcels of land and encouraged his tenants to move to the western part of the peninsula and turn to fishing as a way of life. The population and local economy expanded rapidly in the 20th century with the arrival of the railway. Ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne and Bruce Watt Sea Cruises sail from the port to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, Inverie in Knoydart, and to the isles of Rùm, Eigg, Muck, and Canna. Mallaig is the main commercial fishing port on the West Coast of Scotland, and during the 1960s was the busiest herring port in Europe. Mallaig prided itself at that time on its famous traditionally smoked kippers but today only one traditional smokehouse remains, Jaffy's and Sons. Mallaig and the surrounding area is a popular area for holidays.<br />
<br />
The majority of the community speaks English, with a minority of residents speaking in both English and Gaelic. In addition, traditional Gaelic is still taught in the school to pupils who choose to learn the subject.<br />
<br />
Prior to catching the ferry, we stop for a late lunch at the Mission cafe. Very good home-cooked food, served by wonderful, friendly people. The Mission Bunkhouse in Mallaig offers simple hostel accommodation right opposite the train station.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh8cykUDEhs/VGj0u7kWDwI/AAAAAAAADJE/CF15UqxrzKY/s1600/Mission%2BCafe%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh8cykUDEhs/VGj0u7kWDwI/AAAAAAAADJE/CF15UqxrzKY/s1600/Mission%2BCafe%2B2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0pnfwjKdSg/VGj0sacKngI/AAAAAAAADI8/-5GaRCrvZKs/s1600/Mission%2BCafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0pnfwjKdSg/VGj0sacKngI/AAAAAAAADI8/-5GaRCrvZKs/s1600/Mission%2BCafe.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We board the small ferry to Skye for a 40 minute trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNbw_iGh4Uo/VGj1CDr-lfI/AAAAAAAADJM/u9Rw8nOdlQU/s1600/Ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNbw_iGh4Uo/VGj1CDr-lfI/AAAAAAAADJM/u9Rw8nOdlQU/s1600/Ferry.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrive on Skye and make the trip to Dunvegan through the darkened sky, reaching our destination, the Laundry Cottage at Dunvegan Castle.<br />
<br />
The Laundry Castle was built in 1734, originally the Estate Factor's house, then the Castle laundry.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-19910928070150469622014-11-16T05:22:00.000-08:002014-11-16T09:16:35.960-08:00Day 10 - Train from Oban to Fort William and parts in between<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The train from Oban to Fort William takes us on a beautiful excursion though and over the Highlands of Scotland.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>First Stop - Connel Ferry</b></span><br />
Connel (Gaelic: A' Chonghail) is a village in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is situated on the southern shore of Loch Etive. The Lusragan Burn flows through the village and into the Loch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc8Ea2d61W8/VGihUxTE_2I/AAAAAAAADFY/6nb79M0V2uA/s1600/Connel%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc8Ea2d61W8/VGihUxTE_2I/AAAAAAAADFY/6nb79M0V2uA/s1600/Connel%2BBridge.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The most noticeable feature in the village is Connel Bridge, a large cantilever bridge that spans Loch Etive at the Falls of Lora. It was built to carry the Callander and Oban Railway's branch line to Ballachulish that opened in 1903.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Next Stop - Taynuilt</span></b><br />
Taynuilt ([tɛinəlt]; Scottish Gaelic: Taigh an Uillt, [t̪ʰɤj ə n̪ˠɯiʎtʲ], meaning 'the house by the stream') is a large village in Argyll and Bute, Scotland located at the western entrance to the narrow Pass of Brander.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZX_NhKjsbA/VGihpFyMKLI/AAAAAAAADFg/wPN_cohT1_c/s1600/Taynuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZX_NhKjsbA/VGihpFyMKLI/AAAAAAAADFg/wPN_cohT1_c/s1600/Taynuilt.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Then on to Loch Awe</span></b><br />
Loch Awe (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Obha) is a large body of water in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It has also given its name to a village on its banks, variously known as Loch Awe, or Lochawe. There are islands within the loch such as Innis Chonnell and Inishail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3uxg5TguIw/VGih1ZXkoXI/AAAAAAAADFo/4DOqzeqLdzQ/s1600/Loch%2BAwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3uxg5TguIw/VGih1ZXkoXI/AAAAAAAADFo/4DOqzeqLdzQ/s1600/Loch%2BAwe.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Arrive at Dalmally</span></b><br />
Dalmally (Scottish Gaelic: Clachan an Dìseirt or Dail Mhàilidh) is a village in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is located near the A85 road and is served by Dalmally railway station.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwPkc8p-cuY/VGih8mBy7OI/AAAAAAAADFw/FJss7A8vUco/s1600/Dalmally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwPkc8p-cuY/VGih8mBy7OI/AAAAAAAADFw/FJss7A8vUco/s1600/Dalmally.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
<br />
Former Labour Party leader John Smith was born in Dalmally in 1938.<br />
<br />
The village is the location of the Craig Lodge Community Family House of Prayer, a Roman Catholic retreat house. The charity Scottish International Relief, also known as Mary's Meals, is based in Dalmally. Glenorchy Camanachd, a shinty team, play their home games in the village at Mart Park.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Now at Tyndrum Lower</span></b><br />
Tyndrum Lower railway station is one of two railway stations serving the small village of Tyndrum in Scotland. This station is on the Oban branch of the West Highland Line, originally part of the Callander and Oban Railway. Most trains currently serving Fort William and Oban split or join at Crianlarich, with the result that separate trains both heading in the same direction generally call at Tyndrum's two stations at about the same time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBRTqtPHVCk/VGiiHr33DUI/AAAAAAAADF4/TcAJay3XaOA/s1600/Tyndrum%2BLower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBRTqtPHVCk/VGiiHr33DUI/AAAAAAAADF4/TcAJay3XaOA/s1600/Tyndrum%2BLower.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Split the train at CrainLarich to Fort William</span></b><br />
Crianlarich ( i/ˌkriːənˈlærɨx/; Scottish Gaelic: A' Chrìon Làraich) is a village in Stirling council area and the registration county of Perthshire, Scotland, about six miles north-east of the head of Loch Lomond. The village's name derives from the Gaelic for "low pass", relating to its geographical location.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CiwI329Tew/VGiiQRyhxZI/AAAAAAAADGA/ptO2O03cQ4U/s1600/CrainLarich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CiwI329Tew/VGiiQRyhxZI/AAAAAAAADGA/ptO2O03cQ4U/s1600/CrainLarich.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The village is served by Crianlarich railway station.<br />
<br />
Crianlarich has been a major crossroads for north and westbound journeys in Scotland since mediaeval times. In the 1750s, two military roads met in the village; in the 19th century, it became a railway junction on what is now the West Highland Line; in the 20th century it became the meeting point of the major A82 and A85 roads. As such, it is designated a primary destination in Scotland, signposted from as far as Glasgow in the south, Perth in the east, Oban in the west and Fort William in the north.<br />
<br />
The village bills itself "the gateway to the Highlands", a not uncommon claim - for example, Callander, Dunoon and Pitlochry also do so.<br />
<br />
The village lies in the glen of Strath Fillan at the north western extent of the Trossachs, lying in the shadow of several Munro peaks, notably Ben More, but also Stob Binnein and Cruach Ardrain. Thus Crianlarich is very popular with hillwalkers. Also the village lies halfway along the long distance footpath, the West Highland Way.<br />
<br />
Its location makes Crianlarich a popular stop for tourists and there are a variety of types of overnight accommodation including guesthouses, B&Bs a SYHA Youth Hostel and a Best Western hotel.<br />
<br />
In 2001, the village had a population of 185.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Next Stop - Upper Tyndrum</span></b><br />
Upper Tyndrum railway station is one of two railway stations serving the small village of Tyndrum in Scotland. It is on the Fort William route of the highly scenic West Highland Line. In 2005/06 it was the least used station on the West Highland Line, probably because of its position up a hill above the village, as opposed to Tyndrum Lower on the Oban branch, which also offers services to and from Crianlarich and destinations to the south (usually at about the same time, as the trains tend to connect at Crianlarich).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDtVItUiG2I/VGiidyxfpRI/AAAAAAAADGI/CrEwOxW3yc4/s1600/Upper%2BTyndrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDtVItUiG2I/VGiidyxfpRI/AAAAAAAADGI/CrEwOxW3yc4/s1600/Upper%2BTyndrum.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">We Reach the Bridge of Orchy</span></b><br />
Bridge of Orchy (Drochaid Urchaidhin Gaelic) is a village in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Often referred to as a hamlet, the settlement meets a definition of village because it has a church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTdS-Bq0y7E/VGiip02o1JI/AAAAAAAADGQ/bdx9N1YdOQs/s1600/Bridge%2Bof%2BOrchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTdS-Bq0y7E/VGiip02o1JI/AAAAAAAADGQ/bdx9N1YdOQs/s1600/Bridge%2Bof%2BOrchy.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Dating back to 1751, it includes a notable tourist hotel. Located at the head of Glen Orchy, it is on the A82 road, has a railway station and is on the West Highland Way long distance path. Nearby prominent peaks include the munros Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dòthaidh. The village itself is in the central highlands.<br />
<br />
The eponymous bridge was constructed by Government forces as part of a programme of pacification of the Highland Clans which involved the construction of military roads from the Lowlands into the much wilder upland areas of Scotland. It crosses the River Orchy, one of the finest white-water rivers in the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Next - Rannock</span></b><br />
Rannoch Moor (Scottish Gaelic: Mòinteach Raineach/Raithneach) is a large expanse of around 50 square miles (130 km²) of boggy moorland to the west of Loch Rannoch in Scotland, where it extends into Perth and Kinross, Lochaber in Highland, and northern Argyll and Bute. Rannoch Moor is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho8mIM4c94Q/VGiiyVZCrOI/AAAAAAAADGY/x55X6N5aa5I/s1600/Rannoch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho8mIM4c94Q/VGiiyVZCrOI/AAAAAAAADGY/x55X6N5aa5I/s1600/Rannoch.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It is notable for its wildlife, particularly famous for the sole British location for the Rannoch-rush, named after the moor. It was frequently visited by Horace Donisthorpe, who collected many unusual species of ants on the moor and surrounding hilly ground. Today it is still one of the few remaining habitats for Formica exsecta, the "narrow-headed ant", although recent surveys have failed to produce any sign of Formica pratensis, which Donisthorpe recorded in the area in the early part of the 20th century.<br />
<br />
Peat deposits pose major difficulties to builders of roads and railways. When the West Highland Line was built across Rannoch Moor, its builders had to float the tracks on a mattress of tree roots, brushwood and thousands of tons of earth and ashes.<br />
<br />
The A82 road crosses through Rannoch Moor on its way to Glen Coe and Fort William. Additionally, the West Highland Railway line crosses the moor. The railway rises to over 1300 feet and travels over 23 miles of moorland.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">We Arrive at Corrour</span></b><br />
Corrour railway station is on the West Highland Line, Scotland. It is situated near Loch Ossian and Loch Treig, on the Corrour Estate. It is the highest mainline railway station in the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_Dm9eWFGU/VGii_p-pFqI/AAAAAAAADGg/jdjVpj8oPGI/s1600/Corrour%2BStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_Dm9eWFGU/VGii_p-pFqI/AAAAAAAADGg/jdjVpj8oPGI/s1600/Corrour%2BStation.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The railway station is one of the most remote stations in the United Kingdom, at an isolated location on Rannoch Moor. The station is not accessible by any public roads – the nearest road is 10 miles (16 km) away. After the failure of previous ventures in this location, the Station House was opened as a restaurant in August 2012. The restaurant is one of the UK's most remote. There are also three en suite letting bedrooms.<br />
<br />
At 408 m (1,339 ft) above sea level the station provides a convenient starting point for hill-walkers and Munro-baggers. The station was the starting point for the "Man with no Name" whose body was found in 1996 on Ben Alder and only identified some years later.<br />
<br />
Ossian Hostel, one of the most remote youth hostels in Britain, is about one mile from the railway station.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Then on to Tulloch</span></b><br />
Tulloch railway station is a rural railway station in the remote Tulloch area of the Highland region of Scotland. This station is on the West Highland Line, 105 miles (169 km) north of Glasgow Queen Street.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqusjOOpGRE/VGijIwzHwNI/AAAAAAAADGo/wMn8p7fLCRw/s1600/Tulloch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqusjOOpGRE/VGijIwzHwNI/AAAAAAAADGo/wMn8p7fLCRw/s1600/Tulloch.jpg" height="122" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The station was laid out with two platforms, one on either side of a crossing loop. There are sidings on the north side of the station. When the railway opened in 1894 the station was named Inverlair, after the nearby Inverlair Lodge. The station buildings are now used as a hostel.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Now at Roy Bridge</span></b><br />
Roybridge (Scottish Gaelic: Drochaid Ruaidh, "the bridge over the Roy") is a small village, that lies at the confluence of the rivers River Roy and River Spean, located 3 miles east of Spean Bridge, in Kilmonivaig Parish,Inverness-shire, Scottish Highlands and is in the Highland administrative area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqu-NQTX4YI/VGijRzAY_oI/AAAAAAAADGw/lxsW1FhEIt0/s1600/Roy%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqu-NQTX4YI/VGijRzAY_oI/AAAAAAAADGw/lxsW1FhEIt0/s1600/Roy%2BBridge.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Roybridge is on the A86 between Spean Bridge and Newtonmore and on the (former West Highland Railway) line served by trains passing between Crianlarich and Fort William.<br />
<br />
Both of the parents of Australia's only recognised saint Mary MacKillop, lived in Roybridge, prior to emigrating to Australia. MacKillop visited Roybridge in the 1870s where the local Catholic church, St Margaret's, now has a shrine to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmiMxctvOE/VGijb3JZOeI/AAAAAAAADG4/OzM9XZfWHo0/s1600/Mary%2BMacKillop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmiMxctvOE/VGijb3JZOeI/AAAAAAAADG4/OzM9XZfWHo0/s1600/Mary%2BMacKillop.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Getting Closer to Fort William we reach Spean Bridge</span></b><br />
Spean Bridge (Scottish Gaelic: Drochaid Aonachain) is a village in the parish of Kilmonivaig, in the Highland region of Scotland.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfFS0-2koNs/VGijmt5j2mI/AAAAAAAADHA/mL0YR-Ixtlk/s1600/High_bridge%2C_Spean_Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfFS0-2koNs/VGijmt5j2mI/AAAAAAAADHA/mL0YR-Ixtlk/s1600/High_bridge%2C_Spean_Bridge.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
The village takes its name from the Highbridge over the River Spean on General Wade's military road between Fort William and Fort Augustus, and not from Telford's bridge of 1819 which carries the A82 over the river at the heart of the village.<br />
<br />
Lying in the Great Glen, Spean Bridge has transport links north towards Inverness and south to Fort William, provided by the A82, and the A86 heads east to join the A9 at Kingussie. The village is served by the Spean Bridge railway station providing links to Glasgow, London, and Mallaig and between 1903 and 1933 it offered a branch line service to Fort Augustus.<br />
<br />
The Highbridge Skirmish on 16 August 1745 was the first engagement of the Jacobite Rising of 1745.<br />
<br />
The Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during Second World War, is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) north-west of Spean Bridge, at the junction of the A82 and the B8004. It overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot established in 1942 at Achnacarry Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnrWqFhlGj4/VGij5oRy93I/AAAAAAAADHI/SJ8yUZ6p3OY/s1600/Commando.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnrWqFhlGj4/VGij5oRy93I/AAAAAAAADHI/SJ8yUZ6p3OY/s1600/Commando.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lochaber Camanachd is the shinty club based in the village of Spean Bridge.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">We Arrive at Our Destination - Fort William</span></b><br />
Fort William (Scottish Gaelic: An Gearasdan [ən ˈkʲɛrəs̪t̪ən] "The Garrison") is the second largest settlement in the highlands of Scotland and the largest town, with around 10,000 inhabitants - only the city of Inverness is larger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF0-rZMcU1E/VGikczueDbI/AAAAAAAADHQ/gK6mTe3AOfo/s1600/Fort%2BWilliam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF0-rZMcU1E/VGikczueDbI/AAAAAAAADHQ/gK6mTe3AOfo/s1600/Fort%2BWilliam.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Fort William is a major tourist centre with Glen Coe just to the south, Aonach Mòr to the north and Glennfinnan to the west, on the Road to the Isles. It is a centre for hillwalking and climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and many other Munro mountains. It is also known for its nearby downhill mountain bike track. It is the start/end of both the West Highland Way (Milngavie/Fort William) and the Great Glen Way; a walk/cycle way (Fort William/Inverness).<br />
<br />
Around 726 people (7.33% of the population) can speak Gaelic.<br />
<br />
Historically, this area of Lochaber was strongly Clan Cameron country, and there were a number of mainly Cameron settlements in the area (such as Blarmacfoldach). The nearby settlement of Inverlochy was the main settlement in the area before the building of the fort, and was also site of the Battle of Inverlochy.<br />
<br />
The town grew in size as a settlement when the fort was constructed to control the population after Oliver Cromwell's invasion during the English Civil War, and then to suppress the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century.<br />
<br />
In the Jacobite rising known as the Forty-Five, Fort William was besieged for two weeks by the Jacobites, from 20 March to 3 April 1746. However, although the Jacobites had captured both of the other forts in the chain of three Great Glen fortifications (Fort Augustus and the original Fort George) they failed to take Fort William.<br />
<br />
During the Second World War, Fort William was the home of HMS St Christopher which was a training base for Royal Navy Coastal Forces.<br />
<br />
More on the history of the town and the region can be found in the West Highland Museum on the High Street, Fort William is the northern end of the West Highland Way, a long distance route which runs 95 miles (153 km) through the Scottish Highlands to Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, and the start/end point of the Great Glen Way, which runs between Fort William and Inverness.<br />
<br />
We check into the Alexandra Hotel (<a href="http://www.strathmorehotels.com/alexandra+hotel/home">http://www.strathmorehotels.com/alexandra+hotel/home</a>) after picking up our rental car from Fort William Car hire (<a href="http://www.fortwilliamcarhire.com/">http://www.fortwilliamcarhire.com</a>).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-8030488552069112372014-11-16T03:47:00.002-08:002014-11-16T09:17:48.292-08:00Day 9 - The Isle of Mull, Castles, Castles, Castles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we finish breakfast and head outside the Corran House, we see the formation of the Sunday Remembrance Day Parade. They marched to the War Memorial to lay the wreaths.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSCh9Y3txTg/VGiFeHzLCGI/AAAAAAAADCo/VuDGyC-fRZo/s1600/Parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSCh9Y3txTg/VGiFeHzLCGI/AAAAAAAADCo/VuDGyC-fRZo/s1600/Parade.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8yJjaYv0Ls/VGiFZzFjESI/AAAAAAAADCg/qRwFtJPsotQ/s1600/Parade%2BForming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8yJjaYv0Ls/VGiFZzFjESI/AAAAAAAADCg/qRwFtJPsotQ/s1600/Parade%2BForming.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HtrW6bDDps/VGiGma4T8YI/AAAAAAAADC0/Hx46kJccW8w/s1600/Oban%2BWar%2BMemorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HtrW6bDDps/VGiGma4T8YI/AAAAAAAADC0/Hx46kJccW8w/s1600/Oban%2BWar%2BMemorial.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
The Commander then joined us at Mackie Dans for Guinness, a wee dram and lots of stories. He was a Royal Marine Sargeant, his friend was a Royal Navy Petty Officer, both retired, in uniform. We are soon joined by Roddy McCuish, Ward 4 (Oban South and the Isles) Councillor for the Argyll - Bute Council (<a href="http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/">http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk</a>).<br />
<br />
After the fun and emotion of the visit with the Commander and Roddy McCuish we move over to the North Pier to meet Cameron Smith and his boat, part of he and his brother Struan's company, (<a href="http://coastal-connection.co.uk/">http://coastal-connection.co.uk</a>). We have booked a tour of the Isle of Mull.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivWrY_EjMgs/VGiG4Fc_ggI/AAAAAAAADC8/G6Mxbrk4S0o/s1600/Coastal%2BConnection%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivWrY_EjMgs/VGiG4Fc_ggI/AAAAAAAADC8/G6Mxbrk4S0o/s1600/Coastal%2BConnection%2B4.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cameron is the one on the left, no, the right, no, the left, oh hell one of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMi3DiE7mDQ/VGiG9ltYyOI/AAAAAAAADDE/KmrCkj1AGgE/s1600/Costal%2BConnection%2BCrew%2B-%2BWhich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMi3DiE7mDQ/VGiG9ltYyOI/AAAAAAAADDE/KmrCkj1AGgE/s1600/Costal%2BConnection%2BCrew%2B-%2BWhich.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Isle of Mull (Scottish Gaelic An t-Eilean Muileach, pronounced ['mul?]) — or simply Mull — is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides (after Skye), off the west coast of Scotland in the council area of Argyll and Bute.<br />
<br />
With an area of 875.35 square kilometres (337.97 sq mi) Mull is the fourth largest Scottish island and the fourth largest island surrounding Great Britain. In the 2011 census the usual resident population of Mull was 2,800; in the summer this is supplemented by many tourists. Much of the population lives in Tobermory, the only burgh on the island until 1973, and its capital.<br />
<br />
Tobermory is also home to Mull's only single malt Scotch whisky distillery, Tobermory (formerly Ledaig).<br />
<br />
It is widely understood that Mull was inhabited shortly after the end of the last Ice Age, from around 6000 BC. Bronze Age inhabitants built menhirs, brochs and a stone circle with examples of burial cairns, cists, standing stones, stone circles, pottery and knife blades providing compelling evidence.<br />
<br />
Between 600 BC to 400 AD Iron Age inhabitants were building protective forts, duns and crannogs.<br />
<br />
The early Christian period began in the 6th Century, with 563AD being a pivotal point as it is believed that Christianity was brought to this part of northern Britain by St. Columba, when he arrived from Ireland to set up a monastery on the Island of Iona just off the south-west point of Mull.<br />
<br />
In the 14th century Mull became part of the Lordship of the Isles. After the collapse of the Lordship in 1493 the island was taken over by the clan MacLean, and in 1681 by the clan Campbell.<br />
<br />
Legend has it that the wreck of a Spanish galleon, laden with gold, lies somewhere in the mud at the bottom of Tobermory Bay — although the ship's true identity, and cargo, are in dispute. By some accounts, the Florencia (or Florida, or San Francisco), a member of the defeated Spanish Armada fleeing the English fleet in 1588, anchored in Tobermory to take on provisions. Following a dispute over payment, the ship caught fire and the gunpowder magazine exploded, sinking the vessel. In her hold, reputedly, was £300,000 in gold bullion. Other sources claim the vessel was the San Juan de Sicilia (or San Juan de Baptista), which, records indicate, carried troops, not treasure. According to that account, the island's chief, Lachlan Mor Maclean, struck a deal with the Spanish commander to reprovision and refit the ship in return for military intervention on the side of the MacLeans in their feud with enemies on nearby islands. Whatever the true story, numerous searches for the wreck, and its rumored treasure, took place from the mid-17th century to the end of the 20th century. No significant treasure has ever been recovered in Tobermory Bay.<br />
<br />
In 1773 the island was visited by Samuel Johnson and James Boswell during their famous Tour of the Western Islands.<br />
<br />
During the Highland Clearances (<a href="http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scotlandshistory/jacobitesenlightenmentclearances/clearances">http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scotlandshistory/jacobitesenlightenmentclearances/clearances</a>) in the 18th and 19th centuries, the population fell from 10,000 to less than 3,000.<br />
<br />
The whole island became a Restricted Area during World War II. The bay at Tobermory became a naval base commanded from HMS Western Isles. The base and the Restricted Area were under Commodore (later Vice Admiral) Sir Gilbert Stephenson, whose strict discipline and ferocious temper earned him the nickname "The Terror of Tobermory". The base was used to train Escort Groups in anti-submarine warfare. 911 ships passed through the base between 1940 and 1945.<br />
<br />
Mull boasts such historic buildings as Duart Castle and Torosay Castle, both open to the public.<br />
<br />
The mausoleum of Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales from 1809 to 1822, and known as "The Father of Australia", may be found near his old patrimonial estate in the village of Gruline. Macquarie had been born on the nearby island of Ulva, ancient seat of clan MacQuarrie.<br />
<br />
A notable 17th-century poetess Mary Macleod (Mairi Nighean Alasdair Ruaidh) was said to have been banished here.<br />
<br />
This major light at the entrance to the Sound of Mull is not on Lismore as the name suggests, but on Eilean Musdile separated from the main island by a small channel. It was designed by Robert Stevenson and built by James Smith of Inverness. The Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Board had purchased the small island for £500 in 1830.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7UN1M3jlzE/VGiHx0J3oMI/AAAAAAAADDY/Y0fwTt9XJd0/s1600/Lismore%2BLight%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7UN1M3jlzE/VGiHx0J3oMI/AAAAAAAADDY/Y0fwTt9XJd0/s1600/Lismore%2BLight%2B2.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6VUjCs8KNs/VGiHvabyW-I/AAAAAAAADDQ/CDd7crCvEKE/s1600/Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6VUjCs8KNs/VGiHvabyW-I/AAAAAAAADDQ/CDd7crCvEKE/s1600/Lighthouse.jpg" height="200" width="182" /></a></div>
<br />
The lighthouse, a 26-metre tower with its lantern on top, took about three years to build at a cost of £4,250. The first light, established in 1833, was a fixed white light, but this was soon changed to a flashing one. The tower is painted white and stands out from the background, so that by day and night it guides shipping in the Sound of Mull and the Firth of Lorne. Lismore was one of the few manned lighthouses in the area until automated in 1965.<br />
<br />
Duart Castle or Caisteal Dhubhairt in Scottish Gaelic is a castle on the Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, within the council area of Argyll and Bute. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is the seat of Clan MacLean.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqkK85qOjSw/VGiIYRWxSfI/AAAAAAAADDo/nZeL6p4aApc/s1600/Duart%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqkK85qOjSw/VGiIYRWxSfI/AAAAAAAADDo/nZeL6p4aApc/s1600/Duart%2B2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEKA3-S2KfU/VGiIWg15HSI/AAAAAAAADDg/Y_Bk0cd5n8c/s1600/Duart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEKA3-S2KfU/VGiIWg15HSI/AAAAAAAADDg/Y_Bk0cd5n8c/s1600/Duart.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1350 Lachlan Lubanach Maclean of Duart, the 5th Clan Chief, married Mary, daughter of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles and she was given Duart as her dowry.<br />
<br />
In 1647, Duart Castle was attacked and laid siege to by the Argyll government troops of Clan Campbell, but they were defeated and driven off by the Royalist troops of Clan MacLean.<br />
<br />
In September 1653, a Cromwellian task force of six ships anchored off the castle, but the Macleans had already fled to Tiree. A storm blew up on the 13 September and three ships were lost, including HMS Swan.<br />
<br />
In 1678, Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, son of the Marquess of Argyll, successfully invaded the Clan MacLean lands on the Isle of Mull and Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet fled the castle and withdrew to Cairnbulg Castle, and afterward to Kintail under the protection of the Earl of Seaforth.<br />
<br />
In 1691 Duart Castle was surrendered by Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet to Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll. The Campbell clan demolished the castle, and the stones from the walls were scattered (Prompting the saying, "never owe money to a Campbell"). Donald Maclean, 5th Laird of Torloisk used some of the stones to build a cottage for his family close to the site of the castle.<br />
<br />
By 1751 the remains of the castle were abandoned.<br />
<br />
Descendants of Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll sold the castle in 1801, to MacQuarrie, who then sold it to Carter-Campbell of Possil who kept it as a ruin within the grounds of his own estate to the north, Torosay Castle. He later sold his Torosay Estate which now included the ruins of Castle Duart to A. C. Guthriein 1865. On 11 September 1911, the ruin was separated from the rest of the Torosay Estate and was bought by Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, the 26th Chief of the Clan MacLean and restored.<br />
<br />
The castle was used as a location in the 1999 film Entrapment (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137494">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137494</a>), starring Sean Connery (who has MacLean ancestry on his mother's side) and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The castle also features prominently in the 1971 film When Eight Bells Toll (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067976">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067976</a>), starring Anthony Hopkins.<br />
<br />
It is the setting for the base of Buffy Summers in the first half of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight (<a href="http://buffy.wikia.com/wiki/Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer_Season_Eight">http://buffy.wikia.com/wiki/Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer_Season_Eight</a>).<br />
<br />
Torosay Castle is a large house situated 1½ miles south of Craignure on the Isle of Mull, in the Scottish Inner Hebrides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3a2nuYo070/VGiKB1o81JI/AAAAAAAADD8/ns_Dx82Ilf4/s1600/Torosay%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3a2nuYo070/VGiKB1o81JI/AAAAAAAADD8/ns_Dx82Ilf4/s1600/Torosay%2B2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvBUja1pH6Y/VGiJ-Sv6vZI/AAAAAAAADD0/8vfLw13a4rg/s1600/Torosay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvBUja1pH6Y/VGiJ-Sv6vZI/AAAAAAAADD0/8vfLw13a4rg/s1600/Torosay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvBUja1pH6Y/VGiJ-Sv6vZI/AAAAAAAADD0/8vfLw13a4rg/s1600/Torosay.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
John Campbell of Possil, son of Colonel Alexander Campbell of Possil, commissioned David Bryce to build Torosay Castle for the Campbell of Possil family.<br />
<br />
It was designed by architect David Bryce for John Campbell of Possil (see Carter-Campbell of Possil) in the Scottish Baronial style, and completed in 1858. Torosay is surrounded by 12 acres (4.9 ha) of spectacular gardens including formal terraces laid out at the turn of the 20th century and attributed to Sir Robert Lorimer. The castle and gardens used to be open to the public, being linked to the Craignure ferry terminal by the Isle of Mull Railway.<br />
<br />
The garden's Statue Walk is made up of 19 statues in the style of Italian sculptor Antonio Bonazza. The statues were acquired by then-owner Walter Murray Guthrie from a derelict garden near Milan and shipped to Scotland for next to nothing as ballast in a cargo ship.<br />
<br />
John Campbell of Possil sold the castle and the estate to Arburthnot Charles Guthrie, a wealthy London businessman, in 1865. It served as his "getaway" and must have been ideal for that purpose, as the castle has over 60 rooms and is surrounded by an estate of over 12 acres (0.049 km2). The current owner is now the sixth generation of the Guthrie family to live in the castle. Following the sale of Guthrie Castle out of the Guthrie family, Torosay is now generally acknowledged as the seat for Clan Guthrie. Torosay was sold in 2012 to the McLean Fund and closed for renovations. Opening December of 2013 with a private family. Christopher Guthrie-James, former Laird of the Estate said "it was with a sense of relief, rather than regret, that we sold the family home at Torosay." Kenneth Donald McLean sixth Laird has spent more than £1 million renovating the castle and gardens. The castle and its gardens were closed to the public in the summer.<br />
<br />
The novelist Angela du Maurier, older sister of Dame Daphne du Maurier, is said to have spent some time residing at Torosay with her close companion Olive Guthrie (Great Grandmother of the present owner). Angela dedicated her book Weep No More (1940) to "Olive Guthrie of Torosay." Other visitors during the 1930s included Winston Churchill (Olive Guthrie was his aunt by marriage) and King George of Greece.<br />
<br />
The Isle of Mull has a large deer population and some of the largest sea eagles we have ever seen. We also saw porpoises and loads of seals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgJS14Vhv_Y/VGiKYdcfQSI/AAAAAAAADEM/j9wFQBQAhjE/s1600/Porpoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgJS14Vhv_Y/VGiKYdcfQSI/AAAAAAAADEM/j9wFQBQAhjE/s1600/Porpoise.jpg" height="101" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwwV36kA_Zk/VGiKTkntrFI/AAAAAAAADEE/XAy3yVeEMjs/s1600/Deer%2BMull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwwV36kA_Zk/VGiKTkntrFI/AAAAAAAADEE/XAy3yVeEMjs/s1600/Deer%2BMull.jpg" height="73" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-beCwol5pRiE/VGiKqE_MUkI/AAAAAAAADEU/LlIXS3uIHgk/s1600/Sea%2BEagle%2BMull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-beCwol5pRiE/VGiKqE_MUkI/AAAAAAAADEU/LlIXS3uIHgk/s1600/Sea%2BEagle%2BMull.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving Mull, we head back to Oban, a great trip, highly recommended to all.<br />
<br />
In Oban, we walk up to Dunollie Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH9qymKB2eU/VGiLWNv52vI/AAAAAAAADEk/Rxiv7D6H4as/s1600/DunollieCastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH9qymKB2eU/VGiLWNv52vI/AAAAAAAADEk/Rxiv7D6H4as/s1600/DunollieCastle.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHix9HJsetg/VGiLUAbYLnI/AAAAAAAADEc/SaMMzanFjQQ/s1600/DunollieCastle%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHix9HJsetg/VGiLUAbYLnI/AAAAAAAADEc/SaMMzanFjQQ/s1600/DunollieCastle%2B2.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Dunollie Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Ollaigh) is a small ruined castle located on a hill north of the town of Oban, on the west coast of Scotland in Argyll. The site enjoys views over towards the island of Kerrera and a view of the town, harbour, and outlying isles. The castle is open to the public as part of the Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds.<br />
<br />
On the way to Dunollie castle we see the Dog Stone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AACuEIKCVY/VGiL2BxA6GI/AAAAAAAADE8/4Vf90ftyXxQ/s1600/Dogstone%2BDunollie%2BCastle%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AACuEIKCVY/VGiL2BxA6GI/AAAAAAAADE8/4Vf90ftyXxQ/s1600/Dogstone%2BDunollie%2BCastle%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkEpfszl8n4/VGiLu5qy8QI/AAAAAAAADE0/d4MS2dtOfBE/s1600/Dogstone%2BDunoille%2BCastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkEpfszl8n4/VGiLu5qy8QI/AAAAAAAADE0/d4MS2dtOfBE/s1600/Dogstone%2BDunoille%2BCastle.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1FtybUvi_s/VGiLn01oasI/AAAAAAAADEs/njlvX9JksQ0/s1600/Dogstone%2BDunollie%2BCastle%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1FtybUvi_s/VGiLn01oasI/AAAAAAAADEs/njlvX9JksQ0/s1600/Dogstone%2BDunollie%2BCastle%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></div>
<br />
Clach-nan-con or The Dog Stone, is on Dunollie Avenue on the way to Dunollie Castle.<br />
<br />
Celtic folk lore has it that the giant, Finn the Fingal of MacPherson, also known as Ossian, used to tie his legendary dog Bran to the stone - hence the name. The groove at the base is where the rope has rubbed away the stone.<br />
<br />
At some time in the past when sea levels were higher the water would have been right up to the rockface and in common with many iconic landscapes around the west coast, the Dog Stone is the result of volcanic activity, a seastack composed of comglemorate rock.<br />
<br />
We've been told that it was most likely at some point attached by an arch to the rockface behind. We're no geologists but if you look closely at the rocks on the hill then you can visualise them as part of that arch.<br />
<br />
But Celtic warrior giants, fircesome giant dogs, much better!<br />
<br />
There was a fortification on this high promontory in the Early Middle Ages, when Dunollie was the royal centre of the Cenél Loairn within the kingdom of Dál Riata. The Irish annals record that "Dun Ollaigh" was attacked or burned down three times, in 686, 698, and in 701. It was subsequently rebuilt in 714 by Selbach mac Ferchair (died 730), the King of Dál Riata credited with destroying the site in 701. Excavations in the 1970s suggest that this early fortification was abandoned some time in the 10th century.<br />
<br />
The area around Dunollie subsequently became part of the semi-independent Kingdom of the Isles, ruled over by Somerled in the 12th century. On his death the MacDougalls became Lords of Lorne. Dougall, Somerled’s son, held most of Argyll and also the islands of Mull, Lismore, Jura, Tiree, Coll and many others in the 12th century.<br />
<br />
Excavations show that Dunollie was refortified with an earthwork castle in the 13th century or potentially the late 12th century. The builder may have been Dougall, or his son Duncan. Ewan MacDougall, great-grandson of Somerled and the third chief of the MacDougalls, switched the clan's allegiance in the mid 13th century: initially allied with Haakon IV of Norway, from the 1250s Ewan remained loyal to the kings of Scotland.<br />
<br />
In the 14th century Ewan's grandson John MacDougall, along with his kinsmen the Comyns, sided with the Balliols against the interests of Robert the Bruce. John MacDougall's army defeated the Bruce at the Battle of Dalrigh in 1306, but Bruce returned in 1308 and crushed the MacDougalls at the Battle of the Pass of Brander. The MacDougall lands of Lorne were subsequently forfeit and were given to the Campbells, though Dunollie and other estates were regained later in the 14th century.<br />
<br />
The existing castle ruins date largely from the 15th century.<br />
<br />
The Marquis of Argyll captured the castle in 1644, but it was returned to the MacDougalls in 1661. In 1746, the MacDougalls abandoned Dunollie Castle and built Dunollie House just downhill from the castle ruins.<br />
<br />
In recent years, descendants and members of Clan MacDougall have been encouraged by clan leadership to support local tourism and pay visits to Dunollie, as an ancestral site and important cultural location. Remains of a historical herb garden have recently been discovered in the castle grounds.<br />
<br />
Back to Mackie Dans to discuss our day with the locals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFYFcyyfHIs/VGiNGgUSuLI/AAAAAAAADFI/NhI9oVAtXNk/s1600/keep-calm-md.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFYFcyyfHIs/VGiNGgUSuLI/AAAAAAAADFI/NhI9oVAtXNk/s1600/keep-calm-md.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-11934050821133943862014-11-14T07:08:00.000-08:002014-11-14T07:08:35.537-08:00Day 8 - Walkabout, Whiskey & a Movie in Oban<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Waking in a much better state, we headed off for a morning walkabout of Oban Harbour,<br />
<br />
Looking up over the other side of the harbour, George Street, you can see the McCaig Tower,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSsRb2W_8ng/VGYZbcav_9I/AAAAAAAADA0/VImPD9FqTv4/s1600/Folly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSsRb2W_8ng/VGYZbcav_9I/AAAAAAAADA0/VImPD9FqTv4/s1600/Folly.jpg" height="127" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2bGrsrkgGs/VGYZaAzSseI/AAAAAAAADAs/zJUeeezpv-M/s1600/Folly%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2bGrsrkgGs/VGYZaAzSseI/AAAAAAAADAs/zJUeeezpv-M/s1600/Folly%2B2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
McCaig's Tower is a prominent tower on the hillside (called Battery Hill) overlooking Oban in Argyll, Scotland. It is built of Bonawe granite taken from the quarries across Airds Bay, on Loch Etive, from Muckairn, with a circumference of about 200 metres with two-tiers of 94 lancet arches (44 on the bottom and 50 on top).<br />
<br />
The structure was commissioned, at a cost of £5,000 sterling (£500,000 at 2006 prices using GDP deflator), by the wealthy, philanthropic banker (North of Scotland Bank), John Stuart McCaig.<br />
John Stuart McCaig was his own architect. The tower was erected between 1897 and his death, aged 78 from Angina Pectoris, on 29 June 1902 at John Square House, Oban, Argyll.<br />
<br />
McCaig's intention was to provide a lasting monument to his family, and provide work for the local stonemasons during the winter months. McCaig was an admirer of Roman and Greek architecture, and had planned for an elaborate structure, based on the Colosseum in Rome. His plans allowed for a museum and art gallery with a central tower to be incorporated. Inside the central tower he planned to commission statues of himself, his siblings and their parents. His death brought an end to construction with only the outer walls completed.<br />
<br />
The empty shell of the tower dominates the Oban skyline, and is now a public garden with magnificent views to the islands of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. The first marriage to be conducted in McCaig's Tower was between Oban High School teachers Jim Maxwell and Margaret Milligan and was reported in the Oban Times published 11 July 2003.<br />
<br />
The weather was wonderful and we made note of a number of places to visit on the way back from our first need, coffee. For this we found the Coffee Corner on Station Road. Great coffee and a breakfast bun stuffed with bacon, Yum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTk5FLdxEAs/VGYUzDpzVyI/AAAAAAAAC_k/hTqDiyqwwQE/s1600/Coffee%2BCorner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTk5FLdxEAs/VGYUzDpzVyI/AAAAAAAAC_k/hTqDiyqwwQE/s1600/Coffee%2BCorner.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Having gained sustenance we moved on closer to the harbour and came upon, a small green building boasting fresh mussels and loads of other seafood. Unfortunately, closed on a Saturday, maybe still in mourning, notice the flag at half mast. a YES supporter in the referendum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9_y2k8ktoM/VGYVNhS4e7I/AAAAAAAAC_s/b60icnNsm-s/s1600/Flag%2Bhalf%2Bmast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9_y2k8ktoM/VGYVNhS4e7I/AAAAAAAAC_s/b60icnNsm-s/s1600/Flag%2Bhalf%2Bmast.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRXWdl6Imb8/VGYWWEFQyuI/AAAAAAAADAA/hWIv8NK2r0k/s1600/Whiskey%2BShop%2B-%2BOBAN%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRXWdl6Imb8/VGYWWEFQyuI/AAAAAAAADAA/hWIv8NK2r0k/s1600/Whiskey%2BShop%2B-%2BOBAN%2B2.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a><br />
Back up on George Street we located the Whiskey Shop, shelves and shelves of fine whiskey, settled on a bottle of Oban 14 and a wee dram from the Owner/Manager.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gBhb6gAvfg/VGYWUu5pc2I/AAAAAAAAC_4/HiGLeiH_GJQ/s1600/Whiskey%2BShop%2B-%2BOBAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gBhb6gAvfg/VGYWUu5pc2I/AAAAAAAAC_4/HiGLeiH_GJQ/s1600/Whiskey%2BShop%2B-%2BOBAN.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Now on to the Oban Distillery, one half block down George Street.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajml_Klq5_8/VGYW8FE3JCI/AAAAAAAADAQ/3EsANc60lt4/s1600/Oban%2BDistillery%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajml_Klq5_8/VGYW8FE3JCI/AAAAAAAADAQ/3EsANc60lt4/s1600/Oban%2BDistillery%2B2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8h517haMIA/VGYW1Pg558I/AAAAAAAADAI/VG5gEYMN5R8/s1600/Oban%2BDistillery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8h517haMIA/VGYW1Pg558I/AAAAAAAADAI/VG5gEYMN5R8/s1600/Oban%2BDistillery.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Oban distillery ( i/ˈoʊbən/ OH-bən; Scottish Gaelic: Taigh-stail an Òbain) is a whisky distillery in the Scottish west coast port of Oban. Established in 1794, it was built before the town of the same name, which sprung up later in the surrounding craggy harbor.<br />
<br />
Oban distillery is owned by Diageo. It has only two pot stills, making it one of the smallest in Scotland, producing a whisky that has been described as having a "West Highland" flavour that falls between the dry, smoky style of the Scottish islands and the lighter, sweeter malts of the Highlands.<br />
The distillery was built in 1794 by the brothers John and Hugh Stevenson and operated by them until 1866, when it was bought by Peter Curnstie. It was then acquired by Walter Higgin in 1883 and rebuilt. In 1898, Alexander Edward, who also owned Aultmore Distillery, bought out Higgin.<br />
<br />
In its first year of operation, it suffered major losses when a major blending company, Pattison's of Leith, went under. In 1923, Oban was sold to Dewars and joined Distillers Company with that company in 1925. It fell silent from 1931 until 1937 and again from 1969 to 1972 when a new still house was built. In 1989 a new visitors' centre was installed.<br />
<br />
Coming out of the distillery and feeling somewhat subdued, we walked to the Oban Cinema,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs7x9C5UuTY/VGYXsYVfTzI/AAAAAAAADAg/qOOG-expWzc/s1600/Oban%2BCinema%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs7x9C5UuTY/VGYXsYVfTzI/AAAAAAAADAg/qOOG-expWzc/s1600/Oban%2BCinema%2B2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAFFYFh-i24/VGYXoyE9yCI/AAAAAAAADAY/XqfbwGTUVs8/s1600/Oban%2BCinema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAFFYFh-i24/VGYXoyE9yCI/AAAAAAAADAY/XqfbwGTUVs8/s1600/Oban%2BCinema.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Oban Phoenix Cinema was bought by the community in 2011 and reopened in 2012. A small group of volunteers got together to bring the venue up to date. It now offers a first-class auditorium with superb sound, lighting and digital projection in 2 and 3D. Oban Phoenix Cinema is a cinema and events venue open seven days and offers a full programme of films and much more.<br />
<br />
They are owned by the community thanks to funding organisations and benefactors who have shared the vision and ambition for the former Highland Theatre turning it from a good cinema into a great cinema with the support of the local community. They play top quality modern films alongside older classics. they regularly play a viewers choice of films.<br />
<br />
The cinema is run by a group of volunteers who employ a team of staff, including a general manager who organises the day-to-day running of the cinema. Every single person who is involved with the cinema is passionate about this venture.<br />
<br />
In 2013, Oban Phoenix Cinema was awarded the SURF (Scottish Urban Regeneration Foundation) for community-led generation.<br />
<br />
We saw the new Billy Connelly movie, What Did We Do on Our Holliday (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2725962">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2725962</a>).<br />
<br />
Back to Mackie Dans, Tennants and scotch, off to bed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-6628829275010426472014-11-13T08:50:00.001-08:002014-11-13T08:50:18.230-08:00Day 7 - Scottish Rural Parliament, Oban Military Museum, Lessons in Social Media<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a slow start to the day, thanks to the music and yes the scotch at Mackie Dan's the night before, Donn heads off to the Scottish Rural Parliament for a 9:00 am start (http://<a href="http://www.scottishruralparliament.org.uk/">www.scottishruralparliament.org.uk</a>) and Randy heads off to the Oban Military Museum (<a href="http://www.obanmuseum.org.uk/">http://www.obanmuseum.org.uk</a>).<br />
<br />
Attended sessions at the Parliament as follows;<br />
How to revitalize Communities<br />
The installation of Broadband<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uT9J-KlzPrc/VGTg1yeQeOI/AAAAAAAAC-k/y17h69VI0lU/s1600/Scottish%2BRural%2BParliamnet%2BOban%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uT9J-KlzPrc/VGTg1yeQeOI/AAAAAAAAC-k/y17h69VI0lU/s200/Scottish%2BRural%2BParliamnet%2BOban%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrZBLRXz7kY/VGTgyPDE_TI/AAAAAAAAC-c/F8K24f8CMdQ/s1600/Scottish%2BRural%2BParliamnet%2BOban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrZBLRXz7kY/VGTgyPDE_TI/AAAAAAAAC-c/F8K24f8CMdQ/s200/Scottish%2BRural%2BParliamnet%2BOban.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The issues are the same in Canada as in Rural Scotland, in order to keep Communities vibrant we need to; have good broadband service (internet, mobile phone, etc...), rural doctors (find them and keep them) & a much better relationship between all levels of government (a major issue, the transfer of public land to Development Trusts). Without a vibrant community we lose the young people to the urban centres creating all kinds of difficulties already experienced in Europe and North America. Brilliant discussions, well attended and active participation.<br />
<br />
Left the Rural Parliament at 1:30 to have a meeting with Annie MacDonald, owner of the Corran House, to discuss Blogs, Twitter, etc...<br />
<br />
Randy was at the Oban Museum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX_hV4C5aCA/VGThCcwatNI/AAAAAAAAC-0/AD1QgR1whc8/s1600/Oban%2BMuseum%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX_hV4C5aCA/VGThCcwatNI/AAAAAAAAC-0/AD1QgR1whc8/s200/Oban%2BMuseum%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoLaGm1PFfc/VGThBIo8GsI/AAAAAAAAC-s/1WQkkkJJnhc/s1600/Oban%2BMuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoLaGm1PFfc/VGThBIo8GsI/AAAAAAAAC-s/1WQkkkJJnhc/s200/Oban%2BMuseum.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Oban War & Peace Museum contains a fascinating collection of artifacts and photographs depicting the rich cultural history of the busy port town and its people. You can learn about the fishing and maritime industries, the railway, road transport, local sports, the building of the iconic McCaig’s Tower and the strategic role played by Oban during the war years when the town was home to Australian, Canadian and US aircrew and RAF Flying Boats operated from the bay.<br />
<br />
The museum is run by a team of friendly and enthusiastic volunteers and relies on visitor donations to cover all its overhead costs.<br />
<br />
We meet up and head up to George Street to the Oban Fish and Chip Shop, the sign outside says, "the best fish and chips I've ever tasted", Rick Stein.<br />
<br />
Actually, they were very good (<a href="http://www.obanfishandchipshop.co.uk/">http://www.obanfishandchipshop.co.uk)</a>.<br />
<br />
After supper, we walked the streets of old Oban and then back to Mackie Dan's for a Tenannts and scotch. This was an early evening because we needed to prepare for the Oban Distillery Tour scheduled for tomorrow.<br />
<br /></div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-42451301377275138312014-11-12T08:58:00.001-08:002014-11-12T08:58:40.764-08:00Day 6 - Stirling to Oban via Glascow and Crainlarich<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We departed The Portcullis in Stirling and headed to Oban via ScotRail. The trip by train was a dreary day but conversation onboard with various travelers made the journey so enjoyable.<br />
<br />
The route took us from Stirling to Glascow, switched trains to Claircarich where we split the train and on to Oban.<br />
<br />
Crianlarich (kriːənˈlærɨx/; Scottish Gaelic: A' Chrìon Làraich) is a village in Stirling council area and the registration county of Perthshire, Scotland, about six miles north-east of the head of Loch Lomond. The village's name derives from the Gaelic for "low pass", relating to its geographical location.<br />
<br />
Crianlarich has been a major crossroads for north and westbound journeys in Scotland since mediaeval times. In the 1750s, two military roads met in the village; in the 19th century, it became a railway junction on what is now the West Highland Line; in the 20th century it became the meeting point of the major A82 and A85 roads. As such, it is designated a primary destination in Scotland, signposted from as far as Glasgow in the south, Perth in the east, Oban in the west and Fort William in the north.<br />
<br />
The village bills itself "the gateway to the Highlands", a not uncommon claim - for example, Callander, Dunoon and Pitlochry also do so.<br />
<br />
The village lies in the glen of Strath Fillan at the north western extent of the Trossachs, lying in the shadow of several Munro peaks, notably Ben More, but also Stob Binnein and Cruach Ardrain. Thus Crianlarich is very popular with hillwalkers. Also the village lies halfway along the long distance footpath, the West Highland Way.<br />
<br />
Its location makes Crianlarich a popular stop for tourists and there are a variety of types of overnight accommodation including guesthouses, B&Bs a SYHA Youth Hostel and a Best Western hotel.<br />
<br />
In 2001, the village had a population of 185<br />
<br />
We arrived in Oban at 4:00pm.<br />
<br />
Oban (oʊbən/ OH-bən; An t-Òban in Scottish Gaelic meaning The Little Bay) is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William and during the tourist season the town can play host to up to 25,000 people. Oban occupies a beautiful setting in the Firth of Lorn. The bay is a near perfect horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera, and beyond Kerrera the Isle of Mull. To the north is the long low island of Lismore, and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour.<br />
<br />
The site where Oban now stands has been used by humans since at least mesolithic times, as evidenced by archaeological remains of cave dwellers found in the town. Just outside the town stands Dunollie Castle, on a site that overlooks the main entrance to the bay and has been fortified since the Bronze age. Prior to the 19th century, the town itself supported very few households, sustaining only minor fishing, trading, shipbuilding and quarrying industries, and a few hardy tourists. The Renfrew trading company established a storehouse there in about 1714 as a local outlet for its merchandise, but no Custom-house was deemed necessary until around 1760.<br />
<br />
The modern town of Oban grew up around the distillery which was founded there in 1794, and the town was raised to a burgh of barony in 1811 by royal charter. Sir Walter Scott visited the area in 1814, the year in which he published his poem The Lord of the Isles, and interest in the poem brought many new visitors to the town. The arrival of the railways in the 1880s brought further prosperity, revitalising local industry and giving new energy to tourism. Shortly thereafter McCaig's Tower, a folly and prominent local landmark, was constructed, as well as the ill-fated Oban Hydro.<br />
<br />
During World War II, Oban was used by Merchant and Royal Navy ships and was an important base in the Battle of the Atlantic. The Royal Navy had a signal station near Ganavan, and an anti-submarine indicator loop station which detected any surface or submarine vessels between Oban, Mull and Lismore. There was a controlled mine field in the Sound of Kerrera which was operated from a building near the caravan site at Gallanach. There was also a Royal Air Force flying boat base at Ganavan and on Kerrera, and an airfield at North Connel built by the Royal Air Force. A Sector Operations Room was built near the airfield, and after the war this was extended to become the Royal Observer Corps Group HQ.<br />
<br />
Oban was also important during the Cold War because the first Transatlantic Telephone Cable (TAT-1) came ashore at Gallanach Bay. This carried the Hot Line between the US and USSR presidents.<br />
<br />
Since the 1950s the principal industry has remained tourism, though the town is also an important ferry port, acting as the hub for ferries to many of the Hebrides.<br />
<br />
A short taxi ride drops us at the Carron House (<a href="http://www.corranhouseoban.co.uk/">http://www.corranhouseoban.co.uk</a>). The Carron House is a brilliant Guest House and Hostel, owned and operated by Annie MacDonald. She is passionate about Scotland, informed and opinionated, a perfect delight for travelers. Check out two of Annie's favourite songs (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UFMx3xE9Ko">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UFMx3xE9Ko</a>) and (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDT1sx1yePM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDT1sx1yePM</a>).<br />
<br />
After settling in our rooms, Donn headed off to attend the Scottish Rural Parliament having been invited prior to departing Calgary. This was the Opening Ceremonies, speeches, etc... The sessions start tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcV4Xd3ynos/VGOQcNuswNI/AAAAAAAAC-E/mf469vAb_SQ/s1600/Donn%2B-%2BScottish%2BParliament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcV4Xd3ynos/VGOQcNuswNI/AAAAAAAAC-E/mf469vAb_SQ/s320/Donn%2B-%2BScottish%2BParliament.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After the opening back to the Carron House and their pub, Mackie Dans (<a href="http://www.markiedans.co.uk/">http://www.markiedans.co.uk</a>), a great Oban Pub with live music, the Trails West, a local sound from a local band, please check them out, (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/trailwestband">https://www.facebook.com/trailwestband</a>).<br />
<br />
Some Tennants, a few scotch and off to bed. Another great day.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-47614028498113754002014-11-11T02:08:00.000-08:002014-11-11T02:08:45.057-08:00Day 5 - Stirling Castle, etc...RIP Cpl. Nathan Cirillo & Patrice Vincent<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is what we saw from Donn's room in The Portcullis at 8 am, we took this picture, a helluva start to the day. Obviously our first stop, after a full Scottish breakfast, was Stirling castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4T9phSotz4/VGEORT58jXI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/UCuJTjkM8Ws/s1600/Stirling%2BCastle%2Bfrom%2Bmy%2BWindow%2BCroped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4T9phSotz4/VGEORT58jXI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/UCuJTjkM8Ws/s1600/Stirling%2BCastle%2Bfrom%2Bmy%2BWindow%2BCroped.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before entering Stirling Castle we are moved by the site of the Monument to the Fallen of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Instantly remembering that Stirling Castle is their spiritual home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSwUc4nOJRA/VGHHyTYTCZI/AAAAAAAAC50/SkVIKQp_9iw/s1600/Argyll%2Band%2BSutherland%2BMemorial%2BStirling%2BPlaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSwUc4nOJRA/VGHHyTYTCZI/AAAAAAAAC50/SkVIKQp_9iw/s1600/Argyll%2Band%2BSutherland%2BMemorial%2BStirling%2BPlaque.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aK2k_Y_AXgw/VGHIKdmkJXI/AAAAAAAAC6A/15VBjYEz0mY/s1600/Argyll%2Band%2BSutherland%2BMemorial%2BStirling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aK2k_Y_AXgw/VGHIKdmkJXI/AAAAAAAAC6A/15VBjYEz0mY/s1600/Argyll%2Band%2BSutherland%2BMemorial%2BStirling.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
We spend a moment remembering Cpl Nathan Cirillo and Patrice Vincent, Lest We Forget.<br />
<br />
Now part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the regiment has 161 battle honours to its credit, and 16 individuals have been awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest award for valour.<br />
<br />
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s) were formed in 1881. They were an amalgamation of the Argyllshire Highlanders (the 91st Foot) and the Sutherland Highlanders (the 93rd). Stirling Castle became the regiment’s home depot, recruiting from the surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The regiment and its antecedents served in conflicts around the world, including the Zulu Wars in southern Africa, the Peninsular War in Spain and Portugal, and the Crimean War in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
The creation of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1881 saw the two regiments march forward together – first to the Boer War in South Africa, and then to some of the fiercest trench warfare of the First World War, where almost 7,000 died. In the Second World War, the regiment saw action in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Far East.<br />
<br />
The regimental museum is in the King’s Old Building, originally built in the 1490s as a residence for James IV. On display is a history of distinguished military service reaching back over 200 years. Displays include the regimental silver, uniforms and weapons, bagpipes and drums and other memorabilia. Queen Elizabeth is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVV7o5qcHls/VGHWwJ8m4CI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/5DQxd2sOp2Q/s1600/Colonel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVV7o5qcHls/VGHWwJ8m4CI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/5DQxd2sOp2Q/s1600/Colonel.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving the Monument we move to the Statue of Robert the Bruce facing towards the famous Battle of Bannockburn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMW_NI-zIXs/VGHW-bs963I/AAAAAAAAC6g/jBrkLv8jDs8/s1600/Robert%2Bthe%2BBruce%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMW_NI-zIXs/VGHW-bs963I/AAAAAAAAC6g/jBrkLv8jDs8/s1600/Robert%2Bthe%2BBruce%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Robert I (11 July 1274 – 7 June 1329), popularly known as Robert the Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329. Robert was one of the most famous warriors of his generation, eventually leading Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. He fought successfully during his reign to regain Scotland's place as an independent nation, and is today remembered in Scotland as a national hero.<br />
<br />
Descended from the Anglo-Norman and Gaelic nobilities, through his father he was a fourth-great grandson of David I. Robert’s grandfather Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale, was one of the claimants to the Scottish throne during the 'Great Cause'. As Earl of Carrick, Robert the Bruce supported his family’s claim to the throne and took part in William Wallace’s revolt against Edward I of England.<br />
<br />
In 1298 he became a Guardian of Scotland alongside his great rival for the Scottish throne, John Comyn, and William Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews. Bruce resigned as guardian in 1300 due in part to his quarrels with Comyn, but chiefly because the restoration of King John seemed imminent. In 1302 he submitted to Edward I and returned ‘to the king’s peace’. With the death of his father in 1304, Bruce inherited his family’s claim to the throne.<br />
<br />
In February 1306, following an argument during their meeting at Greyfriars monastery, Dumfries, Bruce killed Comyn. He was excommunicated by the Pope but absolved by Robert Wishart, Bishop of Glasgow. Bruce moved quickly to seize the throne and was crowned king of Scots on 25 March 1306, at Scone. Edward I’s forces defeated Robert in battle, and he was forced to flee into hiding in the Hebrides and Ireland before returning in 1307 to defeat an English army at Loudoun Hill and wage a highly successful guerrilla war against the English. Robert defeated the Comyns and his other Scots enemies, destroying their strongholds and devastating their lands from Buchan to Galloway. In 1309 he was able to hold his first parliament at St Andrews, and a series of military victories between 1310 and 1314 won him control of much of Scotland.<br />
<br />
At the Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314 Bruce defeated a much larger English army under Edward II, confirming the re-establishment of an independent Scottish monarchy. The battle marked a significant turning point, and, freed from English threats, Scotland's armies could now invade northern England, with Robert launching devastating raids into Lancashire and Yorkshire. Robert also decided to expand his war against the English and create a second front by sending an army under his younger brother, Edward, to invade Ireland, appealing to the native Irish to rise against Edward II's rule.<br />
<br />
Despite Bannockburn and the capture of the final English stronghold at Berwick in 1318, Edward II still refused to give up his claim to the overlordship of Scotland. In 1320, the Scottish magnates and nobles submitted the Declaration of Arbroath to Pope John XXII, declaring that Robert was their rightful monarch and asserting Scotland’s status as an independent kingdom. In 1324 the Pope recognised Robert as king of an independent Scotland, and in 1326 the Franco-Scottish alliance was renewed in the Treaty of Corbeil. In 1327, the English deposed Edward II in favour of his son, Edward III, and peace was temporarily concluded between Scotland and England with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, by which Edward III renounced all claims to sovereignty over Scotland.<br />
<br />
Robert I died on 7 June 1329. His body is buried in Dunfermline Abbey, while his heart was interred in Melrose Abbey. Bruce's lieutenant and friend Sir James Douglas agreed to take the late King's embalmed heart on crusade to the Lord's Sepulchre in the Holy Land, but he only reached Moorish Granada. Douglas was killed in battle during the siege of Teba while fulfilling his promise. His body and the casket containing the embalmed heart were found upon the field. They were both conveyed back to Scotland by Sir William Keith of Galston.<br />
<br />
Walking past Robert the Bruce we enter the gates of Stirling Castle. Once inside we look over the rampart towards Stirling Bridge and the Wallace Monument.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBdK_MZzirY/VGHXkjcu3gI/AAAAAAAAC6o/_cUAp8OGVcU/s1600/Stirling%2BRamparts%2Blooking%2Bat%2BWallace%2BMonument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBdK_MZzirY/VGHXkjcu3gI/AAAAAAAAC6o/_cUAp8OGVcU/s1600/Stirling%2BRamparts%2Blooking%2Bat%2BWallace%2BMonument.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKT9mj1DKm8/VGHXoB-U1uI/AAAAAAAAC6w/UK6Wm7qnD2Q/s1600/Wallace%2BMonument%2Bwith%2BBruce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKT9mj1DKm8/VGHXoB-U1uI/AAAAAAAAC6w/UK6Wm7qnD2Q/s1600/Wallace%2BMonument%2Bwith%2BBruce.jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdwJH0YKbnM/VGHXpIzF05I/AAAAAAAAC64/OeGxb2GKgZQ/s1600/Stirling%2Blooking%2Bat%2BStriling%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdwJH0YKbnM/VGHXpIzF05I/AAAAAAAAC64/OeGxb2GKgZQ/s1600/Stirling%2Blooking%2Bat%2BStriling%2BBridge.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sir William Wallace 1270–1305 was a Scottish landowner who became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence.<br />
<br />
Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, and was appointed Guardian of Scotland, serving until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in July 1298. In August 1305 Wallace was captured in Robroyston near Glasgow and handed over to King Edward I of England, who had him hanged, drawn, and quartered for high treason and crimes against English civilians.<br />
<br />
Since his death, Wallace has obtained an iconic status far beyond his homeland. He is the protagonist of the 15th-century epic poem The Wallace, by Blind Harry. Wallace is also the subject of literary works by Sir Walter Scott and Jane Porterand of the 1995 Academy Award-winning film Braveheart.<br />
<br />
William Wallace was a member of the lesser nobility, but little is definitely known of his family history or even his parentage.<br />
<br />
When Wallace was growing up, King Alexander III ruled Scotland. His reign had seen a period of peace and economic stability. On 19 March 1286, however, Alexander died after falling from his horse.<br />
<br />
The heir to the throne was Alexander's granddaughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway. As she was still a child and in Norway, the Scottish lords set up a government of guardians. Margaret fell ill on the voyage to Scotland and died in Orkney on 26 September 1290. The lack of a clear heir led to a period known as the "Great Cause", with several families laying claim to the throne.<br />
<br />
With Scotland threatening to descend into civil war, King Edward I of England was invited in by the Scottish nobility to arbitrate. Before the process could begin, he insisted that all of the contenders recognise him as Lord Paramount of Scotland. In early November 1292, at a great feudal court held in the castle at Berwick-upon-Tweed, judgement was given in favour of John Balliol having the strongest claim in law.<br />
<br />
Now to the matter of Stirling Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZC353UlQqw/VGHYfHld14I/AAAAAAAAC7E/Lq9dMar8fuE/s1600/Stirling%2BCastle%2BEntrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZC353UlQqw/VGHYfHld14I/AAAAAAAAC7E/Lq9dMar8fuE/s1600/Stirling%2BCastle%2BEntrance.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Its strategic location, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth, has made it an important fortification from the earliest times. Most of the principal buildings of the castle date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A few structures of the fourteenth century remain, while the outer defences fronting the town date from the early eighteenth century.<br />
<br />
Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542.<br />
<br />
There have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle, including several during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with the last being in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take the castle.<br />
<br />
The Romans bypassed Stirling, building a fort at Doune instead.<br />
<br />
Stirling remained a centre of royal administration until the death of Alexander III in 1286. In 1296, Edward invaded Scotland, beginning the Wars of Scottish Independence, which would last for the next 60 years. The English found Stirling Castle abandoned and empty, and set about occupying this key site. They were dislodged the following year, after the victory of Andrew Moray and William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Many of the garrison were killed during the battle, after which the English commanders Sir William FitzWarin and Sir Marmaduke Tweng retreated into the castle. However, they were quickly starved into surrender by the Scots. Next summer, the castle changed hands again, being abandoned by the Scots after the English victory at Falkirk. Edward strengthened the castle, but it was besieged in 1299 by forces including Robert Bruce. King Edward failed to relieve the garrison, who were forced to surrender.<br />
<br />
By 1303, the English again held the upper hand, and Stirling was the last remaining castle in Scottish hands. Edward's army arrived in 1304 and the Scots, under Sir William Oliphant, surrendered on 20 July. Although Edward's victory seemed complete, he was dead by 1307, and Robert Bruce was now King of Scots.<br />
<br />
By 1313, only Stirling, Roxburgh, Edinburgh and Berwick castles were held by the English. Edward Bruce, the king's brother, laid siege to Stirling, which was held by Sir Philip Mowbray. Mowbray proposed a bargain: he would surrender the castle, if it were not relieved by 24 June 1314. Bruce agreed, and withdrew. The following summer, the English duly headed north, led by Edward II, to save the castle.<br />
<br />
On 23–24 June, King Robert's forces met the English at the Battle of Bannockburn, within sight of the castle walls. The resulting English defeat was decisive. King Edward attempted to take refuge in the castle, but Mowbray was determined to keep to his word, and the English were forced to flee. Mowbray handed over the castle, changing sides himself in the process. King Robert ordered the castle to be slighted; its defences destroyed to prevent reoccupation by the English.<br />
<br />
The war was not over, however. The second War of Scottish Independence saw the English in control of Stirling Castle by 1336, when Sir Thomas Rokeby was the commander. Andrew Murray attempted a siege in 1337, when guns may have been used for one of the first times in Scotland. Robert Stewart, the future King Robert II, retook Stirling in a siege during 1341–1342. Stirling remained Scottish until the end of the war in 1357. In 1360, Robert de Forsyth II was appointed governor of Stirling Castle, an office he passed on to his son John and grandson William, who was governor in 1399.<br />
<br />
Under the early Stewart kings Robert II (reigned 1371–1390) and Robert III (reigned 1390–1406), the earliest surviving parts of the castle were built. Robert Stewart, Earl of Menteith, Regent of Scotland as brother of Robert III, undertook works on the north and south gates. The present north gate is built on these foundations of the 1380s, the earliest surviving masonry in the castle. In 1424, Stirling Castle was part of the jointure (marriage settlement) given to James I's wife Joan Beaufort, establishing a tradition which later monarchs continued. After James' murder in 1437, Joan took shelter here with her son, the young James II. Fifteen years later, in 1452, it was at Stirling Castle that James stabbed and killed William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas, when the latter refused to end a potentially treasonous alliance with the John of Islay, Earl of Ross and the Alexander Lindsay, 4th Earl of Crawford. James III (reigned 1460–1488) was born here, and later undertook works to the gardens and the chapel royal. The manufacture of artillery in the castle is recorded in 1475. James' wife, Margaret of Denmark, died in Stirling Castle in 1486, and two years later James himself died at the Battle of Sauchieburn, fought over almost the same ground as the Battle of Bannockburn, just to the south of the castle.<br />
<br />
Almost all the present buildings in the castle were constructed between 1490 and 1600, when Stirling was developed as a principal royal centre by the Stewart kings James IV, James V and James VI. The architecture of these new buildings shows an eclectic mix of English, French and German influences, reflecting the international ambitions of the Stewart dynasty.<br />
<br />
Mary, Queen of Scots, was brought to Stirling Castle for safety, and crowned in the chapel royal on 9 September 1543. She too was brought up here, until she was sent to Inchmahome Priory, and then to France in 1548. Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561, and visited Stirling Castle frequently. She nursed Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, through an illness here in 1565, and the two were soon married. Their son, James VI, was baptised here the following year. Mary was travelling from Stirling when she was abducted by the Earl of Bothwell, beginning the chain of events that led to her forced abdication and her flight to England.<br />
<br />
The young King James was crowned in the nearby Church of the Holy Rude, and grew up within the castle walls under the tutelage of the humanist scholar George Buchanan. Frequently used as a pawn in the struggles between his regents and the supporters of Mary, the young king was closely guarded. Stirling became the base for James' supporters, while those nobles who wished to see Queen Mary restored gathered at Edinburgh, under William Kirkcaldy of Grange. Grange led a raid on Stirling in 1571, attempting to round up the Queen's enemies, but failed to gain control of the castle or the King.<br />
<br />
James' first child, Henry, was born in the castle in 1594, and the present Chapel Royal was constructed for his baptism on 30 August. Like his predecessors Henry spent his childhood here under the 2nd Earl of Mar, until the Union of the Crowns of 1603, when his father succeeded as King of England and the royal family left for London.<br />
<br />
After their departure, Stirling's role as a royal residence declined, and it became principally a military centre. It was used as a prison for persons of rank during the 17th century, and saw few visits by the monarch.<br />
<br />
James returned to Scotland in 1617, staying in Stirling during July. From 1625, extensive preparations were made for the anticipated visit of the new king, Charles I, including works to the gardens and painting of the Chapel Royal. Charles did not come to Scotland until 1633, and only stayed in the castle for two days. The castle did not feature in the civil and religious wars of the 1630s and 1640s. Following the execution of Charles I, the Scots crowned his son Charles II, and he became the last reigning monarch to stay here, living at the castle in 1650. The Royalist forces were defeated at Dunbar by those of Oliver Cromwell, and the King marched south to defeat at Worcester.<br />
<br />
After The Restoration of Charles II, the Earl of Mar was restored as governor, and the castle was frequently used as a prison, housing several Covenanters. James, Duke of Albany, later King James VII, visited the castle in 1681. During this time, the castle's military role became increasingly important, a powder magazine being built in the castle gardens, and a formal garrison installed from 1685. At the accession of King George I in 1714, John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar was deprived of the governorship, as well as the post of Scottish Secretary.<br />
<br />
In response, he raised the standard of James Stuart, the "Old Pretender", in the First Jacobite Rising. Government troops, under the Duke of Argyll, quickly moved to occupy the fortress, then advanced to Sheriffmuir to block Mar's way. The Battle of Sheriffmuir was inconclusive, but the rising was effectively over. The Second Jacobite Rising of 1745 saw Charles Edward Stuart lead his army of Highlanders past Stirling on the way to Edinburgh. Following the Jacobites retreat from England, they returned to Stirling in January 1746. The town soon surrendered, but the castle governor refused to capitulate. Artillery works were set up on Gowan Hill, but were quickly destroyed by the castle's guns. Despite victory at Falkirk, the Jacobites withdrew north on 1 February.<br />
<br />
From 1800 until 1964 the Castle was owned by the War Office and run as a barracks and recruiting depot for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Many alterations were made to the Great Hall, which became an accommodation block; the Chapel Royal, which became a lecture theatre and dining hall; the King's Old Building, which became an infirmary; and the Royal Palace, which became the Officer's Mess. A number of new buildings were also constructed, including the prison and powder magazine, at the Nether Bailey, in 1810. Queen Victoria visited in 1842, and the Prince of Wales in 1859.<br />
<br />
Stirling Castle remains the headquarters of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, although the regiment is no longer garrisoned there. The regimental museum is also located within the castle. Stirling Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and is now a tourist attraction managed by Historic Scotland.<br />
<br />
We departed from the castle and a short walk away discovered Argyll's Lodging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kx0u2bUBGEE/VGHYzmsH9XI/AAAAAAAAC7M/5LpAhqBxFuA/s1600/Argyll%2BLodgings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kx0u2bUBGEE/VGHYzmsH9XI/AAAAAAAAC7M/5LpAhqBxFuA/s1600/Argyll%2BLodgings.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDH4xKI6U-M/VGHY5gYVPpI/AAAAAAAAC7c/yvz-94EeXgA/s1600/Argyll%2BLodgings%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDH4xKI6U-M/VGHY5gYVPpI/AAAAAAAAC7c/yvz-94EeXgA/s1600/Argyll%2BLodgings%2B2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi0DYMGZJgE/VGHY4wV_w3I/AAAAAAAAC7U/YCmT6z-oTzc/s1600/Argyll%2BLodgings%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi0DYMGZJgE/VGHY4wV_w3I/AAAAAAAAC7U/YCmT6z-oTzc/s1600/Argyll%2BLodgings%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Argyll's Lodging is a 17th-century town-house in the Renaissance style, situated below Stirling Castle. It was a residence of the Earl of Stirling and later the Earls of Argyll. The Royal Commission regards it as “the most important surviving town-house of its period in Scotland”. At the end of the 20th century it became a museum.<br />
<br />
It is uncertain who built the first house that developed into the house eventually known as Argyll's Lodging, located in Castle Wynd on the uphill approach to Stirling Castle. It is assumed that the house was built originally by the wealthy merchant John Traill and comprised two storeys with a hall on the first floor and a kitchen on the ground floor. In 1559 Traill sold it to Adam Erskine, the Commendator (lay administrator) of nearby Cambuskenneth Abbey. Erskine converted the dwelling into an L-shaped tower house comprising four floors with a small south wing and west wing, the latter containing the kitchen. In 1604 Erskine sold the house to a relative.<br />
<br />
In 1629 Sir William Alexander, whose family was related to the Campbells of Argyll, bought the house from the Erskines. The house adjoined property of the Campbells who had owned several houses in Stirling since the fourteenth century. Around 1600 their residence stood on the corner of Broad Street and Castle Wynd. Sir William was able to buy the Erskines’ home because he was related to the family, his wife being Janet Erskine.<br />
Sir William was born in 1577 in Menstrie, a village lying a few miles to the north east of Stirling. He was one of several tutors to Prince Henry, heir to the Scottish throne. In 1603, when the crowns of Scotland and England were united, he followed King James VI to London. He was knighted in 1609 and in 1626 was appointed principal Secretary for Scotland for life. He is chiefly remembered today for his settlement of the colony of Nova Scotia in North America under a royal charter granted in 1621. In 1630 he was elevated to 1st Earl of Stirling and Viscount Canada.<br />
<br />
Sir William had his Stirling home redecorated when he realised that Charles I was intending to come to Scotland for his Scottish coronation in 1633. He had the house remodeled into a small palace with public and private suites and a grandly decorated exterior. He died insolvent in 1640, leaving the house to his son Charles, but the town of Stirling claimed the property in lieu of his unpaid debts. The town council wanted to furnish it as a guesthouse, but this plan was never realized, and in the 1660s, it was sold to the Duke of Argyll.<br />
<br />
An armorial tablet on the wall above the main entrance displays Alexander's coat-of-arms. The shield is supported by a Native American and a mermaid. A scroll above displays his family motto Avt Spero Avt Sperno and a scroll below the motto of Nova Scotia per mare per terras. The crest is believed to be the first armorial representation of a beaver.<br />
<br />
Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll was born in 1629. He was a staunch supporter of the monarchy. In 1666 he bought the house that would become known as Argyll's Lodging and built it outwards to the north and south, while enclosing the courtyard behind a screen wall with an elaborate entrance gate. He also had the interior walls decorated with paintings, some of which have survived.<br />
<br />
In 1680, the Earl opposed the oath attached to the Test Act, intended to ensure the loyalty of the holders of public office to King Charles II, because it also demanded conformity with the king's ideas on forms of church government and religious worship. The earl’s refusal to take the oath led to him being declared a traitor in 1681. He was imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle, but escaped, disguised as a woman, and fled from Leith to the Netherlands. His estates were confiscated.<br />
<br />
The Earl had possessed the foresight, however, to have an inventory drawn up of all the belongings in his house in Stirling and had assigned them to his wife, Lady Anna Mackenzie, daughter of the Earl of Seafield, whom he had married in 1670. Due to the fact that her first husband, the Earl of Balcarres, had remained loyal to the King, the latter granted her a pension and allowed her to keep her personal property.<br />
<br />
In February 1685 Charles II died and was succeeded by his brother James VII. Argyll returned to Scotland intending to lead a rebellion against the King to coincide with the Duke of Monmouth's revolt in England. In June, shortly after landing, Argyll was captured in Renfrew, taken to Edinburgh and beheaded in the town's Grassmarket.<br />
<br />
The house remained in the hands of the Campbells for the best part of a century. In 1746, during the Jacobite rebellion, the Duke of Cumberland resided in the house.<br />
<br />
Leaving Argyll's Lodging, we moved across the street beside The Portcullis and into the Old Town Cemetery. This is no ordinary graveyard. The famous poet William Wordsworth was so moved by it that he wrote 'We know of no sweeter cemetery in all of our wanderings than that of Stirling.'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYDc5r9cjpM/VGHZ6XGzP0I/AAAAAAAAC7o/RJYi-dbwl1I/s1600/Old%2Btown%2BCemetary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYDc5r9cjpM/VGHZ6XGzP0I/AAAAAAAAC7o/RJYi-dbwl1I/s1600/Old%2Btown%2BCemetary.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Spreading over the valley between the Castle and the Church of the Holy Rude, the cemetery has three distinct parts. Many merchants’ and craftsmen’s tombs in the historic kirkyard beside the Church carry the carved symbols of their trades.<br />
<br />
Beside the Valley Cemetery, laid out in the 1850s, is Drummond’s Pleasure Ground with its statues of Protestant heroes and martyrs. There are great views from the Ladies’ Rock where the women of the court used to admire their knights’ prowess in the tournaments held in the valley below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rw_hnL1DBAM/VGHaGKcWWJI/AAAAAAAAC7w/TUjixATXYbQ/s1600/Below.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rw_hnL1DBAM/VGHaGKcWWJI/AAAAAAAAC7w/TUjixATXYbQ/s1600/Below.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Randy was looking for evidence of ghosts in the grave yard so Donn got out as quickly as his little hoofies could carry him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Old Town Cemetary is part of the Church of the Holy Rude.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfqMt5E1t9M/VGHaXTJqTYI/AAAAAAAAC8A/7fDYgQziDLw/s1600/Church%2Bof%2Bthe%2BHoly%2BRude%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfqMt5E1t9M/VGHaXTJqTYI/AAAAAAAAC8A/7fDYgQziDLw/s1600/Church%2Bof%2Bthe%2BHoly%2BRude%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjyn5s8W0RY/VGHaU3nQhSI/AAAAAAAAC74/o2O4fV6F8FQ/s1600/Church%2Bof%2Bthe%2BHoly%2BRude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjyn5s8W0RY/VGHaU3nQhSI/AAAAAAAAC74/o2O4fV6F8FQ/s1600/Church%2Bof%2Bthe%2BHoly%2BRude.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The Church of the Holy Rude is the medieval parish church of Stirling, Scotland. The church was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I, but the earliest part of the present church dates from the 15th century. As such it is the second oldest building in Stirling after Stirling Castle, parts of which date from the later 14th century. The chancel and tower were added in the 16th century.<br />
<br />
Stirling Castle has long been a favoured residence of the Scottish monarchs, and was developed as a Renaissance palace during the reigns of the later Stewart Kings. The Church of the Holy Rude, adjacent to the castle, became similarly associated with the monarchy, hosting royal baptisms and coronations. It is one of three churches still in use in Britain that have been the sites of coronations.<br />
<br />
King James VI was crowned King of Scots in the church in 1567. Adam Bothwell, Bishop of Orkney performed the ceremony, and John Knox preached a sermon.<br />
<br />
In the Siege of Stirling Castle in 1651 by General Monk, during the English Civil War, the church and churchyard suffered damage from musket shots, which is still visible.<br />
<br />
Donn racing out the end of the grave yard soon doscovered the bulding next door, the Cowane Hospital.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09Zk-lTlUPQ/VGHamr5WBWI/AAAAAAAAC8I/WGNTrz-bB5M/s1600/Cowane's_Hospital%2C_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09Zk-lTlUPQ/VGHamr5WBWI/AAAAAAAAC8I/WGNTrz-bB5M/s1600/Cowane's_Hospital%2C_2003.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ph__bKOXmbg/VGHarqbK_5I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/quGfnNA4Ctc/s1600/John_Cowane's_Statue%2C_Guildhall%2C_Stirling_-_geograph.org.uk_-_219882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ph__bKOXmbg/VGHarqbK_5I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/quGfnNA4Ctc/s1600/John_Cowane's_Statue%2C_Guildhall%2C_Stirling_-_geograph.org.uk_-_219882.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cowane's Hospital is a 17th-century almshouse in the Old Town of Stirling. It was established in 1637 with a bequest of 40,000 merks from the estate of the merchant John Cowane (1570–1633). Subsequently converted for use as a Guildhall the building is considered by Historic Scotland to be "a rare survival of 17th century burgh architecture and one of the finest buildings of its kind in Scotland."<br />
<br />
The hospital is located on St John Street, between the medieval Church of the Holy Rude and the 19th-century Old Town Jail.<br />
<br />
John Cowane was descended from a family of Stirling merchants who had been trading with the Dutch since the early 16th century. The Cowanes exported fish, coal and wool in exchange for luxuries such as prunes, saffron and spices which were supplied to the royal court of James V at Stirling Castle.<br />
<br />
John Cowane also ventured into money lending, invested in shipping, and was a substantial landlord in the burgh. He served on the town council, was elected Dean of Guild in 1624, and sat in the Parliament of Scotland from 1625–1632.<br />
<br />
He never married, though in 1611 he was fined £6 for fathering a child out of wedlock: the mother was also fined and forced to do public penance.<br />
<br />
On his death in 1633, Cowane was a wealthy man. He left sums of money to numerous charitable causes, including 500 merks to the Church of the Holy Rude. The largest bequest was the 40,000 merks which he left for the establishment of a hospital. This was intended to provide for "twelve decayed guild brethren", that is, elderly members of the Merchant Guildry of Stirling who could no longer support themselves. The establishment of a hospital, or almshouse, would allow them to live rent-free in their old age. In the 1630s a merk was worth two-thirds of a Scots pound, and was equivalent to one English shilling.<br />
<br />
The hospital was to be managed by a trust, overseen by Patrons who were drawn from the town council, the guilds, and kirk ministers.<br />
<br />
John Cowane, also known as Auld Staneybreeks was born around 1570 and was a contemporary of Guy Fawkes. The Cowane family were one of the best known merchant families in the Stirling area.<br />
<br />
All available evidence suggests that John Cowane started his apprenticeship in his father's booth on Broad Street. After some time as a merchant John Cowane decided that life would be more advantageous to him if he became a money lender. This activity brought our benefactor great wealth and he then invested in several shipping ventures which it is understood gave him the opportunity to travel abroad. Some unkind persons have stated that our benefactor was a pirate or at best a privateer but there appears to be little evidence to support this suggestion which no doubt was put forward by those who were obviously jealous of his position and wealth.<br />
<br />
Apart from his money lending and shipping activities John Cowane was also a substantial landlord in Stirling and records shown that he was an extremely cruel landlord and often evicted widows and their families for non-payment of rent upon the death of the bread winner. This would seem to be at odds with his extremely generous bequest to the town, however, as the bequest was made on his death bed it may be that while he was dying John Cowane was suffering pangs of conscience and wished to make amends before he met his maker. John Cowane passed away in 1633.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-io3CXlMOKBs/VGHdAmnOfeI/AAAAAAAAC8s/bUh7RnG3oK8/s1600/Inside%2BCowane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-io3CXlMOKBs/VGHdAmnOfeI/AAAAAAAAC8s/bUh7RnG3oK8/s1600/Inside%2BCowane.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
Inside Cowane Hos[ital we meet a group of Scottish women celebrating the 20th anniversary of a curling tour of Western Canada in 1995.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the parking lot at the Cowane Hospital we met Iona Leishman. Donn remembered talking to her when we were at Argyll's Lodging earlier in the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4L6mFtI1Q3Q/VGHbke37IMI/AAAAAAAAC8c/0W60ejI9-80/s1600/Iona%2BLeishman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4L6mFtI1Q3Q/VGHbke37IMI/AAAAAAAAC8c/0W60ejI9-80/s1600/Iona%2BLeishman.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Iona is Stirling’s Heritage Artist, working at the top of the town in an ancient alms house, Cowane’s Hospital. She invited us up to her studio to see some of her work.<br />
<br />
Iona is involved in painting a body of work commemorating the momentous events of the Battle of Bannockburn 700 years ago. The work titled ‘Warscape’ will was exhibited in Stirling Castle’s Chapel Royal from 3 May to 1 June 2014 reflects the land that abides benignly in spite of fearsome human activity. In her work she imagines the dense tree cover in full leaf that surrounded the rain-swollen burn and marshes of 1314, contours witnessed by outcrops and mountains familiar to us today. The work reflects the human energy of battle and conflict, the colour and the bravery, honouring too, the innocent people caught up in the tide of war.<br />
<br />
She was Historic Scotland’s first artist in residence and worked in Stirling Castle, 2011 – 2012. The deeply atmospheric castle hugely influenced her painting as she connected energetically with a powerful sense of place.<br />
<br />
Her previous experience as an ‘en plein air’ landscape painter complements her historically imagined work. She works through layers of paint to find subjects and she said "it can feel like finding treasure when I find what I’m looking for". She added, "Re-imagining time and place means my work carries a storytelling nature."<br />
<br />
Leaving the Cowane Hospital we wander the streets of Stirling soaking in the day's experience ending up back at the PortCullis Pub for a celebration of Guy Fawkes Day with fireworks in the court yard arranged by the son of our hosts, James.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9BQQOsrSmM/VGHdTCn5NWI/AAAAAAAAC88/hKBw7yfwsds/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BStirling%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9BQQOsrSmM/VGHdTCn5NWI/AAAAAAAAC88/hKBw7yfwsds/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BStirling%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXYMatAKnHM/VGHdV0ZtOXI/AAAAAAAAC9E/tQTnV-ttvlA/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BStirling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXYMatAKnHM/VGHdV0ZtOXI/AAAAAAAAC9E/tQTnV-ttvlA/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BStirling.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNxqaijbiqQ/VGHdj4T2cBI/AAAAAAAAC9M/Psb2c1mg7Lo/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BStirling%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNxqaijbiqQ/VGHdj4T2cBI/AAAAAAAAC9M/Psb2c1mg7Lo/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BStirling%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNxqaijbiqQ/VGHdj4T2cBI/AAAAAAAAC9M/Psb2c1mg7Lo/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BStirling%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After raising a glass or two of scotch it's off to bed.</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-86840861030623414362014-11-09T13:48:00.002-08:002014-11-09T13:48:38.210-08:00Day 4 - The Train to Stirling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day 4 started with packing what we needed for the trip onward. Then a short taxi ride to catch the Train to Stirling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-RjPjBWVhI/VF_cbuzY_xI/AAAAAAAAC4g/HrEu0nSnSZQ/s1600/ScotRail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-RjPjBWVhI/VF_cbuzY_xI/AAAAAAAAC4g/HrEu0nSnSZQ/s1600/ScotRail.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Train to Stirling on ScotRail took less than an hour stopping in a half dozen small communities along the way.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We arrived early afternoon and were welcomed by the rains of Scotland. A short taxi ride took us to <span style="font-family: inherit;">our accommodation, the Portcullis, owned by </span>our wonderful hosts, Lynn and Jim Walker.<br />
<br />
The Portcullis enjoys many years of tradition. It is located right beside Stirling Castle Esplanade at "The Top of the Town" Built in 1787, its original purpose in life was to serve the community as a school for boys. It stands on the site of the previous school, which was demolished when larger premises were required. Indeed within the former building, King James VI of Scotland was educated - more than five centuries ago.<br />
<br />
When the school again required larger premises and moved further down the road, the building was used by the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders as a Military Store when the Army was based at Stirling Castle. In subsequent years after the army left the Castle, the property became a Hotel and that is how it remains today.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7tJTgnDDxI/VF_ddid5NGI/AAAAAAAAC4w/CU3Qpj3OFHo/s1600/Portcullis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7tJTgnDDxI/VF_ddid5NGI/AAAAAAAAC4w/CU3Qpj3OFHo/s1600/Portcullis.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
With the rain being what it was we decided to enjoy the pub, it's patrons, a discussion of the referendum, etc... We never moved for the rest of the afternoon and evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oeHor3dJt8/VF_dgLofHWI/AAAAAAAAC44/3eLrAx4QAt8/s1600/Portcullis%2BPub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oeHor3dJt8/VF_dgLofHWI/AAAAAAAAC44/3eLrAx4QAt8/s1600/Portcullis%2BPub.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, we did go outside to catch the night air and get this pic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmtX6fgb2Qw/VF_dAk-9VqI/AAAAAAAAC4o/kOckELYX3dQ/s1600/Portcullis%2Bat%2Bnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmtX6fgb2Qw/VF_dAk-9VqI/AAAAAAAAC4o/kOckELYX3dQ/s1600/Portcullis%2Bat%2Bnight.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Needless to say, we sleep like the proverbial lambs that night, oh well, many adventures ahead tomorrow.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 16.8000011444092px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-53352585448262879902014-11-09T12:39:00.000-08:002014-11-09T12:39:48.595-08:00Day 3 - A Tour of Edinburgh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day 3 was a walk to Edinburgh Castle, stopping along the way at notable landmarks.<br />
<br />
We found quite by accident, the monument to Greyfriars Bobby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKx4ZVksvR0/VF_Q-lwlCqI/AAAAAAAAC4M/2q0VH4nP6iU/s1600/Grey%2BFriar's%2BBobby%2Bwith%2BRandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKx4ZVksvR0/VF_Q-lwlCqI/AAAAAAAAC4M/2q0VH4nP6iU/s1600/Grey%2BFriar's%2BBobby%2Bwith%2BRandy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for supposedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died himself on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Edinburgh, through several books and films, and a prominent commemorative statue and nearby graves act as a tourist attraction.<br />
<br />
Continuing on to Edinburgh Castle we come onto the Royal Mile. This picture is looking from the Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlZl4Wl7d60/VF_HfA7QBSI/AAAAAAAAC3A/MazK5tv3r4w/s1600/The%2BRoyal%2BMile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlZl4Wl7d60/VF_HfA7QBSI/AAAAAAAAC3A/MazK5tv3r4w/s1600/The%2BRoyal%2BMile.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Royal Mile (Scots: Ryal Mile) is the name given to a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. The name was first used in W M Gilbert's Edinburgh in the Nineteenth Century (1901), and was further popularised as the title of a guidebook, published in 1920. The thoroughfare, as the name suggests, is approximately one Scots mile long and runs downhill between two significant locations in the history of Scotland, namely Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile is the busiest tourist street in the Old Town, rivaled only by Princes Street in the New Town.<br />
<br />
On the Royal Mile we first come across a sign depicting Deacon Brodie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duwrLuU9EBw/VF_HsfNAmGI/AAAAAAAAC3I/Nb0-oYt7yhY/s1600/Deacon%2BBrodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duwrLuU9EBw/VF_HsfNAmGI/AAAAAAAAC3I/Nb0-oYt7yhY/s1600/Deacon%2BBrodie.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
William Brodie (1741 – 1788), more commonly known by his prestigious title of Deacon Brodie, was a Scottish cabinet-maker, deacon of a trades guild and Edinburgh city councillor, who maintained a secret life as a burglar, partly for the thrill, and partly to fund his gambling.<br />
<br />
By day, Brodie was a respectable tradesman and Deacon (president) of the Incorporation of Wrights, the head of the Craft of Cabinetmaking, which made him a member of the Town Council. Part of his job in building cabinets was to install and repair their locks and other security mechanisms and repair door locks. He socialised with the gentry of Edinburgh, and met the poet Robert Burns and the painter Sir Henry Raeburn. He was also a member of The Edinburgh Cape Club, and known as Sir Llyud.<br />
<br />
At night, however, Brodie became a burglar and thief. He used his daytime job as a way to gain knowledge about the security mechanisms of his clients and to copy their keys using wax impressions. As the foremost wright of the city, Brodie was asked to work in the homes of many of the richest members of Edinburgh society. He used the illicit money to maintain his second life, which included a gambling habit and five children to two mistresses (who did not know of each other, and were unknown in the city). He reputedly began his criminal career around 1768 when he copied keys to a bank door and stole £800. In 1786 he recruited a gang of three thieves, John Brown (a thief escaping a seven-year sentence of transportation), George Smith (a locksmith, who ran a grocer's shop in the Cowgate) and Andrew Ainslie (a shoemaker).<br />
<br />
The case that led to Brodie's downfall began later in 1788 when he organised an armed raid on an Excise office in Chessel's Court on The Canongate. Brodie's plan failed. On the same night, Brown approached the authorities to claim a King's Pardon, which had been offered after a previous robbery, and gave up the names of Smith and Ainslie (initially saying nothing of Brodie's involvement). Smith and Ainslie were arrested and the next day Brodie attempted to visit them in prison but was refused. Realising that he had to leave Edinburgh, Brodie escaped to London and then to the Netherlands intending to flee to the United States but was arrested in Amsterdam and shipped back to Edinburgh for trial.<br />
<br />
The trial of Brodie and Smith started on 27 August 1788. At first there was no hard evidence against Brodie, although the tools of his criminal trade (copied keys, a disguise and pistols) were found in his house and workshops. But with Brown's evidence and Ainslie being persuaded to turn King's Evidence, added to the self-incriminating lines in the letters he had written while on the run, the jury found Brodie and Smith guilty.<br />
<br />
Brodie and Smith were hanged at the Tolbooth Prison in the High Street on 1 October 1788, before a crowd of 40,000. According to one tale, Brodie wore a steel collar and silver tube to prevent the hanging from being fatal. It was said that he had bribed the hangman to ignore it and arranged for his body to be removed quickly in the hope that he could later be revived. If so, the plan failed. Brodie was buried in an unmarked grave at the Buccleuch Church in Chapel Street. The ground is now covered by a car park behind university lecture-halls. However, rumours of his being seen in Paris circulated later and gave the story of his scheme to evade death further publicity.<br />
<br />
Leaving Deacon Brodiw we head up the Royal Mile towards Edinburgh Castle, coming on to the Esplanade we find the the Witch's Well. A well hidden monument to the misery suffered by mostly women, deemed to be witches and murdered in most horrific fashion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0xrpsgBw4I/VF_H8s9OgKI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/G2MjYEAaZF0/s1600/Witches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0xrpsgBw4I/VF_H8s9OgKI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/G2MjYEAaZF0/s1600/Witches.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
As visitors flock past the small fountain on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, many admire the beautiful flowers that are blooming in the well. But those who examine the site more carefully will see there is nothing beautiful or fragrant about the act the cast iron wall fountain commemorates. It marks the place where more than 300 people were burned at the stake after being accused of being witches. Many more were drowned by being “douked” nearby in the Nor’ Loch, where Princes Street Gardens now lie.<br />
<br />
Despite its small population, Scotland holds the reputation of having been Europe’s biggest persecutor of witches.<br />
<br />
Across the 17th and 18th centuries, it is known more than 3800 suspected witches were strangled, hanged, drowned or burned at the stake. The first major Scottish witch trials took place in 1590, presided over by King James VI. The last Scottish woman to face trial for witchcraft was jailed for her crime as recently as 1944. Researchers at Edinburgh University have used historical records to put together The Survey of Scottish Witchcraft and witch hunting in Scotland. The survey reveals the names of almost all the 3837 people they know were killed after being accused of being a witch between 1563 and 1736.<br />
<br />
Across the Esplanade, we see the entrance to Edinburgh Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CChkOAlLEI/VF_IGX30LbI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/2DWGUN8UnUk/s1600/Edinburg%2BCastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CChkOAlLEI/VF_IGX30LbI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/2DWGUN8UnUk/s1600/Edinburg%2BCastle.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland from its position on the Castle Rock. Archaeologists have established human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age (2nd century AD), although the nature of the early settlement is unclear. There has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century, and the site continued to be a royal residence until the Union of the Crowns in 1603.<br />
<br />
From the 15th century the castle's residential role declined, and by the 17th century it was principally used as military barracks with a large garrison. Its importance as a part of Scotland's national heritage was recognised increasingly from the early 19th century onwards, and various restoration programmes have been carried out over the past century and a half. As one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It has been besieged, both successfully and unsuccessfully, on several occasions.<br />
<br />
Few of the present buildings pre-date the Lang Siege of the 16th century, when the medieval defences were largely destroyed by artillery bombardment. The most notable exceptions are St Margaret's Chapel from the early 12th century, which is regarded as the oldest building in Edinburgh, the Royal Palace and the early 16th century Great Hall, although the interiors have been much altered from the mid-Victorian period onwards. The castle also houses the Scottish regalia, known as the Honours of Scotland and is the site of the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum of Scotland. The British Army is still responsible for some parts of the castle, although its presence is now largely ceremonial and administrative. Some of the castle buildings house regimental museums which contribute to its presentation as a tourist attraction.<br />
<br />
The castle is in the care of Historic Scotland and is Scotland's most-visited paid tourist attraction, with over 1.2 million visitors in 2011. As the backdrop to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo during the annual Edinburgh International Festival the castle has become a recognisable symbol of Edinburgh and of Scotland.<br />
<br />
To the right of the entrance is a plaque commemorating the beginnings of Nova Scotia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3by-kDrhRSw/VF_IgPoYgSI/AAAAAAAAC3o/zqcxck96oGE/s1600/Nova%2BScotia%2BPlaque%2C%2BEdinburgh%2BCastle%2BEsplanade%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3by-kDrhRSw/VF_IgPoYgSI/AAAAAAAAC3o/zqcxck96oGE/s1600/Nova%2BScotia%2BPlaque%2C%2BEdinburgh%2BCastle%2BEsplanade%2B2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
William Alexander was the son of Alexander of Menstrie and Marion, daughter of an Allan Couttie. As a young man William became tutor to the Earl of Argyll and accompanied him abroad. At a later date he received the place of Gentleman Usher to Prince Charles, son of James VI of Scotland, and continued in favour at court after Prince Charles became Charles I of England in 1625. He built a reputation as a poet and writer of rhymed tragedies, and assisted King James I and VI in preparing the metrical version known as "The Psalms of King David, translated by King James" and published by authority of Charles I. James knighted him in 1609 and appointed him the Master of Requests for Scotland in 1614, effectively his private secretary. In 1615 he was made a member of the Scottish Privy Council.<br />
<br />
In 1621, King James I granted William a royal charter appointing him mayor of a vast territory which was enlarged into a lordship and barony of Nova Scotia (New Scotland); the area now known as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and part of the northern United States. The creation of Baronets of Nova Scotia was used to settle the plantation of the new province. He was appointed Secretary for Scotland in 1626 and held that office for the rest of his life.<br />
<br />
Lord Stirling’s efforts at colonisation were less successful, at least in monetary terms. He briefly established a Scottish settlement at Port Royal, Nova Scotia, led by his son William Alexander (the younger). However the effort cost him most of his fortune, and when the region—now Canada's three Maritime Provinces and the state of Maine—was returned to France in 1632, it was lost. He spent his later years with limited means, and died in London on 12 September 1640. However Alexander's settlement provided the basis for British claims to Nova Scotia and his baronets provided the Coat of arms of Nova Scotia and Flag of Nova Scotia which are still in use today.<br />
<br />
WHEW! We head back to grab a wee dram at a pub on the way home and a chance to relax.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ifhq1o0k08/VF_IsmEI9xI/AAAAAAAAC30/V00AqiWqkLg/s1600/Theatre%2BRoyal%2BBar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ifhq1o0k08/VF_IsmEI9xI/AAAAAAAAC30/V00AqiWqkLg/s1600/Theatre%2BRoyal%2BBar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDtZLxvMt54/VF_IwHQungI/AAAAAAAAC38/HemaAIAyxmg/s1600/The%2BTheatre%2BRoyal%2BBar%2C%2BEdinburgh%2B-%2BInside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDtZLxvMt54/VF_IwHQungI/AAAAAAAAC38/HemaAIAyxmg/s1600/The%2BTheatre%2BRoyal%2BBar%2C%2BEdinburgh%2B-%2BInside.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We find the fabulous Theatre Royal Bar. Set in the Edinburgh's theatrical heartland, they've been serving food and drinks for decades. Situated on Greenside place, next door to the famous Playhouse theatre, they're at the heart of the action for pre- and post-theatre drinks, cuisine and socialising.<br />
<br />
Finally home.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-56693184778979709362014-11-07T11:48:00.000-08:002014-11-07T11:48:32.601-08:00Ancestral Rock & Roam - Arrive Edinburgh - November 2nd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day 2 - Calgary to Edinburgh<br />
<br />
We depart Calgary in a snow storm on KLM following a botched attempt to de-ice the wings in the late afternoon of November 1st. We are now more than one hour late and in danger of missing the connection in Amsterdam to Edinburgh. Luckily the ground staff in Amsterdam are as efficient as those in Calgary and the flight is delayed allowing us to make the connection. We arrive in Edinburgh none the worse for wear and ready to enjoy Scotland.<br />
<br />
A short taxi ride deposits us at the home of Shanda Doherty, <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_xYS9GVjLw/VF0hibQ3NlI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/iWpAsJuhZ6I/s1600/Shanda%2BDoherty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_xYS9GVjLw/VF0hibQ3NlI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/iWpAsJuhZ6I/s1600/Shanda%2BDoherty.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
daughter of Nora Stewart and step-daughter of Donn Lovett where we spend the evening relaxing and visiting with the local politico Hamish Matheson. Hamish was a 'No' side supporter in the recent referendum and well published writer during the campaign, a sample of his writing follows;<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Sir, For a while it looked like this might be different, but sadly Thursday’s decision seems to be coming back to the usual political choice of whom we distrust the least. From Westminster we have the “Vow” of more powers and from the SNP indignation that anyone might question the economic viability of the “land of Adam Smith”. Going with what seems a reasonable assumption; that Scotland can be successful either independent or in a federal Britain we are left with a leap of faith in one direction or the other based on whose utopian vision of our future is most likely to be untrue. For Westminster’s part we have definitely been let down before. Alex Salmond referenced Nick Clegg’s broken promise on tuition fees. The very man who is now asking us to trust him again. But that time he was the smaller party entering negotiations with a larger party who held the opposite position. Agreement of the 3 main UK parties is unprecedented in my lifetime. For the Alec Salmond’s part, Alan Greenspan has described his economic forecasts as being “so implausible they should really be dismissed out of hand”. Let’s take it as read that they are both smart men, so the question becomes; which is the more reliable? One, as the retired chairman of the US Federal Reserve, has no obvious reason for bias in the question of Scotland’s independence. The other has dedicated his career to driving a political agenda.</span></i><span style="color: #222222;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 204);">Hamish</span> Matheson</span></b></div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-16022591913670221492014-11-07T10:48:00.002-08:002014-11-07T10:49:16.840-08:00Ancestral Rock & Roam - Depart Calgary for Edinburgh - November 1st<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hello,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are the Ancestral Rock & Roamers. Two old dudes traveling across Scotland with a simple plan, curiosity and a love of our Scottish heritage. We will be looking to enjoy ourselves in as many pubs with live music that we can find, scotch in hand. However, there is a serious side to this excursion as explained below.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Enjoy the Blog.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Who are we?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Randy MacLeod, </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">President of the </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Associated Clan MacLeod Societies of Alberta and Donn Lovett, </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">a descendant of Lord Lovat and a member of the Fraser Clan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Associated Clan
MacLeod Societies from around the world are coming together to support 'The
Clan MacLeod Woodland Project and Memorial Wall' on the Orbost Estate on the
Isle of Skye in Scotland <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_978316999">(</a></span><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.clanmacleod.org/acms-committees/alasdair-crotach-committee/clan-macleod-woodlands.html">http://www.clanmacleod.org/acms-committees/alasdair-crotach-committee/clan-macleod-woodlands.html</a>)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. The project will encompass 2.5 hectares of Rowan and
Birch trees in a remnant gorge woodland and will re-establish an historic
wildlife corridor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Further, there will be constructed a
'Memorial Wall" comprised of stones from MacLeods all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have combined the Scottish Homeland
celebration with ancestral roots research and will bring two stones from
the original site of Fort MacLeod in Southern Alberta, Canada, named after Col. James F. Macleod, first
commander of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) and a major force in the development
of Southern Alberta. We had these stones engraved and will present them for
incorporation in the 'Memorial Wall'. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRoE5Ebl_p8/VF0TRo4UrcI/AAAAAAAAC1w/eh4RCRYJPds/s1600/Stones%2B-%2BFort%2BMacLeod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRoE5Ebl_p8/VF0TRo4UrcI/AAAAAAAAC1w/eh4RCRYJPds/s1600/Stones%2B-%2BFort%2BMacLeod.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z-PWqND30g/VF0TX0wzkwI/AAAAAAAAC14/7tS3Ze0U26E/s1600/Stones%2B-%2BThe%2BClans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z-PWqND30g/VF0TX0wzkwI/AAAAAAAAC14/7tS3Ze0U26E/s1600/Stones%2B-%2BThe%2BClans.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We also want to state that the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies were
quite active in the development of the NWMP Barracks Site in the Town of Fort
MacLeod, Alberta, Canada.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Premier of the Province of Alberta has given us a letter to pass to the 'The Clan MacLeod Woodland Project and
Memorial Wall' for their records. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn7EP8lNnpg/VF0ThDJk4hI/AAAAAAAAC2A/1zVsEkqZVJk/s1600/Prentice%2BLetter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn7EP8lNnpg/VF0ThDJk4hI/AAAAAAAAC2A/1zVsEkqZVJk/s1600/Prentice%2BLetter.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-40528718589384328982014-04-29T06:49:00.001-07:002014-04-29T06:49:41.118-07:00Surprise, Surprise, Surprise, City Approves Cycle Tracks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
To the surprise of no one Calgary City Council has approved downtown cycle
tracks, albeit in a slim 8-7 vote. So let's examine some of what happened and
some of the outcomes from that debate and vote.<br />
<br />
First and let's be fair, the Mayor and I do not see eye-to-eye on a number
of issues. In this matter 'His Purpleness' acted like the school yard bully.
Showing up at meetings on Committees where he usually doesn't sit, interrupting
the agenda to push his position and using his messenger, the Ward 8 Councillor
to run errands for him. All the while playing to his urban hipster crowd led by
Chris Turner and others. Wooley fits nicely into that space having worked for
Chris Turner and the Green Party in the previous Calgary Centre by-election.
Where the Mayor voted was of no surprise to this scribe.<br />
<br />
Next, let's look at the 'Inner-City Four; Farrell (Ward 7), Wooley (Ward 8),
Carra (Ward 9) and Pincott (Ward 11). No surprises here, they look to 'His
Purpleness' for their marching orders and away they go, representing the views
of their constituents, not likely.<br />
<br />
Then we have the fiscal conservative Councillors; Sutherland (Ward 1),
Magliocca (Ward 2), Stevenson (Ward 3), Chu (Ward 4). Jones (Ward 5).
Colley-Urguhart (Ward 13) and Demong (Ward 14). City Administration did not
make a strong enough case for this group to vote in favour. A number of issues
came into play but mostly Administration could not adequately answer questions
around the cost. These folks represented the views of their voting public who
did not support the expense and the plan for separated cycle tracks in the
downtown core.<br />
<br />
The foregoing was easy to explain, now let's look at the supposed anomalies.<br />
<br />
Keating (Ward 12); Not really a surprise 'His Purpleness' brought him in
line with the promised public transportation plan for the SE. This will be
enough for Keating to support the Mayor on most projects for the foreseeable
future. His support has no other explanation since voters in Ward 12 do not appear
to support the decision to spend tax dollars on separated cycle tracks in the
downtown. Their concern is getting to work, parking when they get there and
having a Councillor vote prudently on any City expenditure. That did not happen
with this vote. If Ward 12 voters feel differently than I expressed please let
me know.<br />
<br />
Pootmans (Ward 6); Lest we not be surprised by his support for 'His
Purpleness', Pootmans tries to show himself to be a fiscal conservative, the
representation people in Ward 6 expect and believed they voted for, but the
reality is Pootmans could very easily become a member of the 'Inner-City Four'
when it comes to his voting record. He was one of the Councilors who dabbled
with a ban on shark fin soup prior to the last election. A move that wasted tax
dollars, pitted Council against Chinatown and was very much outside of any
municipal jurisdiction. The attempted shark fin soup ban was led by Pincott and
Farrell, blindly supported by Carra and Pootmans. Wooley was not at Council at
the time. Again, if Ward 6 voters feel differently than I suggest please let me
know.<br />
<br />
Chabot (Ward 10); This is the only so-called surprise and the vote needed to
get the cycle track programme in place. Chabot has been the Councillor most
informed and ready for Council Meetings. He has always displayed himself to be
a fiscal conservative. What happened?<br />
<br />
Chabot has aspirations for the Mayor's chair once 'His Purpleness' rides off
into the sunset to Harvard or the U of T to tell us how to be better urban citizens.<br />
<br />
In this case, I believe Chabot made a significant political misstep. He
appears to have abandoned his fiscal conservative principles in favour of an
attempt to garner support from the urban hipster crowd. He must have been torn
since his apparent change of heart seems to have come at Transportation
Committee prior to yesterday's Council vote. In fact, for several months his
staff have been posting on Facebook mentions that they will enjoy the cycle
tracks well in advance of Chabot's vote.<br />
<br />
Bottom line, this flip/flop may come back to haunt Chabot in the next
election, time will tell.<br />
<br />
Last evening I was bombarded by the Bike Calgary crowd for having had the
audacity to help Chinatown in their opposition to the 1st Street SE cycle
track. That's partly why I'm writing this today. They suggested we were
conspiracy theorists and nay-sayers. I want to go on the record to say that the
folks in Chinatown passionately love their space and this battle was not taken
on without serious and thoughtful consideration for the impact on all
Calgarians. Do not disregard Chinatown in the future when decisions like the
cycle track and its impacts are discussed. This is a particular warning to the
Councillor supposedly responsible for Chinatown.<br />
<br />
The next steps are not so clear.<br />
<br />
We are waiting for accurate costs for the cycle track network. We also want
to see the criteria for measuring success or failure during the one-year trial.<br />
<br />
I wonder what Bike Calgary thinks that criteria should be.<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--></div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-58831530316786621732014-04-24T14:32:00.003-07:002014-04-24T14:45:06.370-07:00Nenshi Fiddles While Calgary Burns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm in Playa del Carmen, watching what's going on in Calgary from the tragedy of the useless killings of the University students to the death of the young man test driving a motorcycle.<br />
<br />
The murders will play out in the media and cause untold misery to all of the families involved and for that, having lost my 7 year old grandson last March, I am so terribly sorry.<br />
<br />
The death of the young man on the motorcycle raises a number of questions in my mind, currently somewhat fuzzy from tequila and cerveza.<br />
<br />
I have to write this, asking for comment and response because I am concerned we are going to suffer more of these incidents.<br />
<br />
WHY?<br />
<br />
Because Council has said they will not spend the necessary funds to clean the enormous amount of gravel deposited on our streets by City crews during the winter months. All reports list a cause of the unfortunate accident as the amount of gravel on the streets where he was driving.<br />
<br />
Here is where this is going;<br />
<br />
The Inner-City Four, Councillors Farrell, Wooley, Carra and Pincott appear to live in a world that the vast majority of Calgarians do not. Nor do we want these folks spending our tax dollars creating this imaginary world. Albeit, they do these things at the behest of "His Purpleness", the Mayor.<br />
<br />
Last year they wasted our time and money trying to ban shark fin soup, a ridiculous move entirely outside of their jurisdiction and in opposition to the existing laws of Canada. Nonetheless, our tax dollars were spent on this useless endeavor.<br />
<br />
Now we have the the 'Cycle Tracks', unwanted by a large majority of Calgarians, but again being forced through Council yet again against our wills. Depending on who talks within Council or City Administration, the 'Cycle Tracks' will cost $9 million, $15 million or $22 million, not including maintenance, cleaning, snow removal, etc...<br />
<br />
It doesn't take much thought to suggest we should use these tax dollars for the safety of the public rather than building 'Cycle Tracks' that a majority, including large numbers of people who ride bikes to work every day, do not want.<br />
<br />
Do we need more accidents and possible deaths because of the unsafe condition of the existing streets to prove the lunacy of the 'Cycle Track' expenditure?<br />
<br />
We know 'His Purpleness' has a problem convincing us the expenditure is a good one when he needs to show up at the Transportation Committee to try to sell the project on a trial basis.<br />
<br />
Hell, even Stantec, the Consultant hired to sell us the 'Cycle Tracks' has written a report for the City of Vancouver saying the 'Cycle Track' project there was a failure. I have a copy of both reports for those that want to read them.<br />
<br />
We can only trust that the majority of Council will realize we do not want our money wasted this way. Take it and clean our streets, make them safe for bike traffic as they stand, get rid of the gravel!<br />
<br />
Calgarians are watching this vote, watching those that want to be Mayor one day, watching those who will vote to waste our tax dollars on the wishes of 'His Purpleness' and the 'Inner-City Four'.<br />
<br />
We all get to vote again!<br />
<br />
BEWARE!</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-47437248621008755842014-03-25T09:42:00.001-07:002014-03-26T08:54:53.368-07:00Alberta PC Leadership - A 'Magical Mystery Tour'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Let me take you back in time in our lovely country called Canada; A time when British Columbia was called ‘La La Land’; A time when it was not conceivable that a woman could be the Premier of Alberta; A time far, far away, no wait, that was only a couple of years ago.<br />
<br />
Since then, Alberta has assumed the mantle of ‘La La Land’, what with all the shenanigans that have taken place here with provincial politics. A woman did become Premier and from the beginning was under stress from her own caucus, the media and subsequently her Party. However, let’s not forget she added fuel to the fire with mishandled communications related to her personal behavior, but all in all, the Province ran rather well during her tenure from this person’s perspective.<br />
<br />
Having said that, we are at a time, given the past few years, where we are allowed to think in more radical terms than the hum drum when it comes to politics, leaders and the future of Alberta.<br />
<br />
So let me take you on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, grab your wine, pack your medical marijuana or use your free spirit to carry you along. I want you to open your mind, close your eyes and free your imagination. Are we ready? Here we go<br />
<br />
First stop, the PC Party of Alberta, not a place for the feint of heart. The knives are out, not ready to be sheathed, recently used to destroy their old Premier, they flounder around seeking the Messiah. It’s quickly understood that no one within the caucus could possibly run, given the infighting and mistrust that exists within the Party and with Albertans in general. Outsiders being considered have all said no, are unlikely to run and/or cannot garner the support required to win.<br />
<br />
Wait, I spoke too soon, on the horizon there appears a large man riding high in the saddle, coming towards us in a purple cloud of dust, a dark man with a toothy grin, can he be the Messiah they are looking for? We stop, consume our wine, our medical marijuana, induce our free spirit, open our imagination and seek a sign. After hours of machinations, dancing, singing, after all we are a fun group, we see a sign. A message being passed to all City Councilors at the City of Calgary advising Members an announcement will be coming in the next 7 to 10 days, they are advised to stay tuned but prepare for a major change.<br />
<br />
Through our hallucinations, we see the future unfold as follows;<br />
<br />
The large man with the toothy grin will announce his intention to seek the Leadership of the P C Party of Alberta. Initially, we find this to be an absurd notion, how can the Mayor of Calgary possibly become the Premier of Alberta? But we are on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, so we allow our senses to run away with us. The big question for the large man; Will the people of Alberta give him the adoring looks and unquestioned support the loyal citizens of Calgary afforded him these past 2 elections.<br />
<br />
The move will free up the young man standing beside him to seek office on his own albeit at the higher level of Federal politics. Again, we are taken by the notion that the Chief of Staff of the Mayor of Calgary could possibly run for public office.<br />
<br />
An older, wiser person on the ‘Tour’ reminds us of the Calgary Buffalo by-election in 1992 when the illustrious Rod Love, former Chief of Staff to Mayor Ralph Klein ran and came a distant 3rd against Gary Dickson. This was soon after the unfortunate death of Sheldon Chumir. It is believed that Rod is still holding onto his rear end that was handed to him by the well organized campaign. We trust this young man will fare significantly better than Mr. Love when he seeks the nomination in the Federal Riding of Calgary Centre in support of the Dauphin, JT.<br />
<br />
Finally, we see a shorter, earnest young man with little hair encouraged by the events; He has visions of sugar plums dancing in his head. He is a fiscal conservative, holds the interest of the citizens in good stead and believes he has the ‘stuff’ to be the next Mayor of Calgary.<br />
<br />
We begin to come out of our induced states of altered consciousness and wonder was this all a dream, what do you think?</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3022298626068206843.post-67699906164668793372013-10-30T05:00:00.001-07:002013-10-30T05:07:28.341-07:00My Personal Swearing-in Ceremony, October 19th, 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I read about the swearing-in of the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">new City</st1:place></st1:city> Councilors I am
reminded of my personal swearing ceremony which I experienced on <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">4th Street SW</st1:address></st1:street>
during a lovely Saturday while enjoying the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">4th Street</st1:address></st1:street> BRZ Block Party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a beautiful afternoon on October 19th;
I was spending the day with my grandson, family and friends and took the
opportunity to walk <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">4th Street</st1:address></st1:street>,
closed down for the Block Party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We were walking north on 4th just
passing 22nd Avenue, where we live, when I was passed by the then candidate for
Ward 8, Evan Woolley, now the newly elected Councilor for Ward 8 having been
sworn in last Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mr. Woolley knew I was a John Mar
supporter, having worked closely with John on the flood recovery. He approached
from behind and when he passed and recognized me he turned with an obvious rage
in demeanor and voice and shouted, "Lovett, you f*#king piece of s*#t, you
better hope I win or else!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To say the least, I was taken aback.
Hardly the expected behavior of a person seeking elected office to use such
expletives and in such a public venue, we were shocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I requested an apology immediately and
having not received said apology I feel the need to publicize the behavior
because we should not be subject to this for any reason. Furthermore, I am a
resident in Ward 8 and have been since moving to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Calgary</st1:place></st1:city> in 1982. I am 64 years of age and
would not allow my children to behave like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am still waiting for an apology, now
it needs to be public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The always patient Donn Lovett<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="tel:%28403%20402%208332" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">(403 402 8332</span></a>.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:donn.lovett@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">donn.lovett@gmail.com</span></a>)
in case Mr. Woolley has forgotten how to contact me.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Donn Lovetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616983143267865225noreply@blogger.com0