23rd October 2024

Hi,

This is just a quick note to accompany the recently posted photos of time spent in Scotland with family from New Zealand.

August 29th-31st

You can see from my previous blog that the wider family spent a week in Portugal in early September. Prior to that, my brother Donald, who I hadn't seen for five years, had come up to Scotland. We had a great day trip on 29th August to St Andrews, visiting the Royal and Ancient Club for lunch and being hosted by long-time friend Kenny. Following a few catch up meals in Glasgow Donald returned south to meet the arriving Kiwi family, prior to us leaving for Portugal.

September 19th-23rd

On return from Portugal Donald and I headed north on September 19th. Our destination was Portree, Isle of Skye, where we both lived for the first few years of our lives. Kind friends John and Mairi Fraser had offered us the use of their house in Portree which was a good base to explore from. The weather was magnificent for the four days we were away and we had great views of Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe on the way up. We stopped at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle for a visit and apart from its lovely setting on the shores of Loch Duich; it also has an interior well worth exploring. Nearby was my birthplace the Kintail Lodge Hotel so we stopped for dinner.

We caught the 0925 ferry to the Isle of Raasay on our first morning for a day trip to the home to our MacLeod ancestors. I have always thought that the best views of Skye are from Raasay or set back from the island on the water and I hope you enjoy the photographs taken of the 'Misty Isle' on the boat over and from Raasay itself. We first took a drive up to the north end and took in Brochel Castle and Calum's Road, the magnum opus of a distant relative. The mist took time to lift and we headed back to Oskaig where we saw our great grandparents' house at Number One and great aunt Kate's house at Number Three. After having coffee at Raasay House, we travelled over to Fearns and walked along to the ghostly hamlet of Hallaig. The views onto the west cost of the mainland were amazing in the clear light. On the way back to the car we bumped into David Tallach, who lives about a mile from me in Glasgow. Small world!

Prior to leaving on the ferry we visited the fairly new Raasay distillery. Most people who know me will be aware that I don't like whisky but Donald did some sampling and got presents for friends. The food on offer is very tasty. It was my birthday and Donald treated me to dinner in the Sea Breezes Restaurant down on the Portree pier. Highly recommended!

On our second full day we spent exploring over the west side of Skye. In the 1970s we had two family holidays in this area and we revisited Glendale and Vatten as well as having a coffee stop at the old Stein Inn in Waternish. Macleod's Tables were looking grand but we didn't visit Dunvegan Castle. The roads are very poor out west and I was glad to return puncture free.

The weather was changing on the Monday and we headed back south. Thanks a million to John and Mairi for the use of their house. A real privilege to be based in such a lovely spot.

October 2nd- 5th

The last leg of this series of events involved a visit to Glasgow from Donald along with family of Anna, Andrew and Remy. We had a hectic schedule visiting (in order) Stirling Castle, The Kelpies, Glasgow Transport Museum and the new Partick/Govan Bridge, had a day trip to Edinburgh on the train and managed a curry night out at Mother India Café. Whew! In addition to the curry most forms of takeaway were sampled, Chinese, chippy and pizza for evening in.

So finally I had to say farewell to Anna, Andrew and Remy who returned south. It was a blast having them over. I hope to see Donald again so maybe another blog this year??

Anyway have a look at the photos and I hope you enjoy.

All the best

Murdo