Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond, Scotland

This morning I collected guests from Argyll Hotel in Glasgow and then headed north-west visiting the following sites:

• Loch Lomond where we stopped to photograph a snow-capped Ben Lomond.
• Ret and be Thankful scenic pass.
• Inveraray Castle and town on Loch Fyne.
• Oban
• The prehistoric linear cemetery and stone circle site at Kilmartin Glen. First we visited the museum and visitor centre.
• Carved 14th/15th century medieval gravemarkers at Kilmartin Church burial ground.
• Prehistoric rock art at Achnabreck
• Dunadd fort at foot of Kilmartin Glen
• Oban,where we are staying tonight.

Overall, a good day aided by reasonably dry weather.

In the evening, guest John gave a demonstration of bagpipe playing aty a local pub in Oban.

Rest and be Thankful, Argyll, Scotland

Inveraray Castle, Argyll, Scotland

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Scotland

Kilmartin Glen, Prehistoric Site, Scotland

Prehistoric Rock Art, Achnabreck, Scotland

View from Dunad, Kilmartin Glen, Scotland

This morning, we departed our lodgings at Inveraray’s George Hotel and then walked to nearby Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of the Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell.

George Hotel, Inveraray, Scotland

Inveraray is, untypically for Scotland. a planned village which dates from the 18th century. The group toured the castle which was completed in 1745 and whose main feature is the magnificent armoury hall.

Inveraray, Argyll, Scotland

Inveraray Castle, Argyll, Scotland

Next we tracked Loch Fyne and Loch Long to Luss on Loch Lomond. This charming heritage village dates from the 19th century when it was built to house workers from a nearby slate quarry but is now social accommodation for seniors. On arrival we went straight to the church owing to persistent rain. At the church we viewed a short film covering the church and its history back to the 6th century. In the churchyard is a 9th century Viking era ‘hogback’ grave marker which provides tangible evidence of the long history of the site.

View of Loch Lomond, Luss, Scotland

McKessog's Church, Luss, Scotland

Next we had a light lunch at an excellent restaurant in Luss. Notable was the unusual style of teapot as evidenced in image below.

Teapot, Luss, Scotland

Next, and with the rain having eased, we explored the village and the pier which juts out into the loch.

Cottage, Luss, Scotland

Pier View, Luss, Scotland

Next to Glasgow and its famous 13th century Cathedral. Here we benefited from a private tour led by a very competent local volunteer with good knowledge of the building and its long history.

Interior, Glasgow Cathedral, Scotland

Blacadder Aisle, Glasgow Cathedral, Scotland

Finally, we re-joined the bus and our destination for the night of Argyll Hotel in Glasgow’s West End. En-route we encountered exceptionally heavy rainfall.

Dumbarton Castle. This has long history dating back at least 1500 years when was the central power base for the Kingdom of Strathclyde. In more recent times (19th C) was reinforced to defend against a perceived invasion threat from France. Excellent views of the Clyde, and Greenock in the distance.

Dumbarton Castle and River Clyde, Scotland

 Luss on Loch Lomond. A quaint heritage village with church on historic Christian site founded by Kessog about 1500 years ago. Pretty houses and good views of the famous loch. After refreshment we moved on.

Luss, Loch Lomond, Scotland

View of Loch Lomond, Scotland

Inveraray on Loch Fyne, a picturesque planned town dating from 18th C. First stop was a tour of the famous castle which is home to the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell. Guests toured interior whilst I toured the colourful gardens including pretty bluebell wood.

Inveraray Castle and Garden, Scotland

Auchindrain Township, about 10 mins from Inveraray. This is a former abandoned Highland Village which has been restored to represent life in bygone days in a agricultural, subsistence economy. Small flock of chickens and a couple of Highland Cows.

Auchindrain Township, Inveraray, Scotland

Finally, back to the hotel in Inveraray from where I am writing this.

Main St, Inveraray, Argyll, Scotland