Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Ullapool and Loch Broom, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

This morning, we departed our Ullapool lodgings and then drove a few minutes north to a vantage point for a landscape photograph of Ullapool and Loch Broom. Then we continued as follows:

1. Across the Northern Highlands with stunning mountain scenery and stopping at an information point to view the Colgach Peaks. Views were aided by dry, sunny weather.
2. Arrived Dornoch around midday where we spent an hour or so visiting this very pretty town with ancient Cathedral.
3. Next to Invergordon which offered a mix of visiting cruise ship  (Seabourn Sojourn), offshore oil rigs in for maintenance and colourful wall murals.
4. Next to Dingwall whre we visited the town cemetery and massive 1907 monument to famous British soldier, Sir Hector Archibald MacDonald who achieved high rank from humble origins.
5. Next to Fortrose and Chanonry Point to view dolphins feeding at high tide.
6. Finally, we arrived at our lodgings at Ballifeary Guest House, Inverness late afternoon then went out for an early dinner.

Coigach Peaks,Wester Ross, Scotland

Wall Mural, Invergordon, Scotland

Dornoch Cathedral, Dornoch, Scotland

Dornoch Castle Hotel, Dornoch, Scotland

Oil Rig, Invergordon, Scotland

Seabourn Sojourn at Invergordoin, Scotland

Sir Hector MacDonald Monument, Dingwall, Scotland

Castlebay, Barra, Scotland

This morning, we arrived at Castlebay after an 11 hour crossing from Oban on the Scottish mainland.This journey had taken twice the normal time due to delays caused by severe weather conditions.

Upon arrival at Castlebay we checked into the hotel for a freshen up and breakfast and then commenced a tour of the island taking in:

• The magnificent sandy beaches and coastline resplendent in the sunshine.
• Ancient religious site of Cille Bhara which dates from the 12th century but with a Christian heritage dating back to the 7th century.
• Traigh Mhor Airport, Barra’s unique beach landing strip. Here we waited patiently for a scheduled plane to land but it failed to arrive and we eventually gave up.

Mid afternoon we caught the ferry to Eriskay, across the Sound of Barra, and then drove north across the causeway to South Uist and then on to Nunton on Bnebecula where we are lodging tonight in an excellent four star guest house. We plan to catch upon sleep tonight before embarking on our travels to North Uist and Harris.

Castlebay, Barra, Scotland

Beach Scene, Barra, Scotland

Barra Airport, Hebrides, Scotland

Cille Bhara Religious Site, Barra

Peat Digging, Benbecula, Hebrides

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