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

Mackay Gathering, Orrin Side, Scotland

This morning, we departed Tulloch Castle Hotel and then drove a few miles west to the upscale town of Strathpeffer  which boasts a few luxury hotels and a Spa. No doubt latter was the catalyst for the holiday business dating back to Victorian times. Here we visited the Mackays Hotel to explore any possible family connections.

Mackays Hotel, Strathpeffer, Scotland

Strathpeffer,Highlands Region, Scotland

Next to a 10.30am appointment at Orrin Side near Marybank where there was a gathering of extended family as per image at top of this post. This meeting lasted about three hours at end of which we visited two local burial grounds with known family connections.

Orrin Side, Near Marybank, Scotland

The first burial ground was at Urray West Parish Church (Church of Scotland).

Urray West Parish Church, Highlands, Scotland

Second burial ground was Urray Old Burial Ground where, unfortunately, fallen trees had damaged the family headstones.

Urray Old Burial Ground, Highlands, Scotland

Next we drove back to Marybank to photograph the local Primary School which an ancestor attended over 100 years ago.

Marybank Primary School, Highlands, Scotland

Our final visit of the day was the pleasant, small town of Beauly  which has a long history dating back to the establishment of a Priory in the 13th century. Here we visited the Priory ruins and the town centre before returning to Dingwall and lodgings at Tulloch Castle Hotel. Here is a video clip  of Dingwall with Ben Wyvis (mountain) in the distance.

Beauly Priory, Highlands, Scotland

Ben Wyvis, Easter Ross, Scotland