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

Dumbarton and Ben Lomond from Dumbarton Castle, Scotland

This evening, my focus is on the often overlooked town of Dumbarton, a place of great historic significance. The name derives from dun breatainn or ‘fort of the Britons’ from the time when the place was capital of the ancient British kingdom of Strathclyde which covered S.W.Scotland and parts of northern England during the 7th-9th centuries AD. At that time the language spoken was a form of Welsh.

The successor to the ancient fort of the Britons sits atop a volcanic outcrop on the bank of the River Clyde. It has a long tradition of military usage from the Wars of Independence, to Mary Queen of Scots, the Jacobite uprisings and defence against possible French attack. The castle was last occupied by the military in World War II when it was bombed by German aircraft.

The castle is open to the public and offers superb views  over the Clyde and to the Trossachs to those who are prepared to undertake the steep climb to the top.

The town of Dumbarton came to prominence in the 19th century with industries such as glassmaking, shipbuilding and whisky manufacture. Today, there still remain whisky bottling plants and bonded warehouses, with latter distinguished by the black fungus which covers the warehouse buildings..

Surprisingly, Dumbarton is by-passed by the hordes of visitors in coach and car which year go past Dumbarton en-route to/from Loch Lomond and points further north. However, the more discerning visitor will be rewarded by a visit to the Castle and its attendant views and direct connection with a long period  of history.

When time permits I include a visit to Dumbarton Castle in my private tours.

Below is a view of the Clyde from a former gun battery.

River Clyde from Dumbarton Castle, Scotland

Bridge over River Teith, Callander, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing the popular town of Callander which sits on the banks of the River Teith and on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. This area is also known as the Trossachs which benefits from some stunning scenery comprising lochs ( such as Venachar and Katrine) and mountains. This area has long associations with the legendary ‘outlaw’  Rob Roy Macgregor. Within a short drive range of Callander can be found:

• Kilmahog, home of the famous ‘Hamish’  Highland Cow.

Hamish, Highland Bull, Kilmahog

• Doune Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Killin and the Falls of Dochart.
• Loch Katrine
• Loch Lomond.
• Lake of Menteith
• Blair Drummond Safari Park

Overall, a great base for sightseeing whilst avoiding the need for travelling long distances.