Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Oban Harbour, Scotland

This afternoon our tour is experiencing a 7 hour delay due to adverse weather conditions which has disrupted ferry crossings to the Hebrides. Consequently we are facing an unplanned sojourn in Oban on the west of Scotland.

Because of the heabvy train and wind we took the opportunity to visit Glencoe, about 1 hour away. This Highland village is well known for the scenery and the infamous massacre which occurred in 1692. The latter event resulted in the deaths of up to about 100 members of the local MacDonald community  at the hands of a military unit comprised mainly of members of traditional adversaries from Clan Campbell who were acting under military orders.

At Glencoe we visited:

• The National Trust Visitor Centre
• The glen with its stunning scenery with streams and waterfalls cascading off the mountains.
• Clachaig Inn, famous for its ‘no Campbells’ policy.
• The monumernt erected in memory of the Massacre.

We later returned to Oban, tracking the banks of Loch Linnhe and passing Castle Stalker.

Waterfall, Glencoe, Scotland

Massacre Monument, Glencoe, Scotland

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