Eilean Donan Castle...Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh

 

Imagine...

 

standing here, looking at one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

 

 

 

The late afternoon sun only enhances the beauty in the setting.

 

 

Picturesquely located within the Highlands of western Scotland, views like this can inspire the heart to write a romantic novel.

 

 

Seamless reflections making it difficult to see where they begin. This is the stone bridge that connects from the mainland, to the islet.

 

 

One feels the history, as you walk the narrow bridge, with the castle looming large on the other side.

 

 

The entrance gate, complete with a portcullis.

 

 

 

 

Views from inside the castle walls of the entrance steps to the Main Keep and Billeting Room.

 

 

As we were following the Bastion and Great Well Walkway, I looked straight down to capture the heptagonal sides of the water cistern.

 

 

The flag of Scotland, waving freely in the wind.

 

 

Three lochs come together here...Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh.

 

 

The castle, founded in the 13th century, became a stronghold of the Clan MacKenzie and their allies, the Clan MacRae.

 

The most destructive damage, to the castle, was carried out during the Jacobite Uprising, in 1719.

 

Through the vision and dedication of Lieutenant-Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap, and his clerk of works, Farquhar MacRae, we are able to enjoy the castle we see today.  The work began in 1912 with completion in 1932, at a cost of a quarter of a million pounds.

 

 

Saying Good-Bye to this day.....

with one more look at Eilean Donan.

Meggie Mac

 

I'm linking today with A Bit About Britain. Click HERE ....you won't be disappointed in the beautiful photography and interesting posts. 

Friday Fences...Do You See What I See

 

Early this morning, I was driving the country back roads...looking for an interesting fence to photograph.

 

 

The brush and trees were so thick, I almost missed seeing the little pony.

 

 

I was trying to be patient for a better view of him, well knowing, that if I made a sound, he might run.

 

 

 I finally gave in, and whistled.

 

He looked up for just a moment....

 

 

then, gave me his backside!

Meggie Mac

Monday's Country Back Roads....Over the Bridge

 

It has been awhile since I have found a new spot to travel down...not knowing where it leads.

 

 

The rustic red rafters, of the bridge, caught my eye, before I saw the narrow road.

 

 

I pulled over, in the grass, to see what might be under the small bridge.

 

There is a large ravine, that probably fills with water when it rains.

 

 

Looking down the road, you can see the sharp right turn.

 

It's certainly not a famous bridge, with centuries of history. Standing there, in the quiet of the country, it reminded me of a poem by Emily Dickinson.

 

"Faith.... is the Pierless Bridge supporting what we see unto the scene that we do not".

 

Happy Monday!

Meggie

 

An Unexpected Stop, on the Road to Clan MacDonald Lands

 

If it had not been for our wonderful Isle of Skye, native born tour guide, we would have missed this view. Gus knew all the out of the way places.

 

When my daughter and I first arrived at Blairdhu House, in Kyleakin, our host suggested him as a driver....lucky for us.

 

Traveling by way of the A851, he said, "Let's make a side trip for another beautiful spot to photograph". The A851 road is on the peninsula of Sleat.

 

 

Do you not agree...incredibly beautiful reflections on the water.

 

 

A wonderful way to experience life on the island,with the people who actually live.....

 

 

and work there.

 

 

Not the usual tourist stop.

 

 

The clarity of the water captured my heart.

 

 

Peaceful....I could stay forever.

Meggie Mac

 

Celebrating Friday....

 

Because today is Valentine's Day, I thought how appropriate to photograph a Scottish Slate Heart I purchased while visiting Portree, a town located on the Isle of Skye.

 

The red, traditionally associated with Valentine's Day, is picked up in my family tartan that is displayed behind the heart.

 

My dear readers, may your day be filled with love.

Happy Valentine's Day

Meggie Mac

 

 

A Vintage Glass Corn Bread Stick Pan for Thursday Show and Tell

 

Do you have one of these in your collection of vintage glassware? I have searched and failed to find out much information about it.

 

 

I do know it was made by the Wagner Company, a maker of very collectible cast iron ware. One search thought it was made during World War II, with the company turning it's production towards using its' metal for the war effort.

 

 

Another site, I found on the Internet, showed the original wrapper with a price of $1.00. Some websites on eBay, listed today's price as $95.00 .....

 

Mine is simply used for "display only"

Meggie Mac

 

Inspired Sunday in a Small Texas Town

 

For several months I have been traveling the week ends, from the prairie to a National Forest, where my son lives. The drive takes me through about 15 small towns. I'm always looking for new sights to share with you. Today I stopped to photograph this small historical church.

 

 

The parish will be celebrating 150 years in 2014.

 

 

No luck for viewing the inside...the doors were already locked for the day.

 

 

In reading a history of the church, it said, "In 1890, Ernest Lord, an active church member of English background, was hired as the contractor to rebuild the new church building. He modeled the building after an English village Gothic-style church".

 

 

Over the years, care has been taken not to disturb the original appearance and beauty of the church.

Meggie Mac

 

Linking today with Inspired Sunday.

Click HERE for other links.

Friday Fences with a Side Trip to Oban Scotland

 

The trip to Oban was a last minute idea my daughter and I had. The town had always been on the list. Having so much ground to cover, I didn't expect to actually make it here.

 

 Our next trip will include Oban, allowing at least a full day.  It will also include a trip to the Isle of Mull.

 

 

Not doubt, you can see why I took this photo. The hanging flower baskets were spectacular in size and color. I also knew it would make a great Friday Fence story.

 

 

The Oban Bay is a near perfect horseshoe shape that is protected by the island of Kerrera. Beyond Kerrera is the Isle of Mull.

 

There is no shortage of interesting architecture, as with most towns we experienced on our trip. Obans' population of 8,500 increases during the tourist season to 25,000.

 

When I try to write a little history, in my posts about Scotland, I get so tangled-up in the events. There are so many layers of history, that I simply cannot do it justice.

 

 

The area where Oban now stands has been used by humans since Mesolithic times.

 

 

I failed to identify this church, but I believe it once was the Free Church of Scotland, now occupied by the tourism center.

 

 

We decided on a side street café, for lunch. Not knowing what to order, the owner stepped into his small kitchen and brought us a surprise.

 

 

Look at the flaky crust on the homemade bun.....filled with the most delicious roast beef and gravy. We took our lunch outside and ate it on the streets of Oban, laughing the whole time while the gravy dripped from our sandwiches.

 

We had arrived earlier in the day via a hired driver. Our plans were to take the public bus transportation back to our hotel in Kentallen. Before it was time to leave, we spotted the The Coffee Corner.

 

Would you believe me if I said, "A rich dessert and coffee was much needed, after all that walking"?

 

Sorry I ran out of time before I could write a postcard.....the last bus to Kentallen was ready to leave.

Meggie Mac