We headed North from Fort William. First stop was Spean Bridge where there is a monument to the British Army's commandos who trained in this area from 1942 to the end of World War II.
Then a picture stop ( one of many) - we were shown a six week old baby barn owl. It was born in captivity and is being imprinted to the owner. She said it has to be fed every two hours. It soon has to learn to fly.
Oh, here's the view of Loch Locky.
At the base of Loch Ness we turned West and travelled along Loch Cluanie.
Eilean Donan Castle
Next was Scotland's iconic castle and most photographed Eilean Donan Castle
This is the castle of the clan McRae. We found the history and connection to my cousins ancestry truly fascinating.
The first castle was originally built in 1230 to protect the region from the Vikings, after becoming a Jacobite & Spanish stronghold and defeated in the battle of Glenshiel it was destroyed in 1719 by English warships. It was rebuilt between 1912 and 1932, Although it isn't completely accurate it has excellent displays, vaulted ceilings, spiral staircases, and tower bedrooms and furniture from the mid 17th century, the kitchen is created as it would have appeared in 1932.
Eilean Donan castle encapsulated what one imagined a castle in Scotland should look like.
A postscript - the name Kintail was mentioned thoughout the castle. The significance of my late uncle and aunt's (Ken and Eve McRae's) property name became apparent. Kintail - the end of the land .. or on the end of that piece of land.
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