Prison makeover away in Shetland The prison at Fort Charlotte, Lerwick, Shetland is a wee single storey building, closed for many years – however, there is a plan to attract more visitors. The whole buildings needs tlc, hoping for a late spring/early summer 2019 opening. Fort Charlotte overlooks the strategic Sound of Bressay. It was [...]
Gaels, clans and drams at Lagavulin Bay Dunyvaig Castle sits on a peninsula close to Lagavulin Distillery. Funds for the excavation were raised during the distillery’s 200th anniversary celebrations, which saw the sale of more than 200 rare bottles of Lagavulin generate around £500,000. WELL DONE DIAGEO. The castle was built on the site of [...]
West coast tales – Scotland, Dunstaffnage Castle Coming originally from Scotlands' west coast – Connel – I am fascinated by the history and myths of our west coast, here are a few to bite on … Dunstaffnage Castle is located close to the coastal town of Oban and no far from my birthplace Connel. In [...]
There is no genetically pure or original Scot. There is no common ancestral or genetic heritage that links the peoples of Scotland. Ancient Scotland was made up of four separate groups: Angles, Britons, Picts and Gaels (or Scoti), who each spoke a different language. Kenneth McAlpin (810–858) was not, as is popularly claimed, the first [...]
40 years of BAKING in SCOTLAND Originally from the Western Isles, they now produce traditional shortbreads and sweet biscuits together with a range of enjoyable and energising oatcakes at the modern bakery in Forres, centrally located between the Highland, Speyside and Grampian regions of Scotland. This year they’re celebrating 40 years of baking. It was [...]
The Treaty of Perth Our neighbours across the North Sea were not always friendly. Norse Vikings from Norway, as opposed to Vikings from Denmark –had raided Scotland relentlessly for several centuries, both Orkney and Shetland became Norwegian territory. Norway and Denmark often had one and the same monarch – such as Harald Bluetooth. It is [...]
Clan warfare, kings, battles, castles and walks wee tip for a superb day out on Scotland’s west coast, get yourseles to Oban – or, use as a part of your tour and stay a few days/one day – pick the best weather – enjoy a back in time experience. The northern end [...]
THE CLAN MACLEAN’S ON ISLAY troubles with MacDonalds and Campbells The Clan Maclean has a long history with the Inner Hebrides Island of Islay. The island, only 23 miles long and 19 miles wide has attracted trouble throughout history. There is documented evidence of human life here 22,000 years ago and again after the ice [...]
This is not just a blog, it is a lifestyle! A tour of Oban & Mull. Being hatched just along the road fae Oban in Connel, I have a great understanding of the west coast, especially Oban and Mull. Born in Connel, baby-napped at an early age to Liverpool, I always have a pull to [...]
A Canadian family of 18 McLean’s 6-day August tour We had wonderful family from Canada come to see the beauty of Scotland in August. They were travel to some of the best spots that Scotland has to offer, including Lochs, Castles Tuesday: From Glasgow we drove our touring family to Loch Lomond with a [...]
