Three is the magic number....

It's only been 4 days, but we are already set to visit castle number three, or should I say Dunvegan Castle and Gardens.

We started off our day with a full breakfast, before leaving Trien Lodge for pastures new. We exited Carbost, leaving the weird looking scarecrow (kind of reminds me of Jeepers Creepers!) behind!

Our plan for today was to visit the castle, and weather permitting, go on a boat tour to see the seals. It was a pretty bleak drive north to Dunvegan as the fog had started rolling in again with visibility reduced while driving. Thankfully, we made it in one piece and as the weather started to clear.

I had pre-booked the tickets to the castle, and as we passed through the gates, we saw the seal trips were running. Instead of visiting the castle first, we decided to go and see if we could get on one of the boat tours before the weather turned. It was an extra £10 per person, but they were able to take us immediately. 

We put on our life jackets and headed for the boat; there was Iain and I plus 2 other couples and a baby, who looked very unimpressed with the foam life jacket. We set out on the 25 minute trip and the weather was as good as we could have hoped. We saw lots of seals, lounging around on the mini islands; apparently, they eat all night and sleep and relax all day digesting their food (seems like a decent life to me!)






On the way back to the pier, we were asked to change seats as it was going to be slightly rougher. I was happy as I was in the middle whereas Iain and another poor girl ended up getting sprayed with the freezing cold water. The weather had also turned making the castle look quite mystical in the mist.

Thankfully the weather didn't take hold and it seemed to clear immediately once we were back on land. We decided to take a wander around the walled garden before doing a self guided tour of the castle.

Dunvegan Castle is the home of the MacLeod clan and has been occupied by the family for over 800 years. The motto of the clan is "Hold Fast" which originates from Malcolm MacLeod (3rd Chief 1296-1370). On his way back from a clandestine meeting in Glenelg, Malcolm was confronted by a wild bull. As he wrestled with it, his clansmen who were nearby shouted "Hold Fast MacLeod". He overcame the bull and dispatched it with his dirk, making "Hold Fast" the clan motto ever since. 





We enjoyed walking around the castle, although it was incredibly busy. We then took a walk around the rest of the gardens, before heading back to the car park and grabbing a coffee and sandwich on the way.

It was only going to be a short drive to the next hotel, so we decided to take a detour to Waternish and see if we could grab a drink, or coffee, at the Stein Inn. Its the oldest Inn on Skye and is now owned by Paul Rankine, a celebrity chef from Northern Ireland. 

Unfortunately, it was closed, so we made our way back along the single track road to the "Fairy Bridge."

In folklore a Chief of the MacLeods married a fairy and they lived together on Skye. She was only permitted to be together with him for a year after which she had to return to her people. - the bridge marks where she departed. She left their son wrapped in a silken shawl which, as the Fairy Flag, could be used three times to save or protect the clan. The Fairy Flag can still be seeing Dunvegan Castle. It features in two significant events for the Clan, one in particular for Waternish being the burning of Trumpan Church and the Battle of the Spoiling of the Dyke. It has also been a renowned meeting place over the decades in the 19th century during the period of the disruption in the churches and Land Reform in the crofting community.

After the quick photo opportunity, we headed to our next destination, The Three Chimneys. It really is one of Scotland's most famous restaurants. We are lucky to be staying the night in one of their suites in the "House Over-By."


The rest is history as we are currently sitting enjoying a few drinks in the lounge overlooking Loch Dunvegan...and you'll never guess, the sun has come out! 



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