Highland holiday

[Shinenotburn]

Here are a few photos of our family's Scottish holiday. I got to break in my two new kilts from Barb Tewksbury. Many compliments from both the locals where we stayed and some highland trades people I met in Inverness and on Skye. It was a wonderful trip and we can't wait to get back!

[figheadair]

The Red MacLeod worked out well and Barb did a great job.

[grizzbass]

looks like a great holiday

[kiltedsawyer]

Can you give me more specifics on the castles / locations in the pictures? My wife and I are planning a trip to Inverness, Skye, and Edinburgh in May.
Thanks,

David

[Shinenotburn]

Yes David, I would be happy to give you some more details.
The first image is Dunvegan Castle, the MacLeod clans' ancestral home on Skye.
A favourite local for most Skye visitors if they like castles.
We had also stopped on the way to Dunvegan to see the highland cattle that come right up to the fence.
They were about five or six miles away from the castle on the road in.
The Castle we stayed in was Kilmartin Castle in Ayrshire. The private swimming hole on the castle property.
It is in the Kilmartin Glen. Fantastic spot! lots to see and do. The pub in Kilmartin is wonderful for dinner.
We stayed in a little cottage just outside of Inverness called the Stable cottage as it was a converted stable. Quite marvelous!
The owners live right next door. Wonderful walking paths and exquisite scenery all around.
In Edinburgh we stayed at the Royal Scots Club. (Traditional regimental officers' Mess.) Right around the corner from the art gallery section of newtown.
Lots of history there as well.
If you would like the links to these websites I can send to you via PM.



Stable cottage, outside of Inverness

[kiltedsawyer]

Yes David, I would be happy to give you some more details.
The first image is Dunvegan Castle, the MacLeod clans' ancestral home on Skye.
A favourite local for most Skye visitors if they like castles.
We had also stopped on the way to Dunvegan to see the highland cattle that come right up to the fence.
They were about five or six miles away from the castle on the road in.
The Castle we stayed in was Kilmartin Castle in Ayrshire. The private swimming hole on the castle property.
It is in the Kilmartin Glen. Fantastic spot! lots to see and do. The pub in Kilmartin is wonderful for dinner.
We stayed in a little cottage just outside of Inverness called the Stable cottage as it was a converted stable. Quite marvelous!
The owners live right next door. Wonderful walking paths and exquisite scenery all around.
In Edinburgh we stayed at the Royal Scots Club. (Traditional regimental officers' Mess.) Right around the corner from the art gallery section of newtown.
Lots of history there as well.
If you would like the links to these websites I can send to you via PM.



Stable cottage, outside of Inverness

Yes sir! I would like to take you up on that offer.
Thanks in advance,

David

[Kitfoxdave]

Just lovely pictures of happy times in great places!

Hopefully next year I will be able to share some too!

[kilted2000]

I am currently in Edinburgh, soon to be in the Highlands, how was the local reception of a non-scot in a kilt? I also have a Barb Tewksbury kilt I am looking forward to wearing.

[Shinenotburn]

I had nothing but wonderful responses from everyone I encountered. Military people, kiltmakers, tourist, and locals in the pub , all were more than complimentary.
I even got a "Well done you!" from our Clan's Chief whom I by chance ran into in Portree. He must like the MacLeod ancient red tartan.

[Tomo]

Some great shots.

I ran three tours to Scotland this summer. Skye is always a favourite destination, we tend to avoid the crowds at the hotspots by going early or late - no issues with parking or overcrowding - and I'm driving a 17-seat minibus. As Talisker was closed during our trips we had the chance to try out the 2 new distilleries at Raasay and Torabhaig - both were and well worth the visit.

I don't wear a kilt all of the time when guiding - maybe 2 or 3 times on each trip (usually as part of the meat and great - which also involves a wee welcoming dram) and on the days when I'm not doing too much hiking or driving. I have to say, I have had nothing but a positive experience.