July 4th-6th: Higher into the Highlands

The departure from Islay marked the halfway point in the Scottish adventure.  It was time to press north in search of more history and haggis!!  The quest for history started even before we left Islay.  Dad and I found an old cross and statue of a knight in a cemetery which was tucked away on the south eastern part of the isle.  These markers were part of the larger tale regarding the spread of Christianity to the region.  The Christian faith actually moved over from Ireland to the many islands off Scotland.  This lead to the rise of Iona Abbey and is tied to the work of St. Columba and St. Andrews.   

Photo: Kilchoman Cross on Islay 

Photo: Knight gravestone on Islay 

Leaving Islay on the CalMac Ferry, we sampled a few final scotchs and then drove north.  On the way we passed the ancient stronghold and capital of the Scottish kingdom of Dal-Reata.  This kingdom fought with the local Picts and is where coronations for the king were held prior to use of the stone of Scone.  The ancient tradition was for the king to place his foot in the carving in the rock symbolic of a marriage to the land.  Well I wanted to be king so...

Photo: Crowened king by stepping into the footprint 

Leaving ancient history behind, we pushed on towards Oban.  Along the way, we stopped to see the Glenfinnan Monumnet and the train viaduct used in the Harry Potter movies. 

Photo: Train Viaduct - "This way to Hogwarts!!!"

Glenfinnan is significant because it was the spot where the final Jacobite rebellion was launched.  It was a hopeless affair to overthrow the British crown so naturally it became romanticized and famous.

Photo: Glenfinnan Monument 

Photo:  Bonnie Prince Charlie and the rise of the 45!

After departing Oban the following day, we kept driving north towards the Isle of Skye.  Along the way we visited a charming castle called Elian Donan.  The castle is a reproduction of the structure that used to reside on the tidal island.  It was a old strategic location due to its position on three lochs.  Unfortunately, the British fleet decided to destroy it to prevent it being held by Scotsmen unloyal to the crown.

Photo: Elian Donan Castle